Abstract: An entertainment system includes a playing surface divided into discrete fields each having distinct indicia such as a color. The system includes a plurality of game pieces, such as letter tiles, each having an indicia corresponding to a respective field as well as having an alphanumeric or user-choice indicia. The entertainment system includes an input device for actuating a timer or processor. A display is included for displaying instructions, aesthetic elements, or even a sound emitter. A method of playing the entertainment system includes a plurality of players initially selecting a predetermined number of game pieces and then, in turn, arranging game pieces on playing surface fields having like color indicia to form words, selecting additional game pieces or taking other actions relative to game pieces, and rearranging game pieces to form other words. Electronic components are included to provide elements of chance, instructions, or aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A post-pedicure shoe according to the present invention includes a sole having front and rear ends and upper and lower surfaces. A foam cushion is situated atop the sole upper layer for comfortably accommodating a person's foot. The shoe includes a toe cover pivotally coupled to the front of the sole and is movable between open and closed configurations. The toe cover includes a configuration for protecting a person's toe nails from debris or contact with the shoe while still enabling the person to walk around. The shoe also includes a plurality of toe separators adjacent the sole front end for keeping the toes from touching one another while the shoe is worn.

Abstract: A multi-purpose pen includes a housing having upper and lower ends and defining upper and lower openings, respectively. A carriage is rotatably mounted in the housing and is adjustably positionable by a user. Multiple implements, such as an ink assembly and a stylus may be coupled to the carriage, each implement having a tip for selective protrusion through the lower housing opening. A plunger is operatively coupled to the housing adjacent the upper opening and includes a plate for selectively urging one of the implements downwardly toward the lower opening according to a position of the carriage. The plate includes openings so that only a single implement is urged downward when the plunger is depressed while the other implements are allowed to remain in a stationary or storage configuration.

Abstract: An insulation container includes a flexible exterior container and a rigid interior container for maintaining stored items at a cool temperature. The exterior housing includes a lid for selectively sealing the entire open top thereof for selectively inserting or removing large or multiple items, the lid having an auxiliary door for quickly removing small or single items from the internal storage area. Opening only the auxiliary door also helps to maintain the internal temperature for a longer time than is possible if the entire lid is opened. The interior housing may be constructed of stainless steel for enhanced insulation with an intermediate housing sandwiched between interior and exterior housings. The intermediate housing may include a rubber material for preventing condensation from forming on the exterior housing.

Abstract: The computer workstation permits a user to work while reclining or in a supine position. The workstation has a monitor and a monitor platform for securely holding the monitor. The platform is independently adjustable and lockable in a selected horizontal and vertical position. The monitor moves with the platform so that the monitor is positioned in viewing position for the user when the user is in any position. The workstation also has a wireless transceiver for streaming signals between the monitor and a remote computer. The remote computer is wirelessly attached to the workstation. A keyboard/trackball platform is independently adjustable and lockable in selected positions. The keyboard/trackball platform has a wireless keyboard detachably mounted thereon. The keyboard assists the user to communicate with the remote computer. Additionally, there is a trackball for assisting the user to communicate with the remote computer. The trackball is detachably mounted on the keyboard/trackball platform.

Abstract: A food storage device includes a housing defining an interior area accessible through a door coupled to the housing. The food storage device includes a vacuum pump in communication with the interior area for selectively removing air from the housing. A pressure activated switch is in communication with the vacuum pump and interior area for selectively actuating the pump. A humidifier is also positioned relative to the interior area for maintaining that area at a predetermined humidity level. A humidity sensor communicates with the humidifier for selectively actuating the humidifier to add moisture to the interior area so as to maintain a desired humidity level. The food storage includes a pressure equalizing valve in communication with the housing interior area and with an area external to the housing for equalizing a pressure inside the interior area with a pressure outside the housing.

Abstract: A hanging fitness device for exercising abdominals includes a flatbed upper arm platform assembly having an arm cushion, vinyl cushion covering, two rubber non-skid floor stands, and a vertical stabilizer bar with an opening to connect to a vertical handle extender and a connector rod. The fitness device includes a safety bar assembly including a small opening that connects the safety bar to the flatbed upper arm platform assembly by a transverse member. The fitness device also includes a handle extender assembly with small vertical round openings on all four sides and horizontal insertion round bar with an inner V spring button. A hand grip unit assembly is configured to slidably receive the horizontal insertion bar of the handle extender, the insertion bar being locked therein by way of an inner V spring button. The device also includes a top hook assembly with a connection assembly to connect a height girder member of the hand grip unit assembly and the connector rod.

Abstract: A sound diffuser includes a front plate defining a plurality of sound exit holes. An outer frustoconical wall extends from the front plate, the outer frustoconical wall decreasing in diameter from the front plate. An inner frustoconical wall extends from the outer frustoconical wall toward the front plate, the inner frustoconical wall decreasing in diameter toward the front plate and defining a sound entry opening spaced apart from the front plate. A plurality of legs are coupled to at least one of the front plate and the outer frustoconical wall, the legs extending away from the front plate to contact a speaker cover. First and second straps operatively extend from the front plate, the first strap having a distal end with a fastener for connection to a speaker case. The second strap also has a distal end with a fastener for connection to the speaker case.

