Abstract: An umbrella base includes a body having a central passageway therethrough, an upper surface having a first configuration, a lower surface having a second configuration, and an outer peripherally-extending surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first configuration of the upper surface and the second configuration of the lower surface are correspondingly sized and configured so that when a second umbrella base is vertically stacked on top of and rested on the umbrella base, the first configuration of the upper surface of the umbrella base fits within the second configuration of the lower surface of the second umbrella base, and when the umbrella base is vertically stacked on top of and rested on the second the umbrella base, the first configuration of the upper surface of the second umbrella base fits within portions of the second configuration of the lower surface of the umbrella base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit of parts (100) for building a support base (1) for a pole-like element (2), wherein the kit of parts (100) comprises at least three substantially L-shaped elements (3), each L-shaped element (3) being arranged with an upright part (3A) extending along a body portion (101) of the pole-like element (2) in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (z) of the pole-like element (2) and with a foot part (3C) extending outwardly from a lowermost portion (102) of the pole-like element (2), wherein the kit of parts (100) further comprises a first holding means for holding a substantially right-angled part (3B) of each L-shaped element (3) in proximity of the lowermost portion (102) of the pole-like element (2).

Abstract: A furniture pedestal support for an article of furniture such as tables, chairs, desks or racks, which may be a fixed length or adjustable and features a tubular upright column member the lower end of which has longitudinal slots and the slots receive radially attachable and removable legs held in place by a removable end cap. The legs may be stored in the tubular support and confined by the end cap for compact shipment and storage. Other features include the manner of attachment of parts for assembly and disassembly without tools and variability of height adjustment capability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transition piece (10) for connecting a first component (20) having at least three columns (21) to a tower-shaped second component (30), wherein the transition piece (10) can be arranged between the first component (20) and the second component (30) and comprises a connection device for connecting the second component 30. The transition piece (10) is characterized in that it has at least three curved elements (11), the respective legs (13) of which are connectable at least indirectly to the first component (20). Each curved element (11) can be brought into direct contact with the second component (30) by means of convex end sections (14) arranged between the respective legs (13). In this way, the convex end sections (14) of the curved elements (11) form a receiving region (15) of the transition piece (11) and the second component (30) can be inserted into this receiving region.

Abstract: A securing system for a portable basketball pole assembly is disclosed. The securing system includes ground screws which secure in the ground on either side of a base of the portable basketball pole assembly. A strap is extended from one ground member to the other over the base to hold the base securely to the ground and prevent tipping. Additional straps may be used to extend from the ground members to the pole to further secure the pole. In certain preferred embodiments, separate straps extend from the ground members to the pole. In other embodiments, a single strap is used. The straps are attached to the pole via a pole attachment member. The pole attachment member may conveniently be an after-market part which fits around an existing pole and provides a receiving element to receive the strap or straps. Buckles may be included to allow the straps to be tightened or loosened.

Abstract: A post fastening device for mounting a post to a construction surface, the device comprising a base having a planar top surface and a threaded rod extending from the top surface, a tubular member for insertion into a longitudinal axial bore on the bottom end of the post, the tubular member having an upper end and a lower end with internal threads complementary to the threads of the rod, and a dowel rod for insertion into a transverse bore extending through a portion of the post and the tubular member when the tubular member is in the longitudinal bore, the dowel rod being sized to pass through the tubular member and a portion of the post on both sides of the tubular member.

Abstract: A foundation system for a tower, such as a wind turbine, includes a central hub assembly, a plurality of post-tensioned concrete beams, and an anchoring system associated with each beam. In use the foundation system is arranged so that the bottom surfaces of the concrete beams bear on soil and the anchoring is disposed within the soil. The beams can be inverted bulb-T beams having post-tensioning cables inserted there-through and cooperating with an oppositely disposed related beam. The central hub assembly can include a plurality of stacked disk elements or steel frame elements that are post-tensioned together to form a single hub structure.

Abstract: A footing for a support, such as a pole. The footing includes a generally flat and flexible base, a support receiver formed on the base, and a slit through the base and extending inwardly toward the support receiver from an outer edge of the base.

