Abstract: A novel securing device includes a frame having an anchor, a tether coupled to the anchor, and an attachment device coupled to the frame. The attachment device is configured to facilitate selective attachment to a planar surface. In a particular embodiment, the attachment device is a magnetic attachment device. Optionally, the magnetic attachment device is encased between the frame and a cover that prevents scratching of the planar surface to which the device is secured. In another particular embodiment, the attachment device is a suction cup. The magnetic attachment device and the suction cup may be interchangeable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding a container on the apparatus, whereby the container is adapted to include various liquids, including paint, and to automatically tilt when the liquids in the container are reduced to a pre-determined weight. The apparatus includes a top plate, a hinge assembly, and a bottom plate, whereby the top plate is hingedly coupled to the bottom plate by the hinge assembly. A leg extends outwardly away from the bottom plate, whereby the leg is coplanar with the bottom plate. A hook connected to a top end of a bungee cord extends from a top surface of the top plate, and retaining wall protrudes upwardly from the top plate, whereby the retaining wall extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the top plate. The container is positioned on the top plate and at least partially enclosed by the retaining wall.

Abstract: A shapeable support stand for items such as portable phones and cameras includes a shapeable backing member, a footer member and a spacer member therebetween, the spacer member providing a channel between the backing member and the footer member which is open at both ends and thus can accommodate items having widths greater than that of the support stand. The support stand can be made from a single piece of pliable fabric which is sewn to provide all three members, with the pliable fabric of the backing member containing a shapeable filler such as beads. The pliable fabric is advantageously microsuade, and the footer member can contain an elongated insert such as a tube of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam.

Abstract: A symmetrical, balanced receptacle for storing, displaying or transporting goods, materials, people, plants or animals is suspended from a double-axis gimbal mounted on a framework. The receptacle is attached to the gimbal by adjustable bearings and a locking mechanism holds the receptacle in various positions, tilted forward or back, and swiveled to one side or the other. When the receptacle is unlocked, gravity holds it level, which is especially useful when the device is used to hold or transport cargo on sloping ground, turbulent water or shifting air currents. The framework may be stationary or attached to a wheeled vehicle, water craft, aircraft or other means of transport.

Abstract: A mounting bracket arrangement for fastening a solar array to a vertical support pipe, including a generally horizontal support disk seated transversely across the pipe end to close the interior thereof, and a pair of parallel vertical bracket plates having corresponding lower edge portions each containing pairs of parallel vertical slots that define a center section and a pair of side sections. The vertical bracket plates are arranged normal to the horizontal support plate such that the center sections extend into the pipe interior via horizontal linear openings contained in the horizontal plate, and the side sections extend longitudinally externally of the horizontal support plate for connection by external fastener devices. The solar array is pivotally connected between the upper portions of the vertical bracket plates for angular adjustment relative to the support pipe.

Abstract: Pan and tilt systems are provided. Pan and tilt systems illustratively include a pan hobby servo motor having a splined output shaft. The splined output shaft rotates about an axis of rotation. In an embodiment, an angular position of the splined output shaft is controlled based at least in part on a coded input signal and an external potentiometer. A pan auxiliary gear is illustratively rotatably coupled to the hobby servo motor splined output shaft. The pan auxiliary gear has an axis of rotation that is approximately parallel to the splined output shaft axis of rotation. In an embodiment, a tilt system is functionally engaged to the pan auxiliary gear such that rotation of the pan auxiliary gear is translated to the tilt system.

Abstract: An adjustable stand, for supporting a device having a lateral surface defining a number of recessed portions, includes a base, a rotating frame, and two connecting axles. The rotating frame includes a chassis and two opposing arms extending arcuately and upward from the chassis, wherein the chassis is rotatably connected to the base. The two connecting axles are rotatably connected to the two opposing arms, respectively. Each of the two connecting axles includes at least one elastic protrusion fitting into one of the plurality of recessed portions, and connecting the device to the two connecting axles, wherein the at least one elastic protrusion is able to deform to allow the device to rotatably connect with the two connecting axles.

Abstract: A paint pump and cart having a movable carriage to enable tilting of the paint pump secured to the carriage via a pivot mechanism without tilting the remainder of cart. A latching mechanism having a spring biased pin received in one of a pair of apertures provides selective retention of the carriage in an operating or loading position and the latching mechanism is operable to release the carriage to move between the operating and loading positions.

