Abstract: A lifting ring having a lifting shackle and a yoke for coupling to the head of an anchoring device, the yoke being pivotally mounted to the bottom portion of the lifting shackle which is formed with two toroidal surfaces. The lifting shackle is formed with an eye which opens out onto the toroidal surfaces, the eye having two coupling faces and two inclined faces forming abutments that limit the relative motion possible between the yoke and the shackle.

Abstract: A combination cleaning and plunger tool consisting of a handle portion having at one end a brush for cleaning surface areas. The other end of the tool includes a cylindrical plunger portion which can be used to move refuse from the bottom of a sink into a garbage disposal unit. Located between the plunger and handle portion is a plate member including depending legs. The plate member is larger than the drain opening of a sink and the plunger is smaller than the drain opening, so that the plunger can force material through the drain opening and the plate will limit the movement of the plunger. The plate is provided with legs so that liquid can freely flow into the drain opening when the tool is used during the plunging action or when it is merely in a stored position with the plunger located in the drain opening when it is not being used.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising, lowering, or retrieving an article, such as an arrow or an article of clothing, to or from an elevated position relative to the ground, such as a tree stand, includes a foldable hook assembly connected with a cord. The foldable hook assembly includes a pair of spaced generally parallel body members defining a space therebetween adapted to receive an arrow, spacers arranged between the body members, and a pair of fork arms pivotally connected with the body members. The fork arms are provided with angled surfaces which facilitate engagement of the item and allow the apparatus to slide along the ground. The ends of the fork arms are provided with barbs which allow soft articles, such as articles of clothing, to be engaged.

Abstract: A device for helping a disabled person use chopsticks, including two sleeves for holding a pair of chopsticks, a connecting element connected between the sleeves, an operating frame having two opposite ends respectively connected to the sleeves, the operating frame being operated with the hand to move the sleeves relative to each other, thereby causing the chopsticks to act against each other for raising food to the mouth.

Abstract: A personal device for facilitating the manual turning and transferring of pages by handicapped persons is provided. The device is in the form of a flexible or rigid padded bracelet which can be readily attached around the user's fingers, hand, forearm, foot or head. A delimited part of the exterior surface of the bracelet is overlaid with a two-sided adhesive material. The user presses the sticky surface against the page to be turned/transferred, then pulls it and releases the page by a slight movement. A rigid extension is attached to the bracelet, and used to prevent the turned page from turning back to its original position.

Abstract: A hand-held gripping device allows a user to pick up small objects with relative ease. The gripping device has a resilient hollow body with two generally symmetrical side surfaces and a normally open mouth with two pointed corners. Each side surface has a lip portion extending to a curved edge at the mouth. The side surfaces are responsive to compressional forces exerted by a user's hand, whereby they curl towards each other and close the mouth. The closing of the mouth allows a small object to be captured.

Abstract: A handling device which comprises a longitudinal axis and an elongated sleeve provided with opposite ends and coaxial with the longitudinal axis, the opposite ends respectively defining a first end and a second end. The device further comprises an elongated member which has opposite ends, which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the device and which is pivotally mounted inside the sleeve, the opposite ends respectively defining a first end and a second end. The device further comprises at least one pair of grasps, each grasp of a same pair of grasps being respectively firmly attached to the first end of the sleeve member and to the first end of the elongated member. The device further comprises a first handle firmly attached to the elongated member and a second handle firmly attached to the sleeve.

Abstract: A stud mounted hoist assembly for lifting, moving, suspending, or loading material and equipment during construction comprises a ring assembly, a welding stud anchor, and a bushing having a chamfered inner cylindrical surface to accommodate weld flash when mounting the assembly to a load or overhead structure. The bushing and ring assembly provide pivot and swivel capability to the mount. One operator can quickly and securely install a temporary lifting point where and when needed without the assistance of support personnel.

Abstract: The lifting ring includes a shouldered spindle 1 on the threaded body 2 of which a base 3 is screwed and locked by glueing. A crossmember 4 rotates freely on the body 2, thus being held between the internal face 5 of the base 3 and the bottom 6 of the head 7 of the spindle 1. The branches 9,9' of a shackle 10 respectively rotate on the lateral bearing journals 8, 8' of the crossmember 4. The support of each branch 9, 9'on the associated bearing journal 8, 8' is provided by a retaining ring 11 with a circular section fully engaged in a throat with a semi-circular section fitted on the periphery of the bearing journal.

