Abstract: An expandable car jack includes a vehicle lifting assembly with an upper lifting member, a lower lifting member mechanically coupled to the upper lifting member, and a lifting mechanism capable of moving the upper lifting member to a plurality of raised height positions. A base is coupled to the vehicle lifting assembly and includes a first base support member, a second base support member, and a base support coupler that is operable to selectively couple the first base support member to the second base support member in at least a first coupling position and a second coupling position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transportation of equipment, generally but not necessarily limited to sporting equipment. Generally, the apparatus described herein comprises a collapsible or foldable frame adapted for installation in the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle, where the apparatus can be unfolded to a “deployment configuration” in which elongated equipment may be securely attached to the apparatus for transportation. The apparatus generally comprises two opposing rails with bracing and equipment storage elements mounted in between, foldable at about a midpoint for easy of storage when not in use.

Abstract: A stabilizer which has general purpose use but which is particularly well suited for use with temporary real estate signs has an elongated body adapted for pivotal connection with a post for vertical swinging movement. A plurality of flanges or wings are spaced apart longitudinally at an opposite and free end of the body and define flat laterally extending anchoring surfaces. The free end of the stabilizer body is inserted into the soil on forceful downward swinging movement of the body and the lateral anchoring surfaces firmly secure the post against angular movement toward and away from the stabilizer. The stabilizer can be releasably stored in an upright position adjacent the post.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paint roller support device attachable or integrally mounted to a roller frame handle or extension handle. The support device comprises a pair of legs that are pivotable with respect to each other, thereby defining open and closed positions, and further pivotable away from the roller frame handle or extension handle. When the legs are in the open position and oriented away from the long axis of the roller frame/extension handle, the support device provides a generally planar support surface by which the roller frame/extension handle can be placed on the floor, on a table or against a wall such that a nap of a roller cover is spaced apart from the resting surface.

Abstract: Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.

Abstract: A fireworks launching stand comprises a post, a cap attached to a top of the post, and at least one horizontal arm attached to the cap. The horizontal arm can be tilted. Fireworks tubes suitable for use with rockets and/or Roman candles are attached to the horizontal arm. The use of the stand reduces the risk of injury to the user due to improper handling of lit fireworks.

Abstract: A tree stand for supporting a cut tree in an upright position by its trunk features a sheet of flexible resilient material cut to form a plurality of retaining flaps extending inwardly from a perimeter portion of the sheet toward a centre thereof such that the retaining flaps will flex away from the perimeter portion of the sheet under forcing of a cut end of the tree's trunk against the center of the sheet to allow passage of a portion of the trunk therethrough while resiliently biasing back toward the perimeter portion of the sheet to engage a periphery of the tree's trunk. A support structure defines a base and supports the sheet at a distance upward from a plane of the base such that the tree's trunk passing through the sheet is held by the retaining flaps in a position projecting upwardly away from the plane of the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree stand having a first stand section including a central tube, the central tube having a first circumference, the central tube of the first stand section having at least one leg affixed to the tube, the leg having a u-shaped slot at an end of the leg proximate to the tube; and a second stand section including a central tube having a second circumference, the second circumference being larger than the first circumference, the central tube of the second section having at least one leg affixed to the tube, the central tube of the second section having a pin in corresponding relationship with the u-shaped slot on the leg of the first stand section such the slot is disposed over the pin when the tube portion of the first stand section is slid over the tube portion of the second stand section to create the stand.

Abstract: There is provided a display system that may be hung and that holds one or more pouches or bags containing an item to be used. The display is made from a blank having upper, middle and lower panels and an upper edge. There is a tab arrangement on the upper panel for holding the merchandise to be displayed. The bags are inserted from the back of the blank between the upper and middle panels and attached to the tab arrangement. After the bags are attached to the tab arrangement, the upper edge of the upper panel is inserted between the lower and middle panels and the lower panel is folded over the upper panel in order to hold the bags relatively firmly on the tab arrangement. The display may then be hung by the use of slots or hooks in the upper panel.

Abstract: A peripheral positioner includes a plurality of links that are rotatably coupled to one another. The peripheral positioner can be used to position a peripheral device on various surfaces and/or objects.

Abstract: Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.