Abstract: A stand for Christmas trees and other elongated objects includes spring biased, movable arm assemblies, with each arm assembly including a base arm and a gripping arm pivotally secured to the base arm. The gripping arm includes upper and lower elongated object engaging surfaces. When a Christmas tree or other elongated objects is pressed to downward between the arm assemblies, the elongated object contacts the lower object engaging surfaces, bringing the upper object engaging surfaces into contact with the elongated object. Spring pressure supplied by springs within the arm assemblies retains the elongated object within the stand.

Abstract: A tool which holds one or more logs steady, in place, and secured to a chopping block while all logs are spilt to the desired size with an axe or splitting maul. This prevents the logs from falling over, saving time, energy, and strain on the user's back.

Abstract: An umbrella mount, and optional adaptor, a receiver for an umbrella pole and at least two pressure points that at least one strap and fastener can urge against a base support to securely position the mount.

Abstract: A tree stand includes a housing dimensioned for holding electronic components used in providing electricity in support of decorative lighting for the tree. The tree stand removes heat from the housing without the use moving parts. Floor vents enable cool air to enter the housing; upper vents enable that air, warmed by the electrical components, to escape to the housing and into a heat riser housing as part of a growing, circular heat thermal. The heat follows a spiral ramp in the heat riser housing exiting vents at the top where additional heat is conducted into the tree itself, radiated into the air. Tree legs can be increased in number or replaced with longer legged trees without tools by insertion of the side wall into a slot formed in the legs and then slid around the circular slide wall from the notch where each leg is inserted.

Abstract: Described is a post support stand that can be used to temporarily support a fence post or similar object in a vertical, upright orientation during installation. The support stand includes a bracket having a central opening in which a post can be positioned. A plurality of clamps is disposed on the bracket and can be adjusted so that the clamps engage the post. The bracket may include a pivoting gate thereon to facilitate insertion of a post into the central opening of the bracket. A plurality of legs extends downward and outward from the bracket at an angle so as to provide a wide and stable base. The legs are preferably telescopic so that they can be adjusted in length, and the legs are connected to one another by crossbars. Once a post is secured within the ground, the support stand can be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A pole securement sleeve is disclosed herein. The pole securement sleeve includes a tubular housing member having a sidewall defining an internal passageway configured to receive a pole therein; a clamping member, a portion of the clamping member disposed in the internal passageway of the tubular housing member, the clamping member configured to apply a compressive force about a portion of an outer periphery of the pole; and a clamping member adjustment means operatively coupled to the clamping member, the clamping member adjustment means together with the clamping member circumscribing an area configured to be intersected by the pole. When a moment or torque is applied to the clamping member adjustment means, a size of the area circumscribed by the clamping member adjustment means and the clamping member is adjusted. A pole securement system and an umbrella base assembly, each including the pole securement sleeve, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A tree stand device supports and holds a tree in an upright position. The device includes a first sleeve having a top end and a bottom end. A second sleeve is extendably nested in the first sleeve and extendable from the top end of the first sleeve. The first sleeve and the second sleeve define a telescopically extendable tube configured for receiving a trunk of a tree. A locking member coupled to the first sleeve selectively engages the second sleeve wherein the second sleeve is held in a static position relative to the first sleeve. Each of a plurality of legs is coupled to and extends from first sleeve. The legs are positioned proximate the bottom end of the first sleeve supporting the tube in an upright position.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for securing a vertically disposed elongated cylindrical support member to a vertically disposed post or the like. The bracket assembly includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket. The upper bracket includes upper and lower plate members having uniquely designed openings formed therein. The lower bracket includes upper and lower plate members with the upper plate member of the lower bracket having a uniquely shaped opening formed therein. A clamping means is also provided on the lower plate member of the upper bracket and on the upper plate member of the lower bracket.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand comprises a container having a base and a sidewall extending therefrom, the sidewall having a plurality of outer longitudinal slots; a plurality of removable legs, each removable leg configured to be accommodated within a respective longitudinal slot; and a plurality of grippers threadably connected to the sidewall. Each gripper has a flexible padding layer disposed thereon for securely gripping a trunk of a Christmas tree.

