Abstract: A cover assembly for an indoor or outdoor item. The cover assembly is moveable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration and includes panels of a textile material stitched together with inside seams and outside seams. The cover assembly receives the selected item within an interior area defined by the panels and the selected item holds the cover assembly in the expanded configuration. The outside seams are biased to close toward an interior area of the cover assembly and the inside seams are biased to close away from the interior area such that, when the cover assembly is removed from the selected item, the cover assembly is biased to close along the inside and outside seams to cause the cover assembly to move to the collapsed configuration to increase the ease of folding and storing the cover assembly.

Abstract: A roof mounting system for the attachment of an article to a roof, the system comprising a plurality of PV modules each having at least one corner and a frame member, a flashing member having a top surface; an upstanding sleeve attached to the top surface of the flashing member; an elevated water seal having a borehole formed therethrough, the elevated water seal further comprising at least one screw for providing a waterproof seal between the article and the roof structure; and whereby the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement supported above the roof through the frame members of the plurality of PV modules.

Abstract: A clamp for joining rods and a method for joining rods used for bracing a load is presented. The clamp has an opening to accept threaded portions of each of a pair of rods, which are parallel to each other with threads touching. The clamp forces the thread portions of the rods together to allow the rods to support compressive and tensile loads. The clamps may be used in pairs to provide added bending resistance to the rods.

Abstract: A jig apparatus and associated systems and methods for forming a composite wing skin is presented, including providing a frame with a working surface. A plurality of indexing blocks are coupled to the working surface of the frame. Each of the plurality of indexing blocks has a first indexing surface oriented perpendicular to the working surface of the frame and a second indexing surface oriented approximately parallel to the working surface of the frame. A plurality of clamping blocks are also each moveably coupled to one of the plurality of indexing blocks. Each of the plurality of clamping blocks has a clamping surface oriented perpendicular to the working surface of the frame and in facing relation to the first indexing surface of an adjacent indexing block thereby defining a plurality of channels.

Abstract: A beam flange clamp includes a clamp body having a first vise jaw portion with a first gripping surface and a second vise jaw portion with a second gripping surface. The first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are oriented parallel to each other and are offset in height by a predetermined clamping distance. The clamp body further including a bolting portion protruding from the second vise jaw portion opposite of the first vise jaw portion, and at least one bolting hole is formed through the bolting portion.

Abstract: A beam flange clamp includes a clamp body having a first vise jaw portion with a first gripping surface and a second vise jaw portion with a second gripping surface. The first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are oriented parallel to each other, are facing the same direction and are offset in height by a predetermined clamping distance. The at least one bolting hole is formed through the first vise jaw portion perpendicularly to the first gripping surface.

Abstract: An attachment member and a solar cell array are disclosed. The attachment member includes a first member; a second member on the first member; and a fixing member that fixes the first and second members. The first member includes a bottom portion; two first side walls facing each other. The second member includes a top portion; two second side walls facing to each other. The first and the second side walls are alternately arranged and face to each other. Each of the first and second side walls comprises an engagement portion. The engagement portion of one of the first side walls adjustably engages in height direction with the engagement portion of one of the second side walls. The engagement portion of the other one of the first side walls adjustably engages in height direction with the engagement portion of the other one of the second side walls.

Abstract: Apparatuses include two monolithic members that are coupled together, that are configured to move relative to each other, and that are configured so that they cannot be decoupled from each other without alteration of one or both of the two monolithic members. Methods of forming and using such apparatuses also are disclosed. Some monolithic members are formed utilizing an additive manufacturing method so that they are restricted from being decoupled from each other. Some apparatuses define clamps. Some clamps are used to precisely align laser projection alignment targets for use with laser projection alignment systems.

Abstract: A compliant tool holder is provided for use with robots, unmanned ground vehicles, and the like. The compliant tool holder is characterized in that it involves the use of means for compliance, such as springs, rubber, plastics, metals, composites, shock mounts, vibration mounts, or similar means for permitting compliant movement in three rotational and three translational degrees of freedom during end effector changes. The compliant tool holder reduces costs associated with automated tool change in the field, and allows for more rapid switching of end effectors, enabling a greater range of uses for robots and unmanned ground vehicles.

