Abstract: A support device for supporting a substantially vertical pole comprises a two-part collar (1) defining a central passage (6) therethrough. The parts of the collar may be releasibly secured together, thereby allowing a collar to be fitted around a pole. The support device further comprises a plurality of legs (8, 9) adapted to support the collar above the lowermost ends of the legs and with the central passage thereof substantially vertical.

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 stand for supporting an elongate upright structure, including a base having a substantially larger perimeter that the structure to be supported, a plurality of support cables attached to the base at spaced-apart intervals along the perimeter thereof for being extended upwardly and inwardly towards the structure being supported, each of the support cables carrying an attachment hook thereon. The stand also includes a collar for being releasably and adjustably secured along the perimeter of the structure, and an attachment means complementary with the hooks for receiving the hooks and thereby maintaining the support cables in a tensioned condition between the base and the collar, the attachment means being adjustable in relation to the collar for alignment with the cables.

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 clamping rod-shaped parts, in particular Christmas trees. The stand has a tensioning device and a holding device with a number of holding elements which can be pivoted from a holding position into a release position and are prestressed in the release position by respective springs. At least one force transmission element is provided, which is guided on the holding elements and can be tensioned by means of the tensioning device. The holding elements and/or the force transmission element are/is, at least in a region in which the force transmission element is guided on the holding elements, designed in such a manner that, when relative movement takes place between the holding elements and the force transmission element, the latter slides with reduced friction on the holding elements. The springs are integrated in the respective holding elements, and the holding elements consist of a slidable plastic.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting on a surface and for retaining an end of an elongated object, wherein the bracket includes a flange portion for connection to the surface, and a tubular wall portion extending from the flange portion and having an open end for receiving the end of the elongated object, the tubular wall portion being continuous and endless circumferentially of the tubular wall portion for completely surrounding the end of the elongated object.

Abstract: A pole mount is provided for supporting a device, such as a satellite dish or an antenna. The pole mount includes an elongated rod having a ground penetrating end, and a pair of augers secured on the elongated rod in spaced apart relationship. The first auger, which is closer to the ground penetrating end of the elongated rod, is smaller in diameter than the second auger. The ratio of the diameter of the first auger with respect to the second auger is on the order of three to five. A stabilizing plate is secured to the elongated rod and is constructed and arranged to engage the ground. A support member is secured to the stabilizing plate and extends upwardly therefrom away from the elongated rod. The support member is hollow and is adapted to receive a cable which is provided to connect an appliance, such as a television set, to the satellite dish carried on the support member.

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 device for retaining different types of plant supports comprises a frame consisting of four members with ends that are releasably inserted into bores of a collar having a central passage and ends that are inserted into holes in container. The central passage on the collar receives the plant support.

Abstract: A portable and stackable post support for securely holding post like structures is formed in a hollow pyramidal shape. The post support has a sealable cavity for holding a suitable ballast material such as water or sand. A receptacle opening receives the post like structures and includes thumb screws for manually securing a post like structure in position. When filled with a ballast material, the post support provides a base for anchoring top heavy devices such as Tiki lamps. When the post structure is empty of ballast, it can be easily transported. Additionally, a plurality of post structures is easily stacked and stored even full of a ballast material such as sand.

Abstract: An adjustable receiver tube includes an elongated tube having a flat resilient strap extending within the tube from the upper end of the cylindrical side wall. A flange at the bottom of the tube will support an IV pole within the tube, and a threaded shaft threaded through an aperture in the side of the tube will move the strip into engagement with an IV pole to hold the pole snugly within the receiver tube. A cushion is preferably mounted in the tube on the flange, to frictionally engage the lower end of the IV pole and prevent rotation, horizontal movement, and prevent damage to the lower end of the IV pole.

Abstract: A tree stand having a unitarily molded plastic body having a pentagonal reservoir with a downwardly curved buttress extending radially outward on each side of the reservoir to a peripherally extending base flange defining inwardly curving arcs between adjacent buttresses, upwardly directed retaining walls disposed along said arcs between said buttresses; and a bolt receptacle elevated above the reservoir at the top of each buttress.

