Abstract: An exercise apparatus which can be variously grasped while different torsion or other muscular movements are performed; the apparatus including a long hollow cylindrical bar having an enlarged circular handhold at each end, each handhold having an annular groove for receiving the fingers, a pair of spaced apart, short legs extending perpendicular to the bar, each outer end of the legs having a large circular foot which can alternately serve as handholds and a center of the bar having openings on opposite sides for the thumb and fingers of a user to permit squeezing of a sponge positioned in the center of the hollow bar.

Abstract: A tennis racket is provided having the same swing weight as rackets of the prior art, but having a significant reduction in the weight, and a significant increase in the distance of the center of percussion and in the distance of the center of gravity from the end of the handle. A significant reduction in the deflection and vibration of the racket caused by the impact of the ball is provided. The tendency of the racket to turn in the players hand when a ball hits the racket off of the longitudinal axis of the racket, is reduced.These improvements are accomplished by controlling the distribution of material and the cross-sectional shape along the length, width, and depth of the racket, and by the utilization of materials having a high stiffness and strength per unit weight.Methods are provided to measure the swing weight of the racket about selected axes and to measure the flexibility and vibratory characteristics of the racket.

Abstract: A method of operating a video game where a full screen memory map is utilized in conjunction with a microprocessor unit which operates on a clock cycle basis where during one portion of a clock cycle video data is latched into a shift register and during the other part of the clock cycle other necessary game functions are performed by the MPU, and during the entire clock cycle video data is shifted at the horizontal scan rate from the shift register to the display screen.

Abstract: A game comprising an above the ground line stretched between two upright supports, a target member including a pulley wheel suspended from the line and gun-type hose attachments connected to a source of pressurized water. The object of the game is for each player, using the water gun, to move the target member to the opposite end of the line.

Abstract: A cabinet housing mechanically actuated target components to provide multiple moving targets to the shooter. Rails guide gravitating ball members with scoring indicated by the upsetting of same off a rail. A ball transfer provides for transition of a gravitating ball from one rail to another. A ball lift mechanism includes a continuous conveyor including ball carriers. Elevation of a ball by the conveyor simultaneously cocks an ejector which discharges the ball onto an uppermost rail. The ball is confined, during lifting, for travel upwardly to progressively load the ejector which imparts initial velocity to the ball member target. A conveyor motor serves additionally to actuate reciprocating targets through a power takeoff arrangement.

Abstract: A fishing game device is disclosed in which discs of various sizes and colors each containing a ferromagnetic material float on the surface of water which is circulated in a continuous channel and fishing poles having magnets attached to the ends of their lines are used to retrieve the discs. Each disc is formed from two spaced plates having a resilient gasket with a central opening positioned between the plates. The central opening contains the piece of ferromagnetic material. The discs are so arranged and constructed that the chance of retrieving discs of different sizes and colors varies.

Abstract: An invention in sporting equipment embodied, for example, in the form of a golf club, the inventive concept being found specifically in the form of a putter. The invention is directed in particular to the putter's blade the face of which is designed to maintain the ball in balance, after it has been critically positioned before impact, while the ball is rolling torward the target hole after such impact. To this end the blade face is formed with a longitudinal edge which is the normal ball striking component of the golf club being located above the center line of the ball in blade striking position capable on proper alignment with the ball of causing the latter to roll with minimal deviation toward its target. On the reverse side of the blade there is provided a secondary ball striking edge located below the center line of the ball.

Abstract: A word game comprising a plurality of tiles and a tile support means having an intersecting pattern of at least one row and at least one column of tile receiving spaces is disclosed. The object of the game is to determine the word combinations chosen by the other players to fill their tile supports.

Abstract: A phonograph cartridge stylus protector includes a magnifying lens to permit the user to view a magnified image of the stylus tip. The stylus protector is pivotally mounted to the cartridge and may be positioned at a first position out of the way of the stylus, a second position in which the user may obtain one magnified view of the stylus tip while the stylus tip is inserted in a record groove, and a third, lowermost position in which the protector protects the stylus against accidental contact and in which the user may obtain a different magnified view of the stylus tip and the area adjacent the stylus tip.

Abstract: A seal ring of resilient material is disposed in a groove to provide a seal in a clearance space between a stationary member and a rotating member. The seal ring is cold-formed to provide axial undulations, prior to assembly, so that the seal ring has a greater effective width than the groove width whereby, during assembly, the seal ring is placed in an interference fit within a groove in one member and is contained within the groove to facilitate the assembly of the members without damage to the seal ring. Initial operation of the members, with oil having a temperature above ambient, causes the seal ring to relax from the cold-formed configuration to permit the seal to move radially in the grooved member until sealing contact with the other member occurs thereby restricting leakage between the members.

