Abstract: A liquid container tilting apparatus designed for household and commercial use; made from a resilient material, capable of automatically tilting to a maximum tilt angle to optimize the draining of the last 1-6 cups of liquid from the container. As the liquid from the container drains, the tilting angle increases. The tilting apparatus is made of a base, a platform lever and a basket. The platform lever is part of the base. The basket holds the liquid container securely to the platform lever. The liquid container tilting apparatus can be cleaned and stored inside the liquid container or hung.

Abstract: The apparatus may include a ridge member, a first arm rotatably coupled to the ridge member and extending outward, relative to the ridge member, in a first plane angled relative to a first pitch of a roof structure. Also, the apparatus may include a second arm rotatably coupled to the ridge member and extending outward, relative to the ridge member, in a second plane angled relative to a second pitch of the roof structure. The ridge member may be positioned at an apex between the first pitch and the second pitch along a ridge of the roof structure. Further, materials for installation may be placed on at least one of the first arm and the second arm positioned between the roof structure and the materials. Additionally, the apparatus may include a load arm coupled at each respective end portion of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A container system includes a container having a body with a lower surface a first opening extending from the lower surface; a first footing having a contouring of the opening and the first footing is pivotally attached to the container.

Abstract: A lightweight composite roofing support system is disclosed. The roofing support system includes a longitudinally-extending core member having a wedge-shaped lateral cross-section, a first side, and a second side, the first side and the second side tapering toward one another at a first predetermined acute angle (?), the core member comprising a core material. The roofing support system also includes a cover layer comprising a cover material, the cover layer disposed on and covering at least one of the first side and the second side, the cover material being substantially more compressible than the core material, the core member and cover layer comprising a first roofing support.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar array structure that includes a first vertical column having a first height and a second vertical column having a second height, the second height being taller than the first height. The solar array support structure further includes a telescopic wind brace extending between an upper portion of the first vertical column and a lower portion of the second vertical column.

Abstract: An adjustable air conditioner curb includes a curb base having reinforcement members connected thereto and a curb frame adjustably positionable relative to the curb base and positionable between the curb base and the reinforcement members and connected thereto to maintain the curb frame in fixed position.

Abstract: A rooftop device has a generally planar platform and first and second legs which extend from the platform and are pivotally attached to the platform and configured for contact with and mounting to a roof surface to support the platform in a generally horizontal position on a roof.

Abstract: A two-part roof hook is described, which has a base part (1) and a hook part (2) which can be connected to the base part (1) and which has a connecting element (6) on its end (4) for mounting an assembly. The base part (1) is a cut-off portion (X) of an angle section, one angle leg (8) of which is provided with connecting elements (7) for making a connection to the roof substructure. A section wall (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the section is arranged within the angle between the two angle legs (8, 9), which section wall includes an obtuse angle (?) jointly with the angle leg area of the connecting elements (7), serves as a support surface for the end (3) of the hook part (2), and can be connected to the end (3) of the hook part (2).

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is a mount for a pitched roof. The mount comprises a fastening plate. The fastening plate includes at least one support extending upwardly from the fastening plate to support a pair of mounting surfaces a predetermined distance above the pitched roof. At least a portion of the fastening plate extends laterally from the one or more supports. The pair of mounting surfaces is configured to support at least one photovoltaic panel. The mount further includes a clamp housing between the pair of mounting surfaces and receives a clamp. The clamp comprises a pair of laterally extending clamp plates and at least one clamp stabilizer configured to prevent the clamp plate from tilting when the clamping force is applied.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are disclosed regarding an attachment system for solar equipment, sometimes referred to as a flashing device allowing quick and easy assembling of the solar equipment into an array or other combination in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, a flashing device may include a flashing plate which may contain one or more raised features to further direct and control the flow of liquid over the flashing plate. The flashing device may also contain a fluid restrictor such as a seal or part of a seal usually held within an aperture of a block having a skyward facing essentially or substantially flat surface. One or more various items of solar equipment may be attached to the essentially flat surface of the block. Also disclosed are adjustable mounting feet which may be installed in connection with other solar equipment.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.

