Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a metal post while it is being driven into the ground utilizes a platen base and a guide member which is rotatably joined to the base for holding the post in a steady condition while the post is being driven into the ground. Because the guide member is rotatably joined to the base member, the rotational position of a post positioned within the guide member can be significantly altered with respect to the base.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of elongated and rectilinear support posts having opposed end portions. The assembly further includes a plurality of U-shaped fastening members removably positional through a primary support member. The primary support member is provided with first and second pairs of arcuate indentations formed along the front face of the primary support member. A bracket including attachable first and second sections is medially situated between the support posts. The first section has opposed end portions conjoined to the front face of the primary support member, and the second section has opposed end portions conjoined to the first section end portions wherein the second section protrudes forwardly of the first section. The first and second pair of indentations are juxtaposed side-by-side and are laterally opposed from the end portions of the first and second sections such that the support posts can abut the bracket during operating conditions.

Abstract: A hands free umbrella includes an umbrella having a pole that has a bottom end and a top end. A canopy is attached to the top end of the pole. A handle is attached to the bottom end of the pole and extends downwardly away therefrom. The handle has a bottom side, a top side and a peripheral side wall extending between the top and bottom sides. The handle is substantially solid. A securing member for releasably attaching the handle to a belt is positioned on the handle.

Abstract: A foot support for profiled sections has a base member; a receptacle for the profiled section arranged in the base member; and several tensioning levers having a horizontal pivot axis and arranged about an axis of symmetry. The tensioning levers are pivotable between a rest position and a clamping position about the horizontal pivot axis. The tensioning levers have a lower lever arm positioned below the horizontal axis and an upper lever arm positioned above the horizontal pivot axis. A foot-actuated actuating element that acts on a force-transmitting element, acting on the tensioning levers for moving them into the clamping position, is provided. The force-transmitting element is a vertically adjustable ring that, when carrying out a downward movement, contacts the lower lever arms of the tensioning levers such that the lower lever arms are pivoted outwardly and the upper lever arms are pivoted inwardly into the clamping position.

Abstract: A support pole having a traffic signal support arm secured thereto wherein the connection between the lower end of the support pole and its base plate is strengthened by the use of a strengthening ring welded thereto and also wherein the connection of the support arm to the support pole is strengthened through the use of a strengthening ring provided at the inner end of the support arm. The connections described above also enhance the fatigue strength of the support pole.

Abstract: A rotatable flagpole apparatus comprising a sleeve, an end cap, a collar, and means for attaching the flag to the sleeve. A flagpole extends within the sleeve, the flagpole having an end member defining a shoulder that is adjacent to a top edge of the sleeve so that the sleeve is rotatably supported by said end member. The sleeve of the apparatus and the flag attached thereto rotates about the stationary flagpole to permit the flag to be parallel with the wind. This reduces the tendency of the flag to wrap itself around the flagpole.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a metal post while it is being driven into the ground utilizes a platen base and a guide member which is joined to the base for holding the post in a steady condition while the post is being driven into the ground. The post is insertable endwise into the guide member and is engageable with the ground through a through-opening defined in the base. As a user stands upon or beside the base with his feet positioned on opposite sides of the through-opening, both of his hands are free to use a driver to drive the post into the ground. Therefore, this apparatus allows an individual to drive a post into the ground without the aid of another individual.

Abstract: An apparatus (63) is provided for mounting a flag (62) to a receiver assembly (10) on a vehicle. The apparatus (63) includes a pole (60) for receiving and carrying a flag (62). The apparatus (63) also includes a body (63) having a bar (64) for securing the body to the receiver assembly (10) and a mount (66) for receiving and holding the pole (60). Additionally, the apparatus includes a fastener (80) for securing the pole (60) to the mount (66).

