Abstract: The disclosed invention is a human body clamping device. In one significant fashion application as a pelvic retainer principally for female use, it facilitates an open-sided thong-like garment. Whereas all clothing garments that extends from the waist down (bottoms, pants, underpants, skirt, bathing suit bottoms, etc.) must currently wrap entirely around the waist in order to stay up, this invention allows fashion designers to design new styles of garments that allow the hips to be fully exposed. The novel clamping mechanism in this invention, combined with nano-grip fabrics and surfaces, ensures that the invention remains secured to the body. For medical and therapeutic applications, it provides controlled pressure on a body part.

Abstract: A tile system has been devised that includes novel, integral self-aligning and self-spacing features on the side walls of the tiles to provide uniform self-alignment continuously during installation in all directions, both on vertical and horizontal surfaces. Border and corner tiles with similar self-alignment features are shown. The self-alignment features will align the tiles in either a straight-laid or running bond (or brick) pattern. The self-alignment features define regular, parallel gaps between adjacent tiles, without the need for separate spacers, in which waterproof grout is applied. The self-alignment features have application with bonded and non-bonded tiles, driveway/walkway/deck pavers and mortared interior and exterior brick, which can be manufactured in a variety of materials and processes. This Invention pays particular attention to plastic injection molded tiles that are to be bonded to a surface and subsequently grouted.

Abstract: A tile system has been devised that includes novel, integral self-aligning and self-spacing features on the side walls of the tiles to provide uniform self-alignment continuously during installation in all directions, both on vertical and horizontal surfaces. Border and corner tiles with similar self-alignment features are shown. The self-alignment features will align the tiles in either a straight-laid or running bond (or brick) pattern. The self-alignment features define regular, parallel gaps between adjacent tiles, without the need for separate spacers, in which waterproof grout is applied. The self-alignment features have application with bonded and non-bonded tiles, driveway/walkway/deck pavers and mortared interior and exterior brick, which can be manufactured in a variety of materials and processes. This Invention pays particular attention to plastic injection molded tiles that are to be bonded to a surface and subsequently grouted.

Abstract: A system of self-aligning tiles has been devised with novel geometries of connectors and notches in the edges of these tiles to provide for assembly in all directions, both on vertical and horizontal surfaces. These connector mates define regular, parallel, gaps between adjacent tiles in which waterproof grout may be applied to protect the supporting wall. Decorative edge and corner tiles are supplied to enable flush edges; otherwise, gaps of width less than the width of the standard self-aligning tile are filled with partial tiles that are easily sawn with conventional saws to the required size from standard tiles. The tiles are manufactured using injection of thermoplastics into molds, and as such can bear patterns in relief on their cosmetic face. Secondary coatings can be applied to enhance the appearance and hardness of the cosmetic face.

Abstract: The manual nailing process can injure the person's hand gripping the nail when the nail head is missed. The underlying surface of the work (the object being nailed, made of wood or other relevant materials) can be damaged when the hammer hits the work surface instead of the nail or from the hammer claws when the nail is extracted. The nailing aid described in this application holds the nail when it is being started, away from the person's hand. This aid also provides protection for a broad area of the underlying work surface around the nail, when the nail is being struck or extracted. The striking surface of the aid is sloped to prevent it from being trapped by a bent nail or a nail head. The handle of this aid also serves as a holder for an optional nail set or pencil.

Abstract: The manual nailing process can injure the person's hand gripping the nail when the nail head is missed. The underlying surface of the work (the object being nailed, made of wood or other relevant materials) can be damaged when the hammer hits the work surface instead of the nail or from the hammer claws when the nail is extracted. The nailing aid described in this application holds the nail when it is being started, away from the person's hand. This aid also provides protection for a broad area of the underlying work surface around the nail, when the nail is being struck or extracted. The striking surface of the aid is sloped to prevent it from being trapped by a bent nail or a nail head. The handle of this aid also serves as a holder for an optional nail set or pencil.