Abstract: An electric heating pad is provided with an anisotropic stiffening member that provides considerable rigidity in a first direction and considerable flexibility in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The stiffening member is provided with many elongate parallel corrugations, ridges or channels to provide unidirectional stiffness in the direction of the long axis of the channels. When the heating pad is used in a vertical position with the channels running vertically, the pad is prevented from collapsing or folding over on itself by the stiffening member while it is flexible in the horizontal direction to conform to a body part. This feature is especially useful for heating an aching back while sitting upright. The pad is also useful for wrapping around a limb and is provided with a strap for that purpose.

Abstract: A turntable rotatably supports the board of a board game when the board is unfolded for use. The turntable supports the board at all four sides and adjusts to the size of the board. The turntable is reduceable in size to fit inside the container of the board game for convenient storage when not in use and for enhanced marketability in conjunction with a game.

Abstract: A multi-function lighted walking cane which may be used in the dark as a cane for lighting the user's walkway and may also be used as a beacon to show the user's position to others. The light-emitting portion of this invention is housed adjacent and within a translucent or transparent lens positioned near the lower end of the cane. It may optionally have a raised lens shape which enhances the light-dispersing characteristics of the cane. The lens is positioned so that light is cast forward of the user along the ground. A plurality of small apertures may also be provided in the hollow cane adjacent the light source around the remaining surface juxtaposed to the lens to provide the beacon light function. This lower portion of the cane, housing the light source near its lower end, contains the battery and the power supply. The length of the cane may is made adjustable. The cane has a connector for attaching a battery charger to recharge batteries in the cane.