Abstract: A portable, hand-operated hoist that is particularly suited for use by persons afield in woods or rough terrain is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, a housing contains a length of fabric ribbon urged to remain in the housing by a spring, an orifice for through communication of the ribbon, and a locking device (of over-center type) for selectively preventing movement of the ribbon. An end of the ribbon is outside of the housing, attached to a hook, and prevented from entering the housing by the size of the hook. A holder is on the outside of the housing for detachably retaining the hook when it is not in use. A clip is also on the outside of the housing to facilitate detachably attaching the hoist to the user's apparel.

Abstract: A cleaning device including a rake member, a body connected to the rake member and having an opening adjacent the rake member and an interior volume, and a gate affixed within the body so as to allow material to pass from the rake member into the interior volume while preventing movement of the material from the interior volume toward the rake member. The body includes a door affixed to an end of the body opposite the rake member so as to allow access to the interior volume. A first handle is affixed to a surface of the body and a second handle is affixed to the surface of the body between the first handle and the rake member. The body includes a throat section and a storage section connected to the throat section. The throat section and the storage sections share the interior volume. The gate includes a first gate which is affixed within the throat section of the body adjacent the rake member and a second gate affixed within the storage throat section adjacent the throat section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe implement for removing jam debris, including documents, and foreign objects from prescribed document transport track segments of a document processing machine; this implement being constructed of planar, flat, elongate thin dielectric material, and being so formed, shaped and constructed as to allow a user to remotely contact and engage such documents, debris or foreign objects and to facilitate removal thereof from the track without disturbing, opening or demounting this track; this implement being further designed, constructed and adapted to be sufficiently flexible in such use to be maneuvered along track segments, to be sized to readily fit into the minimum contemplated track size, while being sufficiently stiff to engage/dislodge such debris.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a cable of a lifting device to a prefabricated component has a receiving member for receiving the cable and a fastener for connecting the receiving member to the prefabricated component such that the receiving member is rotatably supported at the prefabricated component. The receiving member is embodied so as to rest at the surface of the prefabricated component. The receiving member has a cable guide portion for guiding the cable. The cable guide portion extends substantially parallel to the surface of the prefabricated component and is located directly adjacent to that surface. Preferably, the receiving member is in the form of a plate and the cable guide portion is arc-shaped.

Abstract: A compound device for gripping arrows, for easy removal from a target, by means of two pivoting handle sections with an elongated groove in each handle section, with said groove containing rubber nodules which when closed around an arrow shaft form a gripping surface. Located in each handle sections on one end is a broadhead wrench which is comprised of two sections, which when handles are closed form the complete wrench, which is used to remove broadheads from arrow shaft, on the opposite end of one handle section a snap swivel is located as a convenience for carrying purposes.

Abstract: An elongated resilient grip member having a longitudinal V-shaped groove formed therein. In length, the grip is normally about the width of a hand, but could be longer, and the lengthwise V-shaped groove is of sufficient size for placement over an arrow shaft. The grip is preferably manufactured of a stiff yet somewhat flexible rubbery material which is sufficiently flexible to mold about and frictionally adhere to the majority of the surface of the arrow shaft when the exterior of the grip is grasped firmly and squeezed by the hand of a user. The V-shaped groove is defined by convergent side walls which are substantially taller or wider than the diameter of an arrow shaft. The arrow shaft fits within the relatively deep V-shaped groove near a bottom hinge-like portion thereof to leave a substantial length of the convergent side walls extending outward beyond the arrow shaft.

Abstract: A door opening and closing device for a handicapped person dependent on a wheel chair and or crutches for mobility is disclosed, which includes a housing generally sized for a person to hold in his hand, the housing having a peripheral opening. A reel is rotatably mounted within the housing, and an elongate flexible member is would on the reel and extends through the peripheral opening. A resilient member in the housing is interconnected between the housing and the flexible member such that it is stressed when the flexible member is withdrawn from the housing such that it will retract the flexible member back into the housing with the withdrawing force is removed. A grasping member is connected to the free end of the flexible member which has a configuration such that it will easily grasp the shaft housing of a conventional door knob and not slip off when the flexible member is pulled to open or close the door.

