Abstract: A multi-purpose convertible device interchangeably convertible from a shovel mode to an anchor mode, wherein, when in the shovel mode, the convertible device removes earthen material to form an opening, and when in the anchor mode, the earthen material is positioned on a portion of the convertible device to weigh down the convertible device such that the convertible device resists displacement by typically encountered environmental conditions.

Abstract: The fishing rod holder has a first rod support portion to support a bottom surface of an upper section of a fishing rod handle. The fishing rod holder has a second rod support portion to support a lower section of the fishing rod handle. The first rod support section has an upwardly facing base plate. The second rod support portion has a downwardly facing top plate. The rod holder has an opening defined therein to permit a handle of a fishing rod to pass through. The second rod support portion has a base wall against which an end of the fishing rod handle may rest.

Abstract: An ATV rod holding device includes a receiving member configured to receive and hold a handle portion of the rod therein. A slot is formed in a wall of the receiving member, the slot being configured to receive and hold a portion of a reel mount of the rod. The slot includes at least a holding chamber sized and shaped to receive without deflecting a portion of a reel mount of the rod therein, and a stress relief portion having a width more narrow than a width of the holding chamber. The stress relief portion extends from the holding chamber and provides stress relief such that the receiving member is not fractured when portions of the receiving member adjacent the slot are splayed.

Abstract: A stand for holding a rod-shaped unit, particularly a Christmas tree, comprises a foot part, a seating region for the tree trunk, said seating region being located on the foot part, several holding elements, which are supported around an axis of symmetry of the stand and which are pivotable against spring force out of an open position into a holding position, their pivoting planes intersecting approximately in the axis of symmetry, and at least one flexible force transfer element, particularly a steel cable, which can be actuated by means of a tensioning device and which can be loaded in tension and which engages around the holding elements and which, when tightened, causes the holding elements to pivot towards the axis of symmetry into the holding position.

Abstract: The tensioning device of a tree stand has a tension lever, a ratchet wheel and a tensioning body coaxial therewith, and a lever catch that is movably guided on the tension lever like a ratchet or one-way coupling and that is detachably mechanically linked to the ratchet wheel and that when the tension lever is actuated to create tension engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel such that a part connected to elements for retaining the tree is wound on the tensioning body, thus securely clamping the tree. The tensioning device furthermore has a first catch for engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel and blocks the latter's rotation in the sense of unwinding of the tensioning body. For each release actuation of the tension lever, the first catch disengages from the teeth of the ratchet wheel, whereby thereupon a second catch blocks the release when the second catch strikes the blocking flank of the tooth of the ratchet wheel in the release direction.

Abstract: An integrally formed rod holder. The rod holder includes a tube open at one end and an internal stop, distal to the end. Also, the rod holder may include any one of a taper, a mounting feature, or both.

Abstract: A pole-type member support device is provided. The pole-type member support device has a receptacle body with a lower portion including a bottom wall and an upper portion with a top wall defining an opening for receiving the pole-type member support device. A multi-sided sidewall extends between the bottom wall and top wall. A beveled lip may provide a transition surface between the upper and lower portions of the receptacle. Inside the receptacle, a moveable support cooperates with an opposing fixed support to hold the pole-type member in an upright position in the receptacle. The top wall, moveable support and opposing fixed support are all substantially C-shaped with a multi-sided rear surface and a substantially V-shaped front opening. The substantially V-shaped opening serves as the gripping surface.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a cut tree trunk has two hinged locking arms which surround the trunk. The arms are connected by handles which lock the arms in position in the fashion of a locking pliers. Four legs each have an opening for receiving the arms and are placed at different angles to support the tree. The legs extend inside the arms and have pointed ends to contact the tree and hold it firmly in position. A watering pan is also provided for supporting the bottom of the tree and for receiving water. All the parts can be disassembled and placed within the watering pan for storage.

Abstract: A reusable pyrotechnics support device for securely holding consumer ground-based fireworks (for example, fountains, mortars, multiple aerials, and the like) in a vertical and upright position, using a sufficiently wide base that is resistant to tipping over. In certain configurations, the apparatus is a molded plastic element formed in a generally round shape with an outer annular section and a series of resilient flexible cantilever tines extending radially inward toward a central aperture serving as a primary insertion point for the pyrotechnics.

