Abstract: A hitch mounted tree carrier is configured to be secured to a motor vehicle and permits a user to transport a tree from a first location to a second location. The hitch mounted tree carrier includes an elongated member configured to be removably received by a motor vehicle hitch and a receptacle having a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion is affixed to the elongated member. The hitch mounted tree carrier also includes: (i) a wedge positioned in the receptacle and configured to apply a first force on a first extent of a tree trunk, when the tree is in the process of being inserted into the receptacle, and (ii) a securement assembly extending into the receptacle and configured to apply a second force on a second extent of the tree trunk, when the tree is in an engaged state.

Abstract: A locking tree stand comprising a basin with a plurality of bolt mounts configured to accommodate locking bolts to slide into position. When a tab on the bolt mount is closed a threaded portion of the locking bolt comes in contact with a grip on the tab, preventing the bolt from sliding freely within the bolt mount. The bolt may slide on the thread base where a spring extends from, causing an arm from the spring to push the tab away from the locking bolt, when a locking tab is in an unlocked position. A foot pad may also be attached to the locking screw to provide a greater contact surface between the locking bolt and the trunk of a tree. The footpad may also include a plurality of nubs to provide greater grip between the footpad and the tree trunk.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a bollard panel in a vertical position includes a linear structural member having a panel connector to secure adjacent bollard panels to the linear structural member.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand for artificial trees comprising a base, a hollow tubular member, a plurality of locking-folding mechanisms, and a plurality of movable elongated leg members. A method of using the Christmas tree stand comprises positioning the Christmas tree stand on a floor or surface and positioning and securing an artificial Christmas tree in the Christmas tree stand for displaying and viewing the tree.

Abstract: A target device for target practice. The target device is foldable from a planar cardboard material sheet into a three-dimensional housing having lifted target extensions. The target extensions can be formed or printed with a target shape, or a separate target label can be applied over the target extension. The target extensions can include a tab cut therein that can be folded outward to change the angle of the target extensions relative to the shooter user.

Abstract: Imaging device including an elongated bendable section, a reinforcing section that is arranged on an end portion of the bendable section in an elongated direction in which the bendable section extends, the reinforcing section having higher rigidity than the bendable section, and an imaging section capable of capturing an image in the elongated direction with respect to the reinforcing section. The bendable section is able to store a power source in at least a part of the bendable section.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a universal tree stand for supporting trees with tree trunks of various sizes. The universal tree stand may include a clamping element to flexibly receive and secure tree trunks of different sizes. The universal tree stand may further include a fastening element that can tighten the grip of the clamping element around the tree trunk.

Abstract: A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a universal tree stand for supporting trees with tree trunks of various sizes. The universal tree stand may include a clamping element to flexibly receive and secure tree trunks of different sizes. The universal tree stand may further include a fastening element that can tighten the grip of the clamping element around the tree trunk.

Abstract: In described embodiments, the present invention is a collapsible tree stand hoist having a support structure having a ground end and a frame end. The support structure is formed from a plurality of assembled members. A generally “U-shaped” frame is attached to the frame end of the support structure. A plurality of teeth extends outwardly from the frame. The frame includes a flexible member releasably secured to at least one end of the frame. A pulley is attached to the flexible member.

Abstract: A portable path light system including a stabilizing base collar to provide downward pressure and torsional stabilization. The collar is affixed to the poll by one or more, preferably tapered wedging shims. Shims may include flanges to provide for mating with the collar and/or support of the system. Nesting shims can help size, fit, and further support the system. Shims may be rotated to provide a more complete mating with collar.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cords comprising two live wires and a ground wire, wherein the ground wire terminates in a probe configured to be placed in a water basin at the base of a Christmas tree. Also disclosed herein are cords comprising two live wires and a ground wire, wherein the ground wire terminates in a probe configured to be placed in a trunk of a Christmas tree. Also disclosed herein are bases for a Christmas tree, the base comprising a GFI socket, wherein the GFI socket is in electrical communication with a ground wire, wherein the ground wire terminates in a probe; wherein the GFI socket is in electrical communication with a three-wire cord, configured to be plugged into a wall socket.

Abstract: A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.