Abstract: A roofing clamp is arranged on a corresponding roof seam for receiving a Z-shaped clamp for attaching to the end of a solar collector and receiving a U-shaped clamp for attaching to the sides thereof for attaching the solar collector to the roof without insertion within said roof.

Abstract: An adhesive holder for holding objects comprises an adhesive layer, an object holder, an adapter with a contact surface and a counter element with a counter surface. The counter surface of the counter element is positionable at a distance from the contact surface of the adapter in order to enclose a section of a structural element. The adhesive layer can be applied onto the contact surface of the adapter or onto the counter surface of the counter element. The adhesive holder according to the invention makes it possible to introduce a force into a structural element by exerting compressive stress and shearing stress only such that the adhesive connection is much more durable and the adhesive holder can be subjected to higher loads than in the state of the art.

Abstract: Enclosure clamps and clamp systems are provided for fastening a cover to an enclosure body to provide an explosion-proof container, while minimizing the number of bolts used over conventional systems. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems create a sufficient force so as to provide a flamepath between the cover and the enclosure body. The enclosure clamps described include a channel for receiving the cover and a flange on the enclosure body. The enclosure clamp is secured to the enclosure body by one or more bolts and/or by a cam actuated securing mechanism. The clamp systems described include a force distributing plate secured to a cover by cam actuated securing mechanism that is coupled to an enclosure body. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems allow a user to attach or remove the cover from the enclosure body more easily than possible with conventional explosion-proof enclosures.

Abstract: A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.

Abstract: A mounting device includes a clamping device, a spacing device, and a receiving device. The clamping device includes an upper clamping element and a lower clamping element. The upper clamping element includes a first side plate and an upper clamping plate, the first side plate defines a guiding element and a number of position holes thereon thereon. The lower clamping element includes a second side plate received in the guiding element and a lower clamping plate opposite to the upper clamping plate. The second side plate defines a spacing hole therethrough. The spacing device is positioned on the first side plate and extends outward a position pole, the poison pole penetrates the position hole and receives in the spacing hole for fixing the lower clamping element. The receiving device is rotatably connected with the first side plate and defines a receiving room.

Abstract: A universal clamp for use on a crib and a method of securing the clamp to the crib. The clamp includes a first base and a second base removeably coupled to a crib. The first base includes an aperture and is configured to receive a strap and a recess. The second base includes a shaft configured to be received within the recess of the first base, a spring coupled to the shaft and being biased to retain the shaft within the recess, and a cam buckle connected to and pivotable with respect to the second base. The second base is configured to rotate with respect to the first base, and the cam buckle is configured to receive the strap to secure the clamp to the crib.

Abstract: A microphone is mounted to apparatus in order to receive sound from a sound source. The apparatus has a microphone clamp to secure different microphones to a variety of musical instruments and other sound sources and may be used to directly mount a microphone to a variety of clamping surfaces. The mounting apparatus incorporates a dual jaw design to allow for easy, fast, and secure mounting to the clamping surface. The apparatus supports a quick release mechanism for easy and fast engagement and disengagement of the dual jaws, consequently reducing time needed to securely clamp and remove the mounting apparatus with the clamping surface. The release mechanism may include a dowel release having a hole through which the jaw stud is situated. The hole has two curved surfaces so that one of jaws may be moved without turning the jaw stud when the dowel release is depressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable clamping device that allows a barricade that is in use with an escalator or moving sidewalk to be attached to one another.

Abstract: An umbrella mounting system comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first side edge and a second side edge; a first base aperture disposed on the base toward the first side edge of the base and a second base aperture disposed on the base toward the second side edge of the base; a cylindrical mounting shaft having a first end with an opening and a second end, the opening of the first end of the mounting shaft functions to hold a shaft of an umbrella that is inserted into the opening, wherein the mounting shaft is attaches the top surface of the base and extends upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A support system for a bird feeder including a pole member for support of the bird feeder, a clamp member for positioning about the pole member and including upper and lower jaws, and a support block supported by the lower jaw. The lower jaw has an open chamber for receiving the support block and a screw member is provided for tightening the support block toward the upper jaw to tighten the clamp member about a support rail.

