Abstract: A drink container supporting structure, primarily for outdoor use is provided in order to enable the user to support a drink container steadily, for insertion into the ground and for attaching, for instance, to the side arm of a chair. The structure of the drink holder includes basically plastic tubing forming an upper, spiraled liquid container holder, a mid-portion, also of plastic tubing, with a wire threaded therethrough and into a lower portion. The lower portion is also of plastic tubing, with a wire therethrough and the structure terminates at its lowermost end in a pointed configuration for insertion into the ground, to support the entire structure.

Abstract: A movable support arm positions a surface platform for a keyboard, display monitor, pointing device, wrist support or the like relative to a base structure such as the underside of a desk top. Articulated members between a base member and the platform are coupled by joints having rotational couplings on two mutually perpendicular axes, forming universal joints. The joints have axially facing rotational engagement surfaces that can be splined or otherwise made engageable, and are displaceable toward and away from one another, the latter preferably by a spring coupling that is axially limited in extension. The rotational engagement surfaces resist rotation when engaged. A line such as a cable traverses the joints and normally applies tension via a spring, causing all the joints to lock and to hold the supporting platform at a given position and orientation.

Abstract: A flexible core for a hand-held device such as a flashlight includes a pair of conductive wires which electrically connect a source of power to a power using implement. A flexible spine surrounds the pair of conductive wires and includes a plurality of interconnected universally rotatable members. A resilient sleeve engages the outer surface of the rotatable members forming the spine. An adaptor including one conductor made from nickel chromium wire may be used to selectively connect the flashlight to a 12 volt source of electrical power in lieu of two standard C cells housed within the flashlight.

Abstract: A gooseneck instrument holder having an instrument holder tip, a gooseneck, a base and a detachable fibre optic light cord is disclosed. The tip, gooseneck, and base are connected by means of a cable which passes through a deflection member in the base. Tension on the cable is adjusted by a detachable handle at the base via a bolt and serves to simultaneously tighten the tip about an instrument, to hold the gooseneck in place, and to hold the base steady so that the holder holds an instrument in place. Very small amounts of turning of the handle is necessary to adequately tighten the holder in place.

Abstract: A safety harness consisting of a plurality of beveled rigid blocks connected in a string by loose couplings, having a fixed end fastened to one side of a vehicle seat by an adjustable mounting device and a free end fastened to an opposite side of the vehicle seat by a latch and latch release, wherein when the safety harness is fastened up, the rigid blocks are respectively side matched and connected into an arched rigid guard around the vehicle seat to protect the user.

Abstract: A flexible mounting assembly for mounting a telephone within an automobile has a base rigidly attachable to a support surface within the automobile, a head rigidly attachable to the telephone, and a flexible elongate member interconnecting the base and the head. Split-yoke clamps, each having a set screw, are utilized to effect attachment of the flexible elongate member to the base and head in a manner which substantially reduces the likelihood of loosening.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a signaling device such as the controller for a video game, comprising: 1) a support member capable of being bent, twisted or otherwise placed into a plurality of positions; 2) a base configured so that it may be affixed to a chair, the base being adapted for connection to one end of the support member; and 3) a platform connected to the other end of the support member. Additionally, it is advantageous to provide some way for ensuring that a signaling device will not slip off the platform. The support member is made of steel or some other sturdy material, and resists compressive loads in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. A preferred support member is a so-called flexible tube, which really is a pair of coiled wires that are intimately wrapped together. It is provided with appropriate connectors at each end--to foster easy connection with other elements.

Abstract: An inflatable and deflatable support for a sign having advertising indicia thereon including an air inflatable, cylindrical member having an upper, inflatable, cylindrical cross member spanning a pair of upstanding inflatable legs which depend from opposite ends thereof. The legs are each open at the lower end and are sealed to a hollow cylindrical ballast plug. Mechanism is coupled to one of the legs and cylinders for admitting air under pressure to the cylindrical ballast plug to inflate and deflate the cylinder.