Abstract: A self-centering vial clamp is provided. The self-centering vial clamp includes a clamp body including a vial aperture and two or more jaw slots spaced around the vial aperture, two or more clamp jaws spaced around the vial aperture, with a clamp jaw including a vial contact face and one or more jaw projections configured to engage a jaw slot of the clamp body, and two or more lever arms coupled to the two or more clamp jaws. A lever arm of the self-centering vial claim is configured to be manually pivoted, wherein the lever arm translates the pivoting motion into a sliding motion of the corresponding clamp jaw. Interacting lever gears formed on the lever arms constrain the two or more clamp jaws to move substantially in unison during the manual pivoting, aligning the vial.

Abstract: A log section splitting assistance apparatus comprises a base with radially arranged fingers, each of which is joined to the base at an axle, each axle having an axis of rotation which is horizontally oriented and tangential to the base. The fingers extend and retract through use of a lever arm. A user places a log section on the base, between the fingers. The user engages the lever arm to hold the log section on the base with the fingers. The user splits the log section. The fingers retain the split pieces on the base in a cluster until the pieces can be removed. The base and fingers may be rotated by foot, allowing the log section to be conveniently rotated as it is split. The user avoids bending; the splitting process proceeds quickly. The apparatus is robust and easy to use.

Abstract: A stand for Christmas trees and other elongated objects includes at least one fixed arm and a spring biased, movable arm assembly, each of which may include a plurality of rollers. When a Christmas tree or other elongated objects is pressed to downward between the fixed arm and movable arm assembly, spring pressure supplied by the movable arm assembly retains the elongated object within the stand. A release lever pulls the movable arm assembly away from the elongated object, facilitating removal of the object from the stand.

Abstract: A method for installing a skirted toilet having a pedestal and a bowl, the method comprising securing a trap to a soil pipe, the trap having a base and a passageway configured to be fluidly connected between the bowl of the toilet and the soil pipe, wherein the base comprises a clamping member pivotally coupled thereto; positioning the pedestal over the trap to fluidly couple the bowl to the trap such that an opening in a wall of the pedestal is substantially aligned with an opening in the clamping member; and securing the toilet to the trap by inserting an adjusting member through the opening of the pedestal and into the opening of the clamping member and rotating the adjusting member to pivot the clamping member into engagement with the adjusting member.

Abstract: A valve holder is connectable to a prosthetic valve including a stent having a plurality of commissure posts. The valve includes a base, a plurality of legs extending from the base, and one of several mechanisms for deflecting the plurality of commissure posts radially inward so as to temporarily decrease the overall size of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.

Abstract: A support for a shed type dryer comprises a plurality of feet (1) arranged under a heater housing (2) of the dryer. The foot (1) is curved on the whole, and comprises a first part (11), a second part (12) and a third part (13) successively connected; wherein an end of the first part (11) is located at a bottom of the heater housing (2), and the first part (11) is connected with the heater housing (2); the second part (12) is arched; and an end of the third part (13) has a horizontal bottom surface (13a) to stand up on the ground. As compared with the prior art, the present foot can not only shorten the distance between the heater in the dryer and the ground, so as to lower the gravity centre of the dryer, so that the dryer can stand up more stably and is helpful to arrange a drying room with a relatively large size.

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 system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an article to an external object includes at least one cuff member. The at least one cuff member may be adapted to receive a portion of the article. Further, the at least one cuff member may include a strap member extending from an outer surface thereof. The strap member is adapted to be adjustably wrapped and secured around the at least one cuff member and a portion of the external object for securing the article to the external object.

Abstract: A monopole hollow strengthening tower is provided comprising stages that each comprise a pair of half-pipe sections that fit around the monopole. Each pair of sections is connected to the stage below and to each other. A first stage is connected to the footing of the monopole, a second stage is connected to the top of the first stage and includes cable ports. Subsequent stages extend above the second stage, finally there is a top stage which incorporates a clamping system to grip the monopole. This stage is the only stage above the footing where the monopole and the strengthening tower are in contact with each other.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree stand comprises a receptacle, at least three equally spaced legs radially extending therefrom, an equal plurality of braces pivotally extending upwards from the legs' lengths, and outer struts and corresponding inner struts that travel a track in the braces' lengths. The legs pivot downwards 90° to collapse the stand for storage. The brace is extendable about a height of the tree trunk so that its claws can engage the trunk at a manually manipulated height. The braces essentially support the trunk upright as opposed to the conventional receptacle.

