Abstract: A knife includes a body, a retractable blade slider, a blade snapper, and a manually engageable lock. The retractable blade slider is constructed and arranged to position a multi-blade blade assembly at a position of use wherein at least a forward most blade projects through an opening at one end of the body, and to retract the blade assembly into the body. The blade snapper is removably locked to the body. The blade snapper is constructed and arranged snap-off at least one or more blades from the blade assembly. The manually engageable lock is constructed and arranged to move between a lock position and an unlock position, wherein the movement of the manually engageable lock to the unlock position releases the blade snapper from the body.

Abstract: A utility knife comprises a blade carrier movable between retracted, extended and positions. A latch is movable with the blade carrier for locking the blade carrier in position. The blade carrier comprises a locking tab movable between a first position where the locking tab is engaged with the blade and a second position where the locking tab is released from the blade. An actuator moves the locking tab from the first position to the second position when the blade carrier is in the intermediate position and the actuator is moved to the unlocked position. The latch is engageable with a holder when the blade carrier is in the intermediate position. A retention member holds the blade on the plate where the retention member cannot be inserted into a notch on the blade. A blade guide guides the blade between the retention member and the plate.

Abstract: A safety scalpel incorporating a handle similar in thickness, length, weight, balance, shape and feel to the conventional metal handle preferred by most surgeons, and a disposable cartridge assembly that is easily mounted and released from the scalpel handle. The handle comprises a first end and a second end. The cartridge assembly comprises a blade guard/shield that can be slideably mounted onto the second end of the handle, a blade holder/slider that can be disposed within the blade guard, and a blade that can be attached to the blade holder. The safety scalpel incorporates a locking system that prevents the cartridge assembly from sliding off or wobbling on the handle during use.

Abstract: An aerodynamic trimmer head for use in flexible line rotary trimmers having an aerodynamic, generally ellipsoidal profile and a plurality of aerodynamic elements defined by the upper and lower head surfaces for directing air, during rotation of the head, off of and over the upper and lower head surfaces and preferably away from the line extending from the housing, thereby reducing the drag on the head and the line projecting from the housing. The aerodynamic elements on the upper head surface preferably are defined by a plurality of equidistantly spaced inclined troughs extending downwardly and forwardly along curvilinear paths on the upper head surface and the aerodynamic elements on the lower head surface preferably are defined by a plurality of dimples formed in an annular surface extending about the lowermost end of the spool and a plurality of rearwardly inclined troughs formed about and above the dimples.

Abstract: A grass-cutting head (10) including a spool (11) for winding at least one cutting line and a housing (12) for the cutting line. The housing (12) includes a first part (13) and a second part (14) coupled to each other so as to allow at least one reciprocal angular movement around the axis (X) of rotation of the grass-cutting head. The housing (12) presents at least one passage (31) towards the outside for the cutting line. On the spool (11) is defined at least one inserting portion (33) for inserting the cutting line so that to a rotation of the spool corresponds a winding or an unwinding of the line. Elements (25, 26, 27, 28, 29) are present for winding the cutting line on the spool (11) and matching elements (35, 36) for matching the angular position of the portion (33) of insertion on the spool (11).

Abstract: A loop pile cutter includes an added blade holder thumbscrew that provides an additional clamping force to hold a blade holder right side and blade holder left side against a base mounting bracket. The added blade holder thumbscrew also guides the blade holder along the base mounting bracket. In particular, the added blade holder thumbscrew inserts within a slot in the base mounting bracket. Since the added blade holder thumbscrew is removable, the slot may be closed-ended. The combination of an added blade holder thumbscrew and a closed-ended slot in the base mounting bracket reduces deflection of the blade holder from carpet tufts that resist being parted by a center row guiding edge.

Abstract: A geodetic target for use in geodesy includes a support, a measuring target supported by the support, an identifier supported by the support, and a controller. The identifier includes at least one identification element that is configured to be switchable between at least two optical states and has a first predetermined optical property in one optical state and does not have the first predetermined optical property in a further optical state. The controller is configured to change the state of the at least one identification element. A geodetic measurement instrument includes an identifier detection unit, a measuring unit, and a transmitter configured to address a receiver of the geodetic target and to transmit control commands to the same which effect the change of the optical state of the at least one identification element of the identifier of the geodetic target. A system includes the geodetic measurement instrument and geodetic target.

