Abstract: A cargo retainer device and method adapted for mounting within a cargo container having an end wall, an opposite parallel pivoted end wall defining a container length therebetween, two opposite parallel side walls defining a container width therebetween, and a floor. The cargo retainer device is adapted to be interposed between cargo in the container and either the end wall, sidewall, or the floor to inhibit movement of the cargo during transit. The cargo container includes a first extension member, a second extension member perpendicularly oriented to the first extension member, and screw threads to facilitate an increase in the first and second extension member lengths to contact against the respective container walls and floor. A lockable element secures the screw threads on the first extension member to restrict theft of the cargo retainer device from the container and addition of a cargo divider assembly can further prevent cargo movement.

Abstract: A competitive points based English alphabet word construction game apparatus and method for players who create words from letters determined from a single chance element initiation per turn that is selected from a group of chance elements, wherein long words created from infrequently used letters are rewarded with enhanced points levels. Broadly, the game includes five chance elements comprising a first, a second, a third, a fourth, and a fifth chance elements that each includes six distinct perceptible areas. The first chance element includes six areas, each one a vowel, being A, E, I, O, U, and including the sometimes vowel Y. The second, third, fourth, and fifth chance elements each include six areas, for a total of twenty four areas, the twenty four areas each include a unique one of the twenty consonant letters of the English alphabet and four blank areas.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method for applying a selected fluid to a desired location includes a reservoir containing the fluid, the reservoir includes a resilient body having a first end and a second end, a first end sealing cap, and a second end sealing cap assembly with a penetrable elastomeric member to define a reservoir interior. The body includes bellows oriented to retract or extend the body between the first end and the second end creating a variable reservoir interior volume. Also included is an applicator having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end includes a non coring cannula with a lumen having an insertion end adapted to penetrate through the elastomeric member and protrude into the reservoir interior. This enables fluid communication between the reservoir interior and the lumen; the distal end also includes an application element that is in fluid communication with the lumen.

Abstract: An article of bedding with a hidden pocket for storing an item, including a fabric panel with an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a distal end, also, a double inwardly folded wide hem fabric piece defining a first end and a second end, and having a hem interior volume separated from an exterior and an interior environment. Also, a fabric pocket liner including an opening that is double outwardly folded defining a third end and a fourth end, the opening is adjacent to a portion of the first end, the second end, and the distal end, the liner is positioned within a portion of the hem interior volume, the liner is not visible from the exterior and interior environment. The distal end, first end, and third end, are attached. The distal end, first end, and second end are also attached, plus the second end and fourth end are attached.

Abstract: An automatic down spout extension system including an extension spout pivotally attached to the lower end of a down spout, and a ballast container attached to the distal end of the extension spout. An insert including a number of side openings is attached at the upper end of the down spout, and a hose extends from the bottom of the insert to the ballast container. Rainwater from the rain gutter flows down the down spout and a portion of the water flows through the hose and fills the ballast container at the end of the extension spout. The weight of the water in the ballast container causes the extension spout to move to an extended working position. A spring interconnecting the extension spout and the down spout biases the extension spout in an upright storage position. A drain opening in the ballast container allows water to run out, and when the rain stops and the container empties, the spring pulls the extension spout to an upright storage position.

Abstract: A fixed pivotal retractable roller mechanism 20 and method for statically supporting an item 46 upon a support surface 44 in an inoperative state and supporting the item 46 to roll along the support surface 44 in an operative state. The mechanism 20 includes a housing 22, a swingarm 26 pivotally engaged with the housing 22, a spring 36, and a roller 32. The swingarm 26 has pivotal movement relative to the housing 22, the swingarm 26 has an inoperative position state where the roller 32 is retracted allowing the housing 22 to rest on and statically contact the support surface 44 and an operative position state where the swingarm 26 is extended such that the housing 22 is not in contact with the support surface 44 allowing the item 46 to roll along the support surface 44. Other embodiments with castor and without a spring are also disclosed.