Abstract: A fishing rod support includes a restriction member configured to receive a portion of a fishing rod, wherein the restriction member is configured to substantially restrict rotational movement of the rod about a substantially vertical axis passing through the rod portion. The support is also provided with a retaining member configured to releasably inhibit vertical movement of the rod portion.

Abstract: A patio umbrella support apparatus can be engaged by the mast of a patio umbrella to permit the positioning of the patio umbrella at desired, selected positions on a patio deck built with deck planks spaced apart by a conventional gap. The umbrella support apparatus is formed with an upright support member affixed to a pair of opposing horizontal support flanges that ride on top of the deck surface. A generally vertical anchoring fin is affixed to the support flanges and upright support member to fit within the conventional gap between deck planks. The anchoring fin and the horizontal flanges provide positional stability for the patio umbrella and permit flexibility in the location of the umbrella on the deck. A notch formed in the anchoring fin can receive a deck support cross beam and further limit movement of the umbrella support apparatus relative to the deck.

Abstract: A protective cover for a column base connector having a lower portion set in a body of concrete and an upper portion in the form of spaced-apart, upstanding, first and second flanges extending upwardly from an upper surface of the body of concrete, each one of the first and second flanges defining a respective one of first and second flange bolt holes for use in bolting a column to the column base connector. The protective cover takes the form of an inverted pot having a lower edge and a size such that the inverted pot fits over the upper portion of the column base connector with the lower edge atop an upper surface of the body of concrete. The inverted pot includes a first side that defines a first cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the first flange bolt hole, and a second side of the inverted pot opposite the first side that defines a second cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the second flange bolt hole.

Abstract: The Christmas tree stand of this invention includes a lateral segment of the bottom end of a vertical post, and an upwardly projecting wedge adjacent the outer end of the lateral segment is arranged to penetrate the bottom end of a Christmas tree to secure the latter against lateral displacement relative to the post and against rotation about the axis of the tree. The wedge is formed as a triangular shaped member and is secured to the lateral extension of the post, as by welding.

Abstract: Apparatus for temporarily securing a fishing rod in position while fishing, during the interval between fish strikes, having a fixed hollow tubular holder for the rod handle inserted in one end of the holder, the holder having an opening on the top, and having a clamp hingedly attached to one end of the opening, the clamp and opening being of a form allowing the user to secure the rod handle within the holder, by pressing down upon the clamp; and to free the rod handle from the holder by simply pulling up on the clamp.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand of the kind having a container to receive water and a tree trunk and a plurality of stabilizing legs radiating outwardly from the side walls of the container includes a novel clamping mechanism comprising a plurality of gripping means, each made up of a plunger having a concave tree clamping portion, a pair of parallel arms extending therefrom with free distal ends and resiliently joined at the front of the tree clamping portion. The arms of the plunger extend through a guide member and resiliently releasable locking means are provided, whereby the plunger can be readily pushed forward to press against the tree trunk but is locked against outward movement unless and until the arms of the plunger are squeezed together to release the locking means.

Abstract: An adjustable tree stand for holding a tree trunk to position a tree in a substantially vertical position, the tree stand comprised of a generally cylindrical-shaped base member having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end adapted to be supported by a floor, a generally dish-shaped member is designed to be received by and supported by the top end of the cylindrical base member, a portion of the dish-shaped member is adapted to swivel in the top end of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved holding device for receiving pole-shaped objects, especially trees, christmas trees for example. The inventive device has a plurality of holding elements (4–4c; 104–104c), each having a swivel axis (7–7c; 114–114c) associated thereto. The holding elements and swivel axes can be moved towards and away from the axis of symmetry and/or central axis (115), and the holding elements (4–4c; 104–104c) and the swivel axes (7–7c; 114–114c) associated thereto can be moved by a clamping device (2; 102), against the force of a spring device (10; 13).

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand is provided with integral, adjustable, and lockable rolling casters. A series of thumb operated bolts hold the tree and a central reservoir to hold water to help the tree remain green. A series of four or five casters are provided around the bottom perimeter of the stand. Each caster is adjustable in height, which allows the user to set the tree straight or plumb.