Abstract: A system and processes for aligning an antenna boresight from a position which is internal to a structure on which the antenna is mounted is described. The system includes a laser tracking system and a plurality of targets disposed on a surface of the antenna.

Abstract: A laser instrument is disclosed. The laser instrument having a laser unit, a drive device for tilting the laser unit, and a damper device between the drive device and the laser unit.

Abstract: A layout tool is provided with markings (508) and an anchor post (502) for anchoring a layout line, such as a chalk line, in relation to a piece of construction material. The tool (500) includes a chalk line guide assembly (510) comprising a mounting plate (514) which carries a chalk line guide post (512) and a securing mechanism (516) for securing the chalk line guide post (512) and plate (514) at a desired position along an arcuated groove (506) formed in the surface (504). A worker can secure the tool (500) to a work piece and attach a layout line to the anchor post (502). Thereafter, the worker can disengage the securing mechanism (516) to allow movement of the chalk line guide post (512) and plate (514) to a desired position in the slot (506) corresponding to a desired angular orientation of the layout line.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of measuring and identifying foot arch type according to footprint data. The method includes: obtaining a static standing footprint having a foot contour including lateral and medial contours; obtaining a lateral ball and lateral heel tangent points of the footprint, and a medial ball and a medial heel tangent point of the footprint; obtaining a ball and a heel mid-point; obtaining a foot center axial line and a foot perpendicular bisector; obtaining the length of a foot width Lf as the length of the foot perpendicular bisector, and the width a foot arch La; and calculating a foot type index FTI by dividing the width of the foot arch La by the length of the foot width Lf (FTI=La/Lf), and identifying a foot arch type of the footprint by the foot type index FTI.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot. The apparatus includes an alignment section that orientates the foot relative to an optical imaging section. The alignment section includes at least one support member located proximate a focal length of the imaging section, that engages the plantar surface substantially only in the immediate area of the fifth metatarsal head of the foot. The support generates a dorsally-directed load that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment section further includes a heel stirrup and a laser beam or other reference line for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg, to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that the imaging section is able to obtain an accurate measurement of the plantar surface without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure of the foot.

Abstract: A method of monitoring wear of a slew bearing system includes steps of assembling a slew bearing system having a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring concentrically positioned relative to each other forming at least upper and lower raceways, a plurality of bearing rollers positioned in each raceway between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, and an index system having a first reference connected with the first bearing ring and positioned relative to a second reference on the second bearing ring to provide a measurable distance between the first reference and the second reference, where the measurable distance changes with wear of the slew bearing system; and monitoring a change in the measurable distance between the first reference and the second reference to monitor wear of the slew bearing system.

Abstract: A locating device to find all hidden utility outlets such as electrical boxes after a wall covering such as gypsum board has been placed there over. The apparatus in one embodiment includes a first body locatable within a junction box proximate a rear surface of a wall covering, said first body having a magnet located therein. A second body locatable proximate a front surface of the wall covering opposite the first body. The second body includes scribing points to mark an indent on the surface of the said wall covering. The apparatus further comprises an elongate member having proximate and distal ends and being pivotally mounted to the second body. The elongate member has a second magnet at the proximate end thereof wherein the distal end is alignable with an alignment indicator when the scribing points on the second body are aligned with the entry point for a cutting tool.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine includes a probe having a measurement unit, a movement mechanism for moving the probe and a host computer for controlling the movement mechanism. The host computer includes: a compensation-amount calculating unit for calculating a compensation amount for compensating an error in the position of the measurement unit caused by the movement of the probe; and a compensator for compensating the error in the position of the measurement unit based on the compensation amount calculated by the compensation-amount calculating unit. The compensation-amount calculating unit calculates a translation-compensation amount for compensating a translation error of the probe and a rotation-compensation amount for compensating a rotation error of the probe based on a rotation frequency of the movement of the probe.