Abstract: A chair provides a chair seat portion and a chair back portion and an umbrella assembly adapted for mounting on the chair back portion. The umbrella assembly includes a receiver tube adapted for receiving an umbrella post to support the umbrella in an upright attitude. The receiver tube provides a pair of L-shaped ears extending from an exterior surface, and the chair back portion provides a mounting block engaged on a rear surface of the chair back portion. The mounting block is adapted for receiving the pair of L-shaped ears within a corresponding pair of L-shaped holes within the mounting block so as to stabilize the umbrella assembly on the chair.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder has an elongate upwardly open fishing rod receptacle with upwardly divergent opposite sides, a pair of elongate fishing rod retainers on the fishing rod receptacle, the fishing rod retainers extending side-by-side along the fishing rod receptacle and forming therewith an elongate passage for accommodating a portion of a fishing rod in a first position of the fishing rod retainers, and pivot connections at one end of the fishing rod receptacle at the opposite sides of the fishing rod receptacle and respective ends of the fishing rod retainers, the pivot connections having pivot axes which converge upwardly and inwardly of the opposite sides.

Abstract: A device for vertically clamping rod-like objects, such as stems, bars or poles, includes a support member with a receiving opening arranged in a housing and at least three clamping levers each mounted in the support body on a vertical axle so as to be pivotable laterally into the receiving opening. Each clamping lever is provided in a middle portion thereof with a clamping prism and the bottom of the housing has in the center thereof a guide element.

Abstract: A base for the mounting of a flagpole is disclosed in this invention, the base comprises a base body for fastening to a vehicle and a barrel upwardly extended from the base body and adapted to hold the flagpole. The base body has a hook portion obliquely upwardly extended from one side thereof and a retaining portion downwardly extended from an opposite side thereof, the retaining portion having a semicircular bottom notch.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism is comprised of a first member having a plurality of notches, a second member having a hole that can slide within the first member, and an engagement member provided in the second member having a latched member and a flexible member, wherein the latched member is passed through the hole of the second member to engage with one of the notches of the first member in a locked position. When the engagement member is activated to compress the flexible member, which in turn moves the latched member inward, the latched member moves from the notch of the first member and the hole of the second member, thus unlocking the second member. By utilizing this, a relative positioning of telescopic members is achieved.

Abstract: A decorative lighting system for deploying a string of decorative lights above a ground surface, includes (i) a string of decorative lights comprising a plurality of electrical sockets each connected by wiring strung between each of the sockets, each socket receiving a light bulb; and (ii) a plurality of separate stakes configured to hold the plurality of sockets. Each stake includes (i) a sharpened end to facilitate driving the stake through the ground surface and into the ground to a desired depth; (ii) a receptacle that removably receives an individual socket therein, and (iii) a slot that removably seats and secures said wiring, the slot located adjacent the sharpened end such that said wiring extends from the socket on said string of lights located at the receptacle, through a body of the stake and into slot, wherein the sharpened end comprises an insertion member disposed below the slot such that the insertion member is placed into the ground surface with the wiring above the ground surface.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a surface mountable object, such as a Christmas tree, by (a) displacing a positioning member away from the surface, such as a floor, and (b) fixedly attaching the tree on the positioning member away from the floor, with the tree having the same orientation that it would otherwise have if not attached to the positioning member, which has an outwardly extending axis, and the tree is vertically mounted with respect to the axis and the floor, and the positioning member is horizontally placed with respect to the floor.

Abstract: A base (80a) for fastening profiled rods (35, 40, 70) is proposed. The base (80a) is comprised of a sole plate (85a) and two walls (90a, 95a) formed onto the sole plate (85a), which are disposed at an angle to each other and at least partially define at least one flat section (130, 185, 210) on the sole plate (85a). The walls (90a, 95a) can be fastened to at least one profiled rod (35, 40, 70). At least one wall (90a, 95a) has a first wall section (100, 110) and a second wall section (175, 180), wherein the respective wall sections (100, 110, 175, 180) define different sized flat sections (130, 185, 210), which are adapted to different sized profiled rods (35, 40, 70). In this manner, one base (80a) can be used for different sized profiled rods (35, 40, 70).