Abstract: A lollypop holder of the present invention is designed to move a lollypop having a stick and a piece of hard candy at an end thereof in a wobbling motion. The lollypop holder comprises a generally tubular housing having an elongate chamber formed therein wherein the housing is adapted to be gripped within a person's hand. A power supply and a motor are located within the chamber of the housing. The motor is energized by the power supply and has a drive shaft which is rotatably driven. A switch is provided for selectively operating the motor. A gear train is driven by the drive shaft of the motor, the gear train also being located within the chamber of the housing. A lollypop receiving member has a first end portion which extends out of one end of the housing, the first end portion of the receiving member having an opening formed therein for receiving and securing the stick of the lollypop therein.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for use by hunters to bend and secure tree limbs out of normal growing disposition from an elevated hunting position in a tree. The device comprises a grasping element having a hook-shaped portion for engagement about a tree limb, a first flexible cord attached to the grasping element at a spacing from the hook portion for throwing the grasping element over a tree limb and pulling the element into hooked engagement with the tree limb, and a second flexible cord attached to the grasping element adjacent the hook portion for use in disengaging the grasping element from a tree limb.

Abstract: The handle device of the invention extends from a hand hold at one end of an elongated member to a cross member at the other end. The cross member is connected to straps for ready attachment to and detachment from a child's vehicle. A pair of interengageable surfaces, such as Velcro.RTM. material, are positioned on each strap to enable the free end of the strap to be secured after being looped around a structural part of a child's vehicle. One engageable surface of the pair is fixed to the cross member, and the second engageable surface of the pair is on the free end of the strap. A pair of additional engageable surfaces for anchoring the free ends of the straps is positioned on the cross member between the parts of the straps fixed to the cross member. A duplicate of the cross member may be used for the hand hold and other purposes as well, such as connecting two vehicles together.

Abstract: A tool for grasping a ratchet socket to stop the socket from turning during reverse strokes of the ratchet. The tool comprises a looped flexible belt connected at one end to an adjustable bar and connected to a spring biased rod at the other end. A slidable trigger is connected to the spring biased rod to permit the loop in the flexible belt to be enlarged for slipping over the socket. When the trigger is released the loop grips the socket and frictionally holds the socket from turning on the reverse stroke of the ratchet.

Abstract: A system for collecting leaves and other light debris comprises: a collector and a rake which can be manipulated readily to facilitate stashing materials in plastic bag. The collector includes a generally conical body portion that rearwardly converges along an axis to a generally circular egress, a forwardly projecting scoop portion that defines with the body portion a frustro-circular ingress, and a handle portion that adjoins the body portion along the axis, the scoop portion and the handle portion being diametrically opposed with respect to the axis. The rake includes, along an axis of elongation, a forward claw having projecting downwardly curved talons, a rearward cuff that is adapted to envelop the arm of an operator, and a medial transverse handle that is adapted to be gripped by the hand of an operator.

Abstract: A system for installing a baby seat, of the type that includes a transverse channel within a base, in an automobile. A clip that includes a bell spring with arms bonded to planar pads permits the installer to maintain the extended position of the automobile seat belt against retraction. An elongated member includes a handle and a clip at its opposed ends. The elongated member and the clip in combination exceed the length of the transverse channel, permitting the installer to insert the elongated member into the channel. The clip is thereby readily accessible to the engagement plate at the end of the seat belt at the same time that the handle can be grasped from the other side of the baby seat. This permits the installer to thread the baby seat through the transverse channel for subsequent engagement to a mating seat belt buckle.

Abstract: Article converging/diverging chamfered walls gripping anvils are provided having two protuberances extending from a body portion. The protuberances have top and bottom chamfered, converging inner sides for gripping a square-bobbin-shaped interface therebetween. The protuberances have diverging notches in their outer walls for locating between top and bottom chamfered protrusions on an interface.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating cleaning of a sink and positioning of food debris into a garbage disposal. The inventive device includes a handle having a scraping assembly extending from a first end thereof for scraping food from a surface of the sink. A plunger assembly extends from a second end of the handle for facilitating positioning of food debris into a garbage disposal of the associated sink.

Abstract: A device for holding a length of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for adhesively gripping an item to be gripped as for gripping a paper coffee filter to pick it up from a stack of such filters wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the tape itself is used for holding the tape in place on the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling arrows from surfaces in which they are embedded comprising: an elongated cylindrical shank having a front end and a rear end; an aperture formed in the front end, the aperture being of a cylindrical non-threaded configuration adjacent to the front end and of a reduced diameter with internal threads extending rearwardly from the front end of the unthreaded aperture, the threaded aperture adapted to receive the external threads at the trailing edge of a broad-head arrow; a threaded aperture extending forwardly from the rear end to the shank; a T-handle having a rectangular cross-section with a central aperture extending therethrough; and a bolt extending into the threaded rear end of the shank whereby the leading end may be threadably attached to the trailing end of a broad-head arrow and a linear force applied by a user grasping and pulling the T-handle along the axis of the shank.