Abstract: A mechanical holder is disclosed for holding Christmas trees of various sizes and trunk shapes. The holder includes a base, a vessel fixed to the base and provided with a centering spike, and several retaining elements regularly spaced apart around the vessel. In their retaining position above the vessel, the retaining elements can swivel independently of each other to align and retain the Christmas tree with their faces towards the axis of symmetry. According to the invention, the Christmas tree stand has a single tensioning device which applies to the tree trunk the force required to align and retain the tree. Through the action of several force transmitting elements and diverting elements, the retaining elements compensate for possible irregularities or slanted tree growth.

Abstract: An elevated toy train track is formed from multiple platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) and a stabilizing ring (48) that are attachable together to form a ring-like structure (10). Each platform section has at least two lateral sides (34, 36), where one lateral side (34) has ridges (42) and the other lateral side (36) has slots (46). During assembly, the ridges (42) on one platform section are placed in snug engagement with complementary slots (46) of an adjacent platform section, until all platform sections are joined together. The stabilizing ring (48) is attached, using threaded fasteners (60), to the joined platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) to form the ring-like structure (10). A train track (20) is attached to the ring-like structure, or can be integrally molded to the platform sections. The structure is attachable to the central pole (64, 66) of a Christmas tree, thus providing an elevated toy train track.

Abstract: A pole is mounted in a tubular filament wound support mounted in the ground and supporting the pole standing upwardly therefrom so as to provide an extension for the pole to increase its height or to replace a rotten lower end or to provide an environmentally friendly mounting which avoids toxic preservatives reaching the ground. The tubular body has a hollow interior with one end substantially closed by a dome shaped insert formed during the filament winding process and an opposed open end for receiving a bottom end portion of the pole as a loose fit. A first engagement arrangement on the tubular body is arranged adjacent the open mouth and includes three clamping screws mounted in a reinforcing ring formed by an annular rib of wound filament.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand comprises a base and a clamping mechanism which has a pair of opposed jaws with generally v-shaped clamping faces and the jaws being disposed to clamp a tree at circumferentially and longitudinally spaced locations and means for moving the jaws towards and away from each other to clamp and release the tree.

Abstract: An anchor system for alternate types of signage includes an elongated anchor member and an attached, lowermost formation engageable with an underlying foundation to firmly support the anchor member in a substantially vertical disposition. A bore within the anchor member slidably receives the lower portion of an elongated sign pole or marker device, with a stop element within the anchor member serving to limit the length of the sign pole inserted therewithin. Secure attachment of the sign pole relative the vertical anchor member is achieved by the application of a compression element comprising a collar and having a tapered, inner surface engageable with the upper portion of the anchor member. The inclusion of a plurality of slots in the upper portion of the anchor member provides individual segments which are subsequently deflected radially inwardly upon the tightening of the compression element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the vertical arrangement of a pole or post-like object (4) on a fixing device (6) located in the ground, comprising a substantially cylindrical, longitudinally extended holding drift (10) which protrudes upwards from the free upper side of the fixing device (6) and which can be inserted into a receiving bore hole (12) on the lower front face (14) of the pole or post-like object (4). Also provided is a support plate (16) which is separate from the fixing device (6) and can be fixed onto the lower front face (14) of the pole or post-like object (4). At least one fixing attachment (18) protrudes upwards therefrom. In the middle of the support plate (16) there is an orifice (24) which is at least partially adapted to the cross-section of the holding drift (10). The support plate (16) also has a clamping section (26) which borders on the central orifice (24) and which is oriented in the same direction as the at least one attachment (18).

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand of adjustable nature having a platform of planar construction and an opening near the center of the platform is shown and described. Legs in connection with the platform are of adjustable nature and may be varied in length so that the area underneath the platform may be raised to store presents or adjust the height of the tree in relation to the ceiling. Securing means in connection with the opening are used to set the trunk of the tree in place.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand intended for the support of large Christmas trees at commercial locations, which stand has a main body portion which has a trio of upstanding spaced tubular members, and three leg portions, each having three parts, one part of each leg being disposable within one of the respective upstanding tubular members. Each leg portion also includes a tree engaging member, the trio of which in combination with a main body pin onto which the tree trunk has been previously impaled, can support the tree in a generally vertical position.

