Abstract: An anti-theft device for protecting a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product from theft or unauthorized removal includes at least one retaining assembly including a laterally extending retaining arm terminating in a retaining hook for engaging a lateral edge of the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product, a retaining leg depending from the retaining arm and a retaining base for receiving the retaining leg in a locked configuration. The retaining arm is adjustable to accommodate laptop computers or similar portable electronic products having various widths and a lock mechanism includes a shuttle fixed to a collar made of a magnetically attractive material and a biasing spring for biasing the shuttle into engagement with the retaining leg of the retaining arm.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook has a time delay mechanism for increasing the amount of time required to dispense items of merchandise from a display arm, while permitting bulk loading of the items of merchandise onto the display arm. The time delay mechanism includes a housing, a helix extending from the housing in a rearward direction, and a rotatable handle extending from the housing in a forward direction. Rotation of the handle causes the helix to rotate about the display arm to thereby dispense the items of merchandise from the display arm in the forward direction. The time delay mechanism further includes a lock mechanism having a secured position for attaching the time delay mechanism to the display arm and an unsecured position for allowing the time delay mechanism to be detached from the display arm to permit bulk loading.

Abstract: A locking device for a merchandise display hook has an upper rod disposed along a longitudinal axis and a lower rod disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and the upper rod. The locking device includes a housing having a vertical slot adapted to receive the upper rod and the lower rod of the display hook. A bayonet is movable between a locked position in which a portion of the bayonet extends into the slot and restricts movement of at least one of the upper rod and the lower rod within the slot, and an unlocked position in which the bayonet does not extend into the slot and thereby permits movement of the upper rod and the lower rod within the slot. An elongate nose depending outwardly from the housing defines a channel that intersects the slot of the housing and receives the upper rod of the display hook with the upper rod and the lower rod disposed within the slot.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook for supporting and displaying items of merchandise includes a universal adapter and a mounting bracket for mounting the display hook to a generally vertical support, for example slatwall. The universal adapter includes one of a pair of attachment tracks and attachment rails for engaging the other of a pair of attachment tracks and attachment rails on the mounting bracket to attach the universal adapter to the mounting bracket from a generally lateral direction. The universal adapter may further include a lower portion for engaging the support to prevent the display hook from being tilted in a downwards direction. The mounting bracket may include flanges on upper and lower portions of a rear wall for engaging a channel formed in the support. Alternatively, the mounting bracket may include a body portion and a mounting plate movably disposed on the body portion for engaging the channel formed in the support.

Abstract: A locking device for a merchandise display hook includes a housing disposed adjacent a free end of the merchandise hook and defining an interior cavity adapted for receiving an end portion of the display hook. A shuttle biased by a biasing spring secures the end portion of the display hook in a locked configuration within the interior cavity. A label holder mount is integrally formed with the housing and disposed adjacent the free end of the merchandise display hook. The label holder mount is adapted for mounting a plurality of different types of label holders on the display hook.

Abstract: A device for creating an electrical potential, such as a piezoelectric igniter, is connected to a conductor that conducts current to a burn tube to create a spark that ignites the fuel in the burn tube. The safety mechanism disables the operative connection between the trigger and the igniter such that the safety mechanism does not lock the trigger (the trigger may move relative to the torch body) but the movement of the trigger does not actuate the igniter. An actuating button is provided such that the user manually controls the position of the disabling mechanism.

Abstract: A conversion bracket for mounting a pegboard display hook on an alternate display structure includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate movably coupled to the first mounting plate so as to permit the conversion bracket to be guided over and positioned on the alternate display structure. The first mounting plate has at least one first mounting opening and the second mounting plate has at least one second mounting opening for receiving the mounting structure of the display hook. Each of the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate defines at least one cavity configured to receive a portion of the alternate display structure. The first mounting plate may include a pair of first mounting plates that are joined together by an integral arm extending therebetween, or alternatively, are independently rotatable relative to the second mounting plate.