Abstract: A packing sealer plug for use with valve flanges or the like. The packing sealer plug is adapted to be used in tapped openings leading to the interface between the valve flanges or other types of fittings in which packing is to be introduced by a high pressure packing gun. The plug is comprised of an externally threaded end insertable in the opening and an axial passage way leading to an opposite end of the plug which has a threaded opening adapted to receive a nozzle of the packing gun or the like for introduction of the packing. The end of the plug adjacent the threaded opening has a hexagonal square or circular exterior for reception of a wrench for connecting the plug to the flange opening. A cut-off passage way intersects with the axial passage way radially and is threaded to receive a cut-off bolt to seal the plug.

Abstract: A face seal for sealing the joint between a rotary shaft and a stationary using, said seal comprising two sealing discs engaged together through the biasing force of a zero rate spring means. The spring means provides a constant biasing force to maintain a pre-determined sealing engagement force between the discs irrespective of such disturbances as manufacturing tolerances, component assembly errors, service oscillations of the shaft, vibrational effects, or service wear on the sealing discs.

Abstract: A support plate has fluid-flow openings therethrough which openings are flared at their ends. Securing rings extend into the openings from opposite ends and have tapered lips firmly pressing the edges of membranes against the flared end surfaces of openings. The rings are fixed to each other to exert constant pressure on the membrane edges.

Abstract: To hold windshield glass in position on a vehicle, a sealing member is used which has two parallel side-by-side oppositely facing channels, one of which fits over a flange around the opening, and the other of which grips the periphery of the window glass. A stiff metal retaining member of generally channel-shape is removably fixed to the window surround as by means of threaded bolts or pins and wedges and holds the sealing member on the flange. Finally, a decorative beading covers and is fixed to the retaining member.

Abstract: A packing for a reciprocating pump comprises a resilient body of elastomeric material with a cup-like shape and includes a plurality of flat cantilevered spring members embedded within the annular wall of the body. The spring members provide support for the flexible wall and are essentially fixed in position at their ends disposed at the base of the cup-shaped body while being free to flex at their opposite ends adjacent the open end of the resilient body. A peripheral annular lip defines the open end of the cup-shaped body and has a profile in the axial direction which imposes a predetermined deflection curve on the spring members when the packing is surrounded and compressed by the cylindrical wall of a pump cylinder. A predetermined pressure profile results between the peripheral lip and the cylinder wall as the cantilevered spring members urge the peripheral lip to resume its uncompressed shape.

Abstract: A seal for a gap between at least two surfaces comprising a unitary body member made of a foam plastic material including at least one homogeneous peripheral surface portion and at least one internal porous portion. The porous portion is filled with a lubricant and is exposed through at least one section in the homogeneous peripheral surface portion to permit transfer of lubricant therethrough.

Abstract: A cleanable drainage arrangement for fluent products overflowing from the dam or reservoir of a tanker vehicle including a chute or outwardly opening trough having a removable translucent cover plate to accommodate periodic inspection and cleaning during field use.

Abstract: A snow-surface driving vehicle characterized by being equipped with a pair of skis, left and right, along the longitudinal direction of each of which is mounted a bracket; the left and right ends of a bridging member are supported by means of these brackets; a handle supporting member is attached to the center of the bridging member and the handle supporting member is linked a little ahead of its center by means of a vertical shaft with a connecting member installed in front of the man seating portion; between the connecting member and the brackets, there are control rods mounted by means of universal joints which are attached at points offset from axes of the brackets.

Abstract: A multiple use cart comprising a hollow horizontal flat deck having tapered vertical apertures open at both ends interconnecting the top and bottom portions of the deck. The apertures may be in longitudinal and transverse alignment or otherwise arranged. Mounted to the bottom of the deck are a set of swivelable front wheels and a set of fixed rear wheels. Handle means are secured to the deck. Any combinations of tubular carrying means tapered at the bottom to fit into any desired number of apertures may be utilized depending upon the particular use of the cart.

Abstract: A skateboard having an adjustable feature to vary board flexibility to accommodate the performance requirements of various maneuvers executed by the individual using the skateboard. Variable board flexibility is accomplished by the use of a strengthening member mounted on the bottom of the skateboard by an adjusting mechanism which varies the connection between the strengthening member and the skateboard. The skateboard also incorporates integrally cast wheel assembly mounting brackets located on the bottom of the respective ends of the skateboard. In one embodiment of the variable flexion skateboard adjustment dials are positioned at each end of the strengthening member to set the desired flexibility in the skateboard.

