Abstract: A stabilizing mouthpiece includes features that reduce or prevent displacement of the mouthpiece either laterally or forward and backward when the mouthpiece is in use. In one implementation, the stabilizing mouthpiece may include one or more lateral shift guards that rest adjacent to inner or outer surfaces of a user's molars, incisors, or cuspids. In another implementation, the stabilizing mouthpiece may include elongated ridges or biased grips that resist posterior-to-anterior movement of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A flag made of a flexible fabric is disclosed having a lighting feature incorporated therein. The lighting feature may take on various shapes and is configured to create a continuous illumination. The lighting feature may be removeably placed within a pocket on the flag or may be more permanently affixed to the surface of the flag or sandwiched between layers of material within the flag. The lighting feature may be powered by sources including batteries, solar power, and external power, and may be configured to automatically shut off when the ambient light level is high.

Abstract: A gradient tinted shield may include one or more areas of gradient opacity, varying vertically from a user's eyeline. In one implementation, two areas of gradient opacity are located on the gradient tinted shield, one above the user's eyeline and one below the user's eyeline. Further, an area of constant opacity may be located at the user's eyeline.

Abstract: A flowguide decoration has a viewing vessel filled with fluid and decorative particles. The flowguide decoration also contains a flowguide positioned within the viewing vessel. The flowguide in combination with the viewing vessel defines a flow path for movement of the fluid and the decorative particles within the viewing vessel. A motor-driven impeller is also contained within the flowguide decoration, which imparts motion to the fluid and the decorative particles along the flow path when the impeller is rotating. A light that illuminates one or more of the viewing vessel, flowguide, fluid, and decorative particles; a speaker that plays one or more of songs, sounds, and voices; a battery that powers one or more of the light, speaker, and motor-driven impeller; and/or circuitry that controls one or more of the light, speaker, and motor-driven impeller may also be included.

Abstract: An apparatus for backlighting a stained glass ornament, on a Christmas tree, or the like, is disclosed. A platform is provided with a slotted or "keyhole" opening adapted to slidingly receive the base of a standard Christmas tree light. Attached at one side of the base, and perpendicular thereto, is a focal reflective surface to direct the light of the miniature electric lamp common to such strings of lights toward a decorative light transmissive panel located on the opposite side of the base. In one embodiment described herein, the reflective, or mirror, portion of the apparatus is round or oval: in a second embodiment it is generally rectangular in shape. The slotted opening in the preferred embodiment is of the keyhole type to secure the miniature lamp in the desired position and the device is further equipped with an attachment member to attach the unit to a tree or other object that the user wishes to adorn.

Abstract: A cylindrical slide puzzle system including a cylindrical member, such as an open cylinder, cup or mug, having a slide puzzle incorporated with an outer cylindrical surface thereof. The slide puzzle includes a plurality of slide puzzle elements or pieces which are preferably arranged to form three horizontal rows between the top and bottom edges of the open cylindrical member, cup or mug--this allows for better fit as the slide puzzle elements proximate both the top and bottom are firmly held in place along at lease one side surface and a better fit is assured between the puzzle pieces. A single jamb or vertical stop extending between the top and the bottom edges of the cylindrical member is also provided. A handle, if desired, may be attached to the jamb so as to convert the cylindrical member from a cup to a mug in the case where a solid bottom wall is provided. This jamb serves as part of the frame of the puzzle.