Abstract: A suction device includes a suction cup having a peg extending therefrom and a transverse shaft extending in opposite directions from the peg, an inner cap positioned on the suction cup and retaining a spring that applies a restoring force to the suction cup, and an outer cap positioned on the inner cap and defining inclined slots in which the opposite ends of the shaft are movably received, respectively. By rotating the outer cap with respect to the inner cap causes camming action between each inclined slot and the respective end of the shaft, which in turn imposes a driving force on the peg to deform the suction cup thereby inducing a suction force. An elongate flexible member has a first end coupled to the inner cap and an opposite second end rotatably supporting an article receptacle in which an article, such as mobile phone and a personal digital assistant can be received and retained.

Abstract: A vacuum disk includes a hollow base having an open leading end adapted to engage a flat support surface. The hollow base and the support surface define a vacuum space when the hollow base abuts the support surface. A gasket formed of styrene block copolymers forms an airtight seal around the vacuum space. A hub formed integrally with the base defines an airflow passageway through which air in the vacuum space may flow. A valve is seated within the airflow passageway. A hollow cylinder has a leading end that sealingly engages the hub and a piston head is slideably positioned within the hollow cylinder. A vacuum is created in the vacuum space by abrupt withdrawal of the piston head from the hollow interior of the cylinder. Ambient air rushing into the hollow interior of the cylinder abruptly closes the valve before the vacuum is lost.

Abstract: A portable gas tank holder for securing cylindrical compressed gas tanks to a support surface, such as a boat hull. The holder includes a frame having at least one gas tank-receiving pocket. At least two suction cups are attached to the frame for securing the frame to the surface. A manually operable suction release valve is provided for each suction cup which can be actuated by a user who is holding the frame.

Abstract: A flexible strap restraint assembly including a hollow tubular strap, a connector pin device for connecting the end of the strap to a suction cup base assembly. The connector pin includes an extent of reduced cross sectional area between the suction cup and the strap end providing a living hinge to allow the strap to be directed in a plurality of different directions.

Abstract: A safety device comprises vacuum anchors for attachment to a surface. The anchors are interconnected by a rigid track along which a carriage runs. The carriage includes means for connection to a safety line and harness. Such an arrangement provides enhanced freedom of movement and increased resistance against shearing forces when arresting a fall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a part on a fixture in a precisely known predetermined position includes pressing a surface of the part against a vacuum head and sealing an annular elastomeric sealing ring against the part surface. A valve button of a valve is engaged by the part surface to open the valve and establish communication between a vacuum source. The part is pulled by the vacuum against a hard stop in the vacuum head having a fixed precisely known relationship to said vacuum head reference surface. The hard-stop can be mounted in the base of the vacuum head for pivoting about at least one axis to self-align the hard-stop face with the part face.

Abstract: A suction cup system facilitates the holding and manipulation of sensitive objects such as printing plates without scratching, marring or damaging surfaces of the objects. The system has a flexible thin sheet made of polyester or similar material. The flexible sheet is stretched over the flexible contact flange of a suction cup and supported in position by a relatively rigid frame. The flexible sheet contains at least one aperture communicating with the interior of the suction cup. The apparatus is brought into the vicinity of the object, with the exterior surface of the flexible sheet in contact with the object. A vacuum line acts to create suction force between the suction cup and the object via the aperture. As the vacuum increases, the flexible contact flange flattens and slides across the interior surface of the flexible sheet rather than the sensitive surface of the object. The movement of the flexible suction cup's flexible contact flange does not scratch, mar or damage the object.