Abstract: The invention is a universal mounting system allowing a wide variety of accessories to be used interchangeably among one or more mounts secured to convenient surfaces or structures, such as the gunnel of a boat. The universal mount system includes a mount having barrel configured to receive the insert member of an accessory. A locking mechanism on the mount engages the insert automatically and interlocking splines on the insert member and along the barrel of the mount secure the insert at a desired rotational orientation.

Abstract: A deer attracting device and/or a kit incorporating the same facilitates luring deer to a specific location. The device includes a base that is supported from below by an underlying ground surface and a lock that holds a visual lure in an upright position, extending away from the base, so that deer can easily see the visual lure. A scent carrier may be applied to the visual lure and is configured to entice deer to apply their own scent(s) to the visual lure by scent marking or licking the lure. This encourages other deer to do the same after being visually drawn close enough to the visual lure to detect the scent. Correspondingly, the deer maintain or replenish the scent of the lure mitigating the need for a human to artificially do the same. The visual lure is maintained in position on the base be a column within which a lower end of the visual lure is received, and a lock that maintains the visual lure within the column.

Abstract: A portable base is provided for supporting an upstanding mast and particularly a davit with a jib where the jib includes a load connecting point arranged such that on application of a load beyond a predetermined limit the spacing of the load connecting point from the mast is reduced to reduce a side load on the base. The base includes bottom and side panels connected edge to edge to form a container with a hollow interior filled by concrete where at least one side by side panels forming a top wall has a sleeve extends from the panel at least partly through the hollow interior to the base. The sleeve which is welded to reinforcing bars passing through the material receives and supports the mast and is held in place by forces contributed both by the set filling material and the panels.

Abstract: A portable base is provided for supporting an upstanding mast and particularly a davit with a jib where the jib includes a load connecting point arranged such that on application of a load beyond a predetermined limit the spacing of the load connecting point from the mast is reduced to reduce a side load on the base. The base includes bottom and side panels connected edge to edge to form a container with a hollow interior filled by concrete where at least one side by side panels forming a top wall has a sleeve extends from the panel at least partly through the hollow interior to the base. The sleeve which is welded to reinforcing bars passing through the material receives and supports the mast and is held in place by forces contributed both by the set filling material and the panels.

Abstract: A stand for a Christmas tree or the like is adapted to cooperate with a base portion of a pole such as a tree trunk to provide a stable support for the pole with its base spaced above a support surface such as a floor. The stand comprises a plurality of support members each having a proximal end spaced above the support surface. The proximal ends of the support members cooperate to form a clamp for receiving the base portion of the pole. The clamp is arranged such that, when the base portion of the pole is received in the clamp, one or more of the support members pivots at its proximal end about the clamp to thereby cause the clamp to close and grip the base portion of the pole. The weight of the pole may be sufficient to cause the clamp of the stand to automatically grip the pole.

Abstract: An anti-spin mounting pole for holding a communications device mounted thereon generally stable relative to a desired position when the lower end portion of the resultant pole is installed in a concrete base, such anti-spin mounting pole formed from an elongated pole having a generally uniform cross-sectional configuration defining a nominal outer perimeter and having one or more compressed areas formed along the lower end portion of the pole to alter thereat the initial generally uniform cross-sectional configuration and effect an enhanced out-of-round condition defining an anti-spin portion that includes a pair of oppositely directed ears extending outwardly beyond the nominal outer perimeter of the elongated pole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for fastening a support profile, comprising a profile receptacle having a supporting section, and a fastening side which at least in some areas is spaced from the supporting section, wherein a cable maneuvering compartment is formed between the supporting section and the fastening side and is spatially connected to a feedthrough of the supporting section and at least one cable feedthrough. Using said design, cables coming from a wide variety of directions can be fed to the adapter in a simple and organized manner.

