Abstract: A rod holder is mounted on an upright or a horizontal structure to hold a rod, such as a fishing rod. A latch is pivotally mounted on a base with a pivot pin. The rod is received in a latch aperture to pivot the latch closed. The rod is removed from the latch aperture to pivot the latch open. An arcuate slot in the base or the latch is centered about the pivot axis. A limit pin is received in the arcuate slot to stop the latch in the open and closed positions. A base magnet and a latch magnet follow arcuate paths of the same radius. The latch magnet will pass over the base magnet as the latch pivots. Like poles of the base magnet and the latch magnet repel one another to hold the latch open or closed.

Abstract: A billiard cue storage assembly for storing a chalking a plurality of billiard sticks includes a stand that has an upper disk spaced from a lower disk. Each of the upper disk and the lower disk has a plurality of holes therein for insertably receiving a billiard cue. Additionally, each of the holes in the lower disk insertably receives a cube of billiard chalk. A rotation disk is rotatably coupled to the lower disk and the rotation disk has a slot therein. The slot is alignable with a respective one of the holes in the lower disk to facilitate the cube of billiard chalk to be urged downwardly out of the respective hole in the lower disk. A plurality of feet is each coupled to the lower disk to support the lower disk above a support surface.

Abstract: A laboratory pipette stand for use with single channel and multi-channel pipettes in a laboratory environment is disclosed. The laboratory stand includes a unitary structure having an angular longitudinal planar body and a supporting base portion. A first tier of a plurality of outwardly projecting pronged sections having a plurality of concave sections therebetween is formed at an upper portion of the unitary structure. A second tier of a plurality of outwardly projecting pronged sections having a plurality of concave sections therebetween is formed at a middle portion of the unitary structure. The first and second tiers are configured for holding a plurality of single channel and multi-channel laboratory pipettes thereto. At least one elongated opening is formed in the angular longitudinal planar body from the middle portion to a lower portion of the unitary structure such that the at least one elongated opening is configured for receiving a manifold of the multi-channel laboratory pipette therethrough.

Abstract: A hose retainer stand is described. The retainer stand supports and organizes collections of hoses or other flexible members. In many applications, the retainer stand elevates hoses above ground to thereby reduce potential for damage to the hoses. Also described are methods of retaining and supporting hoses by use of the retainer stands.

Abstract: A housing type golf simulation apparatus and features the housing that the internal space is available having front, rear, upper and left/right side; monitor installation section which is provided backward in the rear side direction from the said front housing so that the monitor can be seated in the said front housing; golf simulation computer which is provided in the said internal space; and the monitor to be seated in the said monitor installation section. Thus, it is advantageous to implement various additional functions in the housing while installing, managing and moving the entire golf simulation apparatus in an integrated module.

Abstract: A wall mountable hockey equipment rack is provided having a unitary, molded structure having an open channel and opposing upper support portions for supporting at least one inverted hockey stick therein. The upper support portions include at least one flared surface for supporting the upper curved edge of a hockey stick blade. Along the lower, lateral sides of the device is disposed a pair of cup-like holding members for receiving hockey pucks, equipment tape, and other equipment therein. Along the forward portion of the cup-like holding members is an upstanding equipment hook for supporting suspended items therefrom, such as hockey garments, tied-together ice skates, and other equipment that can be suspended from a hook-like structure. The open channel includes a back wall member having a plurality of fastener apertures therethrough for mounting the equipment rack against a planar wall surface during deployment.

Abstract: A billiards cue holder includes a body that defines at least one receiving groove sized to receive a billiards cue. In some aspects, each receiving groove includes a portion positioned toward the body at a receiving angle, which may increase a contact area with a cue leaned into the receiving groove. In some aspects, the body includes a mounting face that includes a concave portion. The concave portion is elastically deformable relative to a mounting surface to provide a holding force between the holder and the mounting surface. In some aspects, the holder comprises an elastomer material have a Shore A durometer between about 15 and about 55. Additionally, a method for securing a billiards cue in the holder includes positioning the holder on a mounting surface, applying pressure to deform a concave portion of a mounting face, and leaning a cue into the receiving groove.