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 light on a self-supporting collapsible arm having a plurality of frictionally restrained articulating joints, where the frictional joint has a male half joint with a first plate and an annular shaft with an inner wider diameter. In the surface of the first plate is a first O-ring seated in a first groove. A matching female half joint has a second plate and coaxial to the bearing in the surface of the second plate is a second O-ring seated in a second groove. The opposing side of the second plate of the female half joint has a third O-ring in a third groove. The third O-ring tensions a snap pin that couples the male and female half joints. The snap pin has a head with a compressible ridge which expands when the snap pin is pushed in far enough to engage the inner wider diameter of shaft.

Abstract: A stowable device for ejecting fluids onto the underside and wheel regions of a vehicle includes a base member joined at one end to a handle member such that the angle between the members can be controllably varied and retained at a desired angle. A source of fluid is coupled through flexible tubing terminating in a fluid jet disposed adjacent the base member distal end. The desired angle is determined by a length of cord extending from base to handle member. The exposed cord length is user-controllable by lockably spooling excess cord length into a rotatable spool reservoir attached to the handle member. User-adjustment of the desired angle also determined handle height above ground. Alternatively, the desired angle (and handle height above ground) is user-determined by adjusting effective length of a rigid rod.

Abstract: A tree stand for suspending a tree is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the tree stand may include a base for providing stability for the tree stand and a center pole for suspending the tree above the base. The center pole may have a first end, a second end, and a length extending therebetween. The first end of the center pole may be coupled to the base and the second end, which may be coupled to the tree, may be spaced a distance from the base defining an angle between the center pole and the base. In some cases, the center pole may be extendable.

Abstract: A stand with at least three stand legs (2, 3, 4), which is embodied to fasten a leveling, plumbing, or angular calibration device (5), is provided, with the stand legs (2, 3, 4) being embodied rotational around a common axis (6) at their ends facing each other. Each stand leg (2, 3, 4) is bent by the same angle (?) at a distance from the axis (6), with a freely projecting section (14) of one leg being provided with a threaded bolt (15) freely protruding transversely thereto.

Abstract: A stand for a tree comprises a base for receiving a trunk of the tree, wherein the base provides a top portion, and a plurality of attachment points positioned along a periphery of the top portion. The stand further comprises a plurality of bracing supports. Each bracing support comprises a first end, wherein said first end is coupled to one of the plurality of attachment points, and a second end, wherein said second end is equipped to engage the trunk of the tree.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder is adjustable both in height and in width and is collapsible for shore use.

Abstract: In one set of embodiments a pool cue case is equipped with a tripod type stand adapting the pool cue case to stand in an angled upright position on its own without the need to lean against a wall or table and provide improved visibility so as not be trampled by pool players and guests. The pool cue case includes a pool cue rest where the pool cue can be placed between turns. The pool cue rest shelters the pool cue against the case while the cue is not in play while also placing the pool cue at a convenient elevation so as to be readily retrieved by a standing pool player. In another set of embodiments a musical instrument case is equipped with a tripod stand and an instrument rest for instruments such as the flute, violin, varieties of horns, as well as other instruments in a manner similar to the pool cue case discussed above.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder adapted to provide both audible and visual indication of a strike by a fish. The fishing pole holder can be adapted to accommodate a plurality of fishing poles.

Abstract: A collapsible fishing accessory apparatus including an accessory support having a plurality of accessory stations and a base. The accessory support collapsibly attaches to the base allowing a user to move the accessory support from a collapsed position to an operational position. Additionally, the fishing accessory apparatus dimensionally adjusts for use in various boat and shore fishing situations.

Abstract: A flare holder that is attachable to a traffic cone or other upright support structure for holding a lit flare at an elevation higher than a roadway surface. The flare holder includes a lower portion that is attachable to the upright support structure and an ash receptacle that is pivoted at one end to the lower portion. The ash receptacle is can be pivoted up and over the top of the support structure from a stowed position wherein it is suspended from the pivot to an operative position located between 180° and 270° from the stowed position. In an operative position, the flare holder supports a flare at an upward inclination wherein the ash receptacle has an end portion extending outwardly from the pivot and disposed to receive ashes falling from the lit end of the flare.