Abstract: An end effector clamping jaw interface for attachment to an orbital replacement unit wherein the interface consists of a bodying having a reduced waist portion and V-shaped clamping faces that project laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the waist portion for engagement by an end effector. The interface may also incorporate a latching mechanism that is used for releasably latching the interface and the orbital replacement unit to which it is attached to a compatible system. A latch actuator is provided which serves to release the latch mechanism when the interface is engaged by a complimentary end effector.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving baseballs, comprising a cup. The cup has a base with a periphery and a frustro-conical side wall secured to the periphery to thereby form a closed smaller end and an opened larger end. The cup is fabricated of a material with limited resilience whereby the side wall forms an angle when measured from the axis of the cup, such measurements being plus or minus 10 percent. The cup is formed with a small aperture in the center of the base. A string which has a free end positioned through the aperture in the cup when inverted and a knot formed in the free end within the cup. The string also has a secured end. Further provided is a cylindrical handle for the wrapping of the string. The wrapping of the string begins with the secured end and an intermediate extent thereof for feeding out string to allow the free end of the string, the knot and cup to be lowered by gravity over a baseball and then re-wrapped on the handle for retrieving the cup and baseball.

Abstract: In a system for the tilting of a suspended object, this object is suspended from a suspension point by three suspension lines, the suspension lines being each fixed to the object by a fastening point. A suspension point is deflected and tautened by a roller. The tilting of the object is then achieved by the translation of the roller with respect to the object. This shifting is obtained, for example, by a pyrotechnical thrustor fixed to the object. Application: sub-munitions suspended from a parachute.

Abstract: A bifurcated, orbital replacement unit interface comprises a body and two pairs of fingers extending outwardly from opposite sides of the body, wherein each pair of fingers provides a bifurcation between their inner sides in the form of an inwardly tapering recess. All of the inner sides of the fingers are bevelled for aligning a correspondingly shaped anvil in the tapering recess.

Abstract: A gripping device for grasping and releasing articles by freezing and thawing water between a gripping surface and the article. The device includes a base plate, a mesh like gripping surface, a water passage to the gripping surface, a freezing element for freezing the water and bonding the gripping surface to the article and a thawing element for melting the frozen bond for releasing the article. The cooling and thawing elements use semi-circular tubing extending from the base plate and adjacent the gripping surface, through which are introduced a coolant for freezing the water and a heated liquid for thawing. Upon movement of the water via an atomizer to the gripping surface, coolant is introduced into the tubing to freeze the same. Upon freezing, the article and gripping surface become bonded. To release the article, the heated fluid is moved through the tubing so as to thaw the frozen bond.

Abstract: An insert for use in slips comprises a resilient base member in which are vulcanized a plurality of strips each having pipe gripping teeth.

Abstract: An extruded confectionary stick and method of making the same is provided. The confectionary stick is formed using an extrusion process to include a plurality of embedded grooves, which reduce material and weight in the stick while preserving structural rigidity. An undercut portion may be provided in the grooves to prevent sticks placed on top of each other from interlocking. Use of an extrusion process results in a simpler, more cost-effective manufacture and allows flexibility in profile design.

Abstract: A device for extracting arrows from a target, the device having a frame defining a channel adapted to receive the shaft of an arrow to be extracted, gripping elements are moveable into and out of a gripping relationship with respect to an arrow shaft in the channel such that it may be securely gripped and pulled from the target. The frame is formed with a laterally extending handle of Z-shape which, when pulled to extract the arrow, does not produce bending and possible consequent breakage of the latter.

Abstract: Each of a pair of chopsticks has a case made of a synthetic resin, having an open front end, and a food holding member made of wood or bamboo, housed in the case slidably between its retracted and extended positions through the front end of the case. The holding member is greater in length than the case. The case has at least two diametrically opposed projections formed on its inner surface adjacent to its front end, and has therebetween a distance which is smaller than the diameter of the holding member in its inner end portion. The case also has at least one protruding wall portion formed on its inner surface inwardly of the projections, giving the case an inside diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the holding member in its inner end portion. The holding member has an annular groove formed in its peripheral surface at its inner end portion, and the projections engage the groove when the holding member is in the extended position.