Abstract: A cord holder and support having a base, a removable flexible stem received by an upright housing extending from the base, member for supporting a cord and preventing tangling of the cord when the computer mouse or other cord-attached device is utilized and member means for securing the cord holder to a planar surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved multifunctional lamp particularly suited for use in medical facilities as, for example, by pathologists in the evaluation of tissues and fluids, etc. The basic lamp systems contemplated herein comprises a base, a trunk supported at an end by the base and illumination means pendent from the trunk. The improvement of this basic lamp, and the adaption of it for medical purposes comprises the following:a lamp having a flexible trunk section for rotation and movement about its base and relative to its longitudinal axis, thereby permitting the user to move the lamp and associated apparatus into position for use;a lamp having a safety shield which is pendent from a flexible arm for movement about the axis of the arm and the trunk thereby permitting the user to strategically place the safety shield in a fixed position for providing protection; and,a lamp equipped with means for review of microscopic organisms, etc which is pendent form a flexible arm for movement about the trunk.

Abstract: A device for use in hazardous situations comprising an adjustable mount for connecting a light to a self-contained breathing apparatus. The mount includes an elongated flex tube with an accessory mounting bracket attached to one end and a support mounting bracket attached to the other end. Between the flex tube and both the accessory mounting bracket and support mounting bracket there are interposed insulating washers to provide electrical isolation of the accessory mounting bracket and support mounting bracket from the elongated flex tube and from each other. To further insulate the adjustable mount, there is provided electrical insulation covering the flex tube.

Abstract: A flexible, articulable column having a central cable tensioning member with a series of ball and socket members strung on the cable forming articulable joints. Each socket member has at least one conical opening with internal teeth engagable with a ball which is made of an elastomeric polymer. When the cable is tensioned, the sockets move toward each other and the balls are indented by the teeth of the socket. The column thus becomes rigid. Releasing the tension returns the column to the flexible state.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a surgical instrument at a predetermined attitude and at a predetermined location about an operating table. The apparatus includes instrument gripping means pivotally mounted upon a flexible column, which in turn is pivotally mounted upon locking means configured to slide about an operating table positioning bar. Tensioning means are provided in operative communication with the instrument gripping means, the flexible column and the locking means. Upon actuation of the tensioning means, the instrument gripping means securely grasps a surgical instrument at a predetermined attitude relative the operating table, the flexible column rigidifies in a predetermined posture and the locking means become non-movable relative the positioning bar.

Abstract: A lamp supporting apparatus. The apparatus is designed for holding and positioning a lamp of the type which has a light source, an elongated handle depending therefrom and an electrical supply cord attached at a lower end of the handle. The supporting apparatus includes a base member and an upstanding support leg which has a lower end secured to the base member and an upper end which is extendable from the lower end for adjusting the height. A support arm has a first end pivotally attached at the upper end of the support leg, and a sleeve is secured to the second end of the arm. The sleeve has a longitudinal aperture on one side thereof for transverse passage of the electrical supply cord of the lamp therethrough. The sleeve has a diameter which is intermediate the diameter of the handle and the light source so that the handle of the lamp is receivable axially into the sleeve, and the lamp is supportable and positionable by the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fallable type pole supporting device comprising a wire extending in a longitudinal direction of a pole extended to a mounting side end of a pole member. A resilient member is disposed between an extreme end of the wire and a mounting side end of the pole member. The pole member and the longitudinal direction of the wire are maintained in a straight line by a resilient force in an axial direction of the resilient member. A lower mounting end of the pole member is tiltably maintained and the pole member is made engageable with a base body through said wire.

Abstract: Facilitating the professional work and education of cosmetologists, mannequin-heads having an upwardly-convergent lower-opening are thereat removably attached upon a table-mountable upright post. Herein disclosed is an improved table-mountable support wherein the upright post portion is advantageously provided by a pair of concentric metallic helical elements so that the upright post support is stably flexibly laterally skewable to facilitate work and/or student practice upon the post-supported mannequin-head. The upright post is reliably uprightly attachable to an underlying horizontal table through an intervening angular base preferably haveing a vertical clamping screw that is postioned laterally away from the laterally skewable upright post.

