Abstract: The instant invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for restraining a water heater to a supporting structure, such as a wall. The fastening system includes at least one bracket which mounts to the supporting structure and at least one restraining strap, one end of which attaches to a bracket, the other end of which can attach to another bracket, or mount directly to the wall, to hold the water heater tightly against the supporting structure. In some embodiments, the strap is long enough to encircle the water heater. In other embodiments, the strap can be split into two straps and joined at the water heater with tension buckles. In the preferred embodiment, two straps are used, and both are secured to the supporting structure with brackets. One of the straps encircles the water heater, and both connect to each other at the water heater through tension buckles.

Abstract: A restraint system and a method is provided for protecting at least the top barrels in a barrel stack, having a plurality of modules, against earthquake damage. Each of the modules has a top rack, at least one intermediate rack and a bottom rack and at least one barrel on each of the racks. The barrel restraint system comprises restraining mechanism that is operably engaged to at least the top barrels in the module at the top of the barrel stack for restraining the top barrels within the top module. Typically each module contains at least two barrels and the restraining means restrains all of the top barrels. It has been discovered that by restraining all of the top barrels and only the top barrels within the top module, the top barrels will be protected from being ejected from the top rack. All of the remaining barrels in the intermediate and bottom racks may be protected without the use of the restraining means of this invention due to the overburden weight of the barrels stacked above.

Abstract: A fuel cylinder attaching structure in a motorcar can cope with a large expansive deformation of the fuel cylinder and fixedly support the fuel cylinder surely. The structure comprises a pair of front and rear supporting frame members fixed on a car-body; a fixing band fixed to the front and rear supporting frame members, wound round the fuel cylinder; and both ends of the fixing band connected to each other with a spring interposed, positioned on a vertical bisection of a line segment extending between the front and rear attach-supporting sections.

Abstract: A water heater restraint for securing a vertical cylindrical water heater adjacent a wall. The restraint has an elongated strap surrounding the water heater and is secured to a wall by a pair of clamps which each have at least one hole. Each clamp guides one end of the elongated strap on its rear surface before fastening the end of the elongated strap to the wall by at least one fastener which extends through the hole(s), through the wall, and into wall studs behind the wall.

Abstract: Upper and lower pairs of horizontally spaced L-shaped brackets made of steel are secured via fasteners to the rear sides of spaced apart vertical studs during the framing stage of building construction. During subsequent drywall installation the pointed ends of the perpendicularly extending strap attachment portions of each bracket penetrate the drywall and project outwardly from the studs and drywall. Upper and lower sheet metal straps, each having a sequence of equally spaced holes, are cut to length so that they can partially encircle the upper and lower third of a water heater. The terminal ends of the straps are connected to corresponding ones of the strap attachment portions of the brackets and placed under tension with bolt assemblies.

Abstract: A device for holding and stabilizing nursery pots to protect against blowover from wind and rain. The device comprises a circular base having a central cavity, upwardly extending vertical projections attached to the base and openings between the vertical projections for placement of stakes for securing the device above the ground. The device may further include a ring encircling and attached to the vertical supports for added stabilization.

Abstract: A stand for raising ignitable appliances of various sizes above a support floor a distance which is above and beyond a region of air lying adjacent the floor which is susceptible to containing flammable fumes emanating from flammable liquids on the floor, includes a base of a predetermined height extending from the floor to a sufficient distance above the region of air having a lower end to be positioned on the floor and an upper end, a support surface panel connected to the upper end of said base in a manner to support the ignitable appliance above the region of air and a retention lip member extending from the support surface to retain leakage from the ignitable appliance and having at least one open surface formed adjacent the support surface and the retention lip in a manner to which a drain pipe can be threadedly connected thereto. The base is substantially enclosed from the lower end to the upper end and the lower end of the base has an anchor lip formed thereon.

