Abstract: A locking apparatus for a lid comprising a fastener having threads and a friction element embedded within a portion of the fastener. A toggle having a threaded hole therein, wherein the fastener is rotatively inserted through the threaded hole of the toggle to translate the rotational movement of the fastener into linear movement of the toggle. The friction element causes the toggle to engage the fastener to translate the rotational movement of the fastener to the toggle. A torque assembly to apply a compression force against the fastener to restrict linear motion of the fastener and create a rotating resistance of the fastener. A bolster coupled to the torque assembly to restrict the rotational movement of the toggle and apply the compression force of the torque assembly against an underside of the lid.

Abstract: A portable chemical heater for cooking or warming food, the heater including a can filled with diethylene glycol fluid. The can is provided at its top with a protruding neck that is normally closed by a removable cap. Seated within the neck is a cup-shaped sealing insert having a bore therein through which projects the upper end of a wick. This wick is formed by a bundle of glass fibers, the remaining portion of the wick extending into the can and being immersed in the fluid.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a ladder of the extension type having sections slidable over each other where such locking mechanism is affixed to one section and hooks over a rung of the other section to secure the two sections at the desired height, and where such locking mechanism is withdrawable from the plane of the second section during raising or lowering of this section such that it does not bounce and bump against the rungs of the second section during raising or lowering.

Abstract: A vehicle and process for retrieving flexible plastic pipe from on-the-ground field positions is disclosed. Flexible plastic pipe is finding increasing use in oil field installations for carrying fuel and water to field rigs. Flexible plastic pipe is laid onto the ground from a large reel on a mobile unit. Retrieval of the pipe in the instant invention is obtained by driving a truck having a large reel behind the cab and a pickup tube above the cab towards the pipe after attaching the pipe to the reel and threading it through the pickup tube. The forward end of the pickup tube is substantially above the ground so that it is within easy vision of the driver. The end of the tube can be flared so that pipe can be picked up from either side of the vehicle or from directly in front of the vehicle. Also, a sweep means is provided forward of the reel to lay the pipe onto the reel in proper fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-locking level support primarily for ladders and the like, the support being adjustable to fit ladders of different widths.

Abstract: In a ladder leveler of the type manually actuated through a clutch plate to free a leg extension for adjustibility purposes, a protective guard is applied to the clutch plate in a manner to preclude forces being accidently applied to the clutch plate when the leveler is in use to thereby avoid possibility of tragic accidents.