Abstract: The self-mounting shelf with a light includes a base, an overhead light, and a shelf. The base attaches to a wall or vertical surface via at least one of adhesives, nylon hook and loop strips, or mounting screws. The self-mounting shelf with a light is designed to be positioned adjacent to an electrical wall outlet in order to ensure ease of access to an electrical supply for the overhead light. The shelf may be substituted with alternate designs designed to accommodate a plurality of needs.

Abstract: The pool cue clamp is a spring squeeze clamp having sturdy, flexible fingers extending therefrom for holding pool cues. The fingers are rotatable within the clamp and can be configured to comply with horizontal, vertical or angular surfaces. The pool cue clamp holds up to five cue sticks in a vertical position.

Abstract: A convertible back bar is provided. In one embodiment, a convertible back bar comprises a mirror, a body configured to support the mirror, a shelf, and a billiard ball storage tray. The shelf and the billiard ball storage tray are interchangibly attachable to upper and lower ends of the body. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A pool clip for detachably connecting to a support surface may include a first clamp holding member for clamping to the support surface, a second clamp holding member for cooperating with the first clamp holding member for clamping to the support surface, a biasing device for biasing the first clamp holding member and the second clamp holding member, and each of the first clamp holding member and the second clamp holding member having a billiard cue holding surface adapted for holding multiple billiard cues of varying diameters and lengths. The first clamp holding member may include an aperture for cooperating with an insert member, and the insert member may include a depression area adapted for cooperating with a cue ball.

Abstract: A cue holder includes a shelf having a major surface configured to be mounted facing upward. The shelf includes an opening extending through the shelf from the major surface to another major surface in a direction perpendicular to the major surfaces. The opening also extends from an outside perimeter. The opening is configured to receive a cue through the opening extending from the outside perimeter. The shelf is configured to support the entire weight of the received cue within the opening.

Abstract: A cue holder includes a shelf having a major surface configured to be mounted facing upward. The shelf includes an opening extending through the shelf from the major surface to another major surface in a direction perpendicular to the major surfaces. The opening also extends from an outside perimeter. The opening is configured to receive a cue through the opening extending from the outside perimeter. The shelf is configured to support the entire weight of the received cue within the opening.

Abstract: The pool cue clamp is a spring squeeze clamp having sturdy, flexible fingers extending therefrom for holding pool cues. The fingers are rotatable within the clamp and can be configured to comply with horizontal, vertical or angular surfaces. The pool cue clamp holds up to five cue sticks in a vertical position.

Abstract: A billiards cue holder includes a body that defines at least one receiving groove sized to receive a billiards cue. In some aspects, each receiving groove includes a portion positioned toward the body at a receiving angle, which may increase a contact area with a cue leaned into the receiving groove. In some aspects, the body includes a mounting face that includes a concave portion. The concave portion is elastically deformable relative to a mounting surface to provide a holding force between the holder and the mounting surface. In some aspects, the holder comprises an elastomer material have a Shore A durometer between about 15 and about 55. Additionally, a method for securing a billiards cue in the holder includes positioning the holder on a mounting surface, applying pressure to deform a concave portion of a mounting face, and leaning a cue into the receiving groove.

Abstract: An improved display rack for storing two-piece billiard cues comprises a support frame assembly attached to the front side of a back panel intended to be vertically disposed and adapted for mounting on a wall surface. The support frame assembly includes a base ledge member for supporting the butt section of each cue in a standing position and an upper ledge member formed with slotted openings to engage the collar end of each standing butt section, holding each butt section in substantially vertical position upon the base ledge member. A series of fasteners each adapted to releasably engage the collar end of the shaft section opposite to the cue tip are mounted beneath the upper ledge member to hold the shaft section of each cue in a substantially vertical and inverted attitude with the cue tip downward and suspended above the base ledge member that maintains the straightness of the shaft section and prevents warping of the cue while stored.

Abstract: A telescopic pool stick holder includes upper and lower blocks which may be disassembled for cleaning and maintenance purposes. A telescopic member is arranged between the blocks such that either block or the telescopic member may be easily replaced. Each end of the telescopic member is detachable from a respective block and replaceable.

