Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a basketball net to a basketball rim includes a collar adapted to hold the net in an open position permitting passage of a basketball, and a plurality of suspension arms having hook-shaped upper ends sized to releasably clip on the rim. As well the apparatus may include a suspension arm that has a horizontally extending plate-shaped upper end that is sized to extend outward over the rim and over a reinforcing plate that is typical of many basketball rim structures. The collar and the suspension arms have a thin sheet construction formed from elastic material having plastic memory. Preferably, the suspension arms are sufficiently resilient to flex from their normal shape to a deformed shape permitting the arm to be forcibly pulled downwardly from the rim, and to return to their normal shape upon release of the deforming force. To facilitate manufacture by injection molding, the collar may be constructed in connectable segments.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a basketball net to a basketball rim includes a collar adapted to hold the net in an open position permitting passage of a basketball, and a plurality of suspension arms having hook-shaped upper ends sized to releasably clip on the rim. As well the apparatus may include a suspension arm that has a horizontally extending plate-shaped upper end that is sized to extend outward over the rim and over a reinforcing plate that is typical of many basketball rim structures. The collar and the suspension arms have a thin sheet construction formed from elastic material having plastic memory. Preferably, the suspension arms are sufficiently resilient to flex from their normal shape to a deformed shape permitting the arm to be forcibly pulled downwardly from the rim, and to return to their normal shape upon release of the deforming force. To faciltate manufacture by injection molding, the collar may be constructed in connectable segments.

Abstract: A pallet support leg having a first short, hollow columnar member with a lower base portion which is indented to form a second hollow columnar member. The second member protrudes upwardly within the first member by no more than about one-third the height of the first member. A circular flange protrudes outwardly from and encircles an upper portion of the first member to support the underside of a sheet of pallet material. At least one semi-circular flange or blade protrudes outwardly from the first member, above the circular flange, and extends around a radial segment of the first member to engage the upper surface of the pallet material, sandwiching the pallet material between the two flanges or between the blades and the circular flange. A first set of support ribs are fixed between the underside of the circular flange and the first member. The ribs are disposed radially around the first member to add structural rigidity to the circular flange.

Abstract: The assembly of the invention includes a pressure vessel having a size to fit in a usual home refrigerator for the domestic fermenting of a fermentable liquid mixture under pressure and under chilled conditions, The pressure vessel defines a closed fermentation chamber for containing a bath having an amount of fermentable liquid mixture effective to provide a pressurized atmosphere above the surface of the bath within the closed fermentation chamber during the fermenting process, A pressure relief valve controls the pressure within the fermentation chamber at a level sufficient to maintain safety conditions during the fermentation process, Pressurized gaseous material is introduced into the pressure vessel to enhance the fermentation process within the chamber. A spigot is part of an output discharge mechanism including a float used to remove fermented beverage from adjacent the surface of the bath to draw beverage from the pressurized vessel while a pressurized atmosphere remains in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for making beer includes use of a pressure vessel having a size to fit in a usual home refrigerator. With the assembly of the invention, it is possible for the domestic fermenting of a fermentable liquid mixture for making beer under pressure and chilled conditions. The pressure vessel defines a closed fermentation chamber for containing a bath having an amount of fermentable liquid beer mixture effective to provide a pressurized atmosphere above the surface of the bath within the closed fermentation chamber during the fermenting process. A pressure relief valve maintains the pressure within the fermentation chamber at a level sufficient to provide safety conditions during the fermentation process. An output discharge mechanism includes a spigot and a float used to remove from the bath beer located adjacent the surface of the bath to draw beer from the pressurized vessel while a pressurized atmosphere remains in the vessel.

Abstract: The assembly of the invention includes a pressure vessel having a size to fit in a usual home refrigerator for the domestic fermenting of a fermentable liquid mixture under pressure and under chilled conditions. The pressure vessel defines a closed fermentation chamber for containing a bath having an amount of fermentable liquid mixture effective to provide a pressurized atmosphere above the surface of the bath within the closed fermentation chamber during the fermenting process. A pressure relief valve controls the pressure within the fermentation chamber at a level sufficient to maintain safety conditions during the fermentation process. Pressurized gaseous material is introduced into the pressure vessel upon completion of the fermentation process to maintain pressure in the bath within the chamber.

Abstract: A portable toilet having an improved valve arrangement for minimizing abrasion of the holding tank inlet seal. The valve arrangement includes a valve member which moves generally normal to a sealing plane defined by the seal when the valve is opened or closed. A wiper element is disposed adjacent the holding tank inlet and is positioned to exert a wiping action on the sealing surface of the valve member when the valve is operated.

Abstract: A lift-off hinge assembly for toilet seats and the like, consisting of a hinge block and a lift-off hinge pin. The lift-off hinge pin has a head with a pin projecting from its side and a pair of spaced parallel jaw members projecting from its end. The upper jaw member is long, flexible and has a notch across its outer surface; the lower jaw member is shorter and more rigid. The hinge block has a pair of sloping upper surfaces meeting at an apex. One such upper surface has an entry opening for the jaw members, and the other has a release opening, the two openings being separated by a bridge which engages the notch when the jaw members are inserted into the entry opening. The lift-off hinge is removed from the hinge block by depressing the upper jaw member and sliding the lift-off hinge out of the entry openings. A fastening bolt for the hinge block is accessable through the release opening when the lift-off hinge pin is removed.