Abstract: A stand for holding a camera or a microphone, includes a cylindrical tube unit having an inner wall surface defining an axially extending post-receiving chamber to telescopically receive a post therein. A positioning element is fixed on the tube unit. First, second and third support legs have upper portions sleeved on an outer wall surface of the tube unit. The second and third support legs are rotatable relative to the tube unit in such a manner that the second and third support legs can be stacked below the first support leg when the stand is in a storage position and that the first, second and third support legs engage the positioning element and are angularly spaced apart from one another when the stand is disposed at a position of use.

Abstract: A fishing device that securely supports a fishing rod with a high degree of stability is described. The device functions to provide greater convenience for the shore fisherman and further provides a choice as to the size and type of ballast device used as an anchor for the fishing device. Additionally, the fishing device provides a means to adjust the inclination of a fishing rod relative to the earth for unattended fishing. The aforementioned benefits are achieved accomplished by providing a portable fishing device encompassing a large preferably circular ring upon which a fishing bait container (or any other weighted ballast member) is placed. Extending symmetrical outwards and on the same plane as the ring is a primary bar, attached to which are two arms: an adjustment arm and a fishing rod holding arm. A secondary bar is attached perpendicularly and symmetrically at the end of the primary bar to provide an even higher degree of lateral stability.

Abstract: A collapsible support frame is formed of an inner tube, an outer tube, and a plurality of support legs. The support legs are fastened to the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube is rotatably fitted into the outer tube. The folding and the unfolding of the support legs are attained by turning the inner tube an angle. The inner tube has a hollow interior for holding a Christmas tree, a flag pole, and the like.

Abstract: A foldable stand for supporting a cylindrical shaft, the stand being operable between a folded position and a stand support position for supporting the shaft includes first, second, third, and fourth hingedly connected legs. The first and second legs are disposed generally parallel to each other in the folded position and generally perpendicular to each other in the support position. The third and fourth legs are disposed generally parallel to each other in the folded position and generally perpendicular to each other in the support position. Each leg includes a hinge member that is pivotally connected to an adjacent leg. The second and fourth legs include a receptacle adapted to receive the shaft in the stand support position.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder comprises a base for placement on a ground support surface and having an offset channel extending between first and second ends of the base. A first arm is pivotally mounted to the first end of the base between a first transport position within the channel and a second support position extending upwardly from the channel. A second arm is pivotally mounted to the second end of the base and is pivotal between a first transport position within the channel and a second support position extending upwardly from the channel. A cradle is attached to each of the first and second arms for supporting portions of the fishing rod when the first and second arms are in their second support positions. The offset base in the channel positions the first and second arms and cradles thereon in an over/under relationship within the confines of the base. Nubs within the base releasably engage notches in the cradles to maintain the arms at the transport and support positions.

Abstract: A combination rod anchor and fishing tackle box formed of a bottom and molded top in which one or more recesses are formed in the top and a portion of each recess is threaded to receive an essentially hollow tube member which has a threaded external portion to mate with the threaded internal recesses of the top member and in which the hollow tube members are adapted to hold fishing rods firmly in place.

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: An adjustable tree stand for securing a tree in an upright vertical position comprising a tree bracket in the form of a V-channel having a lower rim for supporting the trunk of a tree, a central leg member and two side leg members which rotate on either side of the central leg member to form a tri-stand configuration, upper and lower leg-retaining plates securably mounted to the tree bracket for connecting the leg members thereto and a clamping mechanism having a clamping arm pivotally secured to one of said side leg members and engaging a locking means which is slidably mounted to the other of said side leg members.

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 stand or tripod for receiving and holding objects, particularly musical instruments and/or accessories includes a center shaft and adjustable legs which are slidably mounted on the center shaft, wherein at least one of the legs can be swung about the center shaft. The legs are connected to sleeves arranged at the bottom end and at the top end of the shaft, wherein each sleeve is composed of a pair of sleeve members which are concentrically nested into one another.