Abstract: A cue holder having a base with an upper surface. An elongated support having an elongated extending channel open along one side ahs one end secured to the upper surface of the base so that the axis of the support intersects vertical at an acute angle and so that the channel opening opens upwardly from the base.

Abstract: Pool cue storage, display and transportation processes are provided which can include supporting a pool cue case in an upright longitudinal position with a member extendable from within the case. Pool cue cases are provided that may define a pool cue compartment having a member movably associated with the case, with the member configured to support the case when the case is in an open position.

Abstract: A rack for storing billiard balls including a base having a first engagement surface. The rack also includes an elongated billiard ball holder defining an elongated central space configured to support a plurality of billiard balls in contact with one another in a row. The billiard ball holder includes an opening to the elongated central space such that billiard balls can be inserted into the central space through the opening. The billiard ball can be tilted to roll the stored billiard balls through the opening. The billiard ball holder has a second engagement surface configured to removably engage the first engagement surface of the base and retain the billiard ball holder in a generally upright position wherein the elongated central space extends generally vertically. The billiard ball holder is removable from the base to facilitate transport of the billiard ball holder and stored balls to an associated billiards table.

Abstract: A rack assembly includes a clamp including first and second members pivotally connected to each other. The first and second members include first and second jaw portions integral therewith, and are selectively engageable with each other for removably attaching to a support surface. The clamp further includes a spring member connected to the first and second members for causing the first member to automatically move to an original position after being pivoted towards the second member. The rack assembly further includes a rack connected to the clamp and extends outwardly therefrom adjacent the first and second members. The rack may be permanently secured to the clamp or may be removably engaged with the clamp via a fastening member.

Abstract: A rack for storing billiard balls including a base having a first engagement surface. The rack also includes an elongated billiard ball holder defining an elongated central space configured to support a plurality of billiard balls in contact with one another in a row. The billiard ball holder includes an opening to the elongated central space such that billiard balls can be inserted into the central space through the opening. The billiard ball can be tilted to roll the stored billiard balls through the opening. The billiard ball holder has a second engagement surface configured to removably engage the first engagement surface of the base and retain the billiard ball holder in a generally upright position wherein the elongated central space extends generally vertically. The billiard ball holder is removable from the base to facilitate transport of the billiard ball holder and stored balls to an associated billiards table.

Abstract: A rack for storing billiard balls including a base having a first engagement surface. The rack also includes an elongated billiard ball holder defining an elongated central space configured to support a plurality of billiard balls in contact with one another in a row. The billiard ball holder includes an opening to the elongated central space such that billiard balls can be inserted into the central space through the opening. The billiard ball can be tilted to roll the stored billiard balls through the opening. The billiard ball holder has a second engagement surface configured to removably engage the first engagement surface of the base and retain the billiard ball holder in a generally upright position wherein the elongated central space extends generally vertically. The billiard ball holder is removable from the base to facilitate transport of the billiard ball holder and stored balls to an associated billiards table.

Abstract: A rack for storing billiard balls including a base having a first engagement surface. The rack also includes an elongated billiard ball holder defining an elongated central space configured to support a plurality of billiard balls in contact with one another in a row. The billiard ball holder includes an opening to the elongated central space such that billiard balls can be inserted into the central space through the opening. The billiard ball can be tilted to roll the stored billiard balls through the opening. The billiard ball holder has a second engagement surface configured to removably engage the first engagement surface of the base and retain the billiard ball holder in a generally upright position wherein the elongated central space extends generally vertically. The billiard ball holder is removable from the base to facilitate transport of the billiard ball holder and stored balls to an associated billiards table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device which includes a mounting plate, a left and a right holding element, two balls and a rear support. The mounting plate receives at least one set of the right and left holding elements at the front side thereof. The right and left holding elements fitted to the front side of the mounting plate includes two accommodations or one accommodation with a clamping plate to create a top wide while bottom narrow funnellike shape. A ball is disposed inside each of the accommodations. Only part of ball surface projects over an opening while the remaining part thereof is restricted within the inclined channel. The rear support is arranged at the front side of the mounting plate and interposed between the right and left holding elements so that the rear support and the right and left holding elements create a three-sided clamping unit. Accordingly, the present invention has advantages of simple structure, low cost, low malfunction rate and stable clamping.