Abstract: A specific, illustrative modular stem system for lighting apparatus comprising hollow stems, each having first and second ends; a connector plug mounted at the first end; an in-line connector mounted inside the stem adjacent to the second end, the connector being configured for receiving the plug of another stem so as to permit connection of the stems end to end; a flexible joint so as to permit flexure of the stem upon the application of lateral forces to the stem system, means for dually securing the connector to the stem and the plug to the connector so as to facilitate connection of the stems end to end; and a lamp adjacent to the second end of the lowermost stem.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bending device for use in an endoscope or the like. The bending device includes an articulation assembly constituted by a number of segments. In order to increase the rigidity of the articulation assembly in its radial direction, each segment has such a simple configuration that the segment can be formed by bending a hard metal plate such, for example, as a hard spring metal. More specifically, the segment has a semi-cylindrical portion and a pair of extension portions extending respectively from opposite circumferential ends of the semi-cylindrical portion in a direction of the circumference of the semi-cylindrical portion. A pair of notches are formed respectively in opposite axial ends of the segment at the boundary between each of the opposite circumferential ends of the semi-cylindrical portion and each of the extension portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a baby bottle is disclosed. This device contains means for gripping the bottle and a flexible arm. The gripping means contains a base and, integrally formed therewith, at least two fingers extending from the base. Each of the fingers contains a top portion which extends divergingly away from the top portions of each of the other fingers.

Abstract: The support apparatus is for the retention thereon of a book, and comprises a carriage member, a flexible support member, and an elastic cord to retain the pages of the open book while the book is being read. The carriage member preferably has an essentially flat surface upon which the book is positionable. The flexible support member is readily deformable into a multiplicity of serpentine configurations. The flexible support member is capable of supporting the carriage member and the book in a first configuration without deformation. The flexible support member remains in the first configuration until the flexible support member is deformed and manipulated into a second configuration. The flexible support member is affixed to the carriage member. An elastic cord pulled taut through two apertures disposed through the flat surface of the carriage member is used to retain the pages of the book when the book is in the open position.

Abstract: A flag support for a sprinkler head of the type having a cover plate attached to an internal supporting mechanism by means of one or more screws, the flag support being a two part device consisting of a lower member of plastic material and an upper member of rubber or plastic material which is more resilient and softer than the material of the lower plastic member, the upper rubber member being attachable to the lower plastic member, the plastic member being attachable to the cover plate by a suitable adhesive material and having therein openings of sufficient size and number to permit access to each screw on the cover plate using a conventional screwdriver without requiring the removal of the plastic member from the cover plate, the flag support having a center opening therein substantially equal in diameter to the diameter of the wire or rod of a flag device to be supported on the sprinkler head.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for use in magnetic resonance diagnosis of a patient, there is provided a transmitter-receiver coil affixed to a holding member or bracket which is movably supported by three easily hand bendable, flexible members which rigidly hold the position in which they are bent. The lower extremity of each flexible member is mounted upon a fixing member which can be moved longitudinally along a patient support or table for placement of the coil.

Abstract: The foot bearing the seat surface of a seat is divided at a distance of 20-30 cm from the seat surface. Between the mutually facing end faces of the two foot parts (5a,5b) a rubber cushion (9) is arranged, the circumferential area of which is widened to form a brake ring (11). The elastic restoring force, working counter to the inclination of the seat, of this cushion is reinforced by two further cushions (16,17) arranged within the foot parts (5a,5b). By means of the suitable arrangement of sliding elements with low friction (T1-T3), the mutual rotation between the two foot parts (5a,5b) is ensured.Thanks to this construction, the seat surface can be swiveled in a tumbling manner in such a way that every point of said seat surface moves on an imaginary spherical surface and thanks to the mentioned elastic restoring force, the seat part always returns automatically to its initial position.

Abstract: A rural mailbox and post assembly enabling the front end of the mailbox to be pulled forward and up to or inside a window of a motor vehicle for retrieval of the mail. The post is made up of upper and lower portions, pivotally joined so that the upper portion may be pulled forward around a pivot pin at the top of the lower portion, which is affixed to the ground or a base. Biasing means such as a spring is provided to maintain the upper post and attached box in upright position until pulled forward. When the box is released, the spring urges the box back into upright position. A handle at the front of the box enables it to be grasped and pulled from within the vehicle.