Abstract: A device for vertically clamping rod-like objects, such as stems, bars or poles, includes a support member with a receiving opening arranged in a housing and at least three clamping levers each mounted in the support body on a vertical axle so as to be pivotable laterally into the receiving opening. Each clamping lever is provided in a middle portion thereof with a clamping prism and the bottom of the housing has in the center thereof a guide element.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of flying and a means of securing pennants, logos, flags or indicia on a vehicle. It is desired in some special cases to display pennants, logos, flags or indicia on a vehicle. The vehicle mounting bracket used for this purpose according to the present invention can secure said pennant, logo, flag or indicia, at one end, and at the other end be attached onto the door, trunk, hood or window of a vehicle. Further, the mounting bracket can secure the pole of a pennant, logo, flag or indicia onto a convertible car, nonconvertible car, van, truck, lorry, etc, in a vertical or horizontal position.

Abstract: Various video camera supports for use in taping the swing of a golfer during real golf play are disclosed. The supports may be attached to a golf bag, a riding golf car, or used with a hand-pulled golf car. The supports may be modified to support an umbrella as well, or separate umbrella supports that accommodate using an umbrella during golf play are provided.

Abstract: A modular candle holder having first and second components. Each of the two components includes first and second longitudinal ends, with each end having at least one candle-receiving cavity therein. These cavities are preferably of different diameters to accept different candle sizes. While the component rests upon one of these ends, the other end may receive a candle. The outer walls of the two component types are distinctively different, such as generally cylindrical compared to stepped diameters, to provide different aesthetic impressions. The longitudinal ends of each component also mate with the other component, or with like components. As such, one or more of each component type may be assembled together in various stacked configurations to form a candle holder having numerous different appearance.

Abstract: A connector assembly for an upright shaft of a beach umbrella, includes first and second stem members and a tubular connecting member. The upright shaft portion includes a lower shaft portion and a hollow upper shaft portion. The lower shaft portion extends in an axial direction and is provided with an upwardly opened annular end portion. The upwardly opened annular end portion has a first inner annular wall with a first dimension. The upper shaft portion is provided with a downwardly opened annular end portion which can brought in the axial direction to connect with the upwardly opened annular end portion. The downwardly opened annular end portion has a second inner annular wall with a second dimension. The first and second stem members have first lower and upper stem portions press-fitted into the upwardly and downwardly opened end portions of the lower and upper shaft portions.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor includes an elongated planar sensing element and a lower insulator sealably mounted within a tubular shield. The sensing element extends through a central opening disposed in the lower insulator into a sensing chamber. An annular glass support bonded at an end of the insulator is in non-bonding contact with the sensing end of the sensing element. A portion of the sensing element adjacent the glass support is coated with a carbon-based ink to prevent bonding of the glass support to the sensing element. In an alternative, a metal foil support may extend between the sensing element and the glass support. The metal support includes a plurality of dimples disposed on opposing walls that extend inwardly to contact and non-bindingly support the sensing element therein.

Abstract: A device designed for temporarily mounting an object to a tubular rod holder. The device consists of a pair of engagement sleeves, each having an inclined plane defining one end. The engagement sleeves are oriented such that the inclined planes complementarily engage one another. A rod extends axially through the engagement sleeves, being fixed to one of the engagement sleeves and extending beyond the end of the other engagement sleeves for supporting an object. When a nut is tightened to force the two engagement sleeves against one another, the inclined planes cause the cylinder to shift laterally and firmly engage the inner wall of the tubular rod holder.

Abstract: A device is provided for mounting a receptacle which allows the receptacle to be swiveled out of the way when not in use. The device includes an arm, a provision for attaching the arm to a post or leg, and a provision for attaching a receptacle to the arm. In one embodiment of the invention, the arm has a hole through one end into which a bushing is mounted. The bushing is used to mount the arm to a boat seat by allowing the seat mounting pin to pass through the bushing. In another embodiment of the invention, a mechanism for temporarily attaching the receptacle to the arm is provided so that the receptacle can be removed from the arm and a variety of receptacles used on a single arm.