Abstract: A fuel canister is provided comprising a vessel for containing a fuel. A fitment is located in a wall of the vessel and a gripping portion is located in another wall of the vessel. The gripping portion may include a rib formed by raised and recessed areas. The rib may also reinforce the wall of the canister. A torch is also provided comprising a torch body that is releasably connected to the fuel canister. A method of making a fuel canister is also provided comprising forming a vessel having a top wall and a side wall. The bottom wall is formed having at least one portion defining a flat or nearly flat surface. The bottom wall is welded or brazed to the side wall. External ribs may be formed in the bottom wall.

Abstract: A coupling for attaching a fuel canister to an appliance such as a torch is provided that comprises a first connector on the canister. The first connector comprises a first set of screw threads where the first set of screw threads are interrupted to define a shape. A second connector is provided on the appliance or torch where the second connector comprises a locking element. The locking element has a matching shape that matches the shape such that the locking element closely receives the first connector when the first connector is in a first orientation relative to the second connector. A method of using the coupling is also provided where the appliance is rotated relative to the canister less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: A coupling for attaching a canister to an appliance comprises a first connector on the canister comprising screw threads and a groove and a second connector on the appliance that comprises a slip ring. The slip ring retains the canister on the appliance. An appliance comprises a canister having screw threads. A coupling connects the canister to the appliance separate from the screw threads where the coupling locks the appliance to the canister without rotating the appliance relative to the canister. The coupling locks the appliance to the canister when the canister is moved axially relative to the appliance. A canister is provided that has a connector comprising a set of screw threads for attaching the canister to a first type of appliance, and a groove for attaching the canister to a second type of appliance. A method of connecting a canister to an appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A device for creating an electrical potential, such as a piezoelectric igniter, is connected to a conductor that conducts current to a burn tube to create a spark that ignites the fuel in the burn tube. The safety mechanism disables the operative connection between the trigger and the igniter such that the safety mechanism does not lock the trigger (the trigger may move relative to the torch body) but the movement of the trigger does not actuate the igniter. An actuating button is provided such that the user manually controls the position of the disabling mechanism.

Abstract: A device for creating an electrical potential, such as a piezoelectric igniter, is connected to a conductor that conducts current to a burn tube to create a spark that ignites the fuel in the burn tube. In one embodiment a gap is formed in the conductor. An insulator is located in the gap such that is can be selectively moved between an insulating position where the flow of electricity over the gap is prevented such that no spark is created in the burn tube and a non-insulating position where electricity is allowed to flow over the gap such that a spark is created in the burn tube. In another embodiment the piezoelectric igniter forms part of the electrical circuit and is in electrical conductive contact or proximity to an electrical conductor that forms part of the ignition circuit. An insulator may selectively located between the igniter and the conductor.

Abstract: A pipe support assembly for supporting a section of pipe from an overhead structure includes at least one support portion and a hanging element or strap for hanging the support portion or portions from the overhead structure. At least one of the support portions defines a pipe support surface for supporting the section of pipe. The support portions may be engagable together to retain the hanging element therebetween. The hanging element may be retained along and between grooves extending at least partially along at least one portion of the support portions. At least one end or portion of the hanging element is securable to the overhead structure to hang the support portion or portions and the section of pipe from the overhead structure.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of manufacturing a perforated roller cover and includes placing a roller cover having a core portion and an application medium on a support member, positioning a perforating station having a perforating device near the support member, exposing the core portion, moving the perforating device from a non-piercing position to a piercing position to pierce the core in a first location and a second location and removing the roller cover from the support member.

Abstract: A cross country ski exerciser has an adjustable forward support that provides for changing the inclination of the frame. The adjustable support permits automatic adjustment of the frame inclination in a series of steps. The adjustment mechanism will reset so that it can be collapsed to a frame lowered position, returned to an operative position and automatically be operative to support the frame. The ski exerciser has folding frame components for compact storage utilizing a single bolt latching arrangement. An arm exerciser supported on the frame has a flywheel for insuring smooth arm movement during the exercise sequence.