Abstract: A skateboard with front and rear slider devices located inside the wheel trucks. The devices form an angle not less than 15.degree. nor more than 45.degree. with the skateboard. One end of each device is attached to the skateboard, the other end is attached to the wheel truck.

Abstract: A snowboard for use on a snow laden surface comprising an elongated main body having laterally spaced skis or runners mounted to the underside of the body at the front and rear thereof. The laterally disposed runners are coupled together in order to maintain their parallel relation and therefore, the stability of the snowboard. Each runner may have a centrally disposed stabilizer fin on its bottom surface.

Abstract: A mud flap mounting bracket mounts the mud flap assembly onto a truck frame. A mud flap assembly has a seat member, a face plate rotatably seated against the seat member and an arm attached to one end thereof to the face plate. A tension spring has one end connected to the arm and another end connected to a chain which is in turn attached to the seat member through a U-bolt for retaining the face plate seated against the seat member. The seat member has attached at an opposite face a bight section of a first U-shaped bracket. A second U-shaped bracket has its bight section fixably mounted to the frame of the vehicle. Each U-shaped bracket has legs extending outwardly from its bight section. The first U-shaped bracket has a rod rigidly connected to and extending between the leg portions. The leg portions of the second bracket has slots downwardly extending from the side edge of the leg portions. The rod member and slots are sized so that the rod snugly fits within the slot.

Abstract: A three-point cambering vehicle having an upright steering frame supporting a steerable contact and a pair of rearwardly positioned and laterally spaced contacts which are connected to the steering frame through spring means for allowing cambering of the vehicle when the operator leans into a turn.

Abstract: Juvenile toy vehicle with a braking arrangement including front and rear axles supporting front and rear wheels, respectively, a pipe frame having the front and rear axles mounted in the front and the rear ends thereof, respectively, a sprocket wheel having a crank shaft provided with a pair of pedals and positioned on the pipe frame, another sprocket wheel rigidly mounted on the rear axle and linked with the crank shaft sprocket wheel by the intermediary of an endless chain, and a steering wheel linked with the front axles to permit change of a running direction of the vehicle.One of the rear wheels is rigidly disposed on the rear axle for integral rotation with the rear axle sprocket wheel, while the other rear wheel is journaled rotatably on the rear axle. The rear axle and the crank shaft are rotatably supported between an opposed pair of complimentary bush halves which are surrounded and held together by a fixture rigidly secured on the pipe frame.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for adjusting the effective length of the cable in a ski binding having a sole plate releasably secured to a ski by means of at least one tensioned cable. The adjustment mechanism comprises a rotatable support mounted on the ski to which an end of the cable is secured. The rotatable support includes a ratchet and pawl arrangement whereby the position of the end of the cable may be manually regulated.

Abstract: A foldable, storable utility trailer, said trailer having a pair of retractable wheels, a foldable tow bar, and a removable cover which also serves as a storage receptacle when the trailer is not in use. The trailer is constructed in a simple manner so as to provide compactness, ease of operation, and reliability.

Abstract: A canopy for a bi-directionally folding stroller has a pair of side frame members whose corresponding first ends are pivotally connected to the stroller pusher handles and whose opposite ends are normally held apart by an articulated frame member. Flexible sheet material is stretched between the side frame members and retained there by lateral fingers projecting from the side frame members and engaging in pockets in the sheet material. Triangular flaps of sheet material extend beyond the side frame members. These can be connected together at the underside of the canopy or to points adjacent the pusher handles to partially enclose the sides of the stroller.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus for the rear wheels of a motor vehicle includes a pair of control arms pivotally connected to the vehicle frame or body at one end and rotatively supporting the wheels by an improved structure which mechanically entraps a wheel spindle at the other end and a transverse torsion member extending between the control arms at a longitudinal position intermediate the ends. The torsion member is formed as a downward opening U-shaped channel member to position its shear center above the pivotal axis of the control arms to effect an understeer handling characteristic and is supported adjacent the control arms by gusset plates. Unique internal reinforcing braces are positioned in the channel member at the inner terminus of the plates to enhance the apparatus' resistance to fatigue failure.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus for the rear wheels of a motor vehicle includes a pair of control arms pivotally connected to the vehicle frame or body at one end and rotatively supporting the wheels by an improved structure which mechanically entraps a wheel spindle at the other end and a transverse torsion member extending between the control arms at a longitudinal position intermediate the ends. The torsion member is formed as a downward opening U-shaped channel member to position its shear center above the pivotal axis of the control arms to effect an understeer handling characteristic and is supported adjacent the control arms by gusset plates.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically applying a three-point waist and shoulder belt to a vehicle seat occupant includes a first belt guide slideable along a track on the vehicle door in an inclined direction and a second belt guide connected at one end to a retractor belt which is connected to an inertia responsive belt retractor at the side of the seat opposite the door, a continuous shoulder and waist seat belt has a first end anchored to the upper free corner of the door and extends successively through the second and first belt guides and has its second end anchored to the lower free corner of the door. The belt first end may be buckle-coupled to the door and the first belt guide may be strap-connected to a track-engaging slide. A motor and control network are provided but downwardly advancing the first guide along the track with the occupant of the seat for the closing of the door and for retracting the first guide with the subsequent opening of the door.

