Abstract: An engraved surface in a metallic workpiece and an engraving method therefor, for use in providing a decorative metallic surface. An engraved pattern is formed in a workpiece prior to the formation of an electroplated layer that continuously extends over the engraved pattern and adjacent surface areas of the workpiece. The engraved pattern includes wall-cut engravings inscribed in the workpiece that are used to define outer boundaries of the engraved pattern. The substantially vertical walls obtained by such wall-cut engravings permits a sharp, well-defined boundary between the engraved pattern and adjacent painted surfaces. A mask material is first applied to cover the engraved pattern, and then trimmed to create the sharp edge at the boundary of the engraved pattern. This permits a paint layer to be formed immediately adjacent to the engraved pattern, providing a decorative juxtaposition in an electroplated metallic surface after removal of the mask layer.

Abstract: An inflatable insulating panel consisting of a plurality of sheetform polyolefin layers, and its manner of fabrication, is provided. An outer peripheral seal forms an inflatable panel, with an intermediate interconnected web of layers formed out of an array of alternating seams of attachment between the outer and intermediate adjacent layers. Upon inflation of the panel, the interconnected web expands to form a plurality of individual baffle chambers.

Abstract: A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a portion of the cover is received within a suitably configured retention area formed within the container. Another covered serving container utilizes a central support extending from the platter and a corresponding support that extends from the cover, with an interlocking possible at the maximum extension of each support, thus separating the cover from the platter. A further embodiment utilizes a pair of covers, one receivable upon another to enable a nesting storage with access available to the exposed container storage area. A surface rib and groove formed in corresponding surfaces of the two covers provides stability when in the nested configuration.

Abstract: A stilt having a multiple-articulating, three segment base provides enhanced stability and a better translation of walking forces. The intermediate base segment is attached to both toe and heel base segments in a manner that permits relative rotational movement between each segment. Providing an intermediate base segment having a length that is equal to or greater than the toe and heel base segments enables a more natural forward translation of walking forces, instead of requiring the heel to absorb most of the energy as in previous stilt designs.

Abstract: A motor vehicle mounted ramp for loading and unloading a personal mobility vehicle such as a wheelchair or a three-wheel scooter. A storage platform is removably attached to a floor of the motor vehicle, e.g., a van, and provides both a support surface for the personal mobility vehicle and a storage area for a ramp used during loading and unloading. The ramp is pulled from its storage area and pivots along an axis formed by its connection with the storage platform, such that the leading edge of the ramp rests against a ground surface. A winch attached to the storage platform is then used to move the personal mobility vehicle up or down the ramp.

Abstract: A fishing lure consisting of an arched hollow body with an interior bait chamber is provided. The interior chamber is divided into a buoyancy chamber and a bait chamber. A number of small openings are formed in the outer body to enable scent and bait particles to be broadcast from bait stored within the bait chamber as the lure is passed through the water. Access to the bait chamber is further provided by either a hinged cover or by a hinged connection formed in the lure body between the buoyancy chamber and the bait chamber. Access to the bait chamber is restricted while the lure is being passed through the water as a result of the water flow positioning either the cover or the hinged lure body over the opening to the bait chamber. Once removed from the water, access to the bait chamber is readily obtained through movement of either the cover or the hinged lure body for re-supplying bait prior to supplemental use of the lure.

Abstract: A wall mount return for pools and spas uses an eyeball fitting having a plurality of openings formed in its surface to selectively direct jets of water for better control of pool and spa water circulation patterns. Removable knockdowns are initially formed in each of the openings, and through their removal, permit customization of water directional flow for a particular return location. An inner directional ring formed within the eyeball fitting cooperates with the outer openings to enable the direction of water jets at non-perpendicular angles to the outer eyeball surface.

Abstract: An illuminating display is provided a reflective panel having a graphical image formed therein. A laser is used to precisely etch the graphics pattern in an optically active surface, such as a mirrored surface. The graphical image is then reproduced on a paper carrier, and then brought into precise registration behind the laser-etched image. Upon backlighting, such as in a light box, the graphical image projects from the surrounding mirrored (reflecting) surface.

Abstract: An insulating bag is provided having an inflatable, double outer layer defining an interior container space for thermally-sensitive cargo. A surface reflective to radiant thermal energy lies within the inflated outer layer as a layer on an interior surface of the wall and/or as a surface formed on a baffle material lying within the inflated layer. The inner and outer layers of the double outer layers are attached to one-another in a series of attachment seams that together comprise configuration segments that, when inflated, provide structural definition to the interior containment space.

Abstract: A firearm target support utilizes a wooden support frame and separate removable footings for ease in transport and storage. The frame includes a pair of support legs to which the footings are attached when deploying the target support. For storage, each of the footings is removed from the terminus of the support legs, and is attached in a linear manner to the support legs at another location. In this manner, the footings project fore and aft of the support frame to enhance target stability when the target support is deployed, and run lengthwise along the support legs when stored. The replaceable target can either be received directly by the opposed support legs, using grooves formed therein, or it can be received in a separate target frame, which in turn is received between the opposed support legs.

Abstract: A drainage surface is provided on a conventional stamped metal sink and drain board unit. Multiple separate arrays of surface ridges are cold metal stamped in each of the drain boards. The upper ridge surfaces form a resting plane for dishware and cooking utensils while drying, permitting air circulation under the each of the kitchenware articles. Such circulating air speeds drying times and lessens the opportunities for cross-contamination problems.

Abstract: A pulse generator generates a pulse that is transmitted to a device under test through a signal path that has a substantially constant impedance along its entire length. A voltage on the signal path and a current therethrough is measured in response to the pulse being generated.

Abstract: Removable headwear is provided for therapeutically applying a permanent magnetic field to hair follicles located in the scalp to retard hair loss and promote hair re-growth. A flexible sheet of magnetic material having a plurality of alternating north-south poles is placed with a head covering that is in turn placed upon the head of a subject. Such head covering, while suitable for nighttime wear, may not be deemed socially acceptable for wear during the day. To enable the subject to maximize the exposure of the scalp to the magnetic fields, the head covering is configured to permit an item of conventional headwear to be placed over and cover the inner head covering.

Abstract: A tray may be temporarily attached to a supporting frame, such as a bed frame rail, to provide a support surface that enables the placement of various desired personal accessories in close proximity to persons enjoying limited mobility. A side support member is attached to an edge of the tray, and extends perpendicularly above and below the support surface of the tray. The upper portion of the side support is formed into a retaining hook, of a size permitting it to be received upon a circular bed support railing. The lower portion of the side support rests against a lower support railing. In this manner the lower side support resists the tendency of the retaining hook to rotate about the upper bed frame railing as accessories are placed upon the outwardly-extending support surface.