Crucible or related object holder and method of manufacture

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a crucible or other item is provided. The apparatus includes a first support member having a straight portion with two ends. A second support member having a shaped portion is connected to one of the ends of the first support member, wherein the shape of the shaped portion accommodates the crucible or other item. A support material covers the second support member, wherein the support material increases the coefficient of friction between the crucible or other item and the second support member. A spring is coupled to the other end of the first support member, and a third support member is coupled to the spring and configured so as to apply a force to the crucible or other item when the crucible or other item is placed in the shaped portion of the second support member. The third support member can be moved by exerting a force opposite to that applied by the spring so as to allow the crucible or other item to be placed in the shaped portion of the second support member, and when the exerted force is removed, the third support member is placed in contact with the crucible or other item by the spring force, such as to hold the crucible without exceeding the amount of force that would break the crucible or other item.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus for holding an item comprising: 
 a first support member having two ends;    a second support member having a shaped portion coupled to one of the ends of the first support member;    a material covering the second support member;    a spring coupled to the other end of the first support member;    a third support member coupled to the spring and configured so as to apply a force to the item when the item is placed in the shaped portion of the second support member.    
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the third support member is configured so as to be moved by exerting a force opposite to that applied by the spring so as to allow the item to be placed in the shaped portion of the second support member.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the material is a heat-resistant polymer.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a guide coupled to second support member, wherein the third support member is coupled to the guide so as to limit the range of motion of the third support member.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the first support member, the second support member, the third support member and the spring are made from a continuous length of metal.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the material covers a portion of the third support member.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the second support member can be modified by the user to accommodate the shape of the item.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the second support member can be removed and replaced with a different second support member.  
   
   
       19 . A method for handling an item comprising: 
 applying a force to a first support member to counteract a spring force, so as to cause the first support member to move in a first direction;    placing a second support member covered with a material in contact with the item;    removing the force from the first support member so as to allow the spring force to move the first support member in a direction opposite to the first direction so as to apply the spring force to the item;    wherein the spring force is selected to prevent the item from being damaged by the first support member.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising adapting the shape of the second support member and the material to match the shape of the item.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising removing the second support member and replacing it with a different second support member.  
   
   
       22 . An apparatus for holding an item comprising: 
 first support means;    second support means coupled to first support means, the second support means adapted to hold the item;    third support means; and    means for applying a force between the first support means and the third support means.    
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising means for increasing the coefficient of friction between the second support means and the item.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising means for limiting the range of motion of the third support means.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the first support means, the second support means, the third support means and the means for applying the force are formed from a single continuous structure.  
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising means for increasing the coefficient of friction between the third support means and the item.  
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the second support means can be modified by the user to accommodate different shapes of the item.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the second support means can be removed and replaced with a different second support means to accommodate different shapes of the item.