Abstract: An auxiliary trimmer for a lawnmower includes a mounting plate removably fastened to a lawnmower deck. Attached to the mounting plate is a trimmer housing having a shaft extending therefrom. At a distal end of the shaft is a trimmer spool that is driven by the lawnmower blade with a series of belts and pulleys. On the rear surface of the trimmer housing is an adjustment ring having a plurality of notches thereon. A spring-biased latch on an end of the shaft releasably fits within any one of the notches on the adjustment ring to position the trimmer spool at a select angular orientation. A pivotal handle raises and lowers the trimmer spool to a desired elevation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a musical instrument includes a ring formed of an impact-absorbing material. A continuous notch on the inner circumference of the ring tightly receives the tubular rim of a particular instrument to anchor the ring thereto. The ring may include lights randomly positioned on the outer circumference to aesthetically enhance the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a protective panel over a window includes at least one telescoping retainer bar that is tightly fixed within a window frame, adjacent the panel. Spring-biased locking buttons removably seat within one or more longitudinally-disposed apertures to fix the retainer bar at a desired length. At each end of the bar is a resilient pad that firmly engages one of two opposing sides of a window or door frame. One of the pads is movable relative to the bar to further tighten the bar within the frame once the telescoping bar has been extended as far as possible. The pad at the opposing end includes a biasing means for further anchoring the bar within the frame.

Abstract: A combination beverage and water dispenser includes a housing having a liquid-beverage-concentrate storage reservoir, a hot water storage tank and a cold water storage tank received therein. The cold water storage tank is in fluid communication with both a domestic water supply line and a dispensing cavity for receiving an inverted water bottle. Level sensors within the cold water storage tank communicate with a control valve on the domestic water supply line to control incoming domestic water supply. Alternatively, the domestic water supply may be disabled and a water bottle may be installed within the cavity to use bottled water in lieu of domestic water, if desired. The hot water tank, the cold water tank and the beverage concentrate reservoir are in selective communication with a mixing valve wherein hot or cold water and beverage concentrate are mixed to produce a desired hot or cold beverage.

Abstract: A light system includes a housing configured to resemble any seasonal or other desired image, i.e., a star, a pumpkin, an Easter egg, a firecracker, etc. The housing includes a rear face, a front face and a peripheral frame with a light-refracting chamber formed therebetween. The peripheral frame includes a plurality of tricolor LED's mounted therein. The rear face of the housing includes a completely-reflective front surface that deflects 100% of all impacting light beams inwardly toward the front face. However, the rear surface of the front face is only partially-reflective so that only a portion of impacting light is reflected back toward the rear face; a remaining portion of impacting light exits the front face and is visible to those nearby. Accordingly, the light generated by the limited number of LED's will create an illusion that an infinite number of light beams are emanating from the housing.

Abstract: An exercise garment is formed of a pair of shorts and an accompanying vest which are worn by an exerciser to enhance strength, conditioning, power, endurance and agility. The shorts include a pelvic portion with a pair of leg sections depending therefrom. Each leg section terminates at a leg opening having a circumferential zipper strand adjacent thereto. Immediately above the zipper strand are a plurality of juxtaposed, segregated pockets for receiving a weighted bar. A leg extension having multiple weight pockets includes a peripheral zipper strand at an upper end for mating engagement with the zipper strand of either leg section allowing the effective length thereof to be increased. The accompanying vest is formed of a torso portion with a pair of separable sleeves extending therefrom. A plurality of weight pockets are positioned on the front and rear of the torso portion and each sleeve. A torso extension having multiple weight pockets is removably attachable to the lower edge of the torso portion.

Abstract: A vehicle air freshener includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical housing having an angled upper end, a lower end and an interior chamber. Within the interior chamber is an electric heater and a removable cartridge containing a fragrant or deodorizing material. The heater is powered by a conventional adapter on the lower end of the housing that mates with the vehicle's cigarette lighter. At the upper end of the housing is an adjustable fan assembly for dispersing the fragrant material into the vehicle passenger compartment. Accordingly, the adapter is properly inserted into the vehicle's cigarette lighter and a switch is engaged to activate the fan and heater; the fragrant material within the cartridge is slowly vaporized and dispersed to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A motorized fertilizer dispenser includes a frustoconical housing having an open upper end in communication with a hollow interior. At a lower end is a dispersal opening. A rotatable sifting blade is positioned within the housing interior and adjacent the dispersal opening. A rotary disc having a plurality of radial blades positioned thereon is situated immediately beneath the dispersal opening. A motor operates both the sifting blade and dispersal disc whereby a desired amount of fertilizer is dropped onto the disc and projected outwardly to a target area.

Abstract: A bathroom cabinet includes a housing having an open face in communication with an interior storage compartment. A pivotal door is positioned over the open face to provide selective access to the interior chamber. The door includes a front mirror similar to that found on conventional bathroom cabinets. Behind the front mirror is an extendable mirror assembly including a slidable magnifying mirror and an auxiliary mirror. A user can extend and position the mirror assembly as necessary to closely view a reflected image without leaning or bending.