Abstract: A stand for mailboxes provides an elongated structural assembly that includes an upper section that is rigidly mounted to a mailbox and a lower section that is rigidly mounted to a fixed location. The two sections are coaxially aligned next to each other and urged towards each other through the action of a spring member that is pre-stretched inside the inner and lower sections. The larger the deflection of the upper section with respect to the at rest coaxial alignment with the lower section, the larger the recovering force that is created perpendicular to the at rest coaxial alignment.

Abstract: A guidable arm for free-positioning lamps of the type with a stand anchored to a base and having a free end holding a lamp head. The guidable arm being made up of two stems which are separated in a parallel manner and which rotate about their own axis with respect to the fixed base. The stems are interconnected by a flexible intermediate spacer and are equipped at their free ends with joints for holding the lamp head. Each of the stems has two goose-neck portions separated from one another and made up of a flexible tube and a sheath having crosswise slits on two diametrically opposed areas and two uninterrupted lateral strips parallel to the axis of the stem. The goose-neck is thus able to bend in a direction orthogonal to the slits and not laterally toward the uninterrupted strips.

Abstract: A holder for SCUBA tanks or other similar cylindrical articles for storing such tanks along the deck of a boat or the like is molded from a unitary sheet having at least one concavity extending from the upper surface interiorly between the lateral sides, the sheet being sufficiently flexible that the weight of a SCUBA tank stored within the concavity causes flexure of the sheet so that the concavity rests on the supporting surface.

Abstract: A sign stand for supporting signs in windy environments includes a base, a staff portion extended from the base and an upper portion for receiving and displaying a sign. The sign stand includes a mechanism permitting pivoting of the sign to spill wind load and includes a mechanism for applying a restoring force to restore the sign to its normal vertical position on removal of the wind load. The restoring mechanism may be incorporated in the base structure and can utilize a tension spring to provide the restoring force.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for incrementally varying the frictional forces along an articulable column having succesive joints formed of alternate ball and socket members. Friction is varied by varying the contact angle between said ball and socket members along the length of the column and by supplying a compressive force to said joints via a tensioned means throughout the column. The effect of varying the frictional forces along the column is to vary the stiffness of individual column joints creating a structural member which can be tailored to the load requirements of a specific application.

Abstract: Four orthagonally oriented rigid blades are fixed together along a side of each and taper to a common pointed bottom with a rigid top plate affixed across the top of the blades and a steel tube extends upwardly from the plate to receive and support a post such as a sign post, fence post or the like extending upwardly from the device. The invention is adapted to be driven into the ground to support and anchor posts.The invention also includes a "break away" embodiment incorporating a thick high density rubber retainer atop the rigid plate about the tube which has a flanged bottom beneath the rubber retainer and a rigid centrally apertured plate is bolted onto the top plate to hold the rubber retainer and tube on the top plate. A heavy blow to a post mounted in the tube will tilt the tube to pivot the flange thereof to deform the retainer and allow the tube and flange to flip out of the upper apertured plate as a break away feature without damage to the invention.

Abstract: A retainer arm for use in supporting an object above a base member is disclosed. The retainer arm may include a smooth walled tubular elongate housing which defines a hollow channel in the interior thereof. A metal core formed by one or more strands is housed within the channel. An end section is mounted on each of the opposing ends of the housing, thereby compacting the metal wire within the housing. The core and shaft are manually bendable but of sufficient rigidity to retain the configuration imparted thereto by the bending while also supporting an object mounted on an end of that arm.

Abstract: An upright mast is affixed to a horizontal support which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal shaft seated in a mounting base whereby abutting resilient members, such as springs, concentric with the shaft separately resist pivotal deflection in opposite directions of said mast on its supporting base.

