Abstract: A pitcher for grinding and mixing material therein including a pitcher body, a removable lid and a rotary and reciprocal shaft journaled in the lid and having an apertured grinding and mixing plate attached to one end of the shaft. The grinding and mixing plate includes a plurality of mixing holes, four equally spaced semicircular rim segments, and a set of grinding teeth located on the underside thereof facing a set of fixed grinding teeth located in a row on the bottom of the pitcher with the two sets of grinding teeth being mutually facing and interfitting. The mixer plate can be rotated to grind up frozen concentrate or reciprocated within the container to mix liquids therein. The holes in the aperture plate provide a mixing action in both the rotary and reciprocating modes of operation.

Abstract: A combination foldable ladder and hand truck is disclosed comprising a plurality of ladder sections joined at respective ends by hinges and having retractable transport wheels and a retractable support means. The device is functional as a step ladder as well as an extension ladder in an open position with the support means and transport wheels each in their retracted positions. The device is functional as a hand truck in a closed position with the support means in an extended forward position for supporting goods and the transport wheels in an extended downward position, for rolling.

Abstract: A portable mannequin includes a carrying case which may be unfolded to reveal the contents which include a collapsible mannequin form having a head form and a torso form that are foldable in the case and unfoldable to fit upon the case in an erect fashion. The mannequin may be used as a security companion or by itself in automobiles, homes and the like.

Abstract: A hinge for connecting and adjustably holding two sections of a supporting element such as ladder segments in an angular orientation with respect to each other comprising a housing having at least two halves rotatable with respect to each other about an axis of rotation, a first half for holding one of the sections and a second for holding the other section; means for mounting the housing halves for movement linearly along the axis of rotation between first and second positions along the axis of rotation; and a plurality of mating teeth on each housing half which engage to prevent rotation of the housing halves when the housing halves are in the first position while permitting rotation of the housing halves when the housing halves are in the second position. The hinge also includes biasing means in the form of a rod and cam arrangement for biasing the housing halves into the first position.

Abstract: A vacuum device comprised of a base portion and a top portion with an expandable means, connecting the base and top portions, for moving between a contracted position and an expanded position. The expandable means and the base and top portions define a chamber therebetween. A vacuum means is mounted to the top portion for sucking debris into the chamber. Support means, which is attached to the base and top portions and passes through the chamber, selectively maintains the expandable member in its expanded position.