Abstract: A post sleeve installation assembly includes: an elastomeric sleeve core shaped to form a post sleeve when positioned in uncured concrete, a removable stiffener inside the core, an aperture extending lengthwise in the stiffener, a locking element positioned within the core, and an assembly plate coupled to the stiffener. The assembly plate clamps to a prefabricated sleeve element, with the core and stiffener positioned within a post cavity of the sleeve element. an installation stake is positioned in the aperture and prevented from sliding upwards by the locking element. A release point on the assembly plate permits an operator to release the locking element for removal of the stake. To install a post sleeve, the operator positions the installation assembly, clamped to a prefabricated sleeve element, in a post hole with the stake resting on the bottom, then fills the hole with concrete, manipulating the stake to position the assembly.

Abstract: A portable mast capable of supporting a payload that can be fastened to and detached from an unsteady, inclined or irregular surface of attachment. The improvements include a tensioning cable which exerts pressure on the base of the mast in opposition to the surface of attachment, a guide protecting the cable from abrasion, means for adjusting and retaining tension in the cable when the mast is fastened to the surface of attachment, a base capable of housing the fastener to protect the fastener from corrosion and tampering, a base allowing attachment to and pass-through of existing cords crossing the surface of attachment, and a base having resilient compression to conform to an irregular surface of attachment while maintaining pressure between the base and surface of attachment created by tensioning of the cable. Also disclosed is a mast with mechanical means for increasing cable tension in order to secure its tripod base to a surface of attachment.

Abstract: A fuel tank support system for providing a lightweight yet strong structure for supporting propane tanks above a ground surface. The tank support generally includes an elongated support pad having a platform, a base plate connected to the support pad, and a plurality of internal supports connected between the support pad and the base plate. A plurality of pairs of upper retainer rings extends from an underside of the platform to define upper receiver slots, and a plurality of pairs of lower retainer rings extends from an upper side of the base plate to define lower receiver slots. An upper end of each of the internal supports is received by the upper receiver slots and a lower end of each of the internal supports is received by the lower receiver slots. Handles, bottom grooves, and internal ribbing are also used with the tank support.

Abstract: A utility cart has four corner posts arranged in rectangular pattern and at least one lower shelf including a recess in the push side edge and a top shelf that, instead of the recess, includes a handle. The other three sides of each of the shelves are substantially the same size and extend beyond the corner posts. The bottom of each of the shelves may include a wagon wheel structure in each corner which secures and supports the corner posts of the cart.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches.

Abstract: A hollow core post anchor includes a base plate and a post mounting protrusion. The base plate has two mounting holes adjacent opposing corners of the base plate, and L-shaped stabilizing supports at or adjacent to the other two opposing corners of the base plate. The post mounting protrusion includes a post mounting hole therethrough for receiving a carriage bolt. The two mounting holes in the base plate are each operable to receive a lag screw to secure the base plate and post anchor to a surface (e.g., a concrete pier or foundation). A hollow core post is then positioned on the post mounting protrusion, and securing a carriage bolt through the hollow core post and post mounting hole in the post mounting protrusion secure the hollow core post to the post anchor and thus to the surface.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand comprises a container having a base and a sidewall extending therefrom, the sidewall having a plurality of outer longitudinal slots; a plurality of removable legs, each removable leg configured to be accommodated within a respective longitudinal slot; and a plurality of grippers threadably connected to the sidewall.

Abstract: A display stand has a base, a vertical pole having a lower end fixed to the base. The pole includes two sections having a stem projecting upward from each section. A bearing is coupled each stem of the pole. A pair of racks, each having a central tube with a bearing race fixed within a lower end contacts an outer surface of the bearings for rotation around the tube. Each rack has a generally square perimeter with rounded corners formed of wire, with a plurality of radial support members coupled between the central tube and the rounded corners. Each side of the square perimeter portion includes a pair of hooks adjacent the rounded corners to engage products to be displayed on the stand, the hooks projecting a limited distance outward below the plane of the rack square perimeter.

Abstract: A base (and method) for display of a substantially vertical member having a supporting generally cylindrical member, adapted to provide adequate lateral stability to permit the vertical member to remain upright when exposed to lateral forces, to accept and retain liquid, and to allow the liquid to come into contact with the lower end of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is retained within the base by interference fit with a member comprised of an expanding, preferably plastic, foam which is initially in an unexpanded state, and is caused to expand after the cylindrical member is introduced into the base.

