Abstract: A support structure is configured to be pierced by stems of flowers to hold the flowers in place and to retain moisture. The support structure extends along a longitudinal path and has front and rear surfaces and two opposite side surfaces. A backplate overlies the support structure's rear surface. A frame overlies the support structure and is attached to the backplate to hold the support structure against the backplate. The frame includes longitudinal bands that extend along the longitudinal path along the support structure. The frame further includes cross bands that extend about the support structure's front and side surfaces in directions that are perpendicular to the longitudinal band. Each cross band crosses the longitudinal bands at crossing points at which the longitudinal band is perpendicular to and adjoined to and underlying the respective longitudinal band.

Abstract: A support structure is configured to be pierced by stems of flowers to hold the flowers in place and to retain moisture. The support structure extends along a longitudinal path and has front and rear surfaces and two opposite side surfaces. A backplate overlies the support structure's rear surface. A frame overlies the support structure and is attached to the backplate to hold the support structure against the backplate. The frame includes longitudinal bands that extend along the longitudinal path along the support structure. The frame further includes cross bands that extend about the support structure's front and side surfaces in directions that are perpendicular to the longitudinal band. Each cross band crosses the longitudinal bands at crossing points at which the longitudinal band is perpendicular to and adjoined to and underlying the respective longitudinal band.

Abstract: A collapsible easel with three legs is provided. First ends of the three legs are attached at an apex. The legs are moveable with respect to one another about the apex. The legs are moveable between collapsed and opened positions. The legs are disposed substantially adjacent one another in the collapsed position. The second ends of the legs are spaced a distance away from each other in the opened position. The legs form an upright pyramidal configuration when in the opened position. The easel is supported by a collapsible reinforcing member joining two of the legs. The reinforcing member has first and second arms joined by a pivoting mechanism. The easel is also reinforced by a collapsible bracing assembly comprising alpha, beta, and gamma support members attached to the set of three legs.

Abstract: A collapsible easel with three legs is provided. First ends of the three legs are attached at an apex. The legs are moveable with respect to one another about the apex. The legs are moveable between collapsed and opened positions. The legs are disposed substantially adjacent one another in the collapsed position. The second ends of the legs are spaced a distance away from each other in the opened position. The legs form an upright pyramidal configuration when in the opened position. The easel is supported by a collapsible reinforcing member joining two of the legs. The reinforcing member has first and second arms joined by a pivoting mechanism. The easel is also reinforced by a collapsible bracing assembly comprising alpha, beta, and gamma support members attached to the set of three legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding or unwinding a cable from a flanged reel, comprising an assembly for rotatably supporting the reel and a reel drive including an endless belt tensioned around pulleys and frictionally engaging the peripheral edge of the reel flange. The advancement of the belt causes the reel to rotate in the desired direction. The invention also extends to a novel method for winding or unwinding cable from a flanged reel.