Abstract: An improved duplicating form capable of making one or more copies of each side of an original on a single copy is provided by the present duplicating form which utilizes a first reproducing sheet such as a carbon paper or a pressure sensitive paper in combination with a second reproducing sheet composed of a pressure sensitive paper in the duplicating form wherein the first sheet reproduces information on one side of the original and thereafter a pressure sensitive paper is utilized to reproduce information or other script marked on the other side of the duplicating form.

Abstract: A method of making zinc-modified phenol-aldehyde novolak resins for use as a color-developing agent in pressure-sensitive record sheet material involving the addition of certain dry particulate zinc compounds and an ammonium carboxylate to the melted resin. Specifically, a phenol-formaldehyde resin is reacted with zinc oxide or zinc carbonate and ammonium benzoate.

Abstract: A method of making zinc-modified phenol-aldehyde novolak resins for use as a color-developing agent in pressure-sensitive record sheet material involving the addition of certain dry particulate zinc compounds and an ammonium carboxylate to the melted resin. Specifically, a phenol-formaldehyde resin is reacted with zinc oxide or zinc carbonate and ammonium formate.

Abstract: A heat sealed or welded pipe connection for thermoplastic pipes comprises a male pipe part which is sealed to the inner surface of a female pipe part, said female pipe part carrying centering abutment projections on its outer surface. The female pipe part may consist of a socket which starting from its openings has an outer circumference with an increasing size, the outside radius of curvature of the socket is 6 to 12 times the outside diameter of the male pipe part and the total length of the socket is equal to the outside diameter of the male pipe part.

Abstract: A unitary transition sleeve for a double-wall structure such as a refrigerator cabinet used to pass tubing or the like through juxtaposed apertures formed therein. The sleeve includes a tubular body of relatively rigid material having a plurality of radially extending integral flanges formed at each end therof for sealing engagement with each of said walls. The sleeve is adapted to be rotationally secured to one of said walls by means of a plurality of radially exending integral locking tabs projecting from one end thereof. Each of the tabs have a camming face formed thereon to facilitate rotation during assembly. The sleeve includes a plurality of equi-angularly disposed and radially extending detents which positively locate the rotational position of the sleeve in the wall to which it is secured.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling for high pressure hoses or pipes of various diameters features safety, ease and convenience of assembly and disassembly and simplicity of construction. The coupling is a separate assembly from the hose or pipe with which it is connected rather than being contiguous therewith. Only three coupling components and a ring type resilient seal are involved in the coupling. The two interfitting coupling elements have wrench flats thereon and a threaded collar positively holds the coupling elements in assembled relationship.

Abstract: The flexible ball joint is provided with a bellows which is protectively mounted inside a shell. A portion of the shell serves as the spherical socket and a portion of a sphere serves as the ball for the ball joint. The ball is mounted in the socket and is concentric therewith. One end of the bellows is attached to the shell and the other end is attached to the ball. A plurality of generally equally angularly-spaced Purbon buttons are mounted on a support ring which is mounted on the surface of the socket. These buttons are in engagement with the surface of the ball so the ball joint can pivot freely over a wide range of temperatures. A generally spherical shell-like member is mounted in fixed and closely-spaced concentric relation to the outer surface of the spherical socket to limit axial movement between the socket and the ball and hold the Purbond button on the support ring. In addition, the shell-like member has formations shaped to define cooling channels for the protective bellows.

Abstract: A device for connecting two tubes having a small cross-section perpendicular to a universal coupling element which connects to each other a first component and a second component of an articulated marine structure, said tubes are associated respectively to said first and second components, while said universal coupling element is essentially constituted by a solid core provided with four cross-pins the respective axes of which extend in four orthogonal radial directions. Two opposed cross-pins are supported in respective contact zones by bearing surfaces defined by one of said components, while the remaining two opposed cross-pins are supported in respective contact zones by bearing surfaces defined by the other component.