Abstract: A chair which includes a seat frame having depending leg members and a pair of upstanding, spaced apart members arranged to provide a lower backrest part for the chair and an upper backrest frame part having a pair of spaced apart depending members in registry with the upstanding members, said members being hollow with open extremities, and flexible spring means secured between each pair of members to provide an articulated, flexible spring backrest for the chair. Each flexible spring means includes an elongated, flat or blade spring member having its opposite ends secured within a holder member which is closed at one end and open at its opposite end for inserting the spring into the holder. The open ends of each holder have stop flange formations protruding outwardly thereon which, when the holders are spaced apart at their open ends with a slight gap therebetween, effect limitation of the angle of flexure of the spring by engagement of the flanges one with the other.

Abstract: An overhead console (2) attaches to the interior roof (4) of a motor vehicle and provides various features including a retractable compartment (18) for sunglasses or the like that with a damper mechanism (118) for protecting the sunglasses (61) when the compartment (18) is opened. Another compartment (22) is used to hold a remote control unit (60) for a garage door opener. The control unit compartment (18) permits the remote unit (60) to be used by pressing a pushbutton (24) on the compartment lid (23) which activates a pushbutton (62) on the unit (60). A reading/map lamp assembly (28) is houseable in the console (2) and includes a plastic bellows (30) for retracting and aiming a lamp head (32) over a 360.degree. range. The lamp beam width is optionally controllable by a secondary bellows (74) mounted on the lamp head (38). A dual-sided access compartment permits the vehicle driver or a passenger to gain access to a common compartment.

Abstract: An upright mast is affixed to a horizontal supporting means which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal shaft seated in a mounting base whereby a horizontal resilient member, such as a spring, concentric with the shaft separately resists pivotal deflection in opposite directions of said upright member on its supporting base.

Abstract: An upright mast for a sign, and the like, is pivotally mounted upon a base and shaft with two adjustable resilient members, such as springs, mounted between the base and mast for separately resisting pivotal deflection in opposite directions.

Abstract: A rack for storing water skis and the like on a boat outside of the cockpit, the rack comprising at least two laterally spaced generally parallel rack members, each rack member comprising two generally perpendicular arms forming a generally upwardly facing V-shaped support, and a base adapted to mount the V-shaped support on the boat outside of the cockpit. The base and the V-shaped support can be made separate and resiliently connected to allow the support to resiliently deflect relative to the base in response to applied pressure.

Abstract: A flexible joint mechanism comprises male and female joint members for joining a microphone pole to a base member. The male joint member has a substantially spherical end surface. The female joint member has a dish-shaped end surface for receiving the spherical end surface. The dish-shaped and spherical end surfaces are held together in sliding engagement by a spring or the like. A detent is interposed between the dish-shaped and spherical end surfaces for releasably holding the joint members in a vertically aligned position following movement thereof into the aligned position.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus including a flexible, generally tubular support arm having threadably attached to one end thereof an equipment mounting member, and having threadably attached, at the other end thereof a vehicle support attachment member. A first attachment member is configured for mounting to a somewhat horizontal portion of the vehicle such as the floor, while a second attachment member is configured for side mounting. The flexible support arm is configured to provide a measure of resistance to flex sufficient to support the equipment without movement during operation of the vehicle, while sufficient to flex away from the occupants in the event of impact. The mounting member and the attachment member are relatively small in dimension and secured at extreme ends of the flexible portion of the support arm.

Abstract: An omnidirectionally tilting pedestal mechanism for supporting a chair seat, including a tubular pedestal member, first and second tilt/swivel assemblies, each mounted within the pedestal member for limited tilting movement, a flexure shaft for connecting the first and second tilt/swivel assemblies within the pedestal member, and mounting means for connecting the flexure shaft to a chair seat, such that as the chair seat is tilted, the deflection force acts to tilt one end of the flexure shaft within one of the tilt/swivel assemblies for bowing the flexure shaft between the first and second tilt/swivel assemblies.

Abstract: A sturdy, virtually indestructible mailbox is presented comprising a thick-gauged cylindrical mailbox shell, a top pipe stem, a middle resilient spring stem and a bottom anchor post pipe stem having a circular driving auger. The shell and stems are connected by means of horizontal holes in the pieces through which are inserted first, second and third attaching bolts.The inside of the mailbox shell includes a perforated horizontal letter tray and a spring-ball latch mechanism that contacts an inner horizontal door flange for latching the door of the mailbox.