Abstract: A portable cue holder comprises a bag having a strap attached at one end. The bag is filled with a discrete material such as lead pellets. The relatively heavy lead pellets will allow the bag to conform to any substantially horizontal surface. The combination of the strap and the relatively heavy lead pellets functions to support the cue in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A pool stick hanging device for straightening a warped pool stick. The pool stick hanging device includes a first bracket assembly being adapted to be suspended from a structure and including first and second stick engagement members; and also includes a second bracket assembly being adapted to engage a pool stick and including third and fourth stick engagement members.

Abstract: A portable cue holder comprises a bag having a strap attached at one end. The bag is filled with a discrete material such as lead pellets. The relatively heavy lead pellets will allow the bag to conform to any substantially horizontal surface. The combination of the strap and the relatively heavy lead pellets functions to support the cue in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A pool cue holder attachment for holding pool cues to the side of a table. Included is a base block having a plurality of spaced apart bores extending between the top and bottom sides of the base block. The base block also has a plurality slots with each slot extending between the front side of the base block and an associated bore of the base block. A cover member for covering the ends and sides of the base block. A pair of clamp members are coupled to the cover member, the clamp members is adapted for detachable attachment to a side of a table.

Abstract: An illuminating cue stick rack made up of a rack frame and a lighting system built into or attached onto the rack frame. The lighting system is electrically connectable to a power supply such as a wall outlet and includes provision for selective illumination by a customer to request customer assistance.

Abstract: A holder which is especially adapted for use with pool cues comprises first, second, third and fourth fastener strips made of hook and loop (e.g., Velcro.RTM. brand) fastener strips joined in interlocking fashion. Each strip has an adhesive side and a fastener side, and the strips are attached to each other in interlocking fashion using the adhesive side of each strip. Accordingly, the holder is in a T-shaped configuration, and the first and second fastener strips are disposed generally parallel to each other and are generally perpendicular to both the third and fourth fastener strips. Additionally, parallel strips have opposite type fasteners (i.e., one strip has hook-type fasteners and the other has loop-type fasteners). In operation, a fifth fastener strip is adhesively attached to a stable surface. One of the fastener strips of the holder is then attached to the fifth fastener strip.

Abstract: The holder is designed to hold fishing rods, poles or pool cues for storage when transporting or when not in use. Our designed holder is free standing and basically consists of very few components. There are five major parts. First a foundation plate (14). This is the bottom plate of the holder. Second, a turntable assembly (18) that allows holder to rotate in a circular manner. Third, a base plate (24) that fastens to turntable assembly (18). The base plate (24) has a number of recesses (26) to support bottoms of stored items. Fourth, a rod or post (32) that is recessed into base plate (24) and top plate (34). Fifth, a top plate (34) that has the same number of recesses as base plate (24). Here the top ends of rods or cues are locked into place by a recess closure lock (42). Holder being upright in design with a larger foundation plate (14) than top plate (34) it will not fall over easily. To use and operate this holder is very simple. Place the bottom end of rod or cue into the base plate recess (26).

Abstract: A cue holder including an upper member and a lower member having a plurality of rubber lined holders for cues and having a set of aligned jaws for removable attachment to a table. The jaws are adjusted by a threaded knob received in a horizontal opening in the lower jaw and on to a threaded bolt. As the knob is rotated, the lower jaw moves up and down relative to the upper jaw. A peg may be secured in the upper jaw and slidingly received in the lower jaw to prevent rotation of the jaws relative to each other.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for use with pool cues and cone chalk. The storage apparatus includes a housing having upper and lower ends and a substantially vertical surface between the upper and lower ends. An upper member is attached to the upper end of the housing. The upper member has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. An intermediate member is attached to the housing below the upper member. The intermediate member has a plurality of openings extending therethrough corresponding to the plurality of openings in the upper member. The plurality of openings in the intermediate members are substantially vertically positioned below the plurality of openings in the upper member. A rod is attached to the upper member for locating the cone chalk. The openings in the upper and intermediate members are sized to receive a pool cue.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for preventing vane jams in cigarette hoppers. The apparatus and method of the invention are characterized by a plurality of curved elements or guides extending from the back to the front of the hopper. The guides help straighten cigarettes that have become slightly skewed in relation to cigarettes that are correctly positioned in the hopper. The guides also prevent cigarettes that have become skewed to a greater extent or turned perpendicular to correctly positioned cigarettes in a hopper from reaching the vanes of the hopper and causing jam or blockages of the vanes. The guides stop the descent through the hopper of mispositioned cigarettes and cause such cigarettes to slide toward either the front or back wall of the hopper for removal.