Abstract: A multipurpose support for attachments mountable to the tow hitch of a vehicle. The support comprises a main body adapted to receive an attachment and a coupling means for a quick release coupling of the main body to the tow hitch of a vehicle.

Abstract: An anchor for securing a safety line to a container having an opening defined by an upstanding rim comprises a bar which is longer than the opening is wide. A pair of hooks are connected to the anchor bar by hook mounts. The hooks open downward toward ends of the anchor bar such that the rim of the access opening may be secured between each hook and an associated end of the anchor bar. A mounting tab is connected to an end of each hook below a hook bend. A safety line connector may be connected to either tab through a hole formed therein. The mounting tabs project outward to permit connection of a safety line thereto even when the access opening is covered. A third mounting tab, to which a safety line connector may be connected, is pivotally secured around the anchor bar.

Abstract: A universal clamp allows a camera to be positioned at a variety of angles and then secured for a steady shot. A docking member supports the camera through its universal docking port. A positioning member is connected to the docking member at 90°. The position member engages an attachment member that is used to affix the clamp to an environmental support. A securing member locks all parts once the camera is in position.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed for a tonneau cover for a vehicle wherein the clamp assembly includes a plurality of spacers disposed therein to facilitate installation thereof on a variety of vehicle types and styles.

Abstract: A convertible clamp device including a C-shaped frame having first and second substantially opposing interconnected arms; a clamping rod carried by the first arm for longitudinal movement in a first clamping direction toward an internal face of the second arm and in a second opposite direction away from the second arm; different first and second movable clamping jaws removably coupleable to a portion of the clamping rod between the arms of the frame; and different first and second stationary clamping anvils being disposable on the internal face of the second arm.

Abstract: Slide and lock clamps for attaching to supports are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a clamp including a base plate comprising a first cradle. A rod is secured to the base plate. A sliding carriage is movably connected to the rod. The sliding carriage includes a lever, a cam, and a movable lock constructed and arranged for releasably locking the sliding carriage in place on the base plate. A second cradle is movably connected to the rod and positioned next to the sliding carriage for securing a support between the second cradle and the first cradle.

Abstract: A clamp for gripping two members together, in which one of the members may be repositioned within the clamp between two orientations. The clamp is made of two jaws having facing flat surfaces. Each flat surface has a recess for accommodating one of the members, while each flat surface has two additional recesses representing the alternative positions of the second member which can be moved between the alternative positions by loosening the fastening device connecting the jaws.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for use in connection with an operating table rail is disclosed. The clamp assembly includes a top clamp member, a base clamp member and an operating lever to move the top clamp member relative to the base clamp member. The base clamp member and the top clamp member include complimentary V-shaped channels that allow the clamp assembly of the present invention to be installed on the sterile side of the surgical field. The base clamp member is provided with dual guide pins and an actuator pin, extending upwards from the base clamp member and through the top clamp member. The actuator pin is affixed with a fastening means to engage the top of the actuator pin and the base clamp member together. Further, the base clamp member includes apertures for receiving various surgical support fixtures.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable support for installing a planar sheet of material between opposed surfaces for protection from events such as storms. The supports secure the planar sheet to an opening such as a door and window, thereby holding it in place during storms, etc. The supports are easily removed and include a substantially L-shaped base and a clamp. The clamp is removably and adjustably attached to the first side of the L-shaped base, thereby forming an aperture between the second side of the L-shaped base and the bottom surface of the clamp. The aperture is adaptable to accept various thicknesses of substantially planar objects. A device is provided for engaging the adjustable support with a support structure, passing through the clamp and passing through a hole in the first side of the L-shaped base and interfacing with support surfaces to hold the substantially planar object between the first support surface and a substantially opposed second support surface.