Abstract: A nail polish bottle holder device for adjustably supporting and tilting a bottle of nail polish providing a non-slip base having an outside edge and a pivotable stand permanently attached near the outside edge. The stand has a hollow cylindrical pivotal attachment pivotally attached thereto, an extender arm extending inside the pivotal attachment, and a holding ring pivotally attached to the extender arm. The substantially toroid-shaped holding ring has a flat non-slip internal wall. The internal wall, as well as the base, may be formed from cork, rubber, or high-density foam.

Abstract: A support mechanism includes a base assembly and a hinge assembly. The base assembly includes a first cover and a second cover attached to the first cover. The first cover forms two first locking members and the second cover forms two restriction members. The hinge assembly includes a bracket and two pivot units rotatably connected to the bracket. The bracket includes a fixing portion and two connecting portions extending from opposite sides of the fixing portion. The first locking members are latched with the fixing portion of the bracket, and the restriction members engage the first locking members to prevent the first locking members from moving.

Abstract: A pouring assistance device and method for pouring the contents from a container removably secured to the device. The device includes a base, and a support platform pivotally mounted to the base for supporting the container removably placed on the support platform. One or more tilt handles are mounted to the base for tilting the support platform. A restraining guide attached to the support platform secures the container on the support platform when the support platform is tilted.

Abstract: A material handling cart to assist one person in handling large sheets of material such as sheets of plywood and easily transport said sheets to a machine for machining or other operations. With the tilting table feature in the vertical position it will easily transport a large sheet of material through a walkthrough door 32 inches or wider. Arriving at said machine or workbench, two of the four casters can be locked, the table tilted flat and said material can be slid off the cart into the machine or onto the bench. It was designed for the home workshop or small cabinet shop, but obviously would work well in many other applications. It is also convenient for unloading materials from a pickup truck and transporting to a storage rack or other storage units.

Abstract: A pouring device comprising a generally flat base for supporting a bucket; two support bars to which the base is perpendicularly attached; a bucket bar curved outwardly from and attached to the support bars above the base; two support legs, wherein a first support bar is pivotally attached to a first support leg and a second support bar is pivotally attached to a second support leg; a foot attached to each of the support legs for stabilizing the support legs in a vertical position; a pivot handle extending upwardly from a support bar for allowing the pivoting of the base; and a stop plate attached to a support bar opposite the first bucket bar and extending outwardly past a leg support, wherein the stop plate functions to prevent the base from pivoting in a second direction.

Abstract: A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A primary means of restraining the tank on the cradle is provided along with a backup means should the primary means fail for any reason. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle up to 27 inches from the floor surface. An onboard battery with an integrated battery charger provides power to the linear actuator. A compact base with swivel casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The compact size of the hoist allows it to operate in confined spaces.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides for rotation about two axes orthogonal to each other includes a gimbal having two arms adjoining a portion that is mounted to a base for rotation about a first axis. A shaft defining a second axis orthogonal to the first pivotally couples a mounting plate to the arms. The mounting plate has an arcuate edge with first and second parallel grooves therein adapted to receiving a drive cable. A drive cable that is engaged with a drive pulley is aligned by at least one idler pulley with the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. The drive cable has opposing free ends that are received in the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. A motor is coupled to the drive pulley for controlling the drive cable travel, to accordingly rotate the mounting plate to provide for orientating a device in a desired direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring water to a bottled water dispenser preferably comprises a wand assembly, a cover assembly and a water bottle transport assembly. The wand assembly engages a neck of a non-inverted water bottle and includes a bent, rigid first conduit and a second conduit which preferably surrounds the first conduit. A flow of water from the water bottle passes along the first conduit in response to the introduction of pressurized air via the second conduit from a pressurized air source in the cover assembly. The water bottle transport assembly preferably supports the water bottle at a suitable, non-inverted angle, and includes a rigid frame supporting at least one wheel and a rotatable cradle. The cradle comprises first and second support arms configured to contactingly support the bottle, and rotates with respect to the frame during movement of the transport assembly to place the bottle at the desired non-inverted angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotatable link, which may be incorporated in an upright. The upright may be used in connection with a support for a card terminal. The rotatable link may be characterized as a rotary friction link. Compressive forces caused by a mechanical tension in a pipe are transferred via two first objects to a second object clamped between them. The two first objects are secured and partly built into the pipe, and the second object is rotatable relative to the pipe. The second object constitutes a rotatable link part on which a plate may be welded to provide an upright.