Abstract: A golf club stand including a collapsible pair of legs having a lower ground engaging end and an upper end, and a golf club shaft engaging member connected to the upper end of the pair of legs. The shaft engaging member releasably engages the golf club shaft, such that the golf club is held in a generally upright position with the head of the golf club and the lower ends of the pair of legs engaging the ground. The legs are pivotally connected to each other at their upper end so as to permit them to be collapsed into a compact state for carrying. The legs may be collapsed further by forming each leg in a telescoping manner. The shaft engaging member includes a support portion having a generally U-shaped groove into which the lower end of the shaft of the club may be inserted. The shaft engaging member may also include a base or grip portion to which the legs are pivotally mounted or it may be formed integrally with the upper end of one of the legs.

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: A support assembly for supporting and orienting an elongated pole to extend at an angle to the vertical, wherein the support assembly includes a pole having spaced apart upper and lower ends, an intermediate point and a lower portion between the intermediate point and lower end. The support assembly also includes a base having a pivot axis, a point of pole engagement and an extension generally in the same direction as the angular extension of the pole when assembled on the base such that the pole and the base extension generally form two legs of an angle. The support assembly includes a support arm having spaced apart ends, wherein one of the ends engages the base in spaced relationship from the point of pole engagement on the base, and wherein an extension presents the other of the ends at the intermediate point on the pole when assembled so that the base extension, the support arm extension and the lower portion of the pole form a triangle.

Abstract: An assembly including a base having a backboard-rim combination support at one end and at least one wheel adjacent to the second end. A brace assembly is pivotally connected to the base and the support and determines, in a playing position, a fixed erect position of the support forming a substantially 90.degree. with the base. The brace assembly, in a transport position, determines a fixed lowered position of the support forming an acute angle greater than zero with the base to aid the tilting of the base and counter-balancing the weight of the base with the weight of the backboard-rim combination during transport of the assembly. A lock assembly is operatively connected to the brace assembly for locking the brace assembly in the playing position in a locking condition of the lock and permits the brace assembly to assume the transport position in an unlocked condition of the lock.

Abstract: A tree stand for supporting a Christmas tree in an upright position has a remote watering box/water storage tank disguised to resemble a wrapped gift/Christmas present under the tree. Water can run through tubing positioned under the tree skirt from the bottom of the remote watering box to the bottom of the watertight tree stand. When a ball valve (or similar valve means) in the water line is opened, the level in the stand will rise to the level of the water in the tank. Water can be easily added to the watering box/storage tank to maintain it at the desired level without a person having to crawl under the tree. The tree stand has four legs which can fold up to give the stand a compact shape which can nest within the remote watering box reducing the amount of storage space required when the stand is not being used.

Abstract: A rod rest supporting device includes an tripod having a tripod socket, a rotary member mounted in the tripod socket and locked by a lock screw, a cradle fastened to the rotary member by a fastening screw to hold a rod rest, on which a fishing rod rests, wherein the rotary member can be turned on the socket of horizontally when the lock screw is loosened; the cradle can be turned on the rotary member vertically when the fastening screw is loosened.

Abstract: A rugged adjustable tree stand designed to hold trees of varying sized in an adjustable upright position and to provide water to prevent drying and shedding of needles from the tree is disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable Christmas tree stand having a plurality of legs that can be permanently assembled, yet is foldable in the assembled form. When unfolded it receives and supports a Christmas tree in an upright position, and when folded it occupies a flat, compact, planar space for convenient handling, storage, and shipping. The Christmas tree stand comprises pivotally interconnected legs that pivot about one or more substantially vertical axes. When unfolded, the legs can be locked in position by a locking assembly disposed about the pivot axes of the pivotally interconnected legs there by providing a stable base for mounting a Christmas tree thereto. Additionally, the Christmas tree stand is designed to enable the trunk of the tree to rest in a water supply container, partially full with water thereby keeping the tree moist to extend the tree's life.

Abstract: A lockable leveling structure has a vertical stand with a base at one end. The stand has legs pivotally attached and can be locked in a stable manner by a slide collar and thumb screw. The slide collar is movable about the vertical stand and makes a solid contact against the end of the legs causing the outer end of the legs to move up or down respective to one another to compensate for an unlevel support surface. This provides a solid motionless structure that can carry a load bearing fixture in desired degree of levelness in a safe, stable, novel manner without the use of shims, or altering the surface while on unlevel surfaces. The slide collar is unlocked and raised up the stand member allowing the bottom of the legs to rotate up toward the vertical stand member causing the structure to be in a compact package for storage or transport.