Abstract: A cylinder holder is provided for supporting a cylinder while the assembly rests on a generally horizontally oriented work surface. A radially disposed support surface provides for contact with the work surface. A tank contacting chamber is provided which has a tank contacting surface radially disposed therein which contacts a lower tank outer surface of the cylindrical tank in close proximity to a sealed end. The tank contacting chamber also has a plurality of extensions radially disposed therein to extend inward from a lower extent of the tank contacting surface. These extensions contact the sealed end of the cylindrical tank while the cylindrical tank is positioned within the tank contacting chamber. Connection means are provided to position the support surface relative to the tank contacting chamber.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas cylinder mounting assembly is disclosed for supporting and coupling a compressed natural gas cylinder to the underside of a natural gas vehicle. The compressed natural gas cylinder mounting assembly has a pair of mounting bracket assemblies with one mounting bracket assembly coupled to each end of the compressed natural gas cylinder. Each of the mounting bracket assemblies has a pair of structural beams which are coupled to the underside of the vehicle and a pair of vertical mounting plates coupled to the ends of the structural beams and then attached to the underside of the vehicle. Each of the mounting brackets includes a cylinder brace with a pair of clamping bands for engaging and encircling the compressed natural gas cylinder. In an alternate embodiment, the structural beams are extendible.

Abstract: A beverage holding device including a central rack portion having downturned side portions. The central rack portion has a pair of diamond shaped openings therethrough. Each of the openings has an upper apex, a lower apex, and two intermediate apexes therebetween. The lower apex has a square opening extending coextensively therefrom. The device includes a pair of sliding lock bars each having an angular recess formed in a rear surface thereof. Each lock bar has an elongated recess formed therethrough. The lock bars are slidably coupled to the lower surface of the central rack portion whereby the angular recess abuts the upper apex of a respective diamond shaped opening in an open orientation. The lock bars are operable to an opened or a closed orientation for engaging or disengaging a beverage container.

Abstract: A clamp assembly including a flexible restraining element having a first end and a second end, the flexible restraining element receivable about an irregularly-shaped item carried upon a work surface, a brace for engaging the first end of the flexible restraining element to the work surface and a coupler for engaging the second end of the flexible restraining element to the work surface and for adjusting the flexible restraining element about the irregularly-shaped item for clamping the irregularly-shaped item to the work surface.

Abstract: A seismic support system for supporting and restraining a water heater against both horizontal and vertical displacement in the event of an earthquake. The seismic support system comprises three principle components including: a bracket assembly including primary length-adjustable bracing arms for bracing an upper perimeter portion of the water heater to a nearby wall or walls; an adjustable and collapsible stand assembly for elevating the water heater above a floor surface; and plural spaced apart vertically oriented connecting members which surround and cradle the water heater and join the water heater stand assembly to the bracket assembly. Secondary bracing members are also provided to the bracket assembly extending between the primary bracing arms and the wall and/or opposite ends of the primary bracing arms in cross member fashion to provide additional rigidity. The stand assembly includes height-adjustable foot members to adapt the stand assembly to uneven floor surfaces.

Abstract: A stack is formed by a rack having a plurality of holders. A first flexible holder is provided between two adjacent rigid holders. First and second articles are placed on a support and are spaced a pre-determined distance. The rigid second and third holders are placed on top of the first and second articles. A third article is then placed in the first flexible holder between the rigid second and third holders. The weight of the third article on the first flexible holder will cause the second and third rigid holders to move into clamping engagement with sides of the third article. Additional articles can then be placed on the stack. This arrangement provides for a self-gripping rack and article combination.

Abstract: A cassette or box for containing and holding a planar substrate such as a reticle having a clamp bar coupled to corner supports by a spring or flexure and a linkage. A clamp bar is pivotally attached to bottom corner supports and a spring or flexure and linked to a top corner support, such that movement of the load bar causes the corner supports to pivot away from a reticle being held only at the corners. An elevation bar is also used to preposition the reticle in one direction. The present invention greatly facilitates the positioning and handling of a reticle as used in photolithography to manufacture semiconductor devices. Additionally, the present invention greatly reduces particulate contamination.