Abstract: A modular lift assembly configured for attachment between two substantially parallel support beams includes a chassis, at least one lift component attached to the chassis, a telescoping stiffener, and at least one attachment assembly. The chassis has a plurality of grooves formed in one surface thereof. The telescoping stiffener is disposed in at least one of the grooves and engages facing surfaces of adjacent parallel support beams. The attachment assembly is disposed in another of the grooves formed in the chassis for engaging at least one of the adjacent support beams.

Abstract: A bracket in combination with a boat surface for holding a boat accessory on a boat includes a boat surface, a mounting plate having a first side and a second side, a slotted exterior surface extending through the first side and defined by raised portions on either side thereof, each of the raised portions having an opening therethrough, a plurality of connectors, wherein each one of the connectors extends through one of each the openings to connect the mounting plate to the boat surface, wherein the boat surface and the slotted surface and raised portions define a slotted area therebetween, and a support plate having a first end configured to be removably received and retained in the slotted area in a manner which provides a second end of the support plate to operably connect an accessory.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed for a tonneau cover for a vehicle wherein the clamp assembly includes a plurality of spacers disposed therein to facilitate installation thereof on a variety of vehicle types and styles.

Abstract: A two-piece clamping unit for attaching to a roof seam whereby a top piece contacts one side of the seam and a base piece contacts the opposite side thereof and the top and bottom pieces are threadingly secured.

Abstract: A rebar support bracket for use in forming concrete structures formed as a generally U-shaped bracket member having two legs and an intermediate segment therebetween. The bracket member is configured to slide over a form member used to form a structure into which concrete is to be poured, with its legs depending along the form member a predetermined distance. Each leg of the bracket member has two spaced-apart J-shaped members aligned vertically with each other, and each J-shaped member is configured to support a rebar member to be used in forming the structure. A retention nipple or appendage is preferably included at the end of the J-shaped members. Notches or scored grooved are located to remove the intermediate segment. The bracket can also be made as a half bracket for use on end forms.

Abstract: A bracket for holding accessories on a boat includes a pair of mounting plates which are laterally spaced apart from one another and interconnected by a plurality of threaded screws and wing nuts, wherein the mounting plates have a set of aligned open through surfaces through which the screws extend and are retained by the nuts. Connected between the plates to the screw are a set of interconnecting plates which form a slot therebetween to removably receive a support plate which is configured to attach to an accessory. Each screw has a plastic sleeve thereabout serving as a spacer between one of the mounting plates and the remaining interconnecting plates and wherein each spacer is approximately the width of a rail of a boat.

Abstract: A tow hook hitch assembly attaches to one or both of the front tow hooks provided on a four wheel drive vehicle for mounting a tow ball, winch, or other accessory to the front end of the vehicle. The tow hook hitch includes an upper member extending above the tow hook, a lower member extending below the tow hook, a shaped insert secured to the upper member or lower member for extending within the tow hook, and a clamp bolt for securing the aforementioned components together.

Abstract: An anchorage safety device for steelworkers. The safety device is configured to be slidably coupleable to a flanged structural beam to which a lanyard may be attached to secure a workman against a fall. The anchorage device includes an elongate cross-member having a plurality of apertures formed there-through to allow adjustment of the anchorage device to accommodate various beams, a lanyard attachment apparatus, affixed to the mid-point of the cross-member, for receiving a clip of a workman's lanyard; and opposed first and second clamps for coupling the device to the flange of a beam. The clamps include a ratchet pawl having first and second teeth for selectively engaging the cross-member apertures. The worker needs only one hand to release the ratchet pawl from the apertures by simultaneously applying pressure on an enlarged engagement surface of the ratchet pawl and a clamp housing surface that is opposed to the enlarged engagement surface.

