Abstract: A folding umbrella in which articulatingly connected inner and outer rib members are supported by a single slidably disposed strut providing a large diameter in use, and a substantially reduced size when closed. The paired rib members are covered on their exterior by a fabric and are foldable against the rod so as to be all parallel to the rod.

Abstract: A scissor-like assembly having a pair of axially mating and relative slidable elongated shafts each provided with a handle and include an articulating interconnection by which the shafts are simultaneously reciprocable relative to each other and conjointly movable about their common axis. Working tool members are provided at the end of each shaft.

Abstract: A handle having a pair of legs each bifurcated at its end to provide a slot defined by a pair of fingers. One of the fingers is flexible and is provided with a cylindrical pin, the end of which has an inclined cam surface forming a slide on which an eyelet hinge bracket rides when inserted into the slot. The flexible finger moves permitting easy entry of the lug.

Abstract: A luggage handle formed of a pair of identical halves, each having a vertical leg and horizontal arm. The halves are assembled by slidably abutting the horizontal arms in overlapping arrangement so that the tip end of one is inserted in a cavity in the vertical leg of the other. The horizontal arms may be inserted through a surrounding sleeve and provided with cooperable interengagements.

Abstract: A hand held exercise device capable of being detachably used as a handle with an empty container.

Abstract: The ceramic article, after molding and while in a porous condition, is surface hardened not by being placed in a kiln and exposed to high temperatures, but is operatively arranged to have a combustible gas-air mixture pumped under appropriate pressure through the porosity of its molded shape. The exiting gas-air mixture is, according to the present invention, ignited, and this causes the exterior surface of the molded shape to incandesce, with the result that the external surface hardens without causing internal stresses within the article, and also avoids causing differential thermal expansion between the exterior surface and the fiber substance of the article adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A two-part clasp has female and male members with the female member being provided with a bore and a slot and into which a prong on the male member interfits for lateral engagement. The female member is provided with a latch which moves beneath the members to engage the male member and prevent it from lateral disengagement with the female member.

Abstract: A two-part coupling has a first cylindrical member provided with an axially directed and radially open female socket, and a second cylindrical member provided with an axially extending male terminus conforming in shape to and being receivable in the socket through radial insertion therein. The first cylindrical member is further provided with means on its outer surface, manually operable to prevent radial dislodgement of the male member from the socket.

Abstract: A rigid rod is mounted between a pair of opposed wall brackets. At least one of the brackets is provided with an inverted U-shaped recess for receiving the end of the rod, and a pair of pegs extending cantilevered below the opening of the recesses. The pegs are spaced laterally a distance slightly less than the diameter of rod and are sufficiently rigid to hold the rod, with a normal complement of clothes, but also slightly flexible to spread apart and allow the rod to fall when the weight applied to the rod exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A window pane is hung along one edge of a window frame by a flexure mechanism arranged to permit pivotal movement of the pane about an axis oriented along the corresponding edge of the frame. An over centered handle latch is mounted on the lower edge of the frame and is operable to move the window pane between an open and closed position. A resilient hinge connects the handle latch directly to the pane so as to enable the handle latch and pane to have relative elastic movement during movement into and also in both the closed and open condition.

Abstract: A folding umbrella, particularly useful as a beach umbrella, in which circumferentially spaced outer ribs are slidably disposed on cooperating struts as the undersupport of the fabric cover, and in one extreme position of the slides, the umbrella opens to a radius of approximately 42 inches, and in an opposite slide position, the umbrella closes to a radius of approximately 32 inches, the 10 inch difference being the result of slide movement of the end of the rib along a strut which produces an internal fold in a central location of the fabric cover and thus diminishes its size accordingly.