Abstract: A tape measure assembly with a cleaning aperture is disclosed herein and comprises a central spool upon which a measuring tape containing linear markings is coiled and stored. A protective housing or case surrounds the central spool and allows pivotal rotation of the central spool mounted therein. A cleaning aperture is provided through the protective housing to allow access to the measuring tape and spool without disassembly of the protective housing. An easily removable plug is used to seal the cleaning aperture when not in use to preventing ingress of debris through the cleaning aperture.

Abstract: The inner space of a drying tank 4 is made up of a mixing and drying zone MZ to mix and dry supplied material 3 by swirling the material 3 upward onto rotor blades 5 and pressing the material centrifugally against a heated cylindrical inner surface of the tank wall 2, and a drying zone DZ beneath the mixing and drying zone MZ. An upper screw conveyer 15, connected to the upper part of the mixing and drying zone MZ transfers material 3 out of the drying tank 4. A lower screw conveyer 13, connected to the bottom of the mixing and drying zone MZ transfers material received from the upper conveyor 15 through a vertical transfer pipe 17 back into the drying tank 4 along with new material to be dried. A discharge screw conveyer 21 is connected to the drying zone DZ to discharge out dried material continuously.

Abstract: A mop wringer comprises a housing supporting a first roller and a second roller. The first roller is supported by the housing in a first position where the first roller is spaced from the second roller a first distance and in a second position where the first roller is spaced from the second roller a second distance. The second roller is supported on an arm where the arm moves relative to the housing to move the second roller toward and away from the first roller between a third position and a fourth position. A drive mechanism moves the arm between the third position and the fourth position and rotates the roller in the fourth position.

Abstract: A hoof drying apparatus. The hoof drying apparatus is specifically sized and shaped to accommodate one or more hoofs of a hoofed animal and dries a bottom, side and top portion of a hoof from the bottom up. The hoof drying apparatus is portable and specifically designed, but is not limited to, drying hooves for the purposes of: hoof wall repair, preparation for medication for hoof diseases and preparation of the hoof for application of hoof dressings and hoof shoes. The hoof drying apparatus can also be used for drying non-hoofed animals.

Abstract: Disclosed are an evaporator, an evaporation method, and a substrate processing apparatus, which can increase the concentration of generated vapor of an organic solvent and efficiently heat the organic solvent. The evaporator includes a fluid tube, a liquid organic solvent supply device for supplying the organic solvent liquid to one end of the fluid tube, and heating units for heating the fluid tube. The fluid tube has a cross section that increases from the one end to the other end. When the organic solvent liquid supplied to one end of the fluid tube is heated, the organic solvent vapor is discharged from the other end of the fluid tube. The substrate processing apparatus includes the above-described evaporator.

Abstract: Humid waste air is produced in heated laundry machines. This humid waste air has a still relatively high temperature. In order for the energy contained in the humid waste air to be recovered, at least in part, the humid waste air is directed through a heat exchanger (12). Condensate is produced in the heat exchanger (12), and it has proven difficult, in the case of known heat exchangers (12), for this condensate to be directed away. Moreover, the humid waste air contains accompanying substances, for example fluff from the treated laundry. These accompanying substances are deposited in known heat exchangers (12), which adversely affect the efficiency of the heat exchanger (12) over time. The invention makes provision for the heat exchanger (12) to be equipped with upright heat-exchanger plates (13), from which the condensate can run off. The condensate can then be discharged in a specific manner out of the heat exchanger (12).

Abstract: A drying machine according to the present invention includes an interface unit connected to a separate washing machine with a data communication line for receiving load information from the washing machine, a rotatable drum containing a load of wet clothes which are previously washed by the washing machine, and an air supply system coupled to the drum for supplying dry air into the drum. The machine further includes a heater coupled to the air supply system for heating the dry air, and a dryer controller generating a control signal to the heater in accordance with a set of operation values which are determined based on the load information.

Abstract: A ventilation sole for footwear, in which an air inlet-outlet is formed in a side of the ventilation sole, vents are formed in an upper portion of the ventilation sole, the vents communicating with the air inlet-outlet, and a device for opening and closing an air inlet-outlet, which is coupled with the air inlet-outlet, supplies ambient air into the footwear. The device for opening and closing an air inlet-outlet is adapted to be opened or closed by a locking or unlocking action when turned, and is disposed in the air inlet-outlet such that it is exposed to the outside. Since the device is opened and closed by the turning action of the button cap, the user can conveniently open or close the air inlet-outlet.