Abstract: A Christmas tree pedestal, includes a main body and a secondary body wherein the main body forms an inner sleeve portion and a first outer sleeve portion, and the secondary body forms a second outer sleeve portion. The inner sleeve portion of the body is received within the second outer sleeve portion of the secondary body whereby the main body and the secondary body are capable of being freely rotated over 90 degrees with regard to each other for folding a plurality of first and second supporting legs of the main body and the secondary body together in a limited space for transportation, storage, delivery and packing thereof.

Abstract: The novel Christmas tree stand has fixing elements (104) mounted in a housing. The fixing elements are moved, by supplying a pressure medium to annular bellows (16), from an opened position into a position to surround the trunk of the Christmas tree (17) from all sides. The fixing elements (104) are designed so as to ensure the automatic centering adjustment of the trunk. The expanding, flexible bellows (16) ensures that all of the fixing elements abut the trunk even if the cross-section is not circular and the bark is rough, thereby safeguarding the stability of the Christmas tree (17) in its upright position. The upper portion together with the base portion (101) forms the housing that is designed as a one-part moulding (103) in which an annular cup (105) supporting the bellows (16) and a receiving sleeve (106) holding the Christmas tree (17) by a centering mandrel (20) are installed and protected by a bottom plate. The receiving sleeve (106) is connected to a water reservoir via the supply line (119).

Abstract: A patio umbrella base has a base housing that has a central opening, and an interior wall configured to define an interior space, with a shaft extending from the central opening. A first weight is secured to the interior wall of the base housing and retained inside the interior space, and a second weight is removably secured to the base housing and retained inside the interior space.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for use with a concrete reinforcing bar or rebar. The system includes a cover having a cover base plate with a first, force-receiving surface and a second surface and a collar having a collar wall attached to the second surface of the cover base plate and having an inner surface defining a bore. A mechanism is attached to the collar wall for maintaining the system in an operative position relative to an end of a rebar. A plate is disposed in the bore spaced from the second surface of the cover to define an interior space and having an engagement surface abuttable against the rebar end. One of the plate and the collar is deformable to resist movement of the rebar end through the interior space and the cover.

Abstract: The invention described in the specification relates to the art of fitness training and in particular to a training bag apparatus which comprises a training bag support base having a planar, substantially circular bottom portion, a dome-shaped upper portion attached to the bottom portion defining a substantially closed cavity therebetween. The upper portion having a dome-shaped outer surface contains a centrally positioned support collar attached thereto and at least two support ribs radiating from the support collar along at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper portion. The support collar and ribs are integrally molded with the upper portion. The base further includes a centrally positioned upstanding projection attached to the bottom portion and a substantially rigid elongate tube removably fitted over the upstanding projection and extending at least from the bottom projection to the support collar.

Abstract: A tree stand for holding decorative trees such as Christmas trees in an erect and upright disposition, including those tree having less-than-straight trunks, while providing a water-retaining reservoir with water in contact with the tree to provide a water source for the tree. The stand provides for the tree to be securely fastened to the trunk through a lag screw in a bore within the trunk, and further provides an adjustable leveling system for maintaining the tree in a stable upright disposition.

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 conduit positioning or locating device adapted to be secured to formwork defining one side of a slab of concrete or other settable material for positioning a conduit for passage through the slab. The device includes a body, having at least one opening on its top side for receipt of a conduit. The body has means, such as a spigot and socket, on at least one side adapted for cooperative engagement with a further device whereby to enable a plurality of the devices to be located in a complementary mating configuration.