Abstract: A pet leash includes an elongated shaft formed of an inner core of bendable but extremely resilient tubing similar to that used to construct certain tent frames. The tubing is encapsulated by a cylindrical foam layer and an outer hollow sleeve that minimize impact with surrounding objects when the shaft is flexed and suddenly released. At an upper end of the shaft is a handle formed of a length-adjustable strap with a loop attached thereto. A clip at the lower end of the shaft is releasably securable to either a pet collar or an adjustable yoke. The resilient-but-flexible shaft easily bends around trees and similar obstructions but returns to an original, linear configuration when a stressing force is removed to prevent entangling.

Abstract: A scribe tool includes a three-dimensional, polygonal block having two opposing ends with a plurality of planar, non-orthogonal surfaces formed therebetween. A bore extends from one of the ends to another and is offset from the block's central, longitudinal axis. Each planar surface is spaced a discrete distance from the central axis that corresponds to one of a plurality of conventional measurements. The tool allows a craftsman to form a trim line along an architectural item that conforms to surface irregularities on an adjacent wall.

Abstract: A light system for a vanity having a horizontal counter top with a wash basin positioned therein. Mounted on a wall, adjacent the counter top, is a mirror for reflecting a person's image. Along an upper edge of the mirror is a horizontal row of lights, similar to those typically mounted above conventional vanities. At least two light housings angularly depend from the lower surface of the counter top, each including an interior chamber, an open top and an outer wall. Received within the interior chamber is a compact fluorescent lamp removably mounted within a conventional light socket. An opening is formed on the counter top, immediately above the open top of each housing, for receiving a tempered-glass panel. Accordingly, activating the angled lamps and the conventional overhead lights illuminates a user's entire face thereby allowing the user to gauge the appearance of makeup in daylight conditions.

Abstract: A power generation system that converts energy associated with ocean waves into electrical energy includes a plurality of floats positioned on a body of water. Each float includes an actuator arm that, when reciprocated, drives an oil piston positioned within an oil chamber. Each piston pumps oil into a supply header that fills a load cylinder with pressurized oil. Each load cylinder includes a weighted member superimposed on a plunger that is lifted by the pressurized oil; automated control valves release the oil causing the weighted member to fall rapidly. A geared rack at a lower end of the plunger engages a pinion that drives a generator. Accordingly, the rapid descent of the heavy member drives the pinion and thus the generator thereby producing electrical power.

Abstract: An ergonomic footrest includes a substantially planar platform having a pair of lateral extensions. A support structure suspends the platform a desired distance above an underlying surface. The support structure includes means for adjusting the height and angle of the platform.

Abstract: A hood ornament includes a circular base plate having a bolt extending from the lower surface that is inserted through a hole formed in the vehicle hood; a locking nut is attached to the bolt to tightly anchor the base plate to the hood. An ornament member includes a sight mounted on a foundation having a key latch depending therefrom that releasably seats within a keyed receptacle formed in the base plate. The foundation includes an oblique lower surface to assure that the sight extends at a discrete angle relative to the base plate when the ornament is secured thereto. Accordingly, if the base plate is mounted on a downwardly-sloped surface, the sight will be substantially vertical.

Abstract: A combination privacy enclosure and beach towel includes a hollow sleeve formed of a front panel and a rear panel each having two opposing side edges that are joined to the corresponding side edges of the other panel. The top end of the sleeve includes a small neck opening for receiving a wearer's head while the bottom end of the sleeve is completely open. The sleeve is flattened to form a dual-layer beach towel. To form a privacy enclosure for changing clothing, a user inserts his or her head through the neck opening and drapes the sleeve over the user's body. To convert the device to a tote bag, each end of the sleeve is bundled and an accompanying shoulder strap is secured thereto.

Abstract: A stepladder comprises a front frame and a rear frame each formed of a pair of spaced side rails. A motor-driven step is slidably mounted on the front frame side rails. The motor is controlled with a remote unit allowing a worker to automatically raise and lower the step when accessing an elevated area.

Abstract: A portable, multipurpose cooking utensil includes a base pan adapted to retain a grill having a dome-shaped, transparent lid thereon. The device also includes a heat control unit that allows a user to select the amount heat delivered to the grill. The heat control unit may be replaced with a broiling pan or frying pan, if desired.

Abstract: A tool for elevating a sander includes a shaft having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end includes an internally-threaded portion for coupling with the externally-threaded end of a conventional painter's pole, or an accompanying extension pole. Pivotally fastened to the upper end of the shaft is any one of a plurality of removable, interchangeable retaining rings each having a discrete circumference for encircling a power sander. Therefore, a worker can easily manipulate the sander within an elevated area without using a ladder or scaffolding.

Abstract: An electronic transaction card such as a gift card includes a card member having a front surface and a rear surface. Sandwiched between the front and rear surfaces is a microprocessor that is activated by a solar cell array positioned on the front surface of the card. The microprocessor is in communication with a multi-digit display and a text message display on the front surface of the card member. Whenever the card member is exposed to ambient light, the recipient's name, a prerecorded message and the remaining available balance of the card as previously recorded on the microprocessor automatically appear on the respective displays.