Abstract: An insole according to the present invention includes an upper layer defining at least one well containing a chemical indicator that gradually changes colors upon exposure to salt or sulfur. The insole includes a lower layer connected to the upper layer that includes an adhesive for stacking multiple insoles together in packaging and for holding the insole in place in a shoe. The insole includes an absorbent material for absorbing perspiration. Perspiration produces salt and bacterial and fungal degradation of keratin skin cells produces sulfur, leading to foot odor. The insole includes fungicide and deodorant for controlling this odor and the color change of the chemical in the well provides a visual indication of when a new insole (with it fungicide and deodorant) needs to be replenished through replacement.

Abstract: An enhanced traction device for use with a vehicle having dual tandem wheels includes a series of generally parallel track pads, each track pad having an alignment portion and a traction portion defining first and second ends. Each traction portion includes an inner surface for contacting the vehicle wheels and an outer surface for contacting ground. Each alignment portion extends away from a respective traction portion outer surface and is configured to pass between the dual wheels. The alignment portions maintain proper positioning of the track pads upon the dual tandem wheels of the vehicle. The traction device further includes a first chain coupled to each respective track pad first end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between said track pad first ends. Similarly, the traction device includes a second chain coupled to each track pad second end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the track pad second ends.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multipurpose therapeutic device for managing musculoskeletal pain and administering traction. In one embodiment of the present invention, a multipurpose therapeutic device includes a front side, a rear side, a first end, and a second end. An outer gripping surface is positioned in proximity to each of the two ends and a number of invaginating contact surfaces extend from the perimeter of the front side and/or the rear side. In one embodiment of the present invention, a user may place his or her neck against one of the contact surfaces. The user may then grip the outer gripping surfaces with his or her hands and move the multipurpose therapeutic device superiorly and inferiorly along his or her neck while applying pressure against his or her neck to massage sore neck muscles or to stretch his or her spine.

Abstract: A post pulling device includes a tower having first and second side members, each side member having a plurality of receiving slots. Each receiving slot of the first side member corresponds to a respective receiving slot of the second side member. The post pulling device includes a rigid bar having opposed first and second ends, opposed first and second sides, and first and second pivoting members extending from the first and second sides, respectively. The first and second pivoting members are respectively receivable in corresponding receiving slots of the first and second side members. An end plate and a lanyard are included for coupling a post to the first end of the rigid bar. A hitch element may be coupled to the tower for selectively coupling the tower to a vehicle hitch. The rigid bar may be telescopic with structures for maintaining the rigid bar at a selected length.

Abstract: A portable dog waste collector comprised of: a telescoping arm; a handle at a first end of the telescoping arm; a receptacle at a second end of the telescoping arm, in which the receptacle forms an open-topped chamber and has a bottom surface with at least one aperture; and a disposable insert into which solid and-semi-solid dog waste can be collected. In alternate embodiments of the portable dog waste collector, the disposable insert includes a lid to prevent spillage of the dog waste and/or a strap to facilitate removal of the disposable insert, a wrist loop on the handle, and a retracting handle to allow easy retraction of the telescoping arm. Further, the disposable insert can be made of a biodegradable material, recycled plastic, or non-recycled plastic.

Abstract: A thermal signature device according to this invention enables a firefighter to be located with a thermal imaging camera. The device includes an infrared emitting element having a predetermined frequency. The emitting element is situated in a housing that may be temporarily fastened to a firefighter's clothing and manually actuated by the firefighter with a pushbutton to emit infrared signals that may be identified by an infrared camera. The thermal signature device may include a receiver in data communication with the emitting-element such that the emitter may be actuated by a remote transmitter. The housing may include a permanent fastener such as adhesive such that the firefighter may selectively attach the housing to a stationary object, such as a wall, where it may be more visible or to another person in distress. A location determining system utilizing the thermal signature device provides an infrared camera for detecting the emitter-element.

Abstract: A fishing net includes a hoop having a net defining a catch area and having an array of illumination elements on the hoop. A bracket connects first and second ends of the hoop and defines a passage therebetween. The fishing net includes a handle coupled to the bracket and movable through the passage between use and storage configurations. A lantern is coupled to a distal end of the handle relative to the hoop, the lantern being movable between retracted, extended, and offset configurations relative to the handle. The fishing net includes a flexible shaft having a light element and that is movable between a retracted configuration in the handle and an extended configuration extending from the handle adjacent the hoop for illuminating a specific area.

Abstract: A cellular alert device according to the present invention notifies a user that a cellular call is being received by an associated cellular telephone even when the alert device is not in close proximity or in data communication with the associated telephone. The cellular alert device includes a receiver for acquiring the same cellular paging signal that is also received by an associated cellular telephone. The alert device also includes a processor and an alarm such that the processor actuates the alarm when the receiver acquires a paging signal that is the same as that received by the associated telephone. The alert device and telephone are “associated” in that they both have the same mobile identification code.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a person's location in a defined area (“monitoring system”) according to the present invention includes a plurality of ID badges remote from a plurality of ID readers and a CPU. Each ID badge includes a badge transmitter and a badge receiver, each ID reader includes a reader transmitter and a reader receiver. An alarm and a plurality of kiosks are preferably included. The respective ID readers detect the presence of the ID badges and communicate their respective positions to the CPU. If an ID badge exits the defined area or is disabled, the alarm is activated. The kiosks may be used to add interactivity to the monitoring system, and the ID badges may also include interactive elements. The CPU may perform various additional functions, such as directing a wearer of an ID badge to a destination and conveying information to the kiosks.