Abstract: A pourable cooking receptacle construction (10) that includes an open framework member (20) having a base (21) and a pair of support arms (24) wherein, each support arm is provided with a mounting post (40) and a cooking pot member (30) having a pair of cylindrical collar members (50) connected on opposite sides of the cooking pot member (30) by axle elements (51) wherein, the collar members (50) are further provided with locking levers (54) that engage the mounting posts (40) so that the cooking pot member (30) can be raised and lowered relative to the mounting posts (40) and pivoted about the axle elements (51).

Abstract: The auger stand includes a vertical cavity (a “holding container”) adapted to receive the auger, and to hold it in a substantially vertical position which facilitates the connection and disconnection to and from a tractor. When the auger is held upright in a vertical position, a single operator may connect the boom assembly and the drive shaft of the auger assembly to appropriate connections carried by the tractor. This can be done without lifting the weight of the auger as would be necessary if the auger is placed in a horizontal position when disconnected. After use, the auger may be disconnected from the tractor and maintained in an upright position, relieving the operator from the task of having to lower the auger to the ground.

Abstract: A holder for a nail polish bottle that allows the bottle to be tipped at any angle wanted by the user and that allows viewing of an applicator extracting polish from the bottle. It has a fixed post attached to a base that stabilizes the holder against unwanted motion during use. There is a pivoting post also. The top of the fixed post and the bottom of the pivoting post form a ball and socket joint that allows the pivoting post to tilt at any angle wanted by a user. The pivoting post is attached to a spring-loaded clip. The clip contains arms with non-slip inner surfaces. The arms have an arcuate hollow elliptical oval shape that allows the user to view the transferring of polish to the applicator so that a proper amount is transferred. The clip is opened by pressing its lever portions together to stress the spring. When the pressure on the lever portions ceases, the arcuate arms close to hold the bottle securely.

Abstract: A support system for attaching a cooking apparatus to a vehicle is disclosed. The support system includes a support defining an axis between first and second ends. The first end of the support is configured for attachment to the vehicle. The support system further includes a member connected toward the second end of and extending upwardly from the support. Moreover, the support system includes an apparatus for connecting the cooking apparatus toward a free upper end of the member extending upwardly from the support. Such apparatus includes a mechanism for permitting the cooking apparatus to be pivoted to effect leveling of a cooking surface on the cooking apparatus.

Abstract: A tipping rack, especially for large heavy duty liquid detergent containers. The tipping rack facilitates pouring the last portions of product from the container.

Abstract: A cart for transporting and supporting electronic equipment such as musical instrument amplifiers includes a wheeled open frame which defines an amplifier-receiving space therein. The frame rotatably supports an amplifier support chassis so that the support chassis is pivotable about a pivot axis for varying the angular orientation of a piece of equipment supported on the support chassis. The support chassis includes inner and outer members telescopingly interconnected for adjusting the depth of the support chassis. A fulcrum bar rotatably supported by the frame is affixed to the support chassis for providing the pivotal capability to the support chassis. A locking mechanism is provided for fixing the support chassis in a selected orientation, and a restraint is attached to the frame for encircling and restraining a piece of equipment supported in the cart.

Abstract: A device for holding and selectively tipping a container of a liquid into which an implement, such as a brush, is periodically inserted, for removing a portion of the liquid contents, includes a base to be placed on a surface, a receptacle for holding the container, and a hinge joining the receptacle to the base substantially along a side of the receptacle adjacent the base when the receptacle is in upright position on the base. The receptacle can be rotated or tipped about the hinge means to tip the container held in the receptacle. The tension on the hinge is preferably adjustable to adjust the resistance to rotational movement of the hinge. The receptacle is preferably lined with a resilient and compressible material such as plastic foam so that containers of various shapes and sizes may be inserted into the receptacle and held by compressed material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carriage that slidingly supports a bait container between a pair of elongate sidewalls. The carriage embraces a slide frame and a mounting apparatus for mounting the slide frame to the side of a boat. The slide frame has a pair of elongate, spaced apart sidewalls that slidingly receive a bait container therebetween. The sidewalls are joined at the tops and bottoms thereof by respective top and bottom wall support rings. The top ring is attached to the mounting apparatus that is used to attach the present invention to the side of a boat. The mounting apparatus includes a rotation plate that is attached to the top ring and is selectively rotatable thereto so as to selectively position the sidewalls at a preferred angular position relative to the boat gunwale.