Abstract: A one-piece stackable container restraining apparatus incorporates a flat surface and four legs. The restraining apparatus can be used on the crest of a roof or on other surfaces. The stackable feature is used to accommodate roofs of differing pitches and to create a more stable combination. In certain embodiments attachment holes are utilized for ease in transportation and movement. The attachment of the container to the flat surface allows one to lift a container along with the container restraining apparatus together by lifting only the container, for example by its handle. Additionally, the container restraining apparatus can be used on a flat surface to prevent overturning of the container during transportation, such as paint buckets transported in a truck or van. Mounting holes on each leg can be used to accommodate a variety of fixtures such as wheels or articulating pads.

Abstract: A solar panel array support system including a plurality of removable, interengaged adjacent support modules of similar configuration. Each support module mounts a PV solar panel, and also a DC-AC inverter electrically connected to the solar panel. The DC-AC inverter is also electrically connectable to additional DC-AC inverters mounted to the adjacent solar panel support modules. Each support module includes flexible male connector elements that enter a slot forming a female connector element in an adjacent support module to pivotally and removably engage each support module to another. Individual modules or a plurality of solar panel support modules can be readily removed from and replaced in a solar panel array, and can be readily removed and installed to form a second modular solar panel array.

Abstract: A one-piece stackable container restraining apparatus incorporates a flat surface and four legs. The restraining apparatus can be used on the crest of a roof or on other surfaces. The stackable feature is used to accommodate roofs of differing pitches and to create a more stable combination. In certain embodiments attachment holes are utilized for ease in transportation and movement. Additionally, the container restraining apparatus can be used on a flat surface to prevent overturning of the container during transportation, such as paint buckets transported in a truck or van. Mounting holes on each leg can be used to accommodate a variety of fixtures such as wheels or articulating pads.

Abstract: A one-piece stackable container restraining apparatus incorporates a flat surface and four legs. The restraining apparatus can be used on the crest of a roof or on other surfaces. The stackable feature is used to accommodate roofs of differing pitches and to create a more stable combination. In certain embodiments attachment holes are utilized for ease in transportation and movement. Additionally, the container restraining apparatus can be used on a flat surface to prevent overturning of the container during transportation, such as paint buckets transported in a truck or van. Mounting holes on each leg can be used to accommodate a variety of fixtures such as wheels or articulating pads.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a device for holding a paint bucket and the like on an inclined surface. The device comprises a generally rectilinear and horizontal support surface having four edges with vertical sidewalls extending upward from each edge of the support surface. At the front edge a pair of downward extending feet protrude. At the rear edge of the support surface a rear-leg assembly extends downward from the support surface. The support surface further includes an adjustable armature and two rigidly mounted stops. The armature and two stops cooperate to selectively hold a paint bucket and can be adjusted for varying sized buckets. The armature includes an adjuster for selectively locking the armature. The rear leg assembly pivotally mounts to the support surface allowing the support surface to remain horizontal when the device is resting on an inclined surface such as a sloped roof.