Abstract: A socket member for mounting in the upper surface of a platform includes two O-rings or other resilient retaining members. The socket member defines an elongate bore into which a rod is inserted. The O-rings serve to locate the rod, accommodate any tolerances, and ensure that the rod is not loose within the bore. The socket member can comprise upper and lower socket members which screw together. The upper socket member can be secured by a nut to the surface of the platform. The device can be used to mount mannequins, other display fixtures and the like which have rods secured to them.

Abstract: A beach umbrella anchor bag is filled with a loose weighted material (i.e., sand or the like) and secured about the shaft of a beach umbrella to secure the umbrella in place against movement due to wind or other causes. The bag includes a relatively small bottom opening, allowing the shaft to be passed therethrough to penetrate the underlying surface for greater security. The bottom opening may be closed with a flap secured thereover, so the bag may be used for the carriage of other articles when not anchoring an umbrella or the like. The upper portion of the bag includes umbrella shaft attachment panels therein, which secure to the umbrella shaft to prevent relative movement therebetween, and the top opening of the bag includes a draw string to secure the mouth of the bag around the shaft to prevent spillage of material from the bag.

Abstract: An umbrella base comprises a base portion and a neck portion. The base portion has a disc with an upturned annular collar communicating with and extending from the top surface of the disc. The disc and the collar have hollow interiors filled with cement or sand, and has a central bore provided therethrough for receiving the neck of the neck portion. The neck portion further comprises a core coupled to the neck, with a bore provided through the neck and the core for receiving and holding the shaft of an umbrella.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding or carrying fishing rods having a pivotable rod support arm and two pivotable support stands which can function as legs for the apparatus or as carrying fixtures for fishing rods when the apparatus is carried in a vertical position. Also included is a spill-proof tackle box which has a lid which fits flush with the tops of the tackle compartments therein.

Abstract: A gun rack is disclosed particularly adapted for mounting a shotgun within the passenger compartment of an automobile, positioned muzzle down alongside the driver's seat.The gun rack includes an elongated frame member supported at its rear by a pair of support legs, which are independently adjustable in length and angle, and each fastened to the floor in a lowered position to establish the muzzle down position of the mounted shotgun. Rotatably adjustable hinges at the ends of either leg and the forward end of the frame, together with the adjustability of the legs, enable mounting to the widely varying transmission tunnels and floor contours of different automotive models.The barrel of the shotgun is received in an element carried by the rack in a position above the forward end of the frame, which position is adjustable lengthwise to accommodate different shotgun barrel lengths.

Abstract: A stand for supporting musical instruments, such as clarinets and flutes. The stand includes air vent channels for conducting air into an instrument supported on the stand for retarding condensation of moisture in the instrument to prevent clogging of the instrument tone holes.

Abstract: A ferrule construction for a golf flagstick. The ferrule is secured to the lower end of the flagstick and is adapted to be engaged with the bore in the cup that is set in the golf green. The ferrule includes an upper beveled surface which engages a complementary beveled surface in the base of the cup bordering the bore, and a pair of circumferential rings or collars are located in spaced relation beneath the beveled surface. The double ring construction achieves an improved bracing effect against the wind, thereby maintaining the flagstick in a vertical attitude while providing adequate dirt and sand clearance between the ferrule and the bore.

Abstract: A gymnastic amusement device consisting of a pole mounted on a base. The base is adapted to receive a large pole or a small pole or a combination of the two poles, the smaller pole being insertable in the larger pole. The base has a resilient mount supporting a tubular socket. The resilient mount has a vertically adjustable gimbal ring which receives the socket. The combination of the resilient mount, its adjustability, and the utilization of the poles separately or in combination provides a device suitable for a wide range of weights of persons using the device.