Abstract: Apparatus for securing weighted plates to a barbell or dumbbell, and a method of use thereof. A mounting subassembly includes an actuator for expanding and retracting the mounting subassembly, and a mount for securing the mounting subassembly to an edge of a sleeve or handlebar of the barbell or dumbbell. A locking subassembly is disposed about the mounting subassembly in a collapsed state. Weighted plates may be placed over the mounting subassembly and locking subassembly on the barbell or dumbbell sleeve when both are in their retracted and collapsed states, respectively. The locking subassembly is expandable to a diameter larger than the barbell or dumbbell sleeve via engagement of the actuator to expand the mounting subassembly. The locking subassembly may then slide up the sleeve, and rest against the weighted plates to secure them in place on the barbell or dumbbell.

Abstract: A clamping device for securely engaging one or more objects through an application of pressure. The clamping device includes a primary member having opposed interior and exterior surfaces. The primary member has a generally cylindrical shape such that the interior surface defines a generally circular space about a center point of the primary member. The clamping device can receive an elongated member through the generally circular space circumscribed by the primary member. The primary member is adapted for clamping and releasing such that the clamping device may releasably engage the elongated member. The elongated member is securely retained by the clamping device through the application of pressure.

Abstract: A toilet seat tightening kit is provided that includes a screwdriver, a wrench, and one or more washers. The components of the toilet seat tightening kit can be joined or fitted together to provide a unitary (i.e., single) component for storage. The components can be easily separated for use. The components of the toilet seat tightening kit are used with one or more pairs of a bolt and a nut that are commonly provided with a toilet seat to securely install the toilet seat on a toilet base. In an assembled form, the washers fit over a shaft of the screwdriver, and the shaft of the screwdriver snaps into an interior cavity of the wrench. The interior cavity is sized and shaped to contain the washers and the screwdriver shaft.

Abstract: A connector comprises a base, a gate, and a locking mechanism. The base forms an opening. The gate is slidably operatively connected to the base and spans the opening. The locking member has an engaging position and a releasing position. The engaging position secures the gate to the base, and the releasing position allows the gate to be moved relative to the base.

Abstract: A camera system is configured to detachably couple to a camera mount, which in turn can be attached to an apparatus. The camera mount is a spring clamp including two arms, each include a handle component and a jaw component. The spring clamp can be attached to an apparatus when the two jaw components are closed around the apparatus. A strap is adjustably coupled to the spring clamp and is tightened around the apparatus to further secure the apparatus. In some cases, a flexible neck is fastened to the camera mount, and the camera system is detachably coupled to the flexible neck. This allows a mounted camera system to be situated at any desired angle for taking photographs.

Abstract: A fixture includes an elongated rod, a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are assembled with the elongated rod. The second jaw has a pivotal portion and a grip. A trigger is connected outside the pivotal portion. A front chamber is formed in the pivotal portion for receiving a plurality of clasping pieces and a restoring spring penetrated by the elongated rod. The restoring spring pushes the clasping pieces to synchronously drive a push rod connected to the trigger. Each of the clasping pieces is formed with a groove facing the restoring spring. The restoring spring is formed with a guiding section bent toward the clasping pieces. The guiding section is disposed in the groove to guide the second jaw to advance smoothly.

Abstract: A fixture for mounting a vehicle-mounted article on a louver of car air conditioner outlet includes an elongated body having first and second ratchet teeth, back and front sliding pieces including first and second pawl teeth resiliently engaging the first and second ratchet teeth, first and second releasing members configured to release the first and second pawl teeth and ratchet teeth from an engaged state, and first and second hooks capable of hooking louver front and back ends, respectively. The back sliding piece is slidable to the body proximal end side when the first ratchet teeth are engaged with the first pawl teeth. The front sliding piece is slidable to the body distal end side when the second ratchet teeth are engaged with the second pawl teeth.