Abstract: A low-weight riser clamp has a pair of clamp members stamped from metal strips. Each metal strip is bent lengthwise to define an elongate base strip and a pair of opposing lengthwise flanges. The base strip is bent to define between the flanges a substantially semi-circular central arch, a pair of coplanar arms that extend laterally in opposite directions from the central arch, and a pair of tabs each extending laterally away from the arms. The arch and the flanges extend in the same general direction from the metal strip, and each tab is offset from its associated arm in an opposite general direction. Clearance holes are formed in the arms to pass bolts. When installed about a riser, the tabs of the clamp members abut one another to space the arms of the clamp horizontally. Thus, as the bolts are tightened, the butted tabs serving as fulcrums about which the arms deflect, permitting more reliable gripping of the riser.

Abstract: An appliance stand for supporting ignitable appliances of various sizes comprises a generally frustoconical base member of a predetermined height and width and a generally circular top support member having a peripheral edge, wherein the edge is connected to an edge of the base member, a generally frustoconical retention lip member of a predetermined height and diameter connected to an outer surface of the top support member and extends from the peripheral edge of the top support member in a common direction with the base member, wherein the top support member and retention lip member form a water retainer and the threaded aperture surface being formed in a recessed cup surface adjacent the retention lip and the support surface to provide an opening surface adapted to receive a drain pipe thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in holding a cylindrical tank secure and preventing it from being dislodged during an earthquake is disclosed. A pair of mounting brackets are attached to a supporting surface on either side of the cylindrical tank through holes in the mounting brackets by threaded bolts. An adjustable stabilizer bracket is positioned between the cylindrical tank and the supporting wall to keep the cylindrical tank from moving towards the wall. The adjustable stabilizer bracket adjusts to accommodate a variety of different sizes of cylindrical tanks and has angled end portions to conform to the shapes of the different cylindrical tanks. The mounting brackets are pivotally attached to a securing strap, that has a series of holes in it for receiving a bolt. The securing strap is fitted around the cylindrical tank to secure it in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup holder. This cup holder has a spill-collecting plate which includes a support ring formed of a relatively rigid plastic material of limited resilient capabilities. This ring is formed essentially in a circle with an opening along one extent thereof to allow for expansion and retraction. The holder further includes a base plate having a central extent of a circular configuration with an upstanding peripheral side wall. This base plate is fabricated of a relatively rigid elastomeric material. The side walls of this base plate are of a sufficient size to retain upon its upper surface any liquid spilled therein. The cup holder also employs a plurality of upstanding legs.

Abstract: A carrier for transporting a pressurized container in the bed of a pickup truck is provided. The carrier is made up of a cradle and a positionable retaining ring attached to a support frame. The frame includes two substantially flat frame support members having angled flanges that form feet. The feet are adapted to overhang the end of the bed of the pickup truck in which the carrier is placed. When a tailgate of the pickup truck is closed, the feet are engaged such that the carrier is secured in place in the bed of the pickup truck and prevented from sliding in any direction during transport. The retaining ring is supported on telescoping rod members to be slidably adjustable to facilitate various sized containers. Optionally, the cradle is provided with a cargo lash that may be racheted to tightly secure the container to the carrier.

Abstract: An inexpensive coaster for resisting sliding and tipping over of a beverage container or other implement during, for example, turbulence on a commercial airliner. The lower surface is slide-resistant and the upper surface adhesively attaches to the bottom of the beverage container so as to remain attached when the beverage container is picked up for drinking. The coaster receives the bottom of the beverage container and extends outwardly therefrom to increase the beverage container footprint for greater stability against tipping over. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the upper surface has an indent for receiving the beverage container or other implement bottom.

Abstract: The retainer assembly secures a container in a free upstanding position. A rigid outwardly projecting element defines a stabilizing configuration for disposition adjacent a container at a height location intermediate the top and bottom of the upstanding container. The stabilizing configuration is effective to maintain the container in a stabilized upright position. The projecting element is adapted to connect first and second flexible tie-down lines at an outer free end line coupling section of the projecting element. The first flexible tie-down line has a length effective to extend around an outer periphery of the upstanding container and is connected to firmly maintain the container in the upright position adjacent the stabilizing configuration. A second flexible tie-down line has a length effective to extend over the removable lid member and includes a coupling device for connecting the second flexible line to firmly maintain the lid member on the container.