Abstract: A midsole structure of a sole assembly for a shoe improves a ride feeling and stability of the midfoot portion of the sole assembly during running. The sole assembly 1? of the shoe includes an upper plate 3 formed of a hard elastic member disposed on an upper side of a midfoot region M, a lower midsole 15 formed of a soft elastic member disposed under the upper plate 3 at the midfoot region, wherein the lower midsole has a downwardly convexedly curved upper surface that forms a void S relative to the upper plate and contacts the upper plate at the front and rear ends of the midfoot portion, and an outsole. The outsole includes a midfoot outsole 6 with a ground contact surface arranged below the lower midsole at the midfoot region, a heel outsole 5 of a heel region H, and a forefoot outsole 7 of a forefoot region F, wherein these outsole members are all discrete and separate from one another in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A shoe construction comprising an outsole constructed from a slip resistant material and a wedge shaped cushion member having a rounded and beveled shaped lower surface bonded to the outsole. A midsole body member is bonded to the cushion member having a torsion spring member secured to the midsole body member. The torsion member assists in stabilizing the shoe construction by directing an outer surface of the outsole to a preferred position, while the lower surface is constructed and arranged to provide a curved rocker-like surface whereby the outsole remains in contact with the ground, and requires muscle control, throughout a walking step.

Abstract: A footwear or orthotic device, including a footwear or orthotic sole and an insert with an outer bladder having an uppermost surface curved concavely relative to an intended wearer's foot location in the device, as viewed upright and unloaded in a frontal plane. The outer bladder forms a component of the sole. An inner bladder includes a gas located inside and is substantially surrounded on at least the top, bottom and sides by the outer bladder. The outer bladder and inner bladder are separated by an internal sipe including a media. The sipe is formed by an inner surface of the outer bladder and an outer surface of the inner bladder. The surfaces forming the sipe oppose each other, are separate from each other and therefore can move relative to each other in a sliding motion; and the surfaces forming the sipe are proximate to each other.

Abstract: A modular shoe includes an upper with an upper side and a lower side, a chassis releasably arranged in an interior of the upper, and a plurality of studs. Each stud is releasably attached to the chassis through the lower side of the upper. The lower side of the upper is clamped between the chassis and at least one of the attached studs. The invention also relates to the various components used in a modular shoe in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A sole adapted to provide improved leverage during the toe-off stage of gait comprises elongate elements (2a-e) along the horizontal surface of the sole. The elongate elements (2a-e) are adapted to tauten in response to longitudinal forces on the sole, increasing the rigidity of the midsection of the sole and providing effective propulsive assistance to the athlete.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The sole includes a hard sole base forming an outline of the footwear and a mid sole resting on the sole base, the mid sole made of a softer material than the sole base to provide comfort to a wearer. The upper has sock like construction using stretchable materials to conform to shapes of the foot. The upper is attached to the sole by straps passing through the upper allowing a degree of independent motion of the upper to conform to a foot.

Abstract: A system and process for removing an inorganic salt from a catalyst roaster belt is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus with a drying vessel having a catalyst roaster belt inlet, a catalyst roaster belt outlet, a heating medium inlet, and a heating medium outlet, wherein the catalyst roaster belt inlet and the catalyst roaster belt outlet are spaced apart along a first direction, the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet are spaced apart along a second direction, the heating medium inlet is spaced apart from the catalyst roaster belt inlet in the second direction, and the catalyst roaster belt inlet is between the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet along the second direction. The system includes an acid bath and a moveable catalyst roaster belt extending from the acid bath through the catalyst roaster belt inlet and through the catalyst roaster belt outlet.

Abstract: A hub is formed with a lower extent having a first diameter, an intermediate extent having a second diameter, and a circular upper extent having a third diameter. A circular disk has an upper surface with indicia, a lower surface with an attachment component, and a hole with a diameter essentially equal to the second diameter for being received by the hub. A pointer has a first free end and a first securement ring having an interior diameter essentially equal to the third diameter and an exterior diameter essentially equal to the second diameter. The first securement ring is in sliding contact with the intermediate extent of the hub.

Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a connecting piece connecting legs (13) and a crossbar (10) of a free-standing portable display sign particularly suitable for installation in outdoor.

Abstract: An elastic wristband with an elongate strip of injection molded resilient thermoplastic material and one or more graphic panels. The elongate strip includes a center portion, a left side portion and a right side portion joined by left and right living hinges. The central portion includes recessed areas for receiving the graphic panels. The central portion of the elongate strip also includes end tabs that are welded together to form a continuous circular band. The band is elastic in nature and can fit over a person's hand and onto a person's wrist to form a decorative wristband.

Abstract: A hammer is adapted to receive a removable firing pin and includes an axial bore for receiving the firing pin and a transverse bore for receiving pins to secure the firing pin within the axial bore. The transverse bore includes a slave pin section for receiving a slave pin configured to mate with an annular groove or machined notch in the firing pin and a screw pin section for receiving a screw pin to secure the slave pin and the firing pin.

Abstract: The weapon interface mounting device is designed to permit a secure interface between a Mil-Std 1913 or similar rail and a compatible component such as an optical device, bipod, or light source. It can be easily installed, requires no adjustment by the user, and will mate securely to rails that are out of specification or poorly manufactured. The weapon interface mounting device utilizes a constant force system that applies adequate pressure to positively secure any accessory or device despite being subject to rough treatment such as recoil shock from a host weapon. Unlike prior art devices, the weapon interface mounting device insures repeatability by utilizing a mechanical index system.

Abstract: A retractable bipod assembly includes a pair of leg assemblies adapted to support a firearm during shooting thereof. A housing is adapted to be secured on a front portion of the firearm for pivotally mounting the leg assemblies between a folded up, storage position and a folded down, support position. A coupling arrangement is provided between the leg assemblies wherein the leg assemblies are in direct driving engagement and continuous contact with one another enabling pivotal movement of one of the leg assemblies to automatically cause simultaneous pivotal movement of the other of the leg assemblies.

Abstract: A chamber cleaning brush for a gun chamber may include a generally cylindrical body; at least three groups of bristles spaced axially apart along the body; and a pivot ring disposed on the body between two of the groups of bristles. The body may include a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion with at least one group of bristles disposed on the larger diameter portion and at least two groups of bristles disposed on the smaller diameter portion.

Abstract: A device for automatic setting of a hook for use with an existing fishing rod comprises a base, a holder, and a trigger mechanism. The base comprises a weighted bottom portion and adjustable leg portions which provide stability to an existing fishing rod. The fishing rod is held at an angled position on the base via insertion of a handle portion into a tubular receiver. The holder mechanism comprises an adjustable-force coil spring for setting the hook. Furthermore, the trigger mechanism allows a user to place a rod in the holder and selectively adjust the tension required to release the trigger, such that a force applied by a hooked fish will cause the trigger to release, thereby allowing the coil spring to pull the rod upright to set the hook in the fish's mouth.

Abstract: The present invention features a luminescent fishing lure for attachment to a fishing line and attracting fish. In some embodiments, the lure comprises a body having a top portion and a bottom portion. In some embodiments, the top portion is opaque and the bottom portion is transparent.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter describes a new sealing process of a specific type of photovoltaic cells named dye-sensitized solar cells. Currently, the sealing of these cells is made by means of a polymer, which connects the two electrode substrates made of glass, isolating the cell's inner content from the outside. The glass-based sealing method has the advantage of enhancing the cell's lifetime. However, glass sealing should not lead to the heating of the whole cell, which may cause its degradation. The process here unveiled employs a string of a glass precursor, a powder or a paste, that bounds the cell's entire external perimeter. The glass precursor string is then heated to its melting point with a laser beam, allowing the two substrates of the cell to stick together.

Abstract: A deterrent device for delivering an electric shock to an animal, pest or bird to be deterred, having the typical components of a non-conductive base to which the electrically conductive elements are attached. Instead of the typically-used copper wire, however, the braided elements comprise smaller strands of a conductive material, such as copper, aluminum or stainless steel wire, is used and is mechanically attached to the non-conductive base. The braided elements can be mechanically attached using a simple sewing operation in which the braid is sewn to the base. Because of the mechanical attachment and the ability of the braided elements to flex in both contraction and extension, the device of this invention can be used in tight corners and other contorted locations without having the wires of the typical prior art device pull free of the base.