Abstract: A clip 10 is provided for the retention of cables or wiring 44 in electrical installation trunking 46. The clip 10 has a first member 12 and a second member 14, which are coupled together in a sliding relationship. In use, the clip 10 slides apart, extending across the open face 50 of the trunking 46 until the lateral ends of the clip abut against an internal side wall 52 of the trunking 46. Cooperating locking strips (26, 40, see FIGS. 3 and 4) act to lock the relative positions of the first 12 and second 14 members and to prevent the clip 10 from falling out of the trunking 46.

Abstract: A bracket is disclosed for mounting an electrical box on a mounting bar. The bracket comprises a front jaw and a rear jaw. The jaws are movable toward an open position for allowing movement of the bracket relative to the mounting bar and toward a closed position for gripping the mounting bar at a selected position along the mounting bar. The jaws are biased toward the closed position. An electrical box is attached to the front jaw. In one embodiment, the front jaw, rear jaw and a spring for urging the jaws closed are integrally formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: A device for mounting hunting decoys, bird deterrents, trail cameras, and the like to support surfaces.

Abstract: A bracket is disclosed for mounting an electrical box on a mounting bar. The bracket comprises a front jaw and a rear jaw. The jaws are movable toward an open position for allowing movement of the bracket relative to the mounting bar and toward a closed position for gripping the mounting bar at a selected position along the mounting bar. The jaws are biased toward the closed position. An electrical box is attached to the front jaw. In one embodiment, the front jaw, rear jaw and a spring for urging the jaws closed are integrally formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: A universal cradle apparatus having a pair of substantially rigid jaw structures each configured with a flange structure having a substantially planar mounting surface adapted for being secured to respective cooperating male and female portions of a clamping mechanism formed of telescoping male linear drive shaft and mating female linear drive channel. One of the two jaw structures is configured with an inclined interior clamping surface that is projected above the respective flange structure and in resiliently flexible relationship therewith. The jaw structures are mounted on the respective drive shaft and drive channel each having its respective interior clamping surface facing toward the clamping surface of the other jaw. A threaded fastener secures the male drive shaft in the mating female drive channel of the clamping mechanism, thereby permitting linear adjustment of the two jaw structures along a linear drive axis of the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A clip for securing a part, having a body portion having a first wall surface and a supporting surface adjacent the first wall surface, a retaining arm connected to the body, the retaining arm comprising a second wall surface opposite the first wall surface, an engaging portion at the distal end of the retaining arm, and an engaging surface on the engaging portion generally opposite the supporting surface. The first and second wall surfaces cooperate to define a groove that is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the part therein. The retaining arm is moveable between an open position wherein the portion of the part may be received in the groove, and a locked position wherein the engaging surface at least partially overhangs the groove and the engaging surface and the supporting surface cooperate so as to retain the portion of the part when received within the groove.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular clamping systems and methods for use. A modular clamping system may be configured to mount a variety of accessories to a portion of tubing. The modular clamping system may utilize multiple strap clamp portions having different clamping diameters in order to mount an accessory to tubing of various diameters.

Abstract: A clamp has a body including an open-ended slot to receive and retain a planar object. The slot includes a protective layer of deformable material and a force distribution plate of rigid material located between an internal wall of the slot and the protective layer. The planar object need not include attachment apertures, and may be made of glass.

Abstract: A retaining device (1) for ventilation tubes (5) has two gripping jaws (2, 3), which can be locked into each other by means of a rack (11). The lower gripping jaw (3) can be attached to a stretcher via a bracket (6).

Abstract: A sternal closure device including impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a resiliently tensioned catch member with angularly disposed teeth like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The catch member further serves as a stabilizing structure with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release.

Abstract: A hang tag to be suspended from a chain below the neck or attached to the shirt pocket of a wearer so as to enable the wearer to reliably carry a pair of glasses, or the like, at times when the glasses are not in use such as, for example, while exercising, bathing, enjoying the beach or, in the case of sunglasses, in cloudy conditions. The hang tag includes an elongated body having a longitudinally extending track formed therethrough. A thumb operated adjustable push pad is located in and slidable along the track. One arm of the pair of glasses to be carried is moved through the track and folded over the bottom edge thereof. A pushing force is then applied to the adjustable push pad to cause the push pad to slide axially along the track and into engagement with the hinge that connects the folded arm to the frame of the glasses. Accordingly, the push pad exerts a clamping force on the hinge to prevent the unintended removal of the eyeglasses from the hang tag.