Abstract: A portable holder for a billiard cue having a base end and a shaft. The portable holder includes a clamp for removable attachment to a table, ledge or the like. A flexible resilient member is capable of surrounding the circumference of the shaft, so that the base end of the cue may be placed on a floor or other surface and the shaft of the cue may be inserted into the member for retention.

Abstract: A holder for supporting an elongated object, such as a billiard/pool cue, in a generally upright position. The holder in one embodiment includes a body formed of a resilient flexible material molded as a single piece. The holder includes first and second normally co-planar side walls, each formed of a central leg and two spaced end legs. First and second flexible coupler members are joined to and extend between opposite ones of the end legs of the first and second side walls. Outward movement of the first and second coupler members away from each other as the body is urged over a support surface causes the first and second side walls to pivot inward to form a channel between the first and second side walls and the support surface for supporting an elongated object in a generally upright position. In an alternate embodiment, a planar wall member is releasably engageable between the side walls of the holder when the side walls are inwardly pivoted toward each other.

Abstract: A holder for supporting an elongated object, such as a billiard/pool cue, in a generally upright position. The holder in one embodiment includes a body formed of a resilient flexible material molded as a single piece. The holder includes first and second normally co-planar side walls, each formed of a central leg and two spaced end legs. First and second flexible coupler members are joined to and extend between opposite ones of the ends legs of the first and second side walls. Outward movement of the first and second coupler members away from each other as the body is urged over a support surface causes the first and second side walls to pivot inward to form a channel between the first and second side walls and the support surface for supporting an elongated object in a generally upright position. In other embodiments, the body is formed of two pivotally interconnected, rigid, planar strips having article support members formed at one end and clamp members at an opposite end.

Abstract: A hanger for pool cues, billiard cues and the like which is insertable and removable from a rack. The hanger has an elongated cue holding portion with a pocket at the bottom and a removable strap near the top. The hanger member fits into a slot and, preferably, is a T-shaped hanger member, and a turnable disk may be positioned behind the slot.

Abstract: Cooperative supports for fishing rods and the like wherein upwardly open U-shaped and V-shaped members are individually swiveled on vertically mounted axes, the U-shaped member being resilient with detents of varied size for the reception of a range of rod diameters at one end thereof, and the V-shaped member being rigid and with a rack and pinion manually operable and held by detent action to engage and snub a range of rod diameters at the other end thereof, the two dissimilar supports releasably securing the handle at said one end and the tip portion at said other end of the rod for its safe storage.

Abstract: A rack for an elongated implement, particularly a billiards cue has a lower base member and an upper side support. The bottom end of the implement can rest on the base member while the implement is supported at the side thereof by the side support. The base member provides a low friction support surface and the implement can be moved into and out of engagement with the side support while its bottom end remains in moving engagement with the low friction support surface.

Abstract: A billiards cue holder including a coil spring, the opposite ends of which form depending arms terminating in a pair of opposed jaw elements having opposed soft resilient gripping surfaces for gripping the tip portion of a billiards cue. Means for mounting the coil spring at an elevated position upon a fixed support so that the opposed jaw elements will freely suspend the billiards cue in an operative position.

Abstract: A billiards cue holder having a fixed jaw element and a movable jaw element threadedly secured to the fixed jaw element for gripping the tip portion of a billiard cue and freely suspending the cue from the holder.

Abstract: A cue holder including an elongated mounting block, to which are secured in a horizontally spaced arrangement, a plurality of flexible loops projecting from the face of the mounting block, and an annular washer surrounding the legs of each loop for slidable movement toward and away from a cue suspended within said loop.