Abstract: A wide-band compression coupling for flexible hose, piping or tubing is disclosed which has a sleeve assembly extending circumferentially around the adjacent ends of the tube or pipe. The sleeve assembly has an axially extending, radially projecting crown with a unique clamping means at the crown to tighten the sleeve assembly around the ends of the tubes or pipes. The clamping means comprises a pair of opposed spacer members extending axially on each side of the crown and a center member within the crown interposed between the spacer members. The center member is adapted to be forced radially outwardly when the spacer members are drawn together by fastener means. As the center member moves radially outwardly, the sleeve assembly crown is pulled with it to tighten the sleeve assembly around the ends of the tubes or pipes. The coupling is capable of joining together tubes or pipes having unequal outer diameters and can accommodate tubes or pipes within a range of outer diameters.

Abstract: A process and device for connecting a sink tailpiece to a trap out of alignment therewith. The device has an upper section, a lower rigid section capable of being cut with a hacksaw, and a flexible pleated section.

Abstract: A collar for fitting onto a pipe, particularly for the purpose of inserting said pipe into another without damaging the lagging on the pipe of smaller diameter. Said collar consists of a flexible band with meshing teeth, which is wrapped about a pipe and its ends. This collar is secured by bringing said teeth into contact and thus closing the band around said pipe.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has an eye-type bolt formed of a U-section piece of sheet steel and having upper and lower sides tapered to each other. A latch housing mounted on the motor-vehicle door has an elastomeric guide forming an upwardly seat having a pair of relatively inclined sides that can fit complementarily over the bolt. A locking fork is pivotal in this latch housing to engage through a vertically throughgoing hole in the bolt and hold it tightly in place.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device, such as a vehicle fender, comprises an assembly of interconnected elastomeric cells. The cells are arranged to extend at right angles to the forces to be absorbed and have a polygonal cross-section. The cells are formed so that, in absorbing forces, the device is initially resiliently deformed, then deformed by buckling of the cell walls and finally compressed.

Abstract: A truss hoist having two U-shaped members and a swivel fastening device which swivelly fastens one leg of the first U-shaped member to a base of the second U-shaped member. Two legs and the base of the first U-shaped member accommodate a portion of a prefabricated structural member such as a prefabricated roof truss. Two legs of the second U-shaped member are rotatably mounted with a limited degree of movement on a rectangular member. The truss hoist is utilized by an individual to grip, raise, and support a roof truss or other structural member during construction of a building.

Abstract: A jar holder for handling jars having an external thread for a screw cap comprises a handle with two projecting resilient branches diverging towards the free ends thereof. Each of the branches forms a notch for receiving the edge portion at the opening of the jar and has a serrated edge for engagement with the external thread of the jar.

Abstract: Gripping apparatus for the tongs of a remote manipulator having two generally triangular symmetrical elongated projections, each articulated to a tong body and having a rear end piece opposite to the end of the projection, wherein a detachable member which is fixed to each object to be manipulated and having a central portion which can be seized between the projections of the tongs, a supporting edge for the end piece of the projections projecting on either side of the central portion and two parallel flanges extending perpendicularly to the plane of the central portion on either side of the latter in order to cover the tong projections fastened to the central portion. A particular application of the apparatus is to handle radioactive materials in an active cell.

Abstract: A multi-purpose expandable transportation apparatus convertible into a camping trailer, house trailer, truck camper or self propelled mobile home. The device is detachably mounted on an appropriate wheeled frame. Solid wall panels are hingedly connected so that in a closed position, substantial storage space is provided within the structure.

Abstract: The tailgate on a conventional pickup truck is provided with a plurality of vanes which pivot about their respective horizontal axes. Air pressure buildup in the pickup bed causes the vanes to pivot about the axis thereby relieving the air pressure buildup. The louvered vanes also provide for improved rearward vision from the cab of the pickup and are especially useful for trailer hookups.

Abstract: An extruded resilient plastic reveal molding for a vehicle body window installation has a decorative trim portion adapted to bridge the space between the window panel and the body in overlying engagement therewith. The molding has a stem extruded integral with the decorative trim portion and extending generally normal therefrom for insertion into the space between the window panel and the body panel. A bulbous enlargement at the distal end of the stem projects into the adhesive for embedment therein upon curing of the adhesive. A plurality of retrorse fins extend outwardly from both sides of the stem and are angled toward the decorative trim portion for respective engagement with the edge of the window panel and the body panel flange to resiliently and yieldably center the stem therebetween.