Abstract: An anchorage safety device for steelworkers. The safety device is configured to be slidably coupleable to a flanged structural beam to which a lanyard may be attached to secure a workman against a fall. The anchorage device includes an elongate cross-member having a plurality of apertures formed there-through to allow adjustment of the anchorage device to accommodate various beams; a lanyard attachment apparatus, affixed to the mid-point of the cross-member, for receiving a clip of a workman's lanyard; and opposed first and second clamps for coupling the device to the flange of a beam. The clamps include a ratchet pawl having first and second teeth for selectively engaging the cross-member apertures. The worker needs only one hand to release the ratchet pawl from the apertures by simultaneously applying pressure on an enlarged engagement surface of the ratchet pawl and a clamp housing surface that is opposed to the enlarged engagement surface.

Abstract: An offset beam clamp having a deep channel including two legs, a hole in the channel bottom, and a slot having two sides and a slot bottom and extending transversely through the legs. The slot receives the first of two angle iron members that comprise the upper cord of a web joist. A J-bolt is anchored to the second angle iron member and extends through the hole in the channel bottom where an angle bracket is secured on the bolt. A threaded mounting shaft is attached to the angle bracket.

Abstract: A bottom base for a soft water-spouting toy includes an upper combining base and a lower fixing base threadably combined with each other. The fixing base is fixed stably on a handle or a child's bicycle, and the combining base is combined tightly with the lower portion of a soft water-spouting toy. The combining base has a center hole for a ball to sink therein, invertible with the toy for pouring water therethrough and into the interior of the toy after disengaged from the fixing base. After water is filled full in the toy, then the combining base with the toy is inverted again, threadably combined with the lower fixing base, letting the toy on the bicycle playable by a child riding on. The water in the toy and the bottom base cannot leak out by sealing means in the combining base and the fixing base.

Abstract: A mechanical damping system for a structure is provided. The mechanical damping system comprises a tubular impact frame secured to the structure. A support frame is secured to the structure with the support frame spaced from the impact frame. An elongated member is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured within the support frame and the second end is free from connection and extends into the impact frame. At least one impact mass is secured to the second end of the elongated member, the impact mass movable within and contactable with the impact frame.

Abstract: Overhead support system for carwash component comprising wall brackets having wall plates and support trays which extend outwardly therefrom to receive a crossbeam in nesting relationship therewith. Clamps are provided for securing the crossbeam to the support brackets in such a way that it is not necessary to drill or otherwise form holes in the crossbeam. In one embodiment blower/dryers are mounted to the crossbeam using clamp type brackets. In another embodiment longitudinal rails are clampingly mounted between two parallel spaced cross rails or beams to receive a longitudinally movable high pressure spray washer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for flexibly fastening a thermally stressed component (2), especially in an internal combustion engine, with a fastening member (12) for receiving the component (2). In order ensure both a secure fastening of the component (2) and a compensation of longitudinal expansions of the component (2) it is provided that the fastening member (12) comprises at least one clamp bracket (4), with at least one rollable intermediate member (5) being disposed between the clamp bracket (4) and the component (2).

Abstract: An anchorage for anchoring an article to a bilateral flange which can have a width in a wide range of widths. First and second hooks are hooked over opposite flanges and securely retained thereon by a webbing strap of adjustable length extending between the two hooks. The webbing strap is permanently secured at one end to one of the hooks, and extends through a clamp on the other hook. The length of the webbing strap between the two hooks is fully adjustable in a wide range to accommodate the varying flange widths. As an alternative to a webbing strap and clamp, the hooks can be adjustably linked by an interpenetrating tongue and slot or buckle, mutually latched at a selected hook separation by a detent having projections urged into notches on the tongue.

Abstract: Shown is a clamping system with multiple clamps that work in combination with each other to support a load attached to an open web joist. This clamping system is typically used to clamp a piping system, of the type commonly used to suspend a basketball backboard and basket, to an open web steel joist of a gymnasium. The clamp combines a prior art “horizontal” clamp subassembly, which clamps to the opposed “lips” of the open web joist, with a second clamp subassembly which provides a “vertical” clamp centered within the horizontal clamp, supported above the open top portion of the open web joist and extending through the open middle portion of the open web joist.