Abstract: A fishing rod fixing device includes a base that is supported by two suction cups for easy and efficient attachment of the device to a smooth fixture surface. A seat is rotatably mounted on the base and is releasably set any desired horizontal direction by an adjustment knob. The seat includes a tubular bar on which at least one retainer is mounted and rotatable about the bar for setting the retainer at any desired inclination angle. An angle locking member is provided to releasably secure the retainer at the desired inclination angle. The retainer has a base support mounted to the tubular bar and a top wall member spaced from the base support to define a passage therebetween for receiving a fishing rod. A locking member is provided on the top wall and is manually movable to releasably and selectively secure the fishing rod to the base support.

Abstract: A self-adjusting apparatus is provided for clamping and supporting a substantially cylindrical element. When an element is placed in the self-adjusting apparatus, the element is supported at about 90° from the surface on which the apparatus sits. This is achieved with an integrated clamping mechanism and, preferably, with a self-centering mechanism comprising flexure springs and a retaining-center pin. The clamping mechanism applies a substantially radial force on the element that is directly proportional to the substantially cylindrical element's weight, and can be less than the weight of the element, preventing damage to the element. The present invention can include a liquid management system for when the apparatus supports a tree trunk. The liquid management system can include a reservoir, a funnel for filling the reservoir, a capillary wick and mat that provides water to the tree even when it is above the level of water in the reservoir.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved Christmas tree stand employing a Velcro® hook and loop strap to lock in place the clamping means for the tree trunk.

Abstract: A two piece plastic support is provided for a plastic mailbox, which upon installation surrounds a support post mounted in the ground. The two pieces are substantially reverse images of one another with confronting post receiving channels on their inward sides. The channels are dimensioned to accommodate warped or slightly over size posts. Corresponding sides of the channels have protuberances, which stabilize the post within the channel. Abutting pockets in the inner and outer walls of each of the pieces aligned openings for fasteners.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are decorative artificial trees including a base with base supports and a base hub, a central support, a top portion, and outer supports. The outer supports can extend from one or more base supports to the top portion. The base may be collapsible in a variety of different ways depending on the configuration of the base. The outer supports may, or may not, comprise a rigid material such as plastic or aluminum. Lighting components may be attached to the outer supports. Some of the decorative artificial trees disclosed herein may include a central support that is configured to be collapsible, or may include one or more outer supports that are configured to be collapsible. Also disclosed herein are decorative artificial trees including segmented outer supports and segmented base supports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand, particularly a stand for the substantially vertical erection of trunks of Christmas trees with adaptation to different sizes and characteristics of the trunks of Christmas trees, with a housing, with a receiving region for the trunk, with a clamping apparatus and with swivel-mounted holding elements, said holding elements being adapted to be swivelled by means of a force-transmission element and the clamping apparatus from and to the longitudinal axis of the trunk of the Christmas tree between an open position, receiving position, for receiving the trunk and a closed position, holding position, for holding the trunk. The housing is of one-part design and the holding elements are mounted on the one-part housing.

Abstract: A tree stand having an inner well to contain water and an outer peripheral skirt for buttressing the well has pins which slide to engage a tree in the well. Access openings are provided in the peripheral skirt through which the pins of nested tree stands may penetrate so that a plurality of stands may be vertically stacked.

Abstract: A tree stand (10) comprising a base (12) extending about an axis (A) and a tree support wall (14) extending about the axis (A) upwardly from the base (12) to an open top. The top of the support wall (14) and the open top of a receptacle (24) define trunk support portions (26) and liquid storage portions (28) disposed about the axis (A). The trunk support portions (26) are disposed radially closer to the axis (A) than the storage portions (28) and the support portions (26) are intermingled with and alternate the storage portions (28) circumferentially about the axis (A) and the wall (14) undulates continuously and circumferentially about the axis (A) through the support (26) and storage (28) portions.

Abstract: A stand for supporting an elongate upright structure, including a base having a substantially larger perimeter that the structure to be supported, a plurality of support cables attached to the base at spaced-apart intervals along the perimeter thereof for being extended upwardly and inwardly towards the structure being supported, each of the support cables carrying an attachment hook thereon. The stand also includes a collar for being releasably and adjustably secured along the perimeter of the structure, and an attachment means complementary with the hooks for receiving the hooks and thereby maintaining the support cables in a tensioned condition between the base and the collar, the attachment means being adjustable in relation to the collar for alignment with the cables.