Abstract: A collapsible Christmas tree stand is disclosed for supporting a Christmas tree or the like from a longitudinal tube supported by two pair of opposing legs. The second pair of legs being rotatable about the tube in relation to a first pair of legs between a storage position and a plurality of support positions. The position of the two pair of legs with respect to one another is maintained with a locking wing nut.

Abstract: A stand for receiving and stabilizing a shade umbrella. The stand includes a collapsible bag attached by its base portion to a rigid tubular sleeve member. The sleeve member is adapted for receiving and retaining various sizes of umbrella shafts passing therethrough. The collapsible bag may be charged, by way of its mouth, with sand, soil and the like to provide additional weight to the umbrella during windy conditions. After use the bag is emptied so that the stand may be collapsed for easy transport and storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible stand adapted to support a Christmas tree. The stand includes a vertical support member having first and second opposed ends and a plurality of supporting legs, each of the legs being pivotally connected proximate one of the ends for pivotal movement between a first storage position and a second supporting position. A plurality of intermediate members are each associated with a supporting leg, each of the intermediate members being pivotally connected at a first point to the vertical support member, and contain means for pivotally connecting each of the intermediate members to a respective supporting leg.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes a generally U-shaped frame having right and left legs and a base leg connected between the right and left legs. A U-shaped support frame is operably connected to the legs of the first frame so that the support frame will pivot about an axis extending between the connecting points of the support frame to the first frame. A rod retention plate is connected between the legs of the first frame and includes a pair of elastic bands which are stretchable to form loops to frictionally hold the handle of a fishing rod. A pair of guide members are connected to the base leg of the first frame to retain an upper portion of the rod when the rod is retained by the elastic band. An extensible arm extends between the base leg on the first frame and the base leg of the U-shaped support frame, so as to selectively stop the pivotal movement of the support frame to prop the first frame at the desired angle.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder to be used while ice fishing. This rod holder will hold the rod and reel off the ice and snow. This prevents the rod and reel from freezing up and possibly causing loss of fish. Because this rod holder just sets on the ice, it is completely portable and can easily be moved from ice hole to ice hole. The frame is designed to remain in its set-up position. Even with a fish tugging on the rod, the rod holder stays in its upright position. The rod and reel or stand will not be pulled through the ice hole. Since this rod holder is collapsible, it can be easily hauled and stored.

Abstract: An improved fishing rod and reel holding device (10) is described. The holder consists of an elongated rectangular cross-sectioned base (11) with opposed supports (12) and (13) hinged to the base that automatically unfold to the use position when slide (20) of retainer (18) is manipulated to release pressure from the supports. At one end, the supports provide for legs that keep the base off the ground and which are wider than the base thereby helping to stabilze the holder. At the opposite end, the supports provide for grooves which cradle the fishing rod and reel so that a fisherman can easily grab the fishing rod when a fish strikes the line. For ease of storage and for carrying, the supports fold toward each other so that they lie adjacent to the top side of the base where they can be secured by the retainer.

Abstract: A post stabilizer is provided and consists of a collar placed around a post. Telescopic support legs are pivotly mounted to the collar to properly elevate the collar. Stakes through feet of the legs secure the legs to the ground for stabilizing the post.

Abstract: A portable pool cue holder comprises a hollow cylindrical member and a retractable support assembly which comprises a plurality of legs that are biased open by compression springs and hinged to an assembly head; a collar that is inserted over one end of the hollow member having slots which guide the legs' extension; an inner retaining plate for limiting the extension of the support assembly and an annular member which engages a ledge above the foot of each leg and prevents the longitudinal movement of the support assembly out of the opened end of the cylindrical member. At the collared end of the cylindrical member, a cap is pivotally attached to the end of the collar for closing one end of the holder and prohibiting extension of the support assembly when the holder is not in use.

Abstract: A collapsible Christmas tree stand is disclosed for supporting a Christmas tree or the like from a longitudinal tube supported by two pair of opposing legs. The second pair of legs being rotatable about the tube in relation to a first pair of legs between a storage position and a plurality of support positions. The position of the two pair of legs with respect to one another is maintained with a locking wing nut.