Abstract: A foundation system for electrical utility structures is provided that minimizes impact on the chosen construction site, minimizes labor and minimizes associated installation costs. The foundation system comprises a structure to be supported at its base which has a plurality of arm members secured to the base and a plurality of helical piers or micropiles which are inserted into the ground and distally attached to the base of the structure by attaching to the arm members.

Abstract: A combined fishing rod and beverage holder for insertion into and removal from an opening in a marine vessel is disclosed. The combined fishing rod and beverage holder includes a substantially tubular hollow cylindrical member which is formed with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the lower portion. The diameter of the upper portion enables a beverage container with or without an insulating jacket to be placed within and retained within the upper portion of the combined rod and beverage holder. The upper portion includes an outwardly projecting flange which includes apertures through which fasteners can be placed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to a surface, such as a gunwale of a marine vessel. Other types or secure devices can also be employed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to any surface.

Abstract: A carriage holder for support of an apparatus includes identical upper and lower support plates having on their outer edge a number of indentations corresponding to the number of apparatus to be supported, said indentations providing aligned radial horizontal grasping surfaces on one side of said apparatus. The carriage holder also includes a series of vertical spring pivot pins joining said upper and lower support plates, adjacent to each said indentation, each such pin bearing a torsion spring loaded retractable clamp member to provide grasping surfaces in retracted position opposite to the grasping surfaces of said indentations. The carriage holder also includes an unobstructed aperture in each of said aligned support plates for mounting said carriage holder on a shaft. The carriage holder further includes a locking mechanism to hold said carriage in a fixed position on the shaft.

Abstract: A post support device that enables a rotted base portion of a wooden support post to be removed in situ and the remaining end of the support post to be secured for regained structural integrity, the device having a base adapted to being attached to the surface, elevation support means in cooperation with the base for supporting the post above the base, at least two cover plates, each adapted to covering a portion of the exterior of the post, and each including an elongate flange facing inward towards the post and generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post, said flange portion including a leading cutting edge to enable the flange portion to bite into the surface material of the post upon the application of force to the flange to provide a mechanical seal between the flange and the post, first and second fastening means for securing each cover plate to the post and the base and the elevation support means to the post or the filler block if one is used, respectively.

Abstract: A portable base is provided for supporting an upstanding mast and particularly a davit with a jib where the jib includes a load connecting point arranged such that on application of a load beyond a predetermined limit the spacing of the load connecting point from the mast is reduced to reduce a side load on the base. The base includes bottom and side panels connected edge to edge to form a container with a hollow interior filled by concrete where at least one side by side panels forming a top wall has a sleeve extends from the panel at least partly through the hollow interior to the base. The sleeve which is welded to reinforcing bars passing through the material receives and supports the mast and is held in place by forces contributed both by the set filling material and the panels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a support block for use in securing a post mount includes a body having a first end and a second end and an adjustment mechanism formed integrally with the first end of the body, by which a vertical orientation of a post mount incorporating the support block can be adjusted.

Abstract: A support apparatus, for use in supporting a device such as a sex toy, the inflatable apparatus comprising an attachment portion and a holding portion which is attached to the attachment portion, and which defines an aperture therethrough, the holding portion having an inflatable element which is operable to adjust the size of said aperture.

Abstract: A portable beach umbrella holder for supporting an umbrella in sand. The holder includes a flexible membrane attached to a support mount which receives a portion of the shaft. The support mount includes an upper portion located on one side of the membrane and a lower potion located on the other side of the membrane. The membrane has a hole between the upper and lower portions. The upper and lower portions are attached to one another so as to secure the membrane between them. A bore extends through the upper and lower portions for receiving the umbrella shaft. The upper and lower portions preferably include a center tubular member which defines the bore. The center tubular member in the upper portion is integral with the center tubular member in the lower portion so as to provide the attachment between the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: A base for supporting a removable sign post on a surface utilizes a clamp, housed within a tubular housing, to grip and engage the post in a gripping position. The clamp has a clamp element that is flexibly displaceable to grip the post or alternatively has more than one discrete clamp element, each of which is actuable relative to the housing. Actuators, such as setscrews or bolts, are advanced through the housing into engagement with a corresponding clamp element to cause the clamp to grip the post. The actuators are retractable from the housing to cause the clamp to release from the post in a released position to enable removal of the post or insertion of the post into the base.