Abstract: An adjustable holder comprising in combination a hollow housing having three slots formed on a top surface thereof and four depending side edges. Three cup grippers extend from a respective one of the three slots for gripping a cup on the top surface of the hollow housing. Each cup grippers are movable by way of a respective one of the three gearing assemblies located within the housing. One of the three gearing assemblies is controlled by the operator of the cup holder via a control knob extending from one of the side edges of the housing. Such gearing assembly that is controlled by the operator is referred to as the master gearing assembly.

Abstract: A new and improved plant shelter anchoring device for securing a commercially available conical exterior-gusseted square-flanged protective plant shelter to the ground whereby the plant shelter is prevented from blowing off the plant during high winds. The plant shelter anchoring device comprises a bracket having a horizontal planar triangular clamping member. The clamping member has an identical pair of downwardly extending sides, the sides each having an anchoring flange projecting outwardly from a bottom edge thereof. The anchoring flanges each have a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. The bracket is disposed in cooperative touching relationship with the corners of the plant shelter flange such that the plant shelter flange is trapped thereunder. The plant shelter anchoring device also includes a plurality of identical spikes having a point formed on one end and an enlarged head portion formed on the other end.

Abstract: A restraining device for restraining a round object (13) from rolling. The restraining device (11) comprises a body (15) having a base (17) for location against a support surface, and an opening (18) capable of expansion and contraction for receiving and clampingly retaining the round object. The base (17) is adapted for and is capable of deformation for maintaining stable contact with the support surface upon expansion and contraction of the opening (18).

Abstract: A cage member arranged for supporting a mixing bowl is utilized in automatic mixing machines and includes an annular band having a base plate positioned below the annular band in a coaxially aligned relationship, with a plurality of support bands extending from the base plate to the cylindrical band. L-shaped locking flanges are pivotally mounted in a spaced relationship about the cylindrical band for positioning over an upper edge of an associated bowl structure. A modification of the invention includes the base plate resiliently mounted onto an underlying positioning cup for disengagement of a bowl captured between the base plate and the locking flanges.

Abstract: A holder for a beverage container including a vertical back plate having arms for engaging the side wall of a beverage container, a base member including a flat plate and first and second sidewalls attached to the base plate, and a collapsible bracket which can be engaged with the base member in an upright position, or stored within the holder when in its collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A jib, for use in supporting a pail during a mixing operation to be carried out within the pail, includes a support ring which is distorted into an elliptical condition, thus relying on the interfitment of two members of elliptical form to prevent rotation of the pail relative to the jig.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paint can holder for use on an angled roof. The paint can holder includes a tray for supporting one of two different sized paint cans, one at a time and void of the need for readjustment when the cans are switched back and forth, mechanisms for retaining either of the paint cans to the tray, so that when either of the paint cans is carried by its handle the holder will travel along with the paint can to another location and legs for stabilizing the tray in a horizontal position on the angled roof, so as to maintain the paint can in a vertical upright position void of counterbalancing weights.

Abstract: A funiary urn is disclosed. The urn includes a pedestal, a canister and a cap. The pedestal is attached to the canister by a bolt and a nut having an axially extended nut shank of non-circular cross-sectional shape for engaging mating apertures in the pedestal and in the canister. A gasket compressed between the inner canister surface and the nut top provides a seal inhibiting gas flow into or out of the canister at the attachment opening. When the cap is assembled to the canister, an inwardly embossed cap lip extends continuously around the cap at a locus spaced above the cap edge so as to engage the canister top edge and form a seal inhibiting gas flow. The cap is drawn tightly into its sealed position by an arrangement of detents and detent-accepting grooves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fishing bait bucket holding apparatus and method of use, especially in a boat. The apparatus comprises a bracket, for mounting to e.g. a boat, straps to embrace the girth of the bucket and thereby stabilize the bucket against lateral movement with respect to the bracket, and a bucket top holding rod mounted to the bracket and vertically biased to exert a downward force on the top of the bucket or bucket lid. Methods of use of the holding apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The container holder includes a base on which a plurality of upstanding, spring biased tangs are disposed for radial movement relative to an imaginary common center point to accomodate and hold containers of different sizes. The tangs include outwardly diverging upper protions which are engaged by the bottom of the container as it is lowered onto the base. This engagement results in outward spreading of the tangs apart to accommodate a particular size container. Lower portions of the tangs are spring biased against the side periphery of the container to hold it upright when the container bottom rests on the base.

