Abstract: A suction cup for holding signs has a cup portion and a neck portion to which a clamp member is connected. The clamp member has a first leg attached to the neck portion and a second leg adjacent a top surface of the neck portion. The second leg of the clamp member is movable away from the top surface of the neck portion to allow an object, such as a sign, to be inserted and held between the top surface of the neck portion and the clamp member. The second leg is biased against the neck portion such that the top of the relatively soft neck portion is used as a gripping surface to hold the sign. The top surface of the neck portion and the second leg of the clamp may have various surface configurations such as notches or grooves to enhance the gripping force therebetween.

Abstract: A stake system has a set of couplings and fiberglass rods and can be expanded to include bendable wire and light holders which fit onto the rods. The connector has a tubular body open at opposite ends and a transverse inner wall or collar between the opposite ends which with the inner wall of the body defines an open upper cavity and an open lower cavity. Each cavity is sized to receive one end of a rod. A pair of arms extend outwardly from opposite edges of one end of the tubular housing. Each arm has a slotted opening of sufficient diameter to permit a cord of a decorative light string to be inserted into and pass through the opening. Elbows and rod holders are provided to have one end which fits into the coupling upper cavity and an opposite end that has a cavity or mouth sized to receive of a rod. This stake system allows a person of average mechanical ability to create lighted lawn ornaments in an almost infinite variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A Christmas tree lawn ornament has a pole with one end attached to a base which is anchored to the ground and a connector at the top. The pole is preferably assembled from several segments. Multiple guide wires are provided with one end attached to the connector and the other end anchored to the ground in a generally circular pattern at some distance from the base of the pole. Alternatively, a single stand of guide wire can be looped from headpiece, to stake, to headpiece, and so forth in a sinusoidal pattern. Multiple light holders are attached along the guide wires to which strings of decorative lights can be attached. A decorative star or other ornament is attached atop the connector.

Abstract: A suction sign holder is provided having a suction cup and a tack. The suction cup and tack having mating surfaces between which a sign is held. The mating surfaces can be provided with a plurality of concentric grooves and ridges or other projections which mate together and frictionally hold a sign therebetween. The shaft of the tack can be provided with a raised rib or a groove disposed on the shaft of the tack at an angle. The rib may additionally have a sloping leading edge and a perpendicular trailing edge such that the shaft is easily inserted yet resists backing out of the bore.

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 mounting clip having a generally U-shaped clip body, a mounting extending from the clip body, and a light holder releasably or permanently attached to the mounting. The mounting clip is formed from a resilient material. The mounting clip can be utilized to mount various size lights on both gutters and roofing shingles. Display holders displaying decorative figures and reflectors can be positioned on the mounting clip along with the light holder.

Abstract: A carpet protector to support furniture and reduce damage to a carpet thereunder is provided. The carpet protector in accordance with the present invention generally includes a deformable receiving portion and a rigid base. The receiving portion preferably includes a plurality of ridges on an upper surface thereof to grip a furniture leg placed thereon. The base is configured to receive the lower surface of the receiving portion and includes a plurality of protrusions configured to extend into carpet on which the carpet protector is placed. The protrusions transfer and distribute the weight of the furniture to a base layer of the carpeting. The upper surface of the receiving portion preferably defines a concave surface to reduce slippage of the furniture leg upon the carpet protector.