Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward presses which may comprise planar or curved press plates that can be driven toward and away from each other such as via linear reciprocating movement to press filter media sheets as opposed to using rolls. The press plates can create such features as embossments that may have the ridges and grooves, brands, creases or other such features. The press can create pleated packs or individual panels for non-pleated packs. Additionally, a variety of embossed pleat packs, unique shapes, structural components and other pleat packs that may be formed by presses or other methodology are disclosed as well as filter cartridges using such pleat packs.

Abstract: Vertically extendable ski-poles for snow skiers and conventionally having an enlarged topical handgrip are thereat herein attachably provided with a novel hand-protector structure including therewithin a hood member surroundably vertically flankably attached to the handgrip and extending rearwardly therefrom along a horizontal-axis toward a semi-rigidified hood rearward portion. Attached along the hood member adjacent the rear-end thereof is an elastic cuff member having a normal-condition away from the skier's wrist during favorable weather conditions and having a rearward-condition implantable against the skier's wrists during frigid weather conditions.

Abstract: Leverage lifting cart, utilizeable along two distinct and generally horizontal planes, has a longitudinal cargo receiving bed attached to a pair of laterally extending and preferably wheeled axles including a fixed-elevational rear-axle and a front-axle carried by a vertically controllably movable carriage extending pivotably and medially downwardly from the cargo bed. The vertical distance between the carriage supported front-axle and the cargo bed is remotely controllable by an operator nearby the cargo bed front-end. Specially contoured bridges connect the rear-axle to the front-axle. By virtue of this basic structure, and which can be desireably augmented with other novel structural features, the operator can leverage cargo loads between disparate planes and can safely, reliably, and conveniently maneuver the loaded cargo along the available expanse of one or more planes.