Abstract: A data processing method for alerting a first vehicle when entering and/or residing in a blind spot of at least one second vehicle and a system and a computer program implementing such a method. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: determining and dynamically updating the position of second vehicle, the blind spot of the second vehicle, and the time for the first vehicle to enter the blind spot. An alarm signal is generated when the first vehicle is entering or residing in a blind spot of the second vehicle. The method also includes steps to generate direction for the first vehicle to avoid entering in or to leave the blind spot of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A bucket assembly for use on an angled surface comprising a bucket portion a base that supports the bucket portion and a swivel assembly, wherein the bucket portion operates to swivel with respect to the base of the bucket assembly via the swivel assembly so that the bucket assembly does not tip over or fall from the angled surface. A method of using the bucket assembly on an angled surface includes placing the bucket assembly on an angled surface and rotating the bucket portion about the base such that an upper peripheral edge of the bucket portion is substantially horizontal, thereby allowing a user to access a desired tool retained within the bucket assembly.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a combination of a pizza box and leveling device for the pizza box. The pizza box has at least one sidewall that is formed having two adjacent panels with a cavity between the adjacent panels, and, a bottom that has at least one slot. The at least one slot is substantially aligned with and provides access to the cavity. And, the leveling device has at least one portion thereof formed for insertion into the at least one slot and further into the cavity of the sidewall of the pizza box so as to detachably attach the leveling device to the pizza box.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a device for holding a paint bucket and the like on an inclined surface. The device comprises a generally rectilinear and horizontal support surface having four edges with vertical sidewalls extending upward from each edge of the support surface. At the front edge a pair of downward extending feet protrude. At the rear edge of the support surface a rear-leg assembly extends downward from the support surface. The support surface further includes an adjustable armature and two rigidly mounted stops. The armature and two stops cooperate to selectively hold a paint bucket and can be adjusted for varying sized buckets. The armature includes an adjuster for selectively locking the armature. The rear leg assembly pivotally mounts to the support surface allowing the support surface to remain horizontal when the device is resting on an inclined surface such as a sloped roof.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device comprising a headrest configured to be movable forward with respect to a vehicle, and an actuator configured to implement the forward movement is disclosed. The device is configured to protect a vehicle occupant by operating the actuator to move the headrest forward in a pre-crash stage in the course of an object crashing into the vehicle from backside of the vehicle. The headrest is provided with an electrical capacitance sensor. The device is configured to control an amount of the forward movement of the headrest according to a variation manner of electrical capacitance, which electrical capacitance is detected by the electrical capacitance sensor when the headrest moves forward.

Abstract: A leveling device comprises a generally horizontal frame configured to hold a number of parallel, closely spaced support legs in a generally vertical configuration. The support legs are slidably mounted in collars formed in the frame such that the legs may slide up and down within the collars. The support legs are configured to move independently of one another and to be locked into place using a locking mechanism configured to frictionally or mechanically engage the support legs once the legs are positioned to match the contour of the ground or other uneven surface. Multiple embodiments of the locking mechanism are disclosed. The leveling device of the present invention not only may be used to level an object on an uneven surface, but also can be used to adjust the height of an object on a even or uneven surface by adjusting the length of the support legs.

Abstract: A structure fixing apparatus for attaching a structure on roof tiles, for example, the structure being a solar cell apparatus, includes a support device for supporting attachment hardware which is a part of a base for fixing a solar cell module, a fixing member formed to reach a sheathing through the support device and a roof tile, and a tubular portion formed to surround the fixing member and to be inserted in a through hole formed in the roof tile. The tubular portion is formed to be smaller in size than the through hole formed in the roof tile and to be in non-contact with the through hole.

Abstract: A wok support ring supports the weight of a wok and food items to be cooked in the wok and imparts a rocking motion to the wok as it is moved in a back and forth motion by the worker. A wok rocking device includes the use of a wok support base which moves in a rocking motion via cam tracks with roller followers. When the worker pulls the wok in a back and forth motion, the rollers follow the cam track to cause the wok to rise rapidly and then rock forward near the end of the stroke. A wok rocking device also can utilize movable linkages attached to a wok support base in order to create the rocking motion needed to mix and fold the food items within the wok.

Abstract: The supports of the present invention further comprise a frame strut extending across a lower portion of the support frame. Two openings are defined in the frame strut which are adapted to receive ends of an expansion limiter piece. This limiter piece is generally V-shaped and has connection means at the end of each of the V legs for connection to frame struts of adjacent hose supports. The vertex of the limiter piece is located proximal to a vertex formed by the hinge of adjacent hose supports. At the vertex of the limiter piece and at locations near the connection means, living hinges are formed so that a user will experience relatively little resistance to opening, accordion-style, the invention hose supports.

Abstract: A utility bucket has a second bottom attached by a hinge to the first bottom. Adjustable locking rods slide in tracks at one end to adjust the angle of the second bottom relative to the first bottom to maintain the bucket in a vertical orientation for any roof angle.