Abstract: A refined holder structure is provided. The refined holder structure mainly includes a base having at lest one or more prop to surround thereof, wherein one of the prop is designed to be a socket with an extended line for supplying the power, and a hole mounted on a central portion thereof for mounting a sleeve, thereby through seting the sleeve, a Christmas tree can be inserted in the sleeve, and further through the socket mounted on the prop, the plugs of the decorated electric equipments (e.g. Christmas light decoration) on the tree can be put in the socket for conveniently supplying the power.

Abstract: A cover housing for a tennis net support post includes a casing which defines an interior chamber and can, be positioned over the support post, and a cap which fits on top of the casing, the casing including upper and lower positioning means for contacting the support post therein to fix the casing in position relative to the support post and adjust its orientation, e.g. to vertical. The cap includes a slot through which a tennis net cable can pass into the interior chamber of the casing. An embodiment of the housing embodiment for covering a support post having a cable winch mounted thereon includes a vertical slot in its outer side to enable the tennis net cable to pass to the cable winch (remounted on its outer side) after having passed over the upper end of the support post therein. The positioning means can include a mounting element that extends into the side of the casing and a screw element that extends through the mounting element into the interior chamber of the casing.

Abstract: Carrying bucket that can be converted to a support stand for an umbrella. A 5 and ½ gallon bucket having a rotatable handle can be used to carry supplies such as towels, food and beverages from one remote location such as an automobile parking lot to a beach location. At the beach location, the bucket is placed on a ground surface where an umbrella stand can be attached to the bucket so that the bucket functions as an above ground ballast anchor to support the umbrella in an upright position.

Abstract: A reinforced ground anchor including a spike, a pressure cap having a planar surface, a rod having a drive section at one end, and a swivel connection connecting said pressure cap with the rod. An opening is formed in the pressure cap. A guide is located adjacent the opening. The pressure cap engages flush with the surface of the ground, due to the action of the swivel connection, when the rod is positioned in the ground soil and the spike passes through the opening to engage in the ground soil at an acute angle. The spike and the cap in combination with the rod provide the anchor with additional resistance against horizontal and vertical pressure.

Abstract: A protective cover for a reinforcing bar including a collar structure defining a perimeter portion and having an open end for receiving the end of a rebar. A cap portion is connected to the collar structure oriented substantially perpendicularly to the collar structure and including a support portion formed integrally with the collar structure. The cap portion further includes a barrier plate supported on the support portion and defining an exposed upper surface of the cover. In one embodiment, a reinforcing plate is disposed beneath the barrier cover and defines an lower surface lower surface within an area defined by the perimeter portion of the collar structure.

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 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 portable tree stand has a lower surface adapted for resting on a substantially level plane and an upper surface comprising a bowl-shaped depression provided with an upstanding rigid pin assembly being located in the bowl depression, with the pin assembly being integral of a central platform component of the bowl inner surface. The sidewalls of the stand extend radially outward to the lower most periphery thereof and present an external conical frustum skirt.

Abstract: A stand for supporting targets which as a base, a vertical support and a holder for the targets. Weights are carried by the base. The vertical support is carried by the base and may be disposed at an angle with respect to the base. The holder is removably attached to the vertical support and may be disposed at an angle with respect thereto. Targets are removably received by the holder. The stand may be leveled to adjust for uneven surfaces on which the base is disposed. The stand is portable and easily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A circular tree stand allows a hunter or wildlife enthusiast to shoot or photograph approaching wildlife. The stand is comprised of a circular deck and a separate circular seat of lesser dimensions. The larger platform is positioned directly below the smaller seat structure. The deck and seat structure allow the user to move a full 360 degrees allowing the user to set up facing approaching wildlife regardless of the side of the tree that the wildlife approaches from.

Abstract: A mobile Christmas tree stand apparatus comprised of three components, a Christmas tree stand body (1) a plurality of removable wheels (2) and a removable handle; wherein the Christmas tree stand body is attached to the removable wheels (2) and the removable handle (3).

Abstract: A self-clamping Christmas tree stand provides a stable platform for a Christmas tree that allows simple installation and adjustment of the tree angle without having to be positioned under the tree to perform the adjustments. The tree stand uses the weight of the tree to firmly clamp the tree's trunk. A clamping mechanism provides a constant grip that will not loosen unless an upward force is provided by the user. The adjustment range of the tree trunk angle with respect to the vertical plane may be varied to accommodate tree trunks of different shapes. Lastly, the tree stand includes a large liquid reservoir to maintain the tree's moisture content.