Abstract: A posture chair for heavy duty use in business offices and particularly designed to support exceptionally heavy occupants. In order to support heavy occupants a large number of legs are utilized in the chair base to support the chair, preferably eight. The invention further resides in the use of a support plate, such as a heavy gauge metal disc or washer affixed to the legs of the chair, and contoured to conform to the slope of the legs. The disc or washer, preferably formed of steel, is placed in the preferred embodiment under the legs and welded thereto by weld beads placed in the corner at which each side of each leg engages the disc or washer and also between the disc and hub. This results in an exceptionally strong structure sufficient to support very heavy occupants. These elements of the chair base may also be integral and of cast metal, e.g., aluminum.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for securing a pole into ground, which includes a tubular section being retained in the ground for supporting the pole. A support element is disposed on the open end of the tubular member, for supporting the pole proximate to the open end. The support element includes an annular outer member, which is rotatably disposed on the tubular section, and includes a support aperture eccentrically offset with respect to the center of the outer member. An annular inner member is rotatably disposed within the support aperture, and includes a receiving aperture eccentrically offset with respect to the center of the inner member, for supporting the pole. The outer member and inner member are respectively rotatable to vary the positions of the support aperture and the receiving aperture, so as to selectively tilt the poles longitudinal axis to a desired position with respect to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular section.

Abstract: A tree stand provides ease and convenience for correct vertical alignment of the tree trunk by utilizing telescoping legs which are freely slidable when unlocked. The tree trunk can be positioned in the stand and secured by threaded members which tighten against the trunk. By removing the locking pins from the legs and tilting the tree to the desired vertical position, the inner slidable members slide to the floor below. By reinserting the pins, the tree remains in correct alignment. One or two persons can easily align a tree without the need of tools or special equipment.

Abstract: A free-standing overhead fan apparatus includes a stand and a fan mounted on the stand. The stand includes a base positioned on ground level and an elongated member extending upwardly from the base. The fan is mounted at the upper end of the elongated member, preferably about seven feet above ground level. The fan includes a housing containing an electric motor and a rotating shaft extending from the motor. The fan also includes fan blades radially extending from the motor shaft. The fan is mounted on the stand such that the motor shaft and fan blades are rotatable about a vertical axis to emulate a ceiling fan.

Abstract: A patio table and fan combination. The device uses a fan mounted on a pole that passes through the center of the patio table. The pole also supports an umbrella that can be used for shade when the table is located outside. The fan motor is mounted co-axially with the fan. The device includes pole mounted lights and a mist device. The patio table fan combination is powered by conventional household electrical outlet or by solar panels mounted on the patio umbrella. The central pole for the device comes in three pieces to facilitate shipping and assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for clamping the trunk of a Christmas tree or the like, consisting of a stand, with at least three clamping jaws (5), which are disposed in a base plate (1) with an opening (2) for accommodating the trunk, are distributed about this opening (2) and can be moved into the accommodating opening (2) for clamping the trunk.In order to be able to adapt the clamping jaws easily to the cross section of the trunk, to clamp the trunk securely with a small lift and to undo or eliminate the clamping easily, a fastener, which can be moved in two opposite directions and, in one direction moves the clamping jaws (5) out of the accommodating opening (2) and, in the other direction, initially releases the clamping jaws (5) so that they can move to lie against the trunk and subsequently presses the clamping jaws (5) with the required clamping force against the trunk, is assigned to the base plate (1).

Abstract: An adjustable stand assembly for mounting a Christmas tree or other plant in the vertical orientation. There is a reservoir member having a spherically-curved, convex lower bearing surface which rests in engagement with a corresponding spherically-curved, concave upper bearing surface on a stationary base member. The trunk of the tree is mounted to the reservoir member and extends through a top opening into the interior thereof. The angle at which the tree extends can be adjusted to vertical by sliding the spherically-curved bearing surface of the reservoir over the spherically-curved bearing surface of the base member. The assembly may also include a separate pot member which is mountable to the trunk of the tree and which rests in the reservoir opening so as to transfer vertical and side loads into the reservoir member and the base member.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a plurality of inclined plates (22) arranged in an array around a central axis includes a top support bracket (25) for supporting the upper edges (40) of the plates (22) and a plurality of base brackets (26) for supporting the lower edges (62) of the respective plates (22). The top support bracket (25) has a central axis aligned with the central axis of the array, and a plurality of side edges (28). Each side edge (28) has a downwardly inclined rim (32) at a predetermined angle corresponding to the desired plate orientation and a downwardly facing groove (42) for receiving the upper edge (40) of the respective plate (22).