Abstract: This invention is a ground supported communication terminal having the ability to flex back and forth in response to an impact from a vehicle or the like so as to prevent and/or minimize damage to the terminal housing and base support structure as well as its internal components. The communication terminal is of a modular design so as to simplify the repair or replacement of parts that may be damaged as a result of a severe impact.

Abstract: A sign stand assembly is disclosed for supporting a sign in a generally upright orientation relative to a base portion of the stand assembly. The assembly includes a resilient biasing apparatus for allowing the sign to pivotally deflect in the face of winds or other forces in order to avoid tipping over the sign and sign stand assembly. The resilient biasing apparatus includes an elastomeric member that is preferably preloaded and that is torsionally deflectable during service in order to provide for such sign deflection. Such preloading greatly contributes to the durability and long service life of the resilient biasing apparatus.

Abstract: To supply the implement, mostly a welding tool, of a manipulator (1), with energy, the invention, instead of running the supply lines in the known manner from a fixed point in a large, freely suspended loop directly to the tool, provides an external suspension of a line bundle (10) along the constructional assemblies of the manipulator. In accordance with the invention, this line bundle (10) is held in place and guided in tubular casings (13) which are disposed at the individual assemblies (3-5) of the manipulator (1), with inserts (19) being provided in these casings (13) for receiving and holding lines of unequal size (parallel with each other) which are adapted to the various functions of the manipulator and can quickly be exchanged.

Abstract: An improved warning sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed and includes apparatus for attaching and retaining the sign to a stand member of the assembly. The various embodiments of the assembly also include various mechanisms for permitting the sign panel to pivot or swing under side-directed loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the stand base to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over. The various embodiments are applicable in sign and sign stand assemblies equipped with provisions for selectively collapsing the entire assemblies into compact and conveniently stored configurations, as well as being applicable in assemblies not so equipped.

Abstract: An intravenous tube assembly to supply intravenous fluid to a patient includes an intravenous fluid container held by a stand and connected at one end to intravenous fluid tubing, which is connected at the opposite end to a patient. A mast assembly has an elongate resilient mast with a movable tip and a base. The base is fixed to structure proximate the patient. The tip carries a tube holder which releasably holds a segment of the intravenous tube leading to the patient. The mast permits patient movement by deflecting to follow the patient and rebounding upon return of the patient to prevent an excess of residual intravenous tube in the vicinity of the patient.

Abstract: A slalom gate which has a lower support member adapted to be inserted into the snow. There is a retractable anchoring member mounted in the support member, in a manner that downward deflection of the post about a lower pivoting connecting portion pulls the anchor member upwardly to cause it to expand outwardly into the snow, thus resisting retraction of the support member from the snow. When the gate returns to its upright position, the anchoring member retracts so that the gate can more easily be removed from the snow.

Abstract: A mast mounting assembly is provided for supporting a safety flag mast, communication antenna or the like. The novel assembly comprises a mounting bolt that can be permanently attached to a vehicle with the free end of the bolt extending in an upright position. The free end of the bolt has a drilled bore opening to receive and anchor the lower base end of the mast. A collar has a pair of bore openings extending from opposite ends thereof, one of the openings being smaller in diameter through which the base end of the mast can be press-fitted, the other of the openings adapted to be press-fitted over the mounting bolt. The collar is made of a hard resilient material, such as a urethane plastic, to provide a resilient support to the base of the mast for dampening the oscillations to prevent injury to the vehicle operator. In event of damage to the mast, such as by vehicle roll over, the collar can be pulled off the mounting bolt and the mast without the need for any tools.

Abstract: A connector 11 for connecting tubular bars at variable mutual angles by means of a spherical attachment member 13 with tapped holes 26. The connector 11 has a lockable ball 31 and socket 32 joint from which a bolt 23 extends for engagement in the tapped holes 26. The connector also has a lockable snap-fit assembly 24 arranged to engage a tubular bar located over the body of the connector 11.