Abstract: A rotatable container-storing and selectable container-holder apparatus (10) that is designed to be used by manicurist and hobbyist. The apparatus provides convenient storage for paint and liquid containers (60) and allows a particular container (60) to be placed in a tilted position for easy access. The apparatus consists of a rod (12) that extends upwardly from the upper surface (14A) of a stationary base (14). Over the rod (12), against a lower spacer (16), is inserted a rotatable platform assembly (18) that consists of a lower platform (20) and an upper platform (22) that are separated by a center spacer (24). The upper platform contains a plurality of circular and rectangular openings (22D), (22E) into which may be inserted a container (60). On the upper end (12B) of the rod (12) is attached a container receiving and clamping assembly (30) that may be designed with a structure that provides a single-plane-arc or with an universal joint that allows multiple angular positions to be set.

Abstract: A system for bottle feeding an infant comprises a bib 14, a base 16 adapted to rest on the infant, a bottle holder 18 hingeably attached to the base 16 for securing a bottle thereto, and a bib slot 20 operatively associated with the base for frictionally engaging the bib 14 so that the bib 14 is held to the base securely for purposes of feeding an infant and can be slid in and out of the slot means as desired. Pressure sensitive adhesive strips 31 and 33 may be added to bib 14 to hold the bib 14 to the infant. The bottle holder 18 is continuously angularly adjustable along a mast 22 to finely and continuously adjust the feeding rate. One end 32 of the bottle holder 18 presents a flat edge so that the bottle holder may be placed on a flat surface to position a bottle B in an upright position when the system 10 is not in use on the infant. The base 16 is contoured to fit an infant's torso with portions 48 engaging the infant's inner thigh to support the base.

Abstract: A head care station for use with a wheelchair and a kit therefore and a method for reclining the occupant of a wheelchair against a head support. The head care station has a foundation member having a front portion and a back portion. A wheelchair jack is mounted to the front portion. The wheelchair jack has a bearing member movable between a floor position and an elevated position. A head support is connected to the back portion of the foundation member. The head support is movable between a lower position and an upper position. A bolster is connected to the back portion of the foundation member. The bolster is disposed at a vertical elevation above the elevated position of the wheelchair jack. The wheelchair jack and the bolster define between them an occupancy space.

Abstract: Many problems are encountered in photographing or photocopying bound books using current techniques. This is especially true during microfilming old and valuable books. These problems arise partially from the requirement to avoid straining the book to be photographed, especially the spine of the book, and partially from the manner in which the inner page portions are distorted when presented for photographing. A microfilm device of simple construction, which is also simple to operate, to overcome these problems, has a book cradle which can be tilted through at least a 90.degree. arc. The support walls of the book cradle stand perpendicular to one another to support the book cover thereby defining two sides of a work space.

Abstract: A work station apparatus resembling a conventional flat top desk in which is housed a cathode ray tube (CRT) type computer display terminal unit, a central processing unit (CPU) usually including the disc drive, a keyboard unit and a printer unit. The CRT display unit is mounted on support stand means for permitting movement of the CRT display unit anywhere within a three dimensional field and rotation about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

Abstract: Large tiltable and transportable storage container or bin in which valuable scrap material, such as scrap lengths of copper cable, is deposited has a "one-way" deposit opening on its top which is closed by a hinged cover and hood which obstruct access to the interior of the bin in the open, closed, and all intermediate positions of the cover. Scrap lengths of copper cable are placed on the cover when in its open position, and are deposited by upending the cover to its closed position. Deposit opening, cover and hood have particular size and location on a top plate of the bin, to facilitate loading. Top area of bin also includes an unloading opening, preferably of particular extent, which is closed by a lockable cover.

Abstract: A walker for infirm individuals with provision for supporting a cradle for a removable tray, and the tray at the front of the walker. The cradle may be arranged to swing to remain level at all times or may be rigidly secured to the walker.

Abstract: An adjustable flashlight holder is disclosed having a base member with a plurality of transverse spaced ridge elements or shaped depressions along its top surface and a bifurcated support hinged to one end to engage the flashlight at various angles. In one embodiment the arms of the support are biased toward each other sufficiently to engage the flashlight case diametrically and include an elastic member or spring upon which the case of the flashlight may rest at an angle. In another embodiment the hinge has one or more lock positions to hold the support at selected angles and folds down on top of or within the base member when not in use. The flashlight can be supported in a variety of convenient positions to facilitate use by a worker.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage for moving an oxygen bottle disposed in a horizontal position at a first location on a fire engine to a vertical position at a second location. The linkage permits pivoting the oxygen bottle horizontally from the first location to the second and then pivoting the oxygen bottle vertically from the horizontal position to the vertical position.