Abstract: A pole support for use on decked surfaces consisting of planks with a gap between the planks is described. The pole support includes a base and at least one I-shaped retainer bar for quickly and easily attaching and releasing the base from the deck surface. The base includes a tubular sleeve for supporting the pole in a predetermined orientation with respect to the base. The pole support is useful for attaching articles such as umbrella tables or plant stands to a decked surface. The advantage is a simple, inexpensively constructed pole support which is not susceptible to corrosion and may be rapidly connected to or disconnected from a decked surface without the use of tools.

Abstract: A protective cover for concrete reinforcement bars includes an elongated cylindrical collar for securing the protective cover to an exposed end of a concrete reinforcing bar, a cap which is perpendicularly attached to the collar by reinforcing ribs, and a metal seat arranged between the collar and the cap and having slots for permitting direct attachment of the reinforcing ribs from the collar to the cap.

Abstract: A protective cover covers an end of a concrete reinforcing bar so as to prevent injuries caused by coming into contact with the end of the concrete reinforcing bar. The protective cover includes an elongated cylindrical collar for securing the protective cover to the exposed end of the concrete reinforcing bar, a cap which is arranged perpendicularly to the elongated cylindrical collar, and a seat having retaining sides which retain the concrete reinforcing bar within the seat, the seat disposed between the elongated cylindrical collar and the cap. The seat can have any shape that includes retaining sides which retain an end portion of the reinforcing bar within the seat. Examples of such shapes include frustrum-like shapes, prism-like shapes, cylindrical-like shapes, and sheet-like shapes with retaining sides in the form of a washer or a ring.

Abstract: A compact tree stand has a generally cylindrical container having an open top, closed bottom and a wall extending therebetween which together define a central cavity. A plurality of legs are releasably attached to the exterior of the container and may be interconnected by braces. The cavity and the legs are sized so that the diameter of the cavity is greater than the height of the legs half the length of each leg is less than the depth of the cavity. This enables the legs to be nested within the cavity so that the tree stand can be placed in a relatively small box for shipment and sale. An inner cup can be placed within the cavity and may rotate relative to the container. Stepped ribs or an insert having a conical cavity may be placed within the inner cup or the container to enable the tree stand to hold artificial trees having different trunk diameters. A water reservoir is preferably attached to the container and legs. A wick and water retaining pad may also be provided.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand for positioning and securing a tree. The stand includes a tree holder, which has a substantially spherical portion and a fastening portion for affixing the holder to the tree, and a base which has at least three pivotable legs for securing the holder and a receiving portion for receiving the holder. Each of the legs is positioned in such a way that the tree's intrinsic weight causes the legs to press against the holder, thereby securing the holder and the tree. The receiving portion and the legs are constructed with mutually cooperating parts to allow the legs be positioned in an intermediate position when the stand rests on a support, and to allow the holder, which is secured to the tree, to be inserted into the receiving portion of the stand.

Abstract: A fence post anchor that adjusts for vertical post alignment by providing a post engagement support portion that swivels on a ground securing portion. The post engagement portion is defined by a split box sleeve secured to an adjustment dome. A fastener assembly interconnects the adjustment dome to the ground engagement portion that has multiple engagement flights on which the dome can be movably positioned and secured thereto.

Abstract: A base forms a receptacle for insertion of a tree trunk therein. A ring assembly is connected to a mouth of the base. A plurality of grabbing arms each have a pivoting end connected to the ring assembly and a free end. The grabbing arms are configured to pivot in such a manner as to move the free ends inward and outward. An elongated gripping member is connected to each of the grabbing arms at the free end. The gripping member is oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane of the grabbing arm. A lever arm includes a pivotal connection to the ring assembly. A locking arm is rotatably connected to the pivotal connection. The lever arm is configured to cause the grabbing arms to pivot when the lever arm is pivoted.