Abstract: Support devices and methods are provided for enabling the level placement of objects, such as a potted plant, on inclined surfaces, such as a hill or other sloped terrain. The support device includes an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member, wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first connecting member to the first lower surface.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly having a mounting plate for securing the mailbox assembly into the ground. The mounting plate has three primary configurations: a flat configuration for use on a generally flat ground surface; a bent configuration for use on the edge of a hill; and an angled configuration for use on a hill. The mailbox assembly is adjustable horizontally, vertically, pivotally, and angularly.

Abstract: A suspended table assembly includes a first support and a second support that are vertically spaced from each other. A plurality of legs is provided. Each of the legs has a first end and a second end. Each of a plurality of first brackets is pivotally coupled to one of the first ends. The first brackets are attached to the first support. A plurality of second brackets is also provided. Each of the second brackets is pivotally coupled to one of the second ends and each of the second brackets is attached to the second support.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing a pedestal to a roof tile has a baseplate including a downwardly depending first hook at one end for receiving a first edge of the tile, an upwardly depending flange at an opposing end of the baseplate and a laterally extending stabilizer for engaging the surface of the tile. The mounting assembly includes a detachable bracket having an upwardly depending flange at one end and a downwardly depending second hook at an opposing end of the detachable bracket for receiving the second edge of the tile. The bracket is detachably coupled to the baseplate. The pedestal is secured to the baseplate.

Abstract: A carrying device most specifically for carrying a pizza box in a level position when placed on a car seat which slopes downwardly from the front edge of the car seat toward the back rest. A pair of side panels extend from a back panel and are joined together at the ends of the side panels opposite from the back panel. End flaps are located on the ends of the side panels opposite form the back panel and are elevated above the side panels. Likewise, the back panel extends above the height of the side panels. The side panels have a bottom edge which moves closer to the top edge as the side panels extend from the back panel to the end flaps. A pizza box fits between the back panel and the end flaps. If the carrying device is to be used with boxes of varying sizes, perforations are located in the top edge of the side panels to permit a variety of portions of the top edges of the side panels to be turned down to hold pizza boxes of varying sizes.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a solar panel unit, and a system of solar panel units are disclosed that are easy to manufacture and to install. The mounting structure has a relatively simple frame that can be formed by sheet metal bending operations. The solar panel unit also has a smooth exterior surface reducing wind uplift forces on the panel unit and the system.

Abstract: One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is a self-locating fastening assembly (14) for aligning and securing a monument (12) to an airframe (16) of an aircraft (10). This self-locating fastening assembly (14) includes a self-locating tie-down member (24), which is fixedly coupled to one of either the air-frame (16) or the monument (12). The self-locating fastening assembly (14) further includes a socket member (26), which is coupled to the other of the airframe (16) or the monument (12). The self-locating tie-down member (24) includes a base portion (32) and a top portion (34) extending from the base portion (32). The base portion (32) is utilized for contacting the socket member (26) so as to guide said self-locating tie-down member into said socket member and secure the monument (12) in a predetermined position along at least one direction. Moreover, the top portion (34) is utilized for further securing the self-locating tie-down member (24) to the socket member (26).

Abstract: A carrying device most specifically for carrying a pizza box in a level position when placed on a car seat which slopes downwardly from the front edge of the car seat toward the back rest. A pair of side panels extend from a back panel and are joined together at the ends of the side panels opposite from the back panel. End flaps are located on the ends of the side panels opposite form the back panel and are elevated above the side panels. Likewise, the back panel extends above the height of the side panels. The side panels have a bottom edge which moves closer to the top edge as the side panels extend from the back panel to the end flaps. A pizza box fits between the back panel and the end flaps. If the carrying device is to be used with boxes of varying sizes, perforations are located in the top edge of the side panels to permit a variety of portions of the top edges of the side panels to be turned down to hold pizza boxes of varying sizes.