Abstract: A collection device residing in an exterior environment for depositing refuse for disposal with the refuse material removed from a surface and then deposited into the collection device using a pressurized fluid flow to dispose of the refuse material by transferring the refuse material and the fluid to a sewer system. The collection device includes a pedestal body with a first end, a second end, and an internal void. Also included is a receptacle with a base, a surrounding sidewall extending from the base to define a receptacle interior separated from the exterior environment, the sidewall terminates in an opening forming a receptacle rim. The sidewall has a sidewall aperture adjacent to the opening, that receives fluid flow from a nozzle located in the exterior environment positioned to direct the pressurized fluid to flow from the nozzle into the sidewall aperture over an open gap.

Abstract: A cargo retainer device and method adapted for mounting within a cargo container having an end wall, an opposite parallel pivoted end wall defining a container length therebetween, two opposite parallel side walls defining a container width therebetween, and a floor. The cargo retainer device is adapted to be interposed between cargo in the container and either the end wall, sidewall, or the floor to inhibit movement of the cargo during transit. The cargo container includes a first extension member, a second extension member perpendicularly oriented to the first extension member, and screw threads to facilitate an increase in the first and second extension member lengths to contact against the respective container walls and floor. A lockable element secures the screw threads on the first extension member to restrict theft of the cargo retainer device from the container and addition of a cargo divider assembly can further prevent cargo movement.

Abstract: Multi-purpose tools are constructed of a tool head (9)(32)(53) and an extension (15)(36). A pad (16)(45)(52) can be attached to the tool head with one or more of a retainer (13), rubber bands (46)(59) and clips (60). The pad includes adhesive (24) coated sheets (22) and one or more of a seat (17), rubber bands, elastic dots (66) and a backing (18)(47)(58). Elastic elements (25)(40)(62) are attached to anchor hooks (19)(20)(41)(63) and where it is desired to bend the pad, the elastic element is stretched and connected to a desired positioning hook (14)(39)(64).

Abstract: An electrical plug retainer assembly 20 and method of use for the purpose of securing an electrical plug 40 and cord 38 set assembly to a wall mounted electrical plug receptacle 22 to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal of the plug 40 from the receptacle 22. The electrical plug retainer assembly 20 includes a support arm 46 attached to the receptacle assembly body 25 with a retention element 54 securing the plug 40 and cord 38 to the support arm 46 to resist pulling forces 70 exerted against the plug 40 and cord 38. Thus, preventing the pulling forces 70 from causing the undesirable result of disconnecting the plug 40 from the receptacle 22 with the resulting loss of electrical power.

Abstract: An improved retractable roller mechanism 20 and method for statically supporting an item 42 upon a support surface 40 in an inoperative state and supporting the item 42 to roll along the support surface 40 in an operative state. The retractable roller mechanism 20 includes a housing 22, a roller frame 24 that is slideably engaged with the housing 22, a spring 30, and a roller 28. The roller frame 24 has reciprocative movement relative to the housing 22, such that the frame 24 has an inoperative position state where the frame 24 is retracted allowing the housing 22 to rest on and statically contact the support surface 40 and an operative position state where the frame 24 is extended such that the housing 22 is not in contact with the support surface 40 allowing the item 42 to roll along the support surface 40.

Abstract: A marine mooring line vermin shield to prevent the passage of vermin crawling along a marine mooring line from land to a pleasure craft, including a disc with a centrally located aperture through the disc, and a slot extending from the aperture to a periphery of the disc. The vermin shield also includes a closure that is urged to insert into the disc slot in a closed state compressing the mooring line against the aperture to secure the vermin shield onto the mooring line. The closure may also be locked in the closed state. The closure can also be extracted from the disc slot in an open state to allow the mooring line to be removed from the aperture through the slot past the disc periphery.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the delivery of a speech having selected time limits for specific speech types, includes a housing having a control panel, a clock display, and an array of different colored light emitting elements that are activated corresponding to specific speech time limit intervals. A timing circuit generates a signal to a control circuit that corresponds to a specific speech type, wherein the control circuit generates event marker signals that correspond to the lapse of a series of sequential selected time periods in the control circuit. The event marker signals provide for the sequential indication of the light emitting elements that allows for minimal distraction to the speaker to monitor their speech timing while allowing the speaker to wind up the speech in a smooth and timely manner.