Abstract: A universal cup holder (10) for use in vehicles comprising a base (12) having a pair of fixed upright arms (14,16); an adjustable unit (18) shiftably carried by the base (12), the adjustable unit (18) including a pair of upright arms (20,22) which are shiftable toward and away from the fixed arms (14,16) whereby to permit the creation of a cup receiving area (24) of differing sizes within the confines of the arms (14,16,20,22) with open spaces (26,28,30,32) being between all of the arms for receiving the handle, if present, on the container positioned within the cup receiving area (24). Incremental shifting of the unit (18) is permitted by a ratcheting pawl assembly (56) which, once the cup receiving area (24) has been defined may be locked by means (64) to retain the area (24) in its desired dimension.

Abstract: A holding device comprises a top, an actuable body, and a base. The top has a depending portion which defines a holding aperture. The top is connected to the base at the depending portion, and the actuable body is disposed about the depending portion. Adjustable holding elements are disposed within the holding aperture. The adjustable holding elements are shiftable between an extended and a retracted position in response to actuation of the actuable body.

Abstract: A device for holding a curling iron, during and after use, in a safe environment, which comprises base members, resilient clip, and protective heat shield, where the base members provide a means for mounting the device and supports the clip and protective heat shield, the clip firmly grips the curling iron handle, and the protective heat shield surrounds the curling iron barrel, preventing accidental contact with the heated barrel.

Abstract: A water heater support system, and related methods, which protects the water heater from sustaining earthquake damage, which in turn might further cause damage to the building in which it is located and/or nearby people.

Abstract: A wheeled device for enabling a scuba tank or the like to be moved overground, instead of the user having to carry it, this device having an elongate axle, adjacent each end of which a wheel is rotatably amounted. A pair of tank-engaging members are utilized in connection with the axle, such members being movable between a nested position, in which the members require minimum storage space, and a position in which the members are separated to a limited extent. One of the members has a support platform for supporting a scuba tank, and each of the members has a sidewall-engaging portion for engaging the sidewall of a scuba tank inserted between the sidewall-engaging portions, to rest upon the support platform. Thus, when the scuba tank is resting on the support platform of the one member, the sidewall-engaging portions of both members tightly grasp the sidewalls of the scuba tank, such that the wheeled device does not drop off should the user lift only the scuba tank.

Abstract: A valve holder and a method of use thereof enables convenient securing and releasing of a valve, such as a stopcock valve. The valve holder allows an operator to operate a valve utilizing one hand. The valve holder includes a support block and a chamber fixed to the support block. In operation, the chamber receives a valve to be secured by the valve holder and a clamp member is tightened to the support block to thereby secure the valve in the chamber. A hand operated mechanical fastener such as a thumb screw is utilized to tighten the clamp member to the support block. Cooperating recesses in the chamber and clamp member secure the valve in the holder and prevent movement of the valve within the holder.

Abstract: A mounting device is shown which is adapted to receive a spray container containing anti-spatter formulation in which a guide/actuator is adapted to receive a welding gun nozzle or the like to both position the nozzle in optimum orientation to receive anti-spatter spray from the container as well as initiate the spray.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting a container, and particularly a container of baby food for convenience of dispensing contents of the container. The organization includes a suction cup support base, with a support leg directed upwardly therefrom, with a plurality of "U" shaped frameworks arranged at 90 degrees relative to one another, each mounted orthogonally and in alignment relative to the support leg. The "U" shape legs include a plurality of semi-cylindrical support rings at an upper terminal end of one of said "U" shaped frames, with the semi-cylindrical support rings including spring connections therebetween to define a cylindrical configuration that may be expanded for accepting a container therewithin. A modification of the invention includes a suction cup support mounted to an intersection defined by the "U" shaped frames in alignment with the support leg, and further including a utensil support mounted to the support leg.