Abstract: A visual signalling device, by which to signal for service, includes an elongated cradle with upper and lower ends, the upper end standing on legs to thereby incline the cradle at a tilt angle. The cradle includes a bottom, sidewalls, and a lower endwall. The legs are tapered from top to bottom. The bottom of the cradle is apertured at the tops of the legs to permit stacking of these devices atop on another. The tilt angle is in the range of 25° to 65° from vertical, preferably about 50°. The sidewalls include one or more notch receptacles for money. The device is thus adapted to hold a container such, as an empty beer bottle, at a tilt angle as a visual signal for service.

Abstract: There is provide an adjustable roofing bracket having a base, a platform support and a rotating brace. The base includes a frontal portion and a rear portion. Opposing sidewalls extend upwardly from the rear portion of the base. A plurality of angular channels are disposed in the sidewalls. The platform support is rotationally mounted to the opposing sidewalls. The rotating brace is rotationally mounted at its top to the platform support. Near its bottom the rotating brace is adapted to cooperate with angular channels. Therefore, to adust the angle of the platform support with respect to the base, the roofer merely chooses which angular channels in which to set the rotating brace. A strike plate contiguous with a backwall of the base provide a surface which a roofer strikes to remove the bracket after use. A gusset disposed between the inner surface of the backwall and the rear portion of the base absorbs and transfers the force away from critical areas of the roofing bracket.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting apparatus for use with a solar panel includes a base element having an elongated upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is structured for engagement with a rooftop by being positioning underneath the shingles of a rooftop and secured thereto through the apertures of the upper portion and/or lower portion of the base element. One or more support elements extend perpendicularly from the lower portion of the base element. A front plate is situated upon the support elements and is parallel to the base element and structured for engagement with the solar panel.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a paint bucket level on an inclined surface, such as a roof surface, includes a sleeve which is clamped around the bucket and a support releasably connected to the sleeve. The support includes two support members which are angularly adjustable. The support is interchangeable with other supports to accommodate differently shaped inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing a pedestal to a roof tile has a baseplate including a downwardly depending first hook at one end for receiving a first edge of the tile, an upwardly depending flange at an opposing end of the baseplate and a laterally extending stabilizer for engaging the surface of the tile. The mounting assembly includes a detachable bracket having an upwardly depending flange at one end and a downwardly depending second hook at an opposing end of the detachable bracket for receiving the second edge of the tile. The bracket is detachably coupled to the baseplate. The pedestal is secured to the baseplate.

Abstract: A stand to support an object has a bottom frame and two side frames. The side frames are each pivotally attached to opposite ends of the bottom frame with a pair of pivot pins. The pairs of pivot pins are located at different heights. A clasp is mounted on each side frame to detachably engage the bottom frame. When the clasps are released from the bottom frame, the side frames can be pivoted relative to the bottom frame. The stand is foldable. Because the side frames are respectively pivotally attached to the bottom frame by pairs of pivot pins at different heights, one of the side frames can overlap the other side frame. The size of the stand is reduced. Transporting and storing the stand become more convenient.

Abstract: A cardboard or plastic sheet can be folded into a support structure for supporting an object on an inclined roof. The sheet has multiple fold lines which, when used to fold the sheet, form a base for mounting on the roof and a shelf for supporting the object at an angle relative to the roof. A roofing assembly includes bundles of roofing shingles and a sheet between the bundles. The sheet has multiple fold lines which, when used to fold the sheet, form a support structure for supporting an object on an inclined roof.

Abstract: A method and an adjustable roof curb are provided that enables the mounting of an appliance onto a roof of a building. More specifically, the adjustable pitch roof curb includes a base curb section, a support curb section and at least one pin operating as a fulcrum to adjustably position the support curb section to a desired pitch relative to a pitch of the base curb section, and further operating to effectively bear a load of the appliance (e.g., fan, air conditioner) mounted on the support curb section.

Abstract: A portable tray includes a formed plastic receptacle including various compartments with a circumferential retainer ring cooperating with a flexible bag that is filled with bag fill material to provide a tray assembly which can be fitted on an uneven surface.