Abstract: A microphone stand assembly utilizes a low profile base of modified hexagonal peripheral configuration, and a screw-in shaft of adjustable height. A coarse thread affords durability and facilitates assembly and disassembly, and an anti-rotation arrangement cooperates with the base construction to provide stability and convenience of use.

Abstract: Provided herein is an article which is by its nature readily clamped to the end portion of a metallic ware employed as a cable support rack, and driven into the ground. An insulative wedge according to the invention renders a linear metallic ware to not be in contact with the ground, and has the further advantage of comprising an end portion which penetrates earth readily but which is simultaneously deflected by subterranean conduits into which it may inadvertently come into contact with, thereby not interfering with the integrity of subterranean utilities, including wires, pipes, conduits, and the like.

Abstract: A microphone stand assembly includes an automatically operated anti-rotation arrangement for preventing inadvertent disengagement of the shaft from the base.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering the end of a reinforcing bar has a cylindrical tube having an open end and an upper end. A cap is on the upper end of the tube, and an inverted fristo-conical surface is provided in the upper end of the tube to cause the reinforcing bar to orient itself vertically upon impact by a falling body. The protective cover also has strengthening ribs both above and below the canopy to prevent its inadvertent collapse. The ribs below the canopy are further strengthened against lateral deflection by a circular wall which extends downwardly from the canopy and intersects each of the ribs at their substantial mid section.

Abstract: The present invention provides stability for a decorative tree. Specifically, the decorative tree will have a base part, the lower section of which fits into a stand assembly and an upper section of which includes receiving means for an internal sleeve. The internal sleeve is sized to snugly receive a tree trunk and is formed to provide a plurality of clearances between the internal sleeve and the base part to accommodate parts associated with the trunk of the decorative tree such as bundles of fiber optics.

Abstract: The invention regards a releasable fastening device for an object (40) that in the fastening area for a base (10) is bar-shaped and has a cross section with a round or non-round peripheral shape, e.g. a Christmas tree. When fastening, the object (40) is inserted into an opening (18) between one or several resilient clamping parts (34) that are equipped with e.g. teeth or barbs against the object (40), and further into a centring point (20) at the lower end of the opening (18). The clamping part(s) (34) are rotatably or non-rotatably attached to the periphery of an annular element (28), and each clamping part is preferably rotatable or resilient in the radial direction of the opening (18). In the opening (18), the annular element (28) abuts a preferably circular and horizontal abutment surface (26) in the wall (24) of the opening (18).

Abstract: A collapsing tree stand having a compact construction with an improved center of gravity and elongated folding legs. The legs of the tree stand are each broadened in width at their fold-up pivot point and then tapered to a narrower width at their distal ends. This taper provides an improved center of gravity about the base, thus reducing the tendency of the tree to tip over. The legs are sufficiently elongated to provide good balance in their extended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand for clamping rod-shaped structures, in particular Christmas trees. The stand has a tensioning and holding device, a housing, and a water container. The tensioning and holding device can be moved from a first position to a second position, the rod-shaped structure being held in the first position, and the tensioning and holding device, in the second position, being lowered into the water container. The width to height ratio of the water container is greater than 2.5:1, and the width to height ratio of the housing corresponds substantially to that of the water container.

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 invention relates to a stand for vertically receiving rod-shaped materials, comprising a base plate (1) that has two diametrically opposite clamping jaws (2) which are disposed on a substantially horizontal plane and are used for receiving a rod. At least one (2.2) of said jaws can be displaced radially in an outward direction counter to the force of a spring (5). Said displaceable clamping jaw (2.2) is pivotally connected to one end of a lever (6), whereby the opposite end thereof is guided and displaced in a substantially vertical manner and is located above the horizontal plane defined by the direction of movement of the clamping jaw (2.2).