Abstract: An anti-spin mounting pole for holding a communications device mounted thereon generally stable relative to a desired position when the lower end portion of the resultant pole is installed in a concrete base, such anti-spin mounting pole formed from an elongated pole having a generally uniform cross-sectional configuration defining a nominal outer perimeter and having one or more compressed areas formed along the lower end portion of the pole to alter thereat the initial generally uniform cross-sectional configuration and effect an enhanced out-of-round condition defining an anti-spin portion that includes a pair of oppositely directed ears extending outwardly beyond the nominal outer perimeter of the elongated pole.

Abstract: A tree stand comprising a supporting base including an upwardly facing hemispherical socket, a positioning sphere having a cavity for receiving a trunk of the tree, and a collar engageable by threads with the base and comprising a flange, wherein the positioning sphere may be disposed in the hemispherical cavity, and the compression collar maximally threadably engaged with the base, thereby contacting the flange with the sphere and immobilizing the sphere in the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus that holds a fishing pole in an unattended manner and utilizes a clamp that attaches to the fishing pole comprising a pair of appendages pivotally connected to a yoke in a balanced manner. Such positioning allows the pole to float or bob and enables a vertical removal from the yoke upon catching a fish. This articulating action is more likely to attract fish due to the movement of the lure. The yoke can be connected to a common tripod that sits on a bank or other solid ground near a fishing location or may alternately be fixed to various other structures.

Abstract: A mobile base device for a sun umbrella including a base cover. A bearing support is arranged inside the base cover and is hinged with a main lifting arm via a stiffened plate mounted thereon. An outer end of the main lifting arm is screwed to a lifting screw mounted on the bearing support via a lifting screw sleeve and an inner end of the main lifting arm is fixedly coupled to a set of secondary lifting arms through joints. A central portion of the set of secondary lifting arms is hinged with a set of stiffened plates mounted on the bearing support and a lower portion of the outer end of the set of secondary lifting arms is fixedly coupled to a set of casters. Such structure has the advantages of easy movement and fixation as well as practicality and convenience.

Abstract: A medical tray having a telescoping leg that selectively telescopes in to be out of the way so as to enable the medical tray to be placed on a flat supporting surface or stored, or that telescopes out to provide a secure and stable support that places the medical tray contents in an elevated position. The telescoping of the telescoping leg is controlled by a one hand operated, dual action release mechanism.

Abstract: A portable accessory device includes a housing having a mounting slot, an accessory unit supported in the housing, and two adjustable retainers for adjusting the size of the mounting slot for a shaft of the outdoor umbrella. Each of the adjustable retainer includes a retention arm, having a pusher surface facing towards the mounting slot, slidably mounted at the housing, wherein the pusher surfaces of the retention arms are facing with each other and are arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the shaft of the outdoor umbrella until the shaft thereof being fitted at the mounting slot so as to substantially mount the housing at the shaft of the outdoor umbrella. Therefore, the portable accessory device is adapted to detachably mount at the outdoor umbrella to provide an additional function via the accessory unit for users to have high quality outdoor activities.

Abstract: An antenna holding device for holding test antennas includes a base, a holding pole, a sleeve unit, and a support pole. The holding pole is perpendicularly mounted on the base. The sleeve unit includes a movable sleeve, and the movable sleeve slidably and rotatably mounted on the holding pole. The support pole is mounted on the sleeve unit for mounting the test antennas.

Abstract: Many tools and other items include a shaft. A restraining device is disclosed for restraining such an item when the item is not in use. In one embodiment, the restraining device includes at least one of: (i) a thumb-receiving surface for receiving a force by a thumb to pivot an arm open; and (ii) a finger-receiving surface for receiving a force by at least one finger to pivot the arm open. The restraining device may be used in restraining a reaching device in a rural mail carrier's vehicle. An apparatus is therefore also disclosed that, in one embodiment, includes a supporting body securable to a vehicle seat. The supporting body supports a tray for holding mail. The restraining device is connected to the supporting body.