Abstract: A support device for supporting a substantially vertical pole within an open-topped receptacle comprising a substantially vertical open-topped tube secured to a first flat plate. The first flat plate is locatable within the receptacle, and a second flat plate is locatable outside the receptacle. The two plates are secured to one another by suitable securing means such that part of the receptacle is trapped therebetween.

Abstract: The novel Christmas tree stand has fixing elements (104) mounted in a housing. The fixing elements are moved, by supplying a pressure medium to annular bellows (16), from an opened position into a position to surround the trunk of the Christmas tree (17) from all sides. The fixing elements (104) are designed so as to ensure the automatic centering adjustment of the trunk. The expanding, flexible bellows (16) ensures that all of the fixing elements abut the trunk even if the cross-section is not circular and the bark is rough, thereby safeguarding the stability of the Christmas tree (17) in its upright position. The upper portion together with the base portion (101) forms the housing that is designed as a one-part moulding (103) in which an annular cup (105) supporting the bellows (16) and a receiving sleeve (106) holding the Christmas tree (17) by a centering mandrel (20) are installed and protected by a bottom plate. The receiving sleeve (106) is connected to a water reservoir via the supply line (119).

Abstract: Stands for substantially cylindrical, elongate objects, in particular Christmas trees. The stands have at least one retaining element into which the object is inserted. Resilient elements are attached to the retaining element, the resilient elements being designed as resilient clasps, each clasp having a sharpened tip which digs and wedges into the object when the object is inserted into the stand.

Abstract: A compact tree stand has a generally cylindrical container having an open top, closed bottom and a wall extending therebetween which together define a central cavity. A plurality of legs are releasably attached to the exterior of the container and may be interconnected by braces. The cavity and the legs are sized so that the diameter of the cavity is greater than the height of the legs half the length of each leg is less than the depth of the cavity. This enables the legs to be nested within the cavity so that the tree stand can be placed in a relatively small box for shipment and sale. An inner cup can be placed within the cavity and may rotate relative to the container. Stepped ribs or an insert having a conical cavity may be placed within the inner cup or the container to enable the tree stand to hold artificial trees having different trunk diameters. A water reservoir is preferably attached to the container and legs. A wick and water retaining pad may also be provided.

Abstract: A tree stand featuring a plurality of retaining elements and a single clamping element which acts upon all of the retaining elements via a load transmission element. The load transmission element comprises a flexible, substantially inextensible connecting part having tensile strength which initially moves all of the retaining elements essentially free of a retaining force into contact with the trunk of the tree, and then presses all of the retaining elements against the tree trunk with an essentially identical retaining force.

Abstract: A tree stand of the present invention includes a base defining a tree area, at least one positioning jaw, and at least one securing jaw. The tree stand also includes a pneumatic actuator assembly that actuates the securing jaw in a first direction into the tree area. When the jaws are against the tree they form a clamp that holds the tree upright in the tree area. The tree stand also includes a pneumatic release valve assembly that actuates the securing jaw in a second direction out of the tree area.

Abstract: For cut Christmas trees, a stand having a readily adjustable trunk holder which can be adjusted to move the tree to the desired vertical position. The stand is collapsible for storage by folding the legs. A unique means for holding the tree in the stand is also provided.

Abstract: A compact tree stand has a generally cylindrical container having an open top, closed bottom and a wall extending therebetween which together define a central cavity. A plurality of legs are releasably attached to the exterior of the container and may be interconnected by braces. The cavity and the legs are sized so that the diameter of the cavity is greater than the height of the legs half the length of each leg is less than the depth of the cavity. This enables the legs to be nested within the cavity so that the tree stand can be placed in a relatively small box for shipment and sale. An inner cup can be placed within the cavity and may rotate relative to the container. Stepped ribs or an insert having a conical cavity may be placed within the inner cup or the container to enable the tree stand to hold artificial trees having different trunk diameters. A water reservoir is preferably attached to the container and legs. A wick and water retaining pad may also be provided.

Abstract: An improved manner for attachment for a tree stand, as for a Christmas tree for holding a tree in a vertical orientation when the stand is assembled and erected. The stand comprises at least three legs, two of which are each longer in length than the remaining legs. The stand is equipped with a central member that provides a mount for receiving the trunk of a Christmas tree. The central member and mount is oriented with respect to the legs so that the connection of the legs to the central member in combination with the lengths of the legs will orient the lower end of each of the legs approximately equidistant from the lower ends of the remaining legs and approximately equidistant from the axis of a Christmas tree installed within the mount. Especially for heavier trees bolts are provided to retain the tree within the mount.

