Abstract: A solar-powered lighting apparatus having a light transmissible shade coupled to a housing that receives a solar cell, a battery and at least a portion of a lighting element assembly. In one embodiment, the shade may have a spherical shape achieved with a support unit or achieved by operation of gravity. A bottom device or bottom portion may be coupled to the shade and cooperate therewith forming and maintaining the spherical shape.

Abstract: A solar-powered lighting apparatus having a light transmissible shade coupled to a housing that receives a solar cell, a battery and at least a portion of a lighting element assembly. In one embodiment, the shade may have a spherical shape achieved with a support unit or achieved by operation of gravity. A bottom device or bottom portion may be coupled to the shade and cooperate therewith forming and maintaining the spherical shape.

Abstract: A solar-powered lighting apparatus having a light transmissible shade coupled to a housing that receives a solar cell, a battery and at least a portion of a lighting element assembly. In one embodiment, the shade may have a spherical shape achieved with a support unit or achieved by operation of gravity. A bottom device or bottom portion may be coupled to the shade and cooperate therewith forming and maintaining the spherical shape.

Abstract: A stake for insertion in soil to support an item such as a plant. The stake includes primary and secondary telescoping shafts and a foot adjustably secured to the primary shaft. The primary shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is configured for insertion into the soil at a first location. The foot has a supporting protrusion for insertion into the soil at a second location removed from the first location. Retractable ties are disposed within the secondary shaft and may be extended to support a plant. An adjustable collar may provide an anchor point for additional support.

Abstract: A solar powered lighting system provides a lighting element assembly having a lighting element and a diffuser that secures near the upper end of a support. A collector unit contains a solar cell and a coupler such as a clip-on clamp which allows the collector unit to be selectively attached to a desired support. The lighting system includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar cell of the collector unit and to the lighting element assembly using a wire such that the portion of the wire that extends from the collector unit to the lighting element assembly is of sufficient length to allow the collector unit to be selectively positioned on or remotely from the support.

Abstract: A power supply for an electronic device comprises a power module, an AC module, and a DC module. The power supply operates in first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the power module generates a DC output signal based on an AC power signal transmitted from the AC module. In the second configuration, the power module generates the DC output signal based on a DC power signal from the DC module.

Abstract: A stake for insertion in soil to support an item such as a plant. The stake includes primary and secondary telescoping shafts and a foot adjustably secured to the primary shaft. The primary shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is configured for insertion into the soil at a first location. The foot has a supporting protrusion for insertion into the soil at a second location removed from the first location. Retractable ties are disposed within the secondary shaft and may be extended to support a plant. An adjustable collar may provide an anchor point for additional support.

Abstract: A solar-powered collapsible lighting apparatus and methods of assembling such a lighting apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A solar-powered collapsible lighting apparatus includes a lighting element assembly having a lighting element, a solar cell, a battery unit, and a collapsible shade. The battery unit is electrically coupled to the solar cell and to the lighting element assembly. The solar cell is positioned proximate to the top of the collapsible shade. The lighting element assembly and the battery unit are positioned within the collapsible shade. The solar-powered collapsible lighting apparatus is deployed by connecting a support unit between a top portion and a bottom portion.

Abstract: A hitch assembly 24 configured for reducing or eliminating undesirable play or movement between its components. The hitch assembly 24 includes a conventional hitch receiver 24 and a hitch receiver attachment structure 28, which is adapted to be telescopingly inserted into the hitch receiver 24. The hitch assembly 20 includes a securement and anti-chatter assembly for securing together the hitch receiver 24 and a hitch receiver attachment structure 28 while reducing the chatter generated therebetween during use.

Abstract: A solar-powered collapsible lighting apparatus and methods of assembling such a lighting apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Several embodiments of hitch receiver attachment structures are provided, which are adapted for interconnection with a conventional vehicle hitch receiver. The hitch receiver attachment structures include mechanisms that reduce or eliminate undesirable play or movement between the hitch receiver attachment structure and the hitch receiver during use.

Abstract: A container for storing both CD and DVD storage boxes wherein the internal length and width of a storage compartment within the container substantially correspond to one dimension of a CD storage box and one dimension of a DVD storage box, respectively, such that a plurality of either CD or DVD storage boxes may be stored within the compartment oriented in like direction.

Abstract: A rack assembly (100) for attachment to the back of a vehicle is disclosed. The rack assembly includes an upper retaining member (160) and a lower retaining member (180), the upper and lower retaining members being offset vertically and transversely, such that elongate gear, for example, skis or other sports equipment, will be oriented generally at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, near the rear of the vehicle. Protective sheaths (163, 183) may be provided to protect the retained gear. In one embodiment the upper and lower retaining members are removably attachable to a support assembly (120) that engages the hitch (92) at the back of a vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of upper and lower retaining members (220, 240) attach to a frame (204) disposed near the rear of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the invention a cargo container (310) is attached to the upper and lower retaining members.

Abstract: A collapsible wheelbarrow is constructed with a pliable bin and pivotally connected handle members. The handle members are pivotally connected to a frame about first pivot axes, wherein the handle members may be moved outwardly away from an imaginary bisecting line of the wheelbarrow to provide easier loading capabilities. The handle members may also be pivotally connected about second pivot axes to allow the handle members to pivot inward to reduce the width of the wheelbarrow for convenient storage. In an alternative embodiment, the handle members are rigidly connected to the frame.

Abstract: A portable storage container (10) having a base shell (12) and cover shell (14) is disclosed. The shells (12) and (14) are planar and generally circular in shape with the exception of a spine (16) spanning between and integrally joining the base and cover shells (12) and (14). Disc shaped recesses (16) and (18) in combination with tine type gripping components (20) and (22) grip a compact disc within each base and cover shell (12) and (14). A groove (48) located equidistant between the centers of the shells (12) and (14) on the spine (16) forms a live hinge. The cover shell (14) may be bent towards the base shell (12), encasing the compact discs held in the disc shaped recess (16) and (18) of the shells (12) and (14). A locking mechanism maintains the storage container 10 in the closed position until opened by the user. Two tabs (36) with apertures (38) allow the storage container (10) to be removably mounted in a ring binder.

Abstract: A rack assembly (100) for attachment to the back of a vehicle is disclosed. The rack assembly includes an upper retaining member (160) and a lower retaining member (180), the upper and lower retaining members being offset vertically and transversely, such that elongate gear, for example, skis or other sports equipment, will be oriented generally at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, near the rear of the vehicle. Protective sheaths (163, 183) may be provided to protect the retained gear. In one embodiment the upper and lower retaining members are removably attachable to a support assembly (120) that engages the hitch (92) at the back of a vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of upper and lower retaining members (220, 240) attach to a frame (204) disposed near the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable storage container (10) having a base shell (12) and cover shell (14) is disclosed. The shells (12) and (14) are planar and generally circular in shape with the exception of a spine (16) spanning between and integrally joining the base and cover shells (12) and (14). Disc shaped recesses (16) and (18) in combination with tine type gripping components (20) and (22) grip a compact disc within each base and cover shell (12) and (14). A groove (48) located equidistant between the centers of the shells (12) and (14) on the spine (16) forms a live hinge. The cover shell (14) may be bent towards the base shell (12), encasing the compact discs held in the disc shaped recess (16) and (18) of the shells (12) and (14). A locking mechanism maintains the storage container 10 in the closed position until opened by the user. Two tabs (36) with apertures (38) allow the storage container (10) to be removably mounted in a ring binder.