Abstract: A Roof Guard device (10) when an individual lifts an object (96) on to a roof structure (14) from a lower level that includes a stepplate (12) removably received upon a horizontal perimeter portion of the roof structure (14); a guardplate (16) pivotally joined to the stepplate (12); the guardplate (16) being positioned adjacent to a selected portion of the roof structure (14) to prevent the object (96), being raised from the ground, from contacting the selected portion of the roof structure (14). An alternative embodiment of the device (300) includes two methods of operation that allow the device (300) to be manually adjusted into a maintained position or “automatically” adjusted by a tensile rope engaging a guardplate (306).

Abstract: A collapsible easel with a panel standable on an uneven ground includes an easel consisting of three tripod feet adjustable in length and collapsible to be contained in the panel consisting of two cover plates pivotally connected to each other. A first cover plate has a handle on an outer side and three position pivot bases in an inner wall of the outer side for pivotally connecting with upper ends of the tripod feet, which are separable to let them be contained in the first cover plate. Then the second cover plate is folded on the first cover plate to become a flat case having small dimensions and having light weight for transporting and storing. The tripod feet can be adjusted in length by means of a movable rod movably contained in each tripod foot. Thus the tripod feet can stand on an uneven ground by adjusting each tripod foot, and also can suit to different persons using this easel with a panel.

Abstract: A collapsible hoop stand is provided. The stand includes a generally circular ring or hoop shaped base portion having a first diameter and a generally circular ring or hoop shaped upper portion having a first diameter. The base portion is connected to the upper portion by three leg members. The leg members are each connected at their upper and lower ends to the upper portion and the base portion respectively. The connection is designed to be removable, permitting the portable stand to be easily assembled, disassembled, and stored. Two of the leg members are of a first length and the third member is of a second length. The leg member second length is less than the two leg member's first length, and includes a bend, causing the upper portion to be angled. A second generally circular ring or hoop shaped upper portion is also provided. The second upper portion has a second diameter which is greater than the first upper portion's first diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supporting one or more solar panels or thermal collectors which may be arrangeable on a flat roof. The device has a bottom wall, a rear wall which extends upwardly from a rear side of the bottom wall, and two oppositely arranged side walls which are integrally joined with side edges of the bottom wall and rear wall. The side walls slope from the rear wall to a front edge of the bottom wall.

Abstract: Roof staging bracket apparatus that adjustably straddles the ridge of a roof. The bracket comprises a first member and a second member, means for rotatably joining the second member to the bracket, a gusset brace that has positioning means to which the second member attaches in order to allow the second member to attach to the gusset brace at different positions thereon and enable varying the degree of rotation of the second member about the rotatably joining means, and means for securing the second member at a particular degree of rotation to the gusset brace. The first member comprises the gusset brace and at least one of members is adapted for attachment of staging base apparatus thereto.

Abstract: The multi-purpose Combo Jack.TM. tool combines the functions of a ladder jack, a roof bracket and a roof hooks into one piece of equipment. There are a pair of hooks attached to a rail supporting arm which is pivotably connected to a bracket body arm. The bracket body arm includes the plank stop lever and a retractable nailing blade. A combination support arm is connected to the rail support arm at either the tri-function setting or the steep roof bracket setting, and is also connected to the upward or downward slots in the bracket body arm (or at the end but not in a slot). The tool includes a safety stop as part of the retractable nailing blade, a ladder lock, and a safety protrusion to prevent collapse of the tool because of slippage along the bracket body arm by the combination support arm.

Abstract: A Roof Guard device 10 utilized when an individual lifts an object 96 on to a roof structure 14 from a lower level that includes a stepplate 12 removably received upon a horizontal perimeter portion of the roof structure 14; a guardplate 16 pivotally joined to the stepplate 12; the guardplate 16 being positioned adjacent to a selected portion of the roof structure 14 to prevent the object 96, being raised from the ground, from contacting the selected portion of the roof structure 14.