Abstract: A support assembly for a portable electronic device having a screen, such as a mobile telephone, includes a base with surfaces for supporting the electronic device in a generally vertical orientation for ease of viewing. The support assembly further includes a post mounted to the base, and a shade above supported by the post above the base to obstruct direct sunlight from reaching the screen of the electronic device. The base is configured to receive various support implements for supporting the base above the ground, such as a stake, a clip, etc.

Abstract: A tray system for use by hunters includes a tray and a clamp. The clamp defines a channel into which a frame member on a hunting stand is insertable to attach the clamp to the hunting stand. The clamp also defines a groove and a tray support portion. A flange on the tray is insertable into the groove, and the tray support portion is positioned to support the tray when the flange is in the groove. The tray system enables a hunter to quickly install a tray to support hunting accessories in close proximity to an occupant of the stand. The tray system may also include a mobile telephone holder attachable to the tray to support a mobile telephone in a generally vertical position so that the screen of the telephone is readily viewable by the hunter.

Abstract: An accessory attachment interface includes a member having a tubular portion and a flange portion. The tubular portion defines a bore and the flange portion defines first and second flanges. The first and second flanges are coplanar with each other and with a plane that is tangential to the tubular portion. The first and second flanges cooperate with each other to define a substantially planar surface at which the accessory attachment interface is mountable to various objects. The accessory attachment interface provides a common interface for mounting a variety of hardware and accessories to objects.

Abstract: An accessory attachment interface usable with watercraft includes a one-piece member having a tubular portion and a flange portion. The tubular portion defines a cylindrical bore and the flange portion defines first and second flanges. The first and second flanges are coplanar with each other and with a plane that is tangential to the tubular portion. The first and second flanges cooperate with each other to define a substantially planar surface. The accessory attachment interface provides a boat owner with a common interface for mounting a variety of hardware and accessories to the boat without occupying any space in the passenger area of the boat.

Abstract: An accessory attachment interface includes a member having a tubular portion and a flange portion. The tubular portion defines a bore and the flange portion defines first and second flanges. The first and second flanges are coplanar with each other and with a plane that is tangential to the tubular portion. The first and second flanges cooperate with each other to define a substantially planar surface at which the accessory attachment interface is mountable to various objects. The accessory attachment interface provides a common interface for mounting a variety of hardware and accessories to objects.

Abstract: A docking system for a boat includes spring-loaded bumpers that protrude from the bow of the boat, thereby enabling a boat operator to dock the boat against a vertical structure such as a seawall. Anchors are mounted with respect to the seawall to which ropes may be tied to secure the boat and maintain contact between the bumpers and the seawall. Anchors may be supported above the water level by floats, which automatically adjust the height of the anchors in response to changes in the water level.

Abstract: A system for docking a boat on a body of water includes a pole or shaft mounted with respect to the bed of the body of water and extending above the surface of the body of water. A locking spacer is slidably connected to the pole. A member has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cavity that is open at two ends. The member also defines a slot extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. The member is mounted to a boat. The system enables the rapid and easy mooring of the boat by maneuvering the boat so that the pole passes through the slot and into the cavity. The locking spacer is then slid along the pole until it enters the cavity, thereby locking the member with respect to the pole.

Abstract: A docking or mooring system for a boat includes a horizontal shaft mounted with respect to a structure at which docking the boat may be desired. The system also includes at least one hitch mounted forward of the bow of a boat and defining a tapering recess configured to receive the shaft. The shaft is spring biased at a predetermined height but is selectively movable vertically. The hitch includes a latching mechanism with cams that automatically engage the shaft using the forward motion of the boat.

Abstract: An accessory attachment interface includes a member having a tubular portion and a flange portion. The tubular portion defines a bore and the flange portion defines first and second flanges. The first and second flanges are coplanar with each other and with a plane that is tangential to the tubular portion. The first and second flanges cooperate with each other to define a substantially planar surface at which the accessory attachment interface is mountable to various objects. The accessory attachment interface provides a common interface for mounting a variety of hardware and accessories to objects.

Abstract: An accessory attachment interface usable with watercraft includes a one-piece member having a tubular portion and a flange portion. The tubular portion defines a cylindrical bore and the flange portion defines first and second flanges. The first and second flanges are coplanar with each other and with a plane that is tangential to the tubular portion. The first and second flanges cooperate with each other to define a substantially planar surface. The accessory attachment interface provides a boat owner with a common interface for mounting a variety of hardware and accessories to the boat without occupying any space in the passenger area of the boat.

Abstract: A boating accessory attachment system includes a mechanism that is selectively movable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, one member of the mechanism is substantially vertical to support a boating accessory above the deck and/or fencing so that the boating accessory is accessible and usable by a occupant in the passenger area of the boat. In the second configuration, the member of the mechanism is rotated approximately ninety degrees to be substantially horizontal so that the mechanism supports the boating accessory above the water for use by someone swimming or lounging adjacent to the boat. A tubular receiver mounted to the underside of the deck facilitates attachment of the mechanism to the boat.

Abstract: A docking system for a boat includes spring-loaded bumpers that protrude from the bow of the boat, thereby enabling a boat operator to dock the boat against a vertical structure such as a seawall. Anchors are mounted with respect to the seawall to which ropes may be tied to secure the boat and maintain contact between the bumpers and the seawall. Anchors may be supported above the water level by floats, which automatically adjust the height of the anchors in response to changes in the water level.

Abstract: A docking or mooring system for a boat includes a horizontal shaft mounted with respect to a structure at which docking the boat may be desired. The system also includes at least one hitch mounted forward of the bow of a boat and defining a tapering recess configured to receive the shaft. The shaft is spring biased at a predetermined height but is selectively movable vertically. The hitch includes a latching mechanism with cams that automatically engage the shaft using the forward motion of the boat.

Abstract: A thermoformer apparatus has sheet supporting rails which are divided into sections hinged together to facilitate widening of the spacing between the rails with adjuster drive mechanism as the sheet moves through an oven to eliminate sagging of the sheet as it becomes heated. Thermoformer chains are driven by a pair of independently operable servo motors each associated with a respective thermoformer chain.

Abstract: A thermoformer apparatus has sheet supporting rails which are divided into sections hinged together to facilitate widening of the spacing between the rails with adjuster drive mechanism as the sheet moves through an oven to eliminate sagging of the sheet as it becomes heated. Thermoformer chains are driven by a pair of independently operable servo motors each associated with a respective thermoformer chain.