Umbrella holder and shovel combination

Abstract

The presently claimed invention recites an apparatus and method for anchoring an umbrella in the ground via a combination digging and anchoring base. The umbrella anchoring device is comprised of a base with a first end, a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first and second ends. The first end of the base is configured to allow a human hand to grip the first end, while the second end is fitted with a blade that can be used for digging in the ground. The middle portion of the base includes an aperture that has a dimension larger than the lower portion of an umbrella pole which allows the lower portion of an umbrella pole to pass through the aperture of the middle portion of the base, thereby anchoring the umbrella in the ground.

1 . A method of anchoring an umbrella in the ground, comprising the following steps:
 (a) providing an umbrella comprising a tubular body having an upper portion and a lower portion;   (b) providing an umbrella anchoring device comprising
 a base having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between said first and second ends, said first end including a first handle grip capable of being gripped by a human hand, said second end including a blade for digging, and said middle portion including a first aperture defining a second handle grip capable of being gripped by a human hand and a second aperture being larger than a first dimension of said lower portion of said tubular body and capable of receiving said lower portion of said tubular body; 
   (c) gripping said first and second handle grips;   (d) applying said blade to dig into the ground so as to create a cavity therein, said cavity being at least large enough for said base to fit within said cavity;   (e) inserting said lower portion of said tubular body through said second aperture in said middle portion of said base; and   (f) burying said base within said cavity.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said lower portion of said tubular body comprises a means for connecting said lower portion to said base. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said means for connecting said lower portion of said tubular body to said base comprises at least one of a cotter pin, a hitch pin, and a snap button. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said second end includes a spade for digging. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said second end includes a jagged blade for digging. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said second end includes at least one tine for digging. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said second end includes a hoe for digging. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said second end includes an auger for digging. 
   
   
       9 . A method of anchoring an umbrella in the ground, comprising the following steps:
 (a) providing an umbrella comprising a tubular body having an upper portion and a lower portion;   (b) providing an umbrella anchoring device comprising
 a base including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between said first and second ends, wherein
 said first end includes a first handle grip capable of being gripped by a human hand, 
 said second end includes a blade for digging, and 
 said middle portion includes
 a second handle grip capable of being gripped by a human hand wherein said second handle grip is defined by a first aperture in said middle portion, and 
 a second aperture being larger than a first dimension of said lower portion of said tubular body and capable of receiving said lower portion of said tubular body; 
 
 
   (c) gripping said first handle grip and said second handle grip and applying said blade to dig into the ground so as to create a cavity therein, said cavity being at least large enough for said base to fit within said cavity;   (d) inserting said lower portion of said tubular body through said second aperture in said middle portion of said base; and   (e) burying said base within said cavity.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said lower portion of said tubular body comprises a connecting means for connecting said lower portion to said base. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising the step of
 (f) connecting said lower portion of said tubular body to said base via said connecting means.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said connecting means comprises a snap button.