Abstract: In a method of controlling burrowing animals, a slurry of a natural soil component and water is generated. The slurry is pumped into a tunnel and den system dug by the burrowing animal until the tunnel and den system is filled by the slurry. An apparatus for controlling burrowing animals includes a first tank that contains water. A second tank contains a natural soil component. A water pump pumps water from the water tank into the second tank. A plurality of nozzles receives water from the water pump and sprays water from the water tank into the bottom portion of the second tank, so as to generate a slurry of a natural soil component and water. A slurry pump is configured to pump the slurry. A slurry hose is configured to delivery the slurry from the slurry pump into a tunnel and den system dug by a burrowing animal.

Abstract: A method of pest control for burrowing animals involves loading a machine-conveyed dispensing apparatus with a fumigant product, and using the machine to make one or more passes across an area of ground beneath which the burrow system is situated. A ground engagement tool of the dispensing apparatus is engaged in the ground to pass through or nearby sections of the burrow system, and fumigant product is dispensed into the ground behind a leading portion of the ground engagement tool. Fumigant is widely spread over the burrowed area of ground for effective results, while the human exposure and manual effort associated with conventional hand-placed fumigant techniques is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A device and method for capturing insect pests that rest or crawl on a surface, while keeping one's fingers away from the capture site. The capture device is a rectangular sheet that is coated on one side with a high-tack adhesive, and on the other side with a release coating so that the sheets can be provided in a stack. Using a handling tab, the capture sheet is inserted into grooves in a holder which is mounted at one end of a handle. Disposal of the entrapped insect can be accomplished by removing the sheet by hand or by holding the handle so that the capture sheet is vertical and letting it drop away from the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling or eradicating nematodes or other soil-borne pests having a heated metal roller having surface-mounted blades to heat the soil to a desired temperature and depth sufficient to effect control of the relevant species in the soil under the roller. The roller is heated with one or more burners firing across the surface of the roller. The apparatus further includes a heat exchanger through which the combustion products generated by the burner or burners are exhausted and in which the combustion air is preheated. In accordance with one embodiment, the heat exchanger condenses water vapor in the combustion products which water vapor, together with any water that evaporates from the soil during heating, may be captured and returned to the soil.

Abstract: An herbicide delivery device comprises a cane-type structure that applies herbicide directly to unwanted foliage, comprising an ergonomic handle at a top end and a dauber mechanism at a bottom end further comprising a rotating spherical foam rubber applicator. An interior of the cane structure houses a replaceable vessel of liquid herbicide. The dauber mechanism can be removed to access and refill the tube. The dauber dispenses a small amount of herbicide as the applicator is pressed against a surface. In use, the user walks around an outside area and directly places the foam rubber applicator against foliage to dispense the herbicide without endangering any nearby plant life. A protective cap is attached over the dauber mechanism when not in use.

Abstract: Natural fiber mulch mats are prepared from natural fibers, bicomponent fibers, and optionally other synthetic fibers, and consolidated at a temperature sufficient to melt a lower melting polymer of the polymers used to prepare the bicomponent fiber. The mulch mat may be prepared without conventional binders and without a polymer netting, yet exhibits good handling properties and superior water holding properties as compared to melting-containing products, without the drawbacks of the latter.

Abstract: The belowground tree anchoring apparatus (10) includes a blanket (12), a plurality of stakes (16), and a plurality of ties (14). The blanket (12) fits over the root ball (B) at the base of the trunk (R) of the tree (T) and has a center opening and an elongated, radial slit (22) for facilitating this arrangement. The blanket (12) has a plurality of peripheral tie attachment holes, which may be reinforced with grommets. The stakes (16) are driven into the planting hole (H) at the bottom of the hole (H), and each stake (16) is connected to the blanket by a tie (14), and each tie (14) is attached to the blanket (12) at one of the peripheral grommets. When the ties (14) are fully tensioned, the blanket (12) holds the root ball (B) tightly to the ground.

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.