Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a self-closing bracket (20) for use in mounting an object, such as a perch guard, on elevated structures, such as power lines. The self-closing bracket (20) has an upper member (24) and a lower member (28). The lower member (28) is rotatably connected to the upper member (24) and has a closure member (60) that extends into the interior of the bracket (20) when the bracket (20) is in an open position. As the bracket (20) is moved towards the object to be clamped, the lower member (28) pivots relative to the upper member (24) as the closure member (60) engages the object to be clamped, thereby urging the bracket (20) to an at least partially closed position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a self-closing bracket for use in mounting objects on elevated structures such as power lines and to a perch guard for mounting on the bracket. The self-closing bracket has a closure member that extends into the interior of the bracket when the bracket is open to engage the object to be clamped by the bracket as the bracket is moved towards the object. The closure member thereby at least partially closes the bracket when the bracket's upper surface is engaged with the object.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for enabling two or four people to play a competitive game involving skillful manipulative control of a ball on a horizontal game surface. The apparatus comprises a flat playing surface of substantially square perimeter supported by four legs adapted to maintain the playing surface at table height. A retaining wall is associated with each side of said perimeter, and at least one ball-receiving goal is associated with each retaining wall. An elongated sliding guide is positioned parallel to each retaining wall, and a paddle slidably engages each guide. The paddle, having a flat striking portion disposed below the sliding guide, and an elongated handle portion extending above the guide, can be rotated about the handle portion and pivoted about the guide. The striking portion of the paddle is utilized to hit a playing ball having the general characteristics of a table tennis ball.

Abstract: A carton in the form of a polyhedron of six sides is erected by structure insuring that human hands do not contact the interiors, important in the case of comestibles, such as popcorn.