Abstract: A water heater support system, and related methods, which protects the water heater from sustaining earthquake damage, which in turn might furhter cause damage to the building in which it is located and/or nearby people.

Abstract: A drink container stabilizing device which normally rests upon a relatively horizontal surface for releasably holding various sized drink containers. One or more biased members, each of which are secured to the inner surface of a frame, releasably hold various sized drink containers within the frame's interior region. The frame has a top end and a bottom end which rests upon the relatively horizontal surface when the drink container stabilizing device is in a resting position. A retaining member may be used to further secure the one or more biased members proximate the top end of the frame, and a base plate may be attached to the bottom end of the frame so as to provide an underlying support for a drink container should the device be raised from its resting position. The base plate may further serve to secure the one or more biased members proximate to the bottom end of the frame.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a container, such as a container for hospital sharps, is shown. The container includes a flanged top with front, side, and rear walls, extending from the flanged top to a bottom enclosure surface. At the juncture between the rear wall and bottom surface is a container recess having a closed aperture extending upwardly from the top wall of the recess. A mounting bracket includes an upper flange and a lower housing adapted to be received within the container recess for supporting the container. The upper flange of the container is engaged by the upper flange of the mounting bracket through a slot and flange combination. The lower housing of the mounting bracket includes a latching bar which is spring loaded for urging the latching bar into the closed aperture within the container recess.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged to fixedly mount a syringe bottle in a downwardly angulated orientation, including a support member formed with a concave semi-cylindrical sleeve, with the sleeve mounting an elastomeric band selectively securable to a side of the sleeve for assembly of the bottle to the sleeve to permit access of the bottle in filling of a syringe therefrom. A modification of the invention includes illumination structure to enhance visibility of the organization in use.

Abstract: An improved air compressor tank mount. Grooves are formed along opposite sides of the bottom of the air compressor housing. Two brackets are welded to the top of the air tank. Each bracket has two upwardly and inwardly facing hooked ends which are spaced to engage the air compressor housing grooves. The air compressor slides onto the hooked bracket ends until one or more bracket end abuts a flange and the compressor may be retained on the brackets by a single screw.

Abstract: An adjustable support device particularly adapted for use in a vehicle for removably securing therein an open container to prevent the spillage of the contents thereof. The support device includes a pair of adjacent ring members secured together so as to prevent separation thereof while allowing for relative rotation about a common central axis. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower ring member is defined by the upper portion of a base member which also defines a horizontal beverage container support surface and a non-skid lower bottom surface adapted to rest on a horizontal surface in a vehicle.

Abstract: A bulk ink restraint comprises a restraint base, a column, an ink hose support, and a clamp assembled for maintaining positional stability of a bulk ink container and simplifying bulk ink container change out after depletion of the ink supply.

Abstract: Retaining means and method for use with multi-leaf spring clamps used to secure culture flasks, bottles or the like during imposed orbital, reciprocating or vibratory motion, a resilient encircling member which has adjustable engagement with the leaves of the spring clamp to prevent relative movement between the flask and the clamp. The resilient encircling member is provided with internal annular ribs or threads to engage the spring clamp leaves and may have a deformation-resistant annular flange for insertion and removal of the encircling member and for control of engagement pressure and holding power.

Abstract: A collapsible plastic hollow article having a top and a base joined by a substantially cylindrical side wall integral therewith and an aperture in the top, comprising a plurality of substantially circular bellows formed by conical sections integrally joined to create at least a portion of the side wall, the conical sections comprising alternating short portions and long portions, said short portions being at a greater angle to the bottle axis than said long portions, and the lesser diameter junctures of the long portions with the short portions being formed to create fold rings for the substantially circular bellows, wherein means for connecting a suction cup to said base.

Abstract: The invention comprises a safety fastener or collar adapted to securely fasten a holding tank, such as a water heater of any size, to the walls of the structure surrounding the tank. The collar comprises two portions including a non-flexible, rigid supporting collar which is attached to the surrounding wall by a pair of rigid holding legs and a second flexible collar which is also securely fastened to the same supporting wall by use of a joint tie-strap.