Abstract: A tree stand includes a bowl 12 with a backpost 14 fastened therein. The backpost includes a set of jaws or teeth 40u which bear against the tree trunk. A set of upper and lower straps 60u and 60l is buckled to the backpost in a manner which allows the length to be changed. An overcenter clamp lever 64u, 64l is associated with the upper and lower straps, for tensioning the straps against the tree trunk. A set of standoffs 50 is interposed between the straps and the tree trunk at locations opposite to the jaws of the backpost. The tree stand bowl 12 has a spherical shape, which mates with a spherical bowl receptacle or base 32, allowing the bowl to be rotated or tilted relative to the bowl receptacle, to align the tree. A set of edge fasteners clamps the edges of the bowl to the bowl receptacle at the selected position.

Abstract: A cylindrical shaped element supporting structure that includes an inverted vertically arranged hollow open top frustum-shaped container, knurling circumferentially disposed on the outer surface of the inverted vertically arranged hollow open top frustum-shaped container, at least three supporting stand legs vertically slidably mounted to the inverted vertically arranged hollow open top frustum-shaped container, and at least three crescent-shaped locking levers each of which being vertically pivotally mounted to a respective one of the at least three supporting stand legs. When the cylindrical shaped element is placed in the inverted vertically arranged hollow open top frustum-shaped container the weight of the cylindrical shaped element causes the inverted vertically arranged hollow open top frustum-shaped container to slide downwardly along the at least three supporting stand legs.

Abstract: An upwardly extending post is welded at its lower end to a base ring and is inclined for holding a depending bar at an inner portion of the ring. The depending bar has a bottom horizontal foot plate that extends integrally therefrom. This foot plate carries a reinforcing wedge plate and a set pin. In attaching a tree to the holder, the wedge plate engages the tree trunk radially and the set pin engages the tree trunk at the bottom in laterally spaced relation from the wedge plate, thus providing a two point engagement that prevents twisting of the tree in the holder. A single cinching crank screw is mounted in an upper portion of the depending bar for penetrating the tree and pulling the tree tightly against the depending bar.

Abstract: A tree stand, as for a Christmas tree and the like, capable of assembly and disassembly and for holding a tree in a vertical orientation when the stand is assembled and erected. The stand comprises at least three legs, two of which are each longer in length than the remaining legs. The stand is equipped with a central member that provides a mount for receiving the trunk of a Christmas tree. The central member and mount is oriented with respect to the legs so that the connection of the legs to the central member in combination with the lengths of the legs will orient the lower end of each of the legs approximately equidistant from the lower ends of the remaining legs and approximately equidistant from the axis of a Christmas tree installed within the mount. A clamp is provided to retain the tree within the mount.

Abstract: Outdoor or indoor stand for supporting decorative trees, such as Christmas trees. In this stand, the bottom of a tree trunk is inserted into a cylindrical support vessel medially and orthogonally mounted on the top surface of a base plate. The lower and upper portions of the tree trunk are held by first and second abutment portions. Each of the first and second abutment portions and a support arm portion comprises three members that are separately produced but assembled into and handled in a unit. The stand prevents possible sway of the tree such as due to outside impact, firmly supports any thickness of tree trunk and achieves easiness to handle.

Abstract: A vertical member support stand is described which includes a body with a generally tubular vertical member receiving cavity. The cavity has a bottom, a top opening, and circumferential sidewalls. At least three upper pressure members are substantially equally spaced around the circumferential sidewalls of the vertical member receiving cavity adjacent the top opening. The pressure members are pivotally mounted whereby they are pivoted into engagement with a vertical member positioned in the vertical member receiving cavity. At least three lower pressure members are substantially equally spaced around the circumferential sidewalls of the vertical member receiving cavity adjacent the bottom. The pressure members are pivotally mounted whereby they are pivoted into engagement with a vertical member positioned in the vertical member receiving cavity. The pressure members are locked in a selected pivotal position such that they securely hold the vertical member.

Abstract: A new and improved tree stand for securing a cut tree in an upright position, the tree stand comprising a container adapted to receive the butt of a tree trunk and hold it in an upright position, a clamp adapted to hold a tree trunk, and a mechanism for locating the clamp at a position offset from and aligned with the container where it holds a tree trunk upright.