Abstract: The invention is a temporary support for holding a structural member such as a fence post in an upright vertical position during vertical leveling and setting. The support comprises a removable frame that fits around a fence post. The frame has a post-retaining portion and a plurality of leg-receiving portions. The legs are slid in the leg-receiving portions and are capable of sliding in and out of the frame in order to adjustably support the fence post.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand for gripping rod-shaped components, in particular Christmas trees. The stand is formed in two pieces from a housing cover and a housing base. A recess for a holding region and for a clamping and retaining device is provided in the housing cover. With the housing cover placed onto it, the housing base forms a chamber for holding a hardening filling material which can be poured into it.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a fishing rod holding apparatus which is capable of holding, singularly or in combination, a fishing pole, an umbrella, and a lantern. The device is easily transportable because it easily disassembles into small and easy to handle component parts. The device incorporates a swivel, so the fishing rod may be swung about for baiting the hook, unhooking a catch, or adjusting the tackle.

Abstract: In general, the invention consists of a staff holder that includes a supporting base, a vertical post attached to the supporting base and a hand actuated chuck at the top of the post. The chuck includes an inner ring fixed to the post, a plurality of gripping jaws supported in the ring for transverse movement relative to the central vertical axis of the post, an outer ring mounted on the inner ring for rotation about the vertical axis of the post and a camming mechanism for causing the gripping jaws to move transversely relative to the inner ring upon manual rotation of the outer ring. More specifically, the post of the holder is removably connected to the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand for holding bar-like components (2), especially on Christmas trees, having a socket element (3) and a clamping and holding system (4), a centering system (8) being provided for centering the bar-like component (2), having at least one flexible element (9), which reaches radially into a socket opening (10) of the socket element (3) so that a centering action with respect to a center point of the stand is produced on the bar-like component (2) when introduced into the socket element (3).

Abstract: In general, the invention consists of a staff holder that includes a supporting base, a vertical post attached to the supporting base and a hand actuated chuck at the top of the post. The chuck includes an inner ring fixed to the post, a plurality of gripping jaws supported in the ring for transverse movement relative to the central vertical axis of the post, an outer ring mounted on the inner ring for rotation about the vertical axis of the post and a camming mechanism for causing the gripping jaws to move transversely relative to the inner ring upon manual rotation of the outer ring. More specifically, the post of the holder is removably connected to the base.

Abstract: A pole-type member support device and method therefor, comprising a base member, two adjustable vertical support members, and a plurality of substantially C-shaped arms coupled thereto and adapted to securely receive a portion of a tree or other pole-type member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand, particularly a stand for the substantially vertical erection of trunks of Christmas trees with adaptation to different sizes and characteristics of the trunks of Christmas trees, with a housing, with a receiving region for the trunk, with a clamping apparatus and with swivel-mounted holding elements, said holding elements being adapted to be swivelled by means of a force-transmission element and the clamping apparatus from and to the longitudinal axis of the trunk of the Christmas tree between an open position, receiving position, for receiving the trunk and a closed position, holding position, for holding the trunk. The housing is of one-part design and the holding elements are mounted on the one-part housing.

Abstract: A self-supporting post leveling device (10) operable to both level and support a post (12) or other structural or support member, such as, for example, a pole or beam, during erection or installation. The device (10) broadly comprises an adjustable sleeve (14), including two post adjustment mechanisms (16,18); two leveling mechanisms (20,22); and two, three, four or more legs (24,26,28,30). The post (12) is received within and substantially surrounded by the sleeve (14). The post adjustment mechanisms (16,18) tighten to immobilize the post (12) within the sleeve (14). The leveling mechanisms (20,22), such as, for example, fluid bubble leveling mechanisms or laser leveling mechanisms, may be secured to or incorporated within the sleeve (14). The legs (24,26,28,30) support the sleeve (14) and the post (12) immobilized therewithin.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a safety stand for a tree 18 having a main housing body 20 and attached thereto a secondary housing body 32. The main housing 20 is elliptically shaped having situated thereon illumination lights 26, LED lights 36 along with transparent picture sleeves 38. Also attached thereto is a mounting collar 28 with threaded screws 30 for receiving and holding a tree trunk along having an electrical outlet 34 disposed thereon. The main housing 20 also contains a CD player 24 along with a water reservoir 62 for watering the tree. Also contained on the main housing 20 is an extinguisher system having flame sensors 76 attached thereto in the form of decorative ornamental bulbs 12 placed throughout the tree. Vent holes 70 are provided in the bulbs 12 through which air can pass in the form of smoke so as to activate the sensors 76 and thereby having a bulb transmitter 78 send a signal to a means for an alarm 46 disposed in the main housing body.