Abstract: A basketball mounting system for an in-ground basketball system has a flanged basketball support pole and a flanged ground sleeve receiving a portion of the pole in overlapping relationship. The flanges are connected together by removable fasteners such as threaded bolts. In addition, the mounting system may include jacking members in the pole flange to facilitate removal of the pole from the ground sleeve. The jacking members include members such as threaded bolts passing through the pole flange that, when rotated in one direction, press against the ground sleeve flange causing the pole and the ground sleeve to separate.

Abstract: A two-part stand assembly, preferably for the indoor display of natural Christmas trees or the like, is described. The upper part of the stand, which holds the tree, rotates clockwise and counterclockwise around the stationary lower part of the stand.

Abstract: A protective cover for the ends of reinforcing bars has a cylindrical tube having upper and lower ends. A cap is mounted on the upper end of the tube and is comprised of a continuous circular wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the upper end of the tube, with a bottom covering the top of the tube. A post extends upwardly from the center of the bottom, and a plurality of spaced rib elements are secured to and extend radially outwardly from the post for connection to the wall. A canopy is secured to the upper edge of the wall and extends slightly downwardly therefrom. The canopy has a circular perimeter which has a downwardly extending circular flange extending therearound. The ribs are tied together by secondary ribs. Friction bars are located within the tube to create friction between the tub and a bar upon which it is mounted.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand that enables a user to adjust the vertical alignment of the tree by him/herself. A unique gimbals arrangement is provided that permits adjustment in one plane while the other plane can be fixed. The verticality position is set by merely turning two easily turnable knobs that are tightened against tilt locking plates which are connected to supporting legs that make up the gimbals. Also, the stand has a single bolt attachment mechanism for locking the tree within the stand. A water indicator apparatus that is hung over the side of the stand enables the user to determine the amount of water within the stand without the need for crawling under the tree.

Abstract: An adjustable tree stand utilizes a receptacle for receiving and securing the bole of a Christmas tree. The receptacle includes a substantially cylindrical sidewall, an upper, radially outwardly extending collar, a bottom wall including an integrally formed, upwardly extending pointed projection for engaging the bottom of the bole of a Christmas tree, a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending, vertical ribs integrally formed with the sidewall, at least one of the ribs having a radially outwardly extending convex portion extending from below the upper collar to the bottom of the sidewall including a plurality of teeth extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the outwardly extending convex portion. The receptacle is adapted to a base including a truncated, substantially hemispherical interior sidewall for receiving the receptacle, the sidewall having upper and lower edges.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a cut tree for display includes an inner bowl with an outer surface in the form of a segment of a sphere. The inner bowl includes a tree-trunk engaging device for holding the tree trunk in a roughly vertical position in the inner bowl. The inner bowl is supported in a rotatable and tiltable manner within an outer bowl-like support member. The inner bowl can be clamped to the outer bowl-like member by clamps spaced about the periphery of the inner bowl. Each clamp includes a bearing member hinged to the inner bowl, which bears against the exterior of the outer bowl-like member. Each bearing member is forced against the outer bowl-like member by an over-center clamp. The tree trunk is held against a vertical support by a strap-and-buckle arrangement including a cam which simultaneously pinches the strap at two different locations in the clamped position of the cam, for providing continuous adjustment of the strap length.

Abstract: A post support socket, in which an end portion of a post is supportable by a wedge member, and the post support socket has an elongate body in which a longitudinal bore extends from an inlet end of the body. The body includes a peripheral wall which has an internal surface defining the bore. A slot defined by the peripheral wall extends longitudinally from the inlet end of the body and opens to the bore along its length. The peripheral wall has a laterally offset portion which bridges the slot over part of the length of the slot from the inlet end of the body. In use of the post support socket, a post having an end portion received in the bore can be secured by forcefully driving a wedge member longitudinally into the slot from the inlet end, between the offset portion and the post end portion.