Abstract: A differential lock actuating arrangement comprises a pedal assembly including a substantially elongate member, mounting means to mount the said elongate member on the chassis of a vehicle, means to connect the said elongate member to a differential lock actuator, rotating means to rotate the said substantially elongate member about its longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting means mounts the said elongate member for movement between a first differential lock engaging position and a second differential lock disengaging position, and wherein the arrangement further comprises biasing means to hold the elongate member in one of the said first and second positions.

Abstract: A device for enabling attachment of a shoplifting detection tag to an article to be protected includes a first attachment rod having an eyelet at one end, a center portion having a bend, and a straight portion at the opposite end from the eyelet suitable for insertion into a clutch mechanism of a shoplifting detection tag; and a second attachment rod having an eyelet at one end, a center portion having a bend, and a straight portion at the opposite end from the eyelet. The first and second attachment rods and the eyelets thereof are of such relative dimensions that the first and second attachment rods may be fitted together to encompass a portion of the article to be protected by passing the straight portion of the first rod through the eyelet of the second rod and by passing the straight portion of the second rod through the eyelet of the first rod, while allowing the straight portion of the first rod to be inserted into the clutch mechanism of the shoplifting detection tag.

Abstract: A safety clamp for mounting on wires of an animal trap to hold the trap against inadvertent actuation comprises a pair of flat plates arranged in spaced parallel position and squeezable together against resistance from a coil spring positioned there between. Each plate carries a hook member with a straight portion having one end welded to the respective squeeze plate and extending therefrom at a right angle through a hole in the other squeeze plates to a hook portion beyond the other squeeze plate. The hook members are parallel and closely spaced so that the coil spring is wrapped around the two hook members in their position between the squeeze plates. Two further hook portions are mounted on one side of the squeeze plates and extend inwardly between the squeeze plates. The hook portions are engaged over wires of the trap and are held in place by the spring action pulling the hook portions together.

Abstract: An awning wind protector apparatus and method of preventing flapping of the center extended sides of an awning is disclosed, whereby an adjustable clamping arrangement can be firmly, and adjustably enclosed around the outward extending awning support arm of an awning for a recreational vehicle, or other awning use, and having two clamping surfaces extending inwardly from the support arm, and clamping onto the upper, and lower surface of the awning, and located somewhat in the center of the sides of the extended awning, said clamping means preventing the flapping of the center section of the sides of the extended, or, unrolled awning.

Abstract: A cargo clamp for a van, the van having cargo space defined by a floor, upwardly extending sidewalls and a roof. The cargo clamp comprises a transverse track that extends between the sidewalls below the roof and is supported below the roof and is held in place by side rails on each side. A clamp is attached to the track and is movable along the side rails between the sidewalls. The clamp also includes a downwardly extending brace that engages and restrains sheet material that is positioned on edge in the cargo space. The clamp includes a handle and bolt for engagement in a threaded hole for securing the clamp to the track at a selected position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for locking an object against a stop on a shaft, bar or the like. The device comprises a sleeve with a bore conformed to the shaft, and a ring movably connected to the sleeve in the axial direction and also having a bore conformed to the shaft. A member is arranged in the sleeve and adapted to act on the ring in such a manner that the ring is fixed in an inclined position relative to the shaft, and thereafter to move the sleeve away from the ring along the shaft so that the sleeve will urge the object against the stop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid-action holder for sheet-like objects.While there is no lack of means for affixing sheet-like, nonrigid or semi-rigid material to wall or other surfaces, the application of such means--nails, drawing pins, adhesive tape, staples and the like--is not only time consuming, but the very act of applying such means, and frequently also the removal thereof, is liable to cause damage to both the wall surface and the sheet-like material.

Abstract: A clamp for holding an object in working relationship with a work surface. The object may be a calculator or the like and the work surface may be a clipboard or the like.