Abstract: The apparatus is a clamp to hold flagpoles, plant support rods, and other items on rod-like structures, vertical posts (balusters) of stair or porch railings, and fences. The preferred embodiment is a large plastic split bolt with a knob-like head structure on one end and a through slot in the split bolt forming two separated sections with exterior threads. The slot is dimensioned so that a rod-like item fits within it. A threaded nut screws onto the threaded split sections of the bolt and tightens the clamp onto the rod-like structure. The head structure has a hole within it which is oriented at an angle to the vertical, so that a pole can be inserted into the hole and will support a container or a flag extending up and away from the clamp and rod structure on which it is mounted.

Abstract: The apparatus is a clamp to hold flagpoles, plant support rods, and other items on rod-like structures, vertical posts (balusters) of stair or porch railings, and fences. The preferred embodiment is a large plastic split bolt with a knob-like head, structure on one end and a through slot, in the split bolt forming two separated sections with exterior threads. The slot is dimensioned so that a rod-like item fits within it. A threaded nut screws onto the threaded split sections of the bolt and tightens the clamp onto the rod-like structure. The head structure has a hole within it which is oriented at an angle to the vertical, so that a pole can be inserted into the hole and will support a container or a flag-extending up and away from the clamp and rod structure on which it is mounted.

Abstract: An adjustable axle-frame connector 10 for mounting an axle 40 to the frame 30 of a vehicle. The adjustable axle-frame connector 10 includes an axle mounting plate 12, an axle hold down bracket 20, and a U-bolt 24a. The axle mounting plate 12 with a first end for positioning on one side of the vehicle frame 30 and a second end having a mounting slot 17 formed therein. The first end is configured to engage the frame 30 when the axle mounting plate 12 is positioned between the frame 30 and the axle 40, the axle 40 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the frame 30. The second end has positioning tabs 18 that are configured to straddle the axle 40 when the axle mounting plate 12 is positioned between the frame 30 and the axle 40. The axle hold down bracket 20 has a proximal end 21 and a distal end, the distal end including a locator flange 22 configured to engage the mounting slot 17 of the axle mounting plate 12 when the proximal end 21 is placed in abutment with the frame 30 of the vehicle.

Abstract: A storage compartment used for storing modules in a cargo bay, whereby the compartment attaches to the support structure of an aircraft cargo bay. The storage compartment comprises a housing defining an interior space, an air flow opening and an access opening. First and second mounting member are secured to the entire width or length one of the walls and spaced apart and parallel from one another. Brackets attach the mounting member to the equipment bay support structure. Further, a panel serves as an access opening to the storage compartment. Inside the equipment bay, an interior shelf, supports the modules stored in compartment and facilitates cooling beneath the modules. Fans mounted on the compartment further facilitate cooling. Vibration-absorbing material, mounted to the shelf, further provides shock-absorbing support to the modules.

Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly for releasably securing cargo to a pickup truck is provided. The pickup truck has a bed and a pair of side rails extending above the bed with each rail having an inside surface and an outside surface. The cargo carrier assembly comprises a center bar member having a first end and a second end, a first bar member slidably receiving the first end of the center bar member, and a second bar member slidably receiving the second end of the center bar member. An attaching mechanism for releasably securing the first bar member to a first side rail of the pickup truck and for releasably securing the second bar member to a second side rail of the pickup truck. A cargo receiving mechanism is releasably securable to the first bar member for receiving predetermined cargo.

Abstract: A sliding rail anchor fall arrest system (20) includes an anchor assembly (22), a safety hook (24), a safety harness (26) worn by a worker and a flexible lanyard (28) extending between the hook (24) and the harness (26). The sliding rail anchor assembly (22) includes a pair of anchor members (23) that cooperate to slidably engage a crown (29) of a rail (30) or other elongate member being used as an anchor point for fall arrest purposes. Each anchor subassembly (23a and 23b) includes a rail engaging portion (34 and 40) and a connector portion (35 and 41). When the rail engaging portions (34 and 40) are positioned around the crown (29), a cavity is formed to envelope the crown (29) thereby allowing longitudinal movement along the rail (30) but little to no movement transversely along the rail (30) by the anchor assembly (22).