Abstract: A net which may be positioned upon a lawn for collecting leaves thereon without harming the lawn. The device includes a netting material which may be left on the lawn for an extended period of time while leaves fall onto the net from surrounding trees. The net may be gathered together to enclose the leaves by a use of a cord disposed along a periphery of the netting material. The net further includes a dispensing assembly for applying insecticide or fertilizer compounds to the lawn and is also provided with an adhesive applicator for applying an adhesive to the netting material prior to its placement upon the lawn.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handling device for a plastic trash bag including a bag-support frame having a general D-shaped configuration including a base and an arching portion having an apex, and an elongate tubular handle is pivotally connected to the frame apex of the support frame for rotational adjustment about an axis parallel to the frame base such that the handle can be rotated to, and frictionally supported in a variety of angles with respect to the plane of the frame. A resiliently spreadable clamp ring embraces the handle, and the open mouth of a trash bag can overlap the frame, and a portion of the bag can be embraced between the clamp and the handle to temporarily secure the bag in place.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding ice cream and ice confections on plastic sticks which includes the step and equipment for cooling the sticks to critically low temperatures prior to insertion into the cold confection mold to prevent the common problem of shattering, splintering and warping of the plastic stick which results from the drastic temperature change of the plastic stick in a matter of fractions of a second. In addition, methods and apparatus for forming plastic confection sticks having unique shapes, texture and surface configuration are disclosed and sticks having such characteristics are shown.

Abstract: This invention discloses, in one aspect, a personal rescue device for use in outer space which has an inflatable flexible tube with a shaper apparatus therein. Gas under pressure flows through the shaper apparatus and into the flexible tube. The flexible tube is mounted to the shaper so that as it inflates it expands and deploys lengthwise away from the shaper. In one embodiment a housing contains the shaper and the flexible tube and the housing is designed to facilitate movement of the expanding tube from the housing so the expanding tube does not bunch up in the housing.

Abstract: A strap for pulling a child's wheeled toy has a handle for enabling a user to better grip a first end of the strap and a slotted ring attached to a second end of the strap. Middle portions of the strap can be fitted through the ring and placed around a yoke of a tricycle or wagon or other wheeled child's toy to enable an adult to more easily pull a small child on the wheeled toy.

Abstract: A holder is provided for a bar of soap, which consists of a structure for affixing firmly into a surrounding mass on an outer surface of the bar of soap. A component is for holding a hand of a person. An element is for attaching the holding component to the affixing structure, so that the hand of the person can conveniently hold onto the bar of soap when it becomes wet and slippery.

Abstract: A hunting bow retrieval device is releasably engagable with a hunting bow to allow a treebound hunter to raise and lower the hunting bow to the hunting position. The hunting bow retriever comprises a reel mounted in an enclosed palm-sized casing and a line wound on the reel and extending out of the casing. The line has an open hook on the end that permits remote release of the bow. The casing is attached to a hunter with a belt clip. A foldable handle assembly engages the reel to implement rotational movement. A thumb brake allows a controlled release of said tension member from the wound position.

Abstract: The fireplace tending tool is of tubular construction with a hand grip and actuating lever, both of which can be squeezed together with one hand. The actuating lever is connected by means of a solid rod inside the tube to a moveable jaw construction which jaw is of curved design. The moveable jaw is made from flat bar steel and possesses a single tooth at its outer end. This moveable jaw opposes two similar shaped fixed jaws or tines constructed of round steel with a curved design similar to the curve of the moveable jaw. These two fixed jaws and the moveable jaw are fabricated of welded steel and fixed about the center line of the tube at the tube's end opposite from the end of the tube where the hand grip and actuating lever are located. The overall design the device provides for 180 degree movement of same in the placing of logs and in operating the device. Due to its lightweight design and streamlined contour, maximum leverage and control is attained during operation.

Abstract: A ball and socket arrangement for aiding the handicapped or persons having limited reach or mobility and including one of a plurality of socket elements secured to an object which is to be moved and which is engageable by means of a manually grippable wand including an elongated handle having a ball at one end which is adapted to engage the socket to apply either a pulling or a pushing force thereto and wherein the angle and orientation of the sockets varies depending upon the object to which the socket is attached and which may be, for example, a drawer, door, slidable shelf, or the like.

Abstract: Using a hook, the cable which, in non-emergency circumstances is used to unlatch an auto hood, is engaged and pulled to release the hood so that a fire fighter has access preparatory to extinguishing an auto engine fire, more safely and more effectively than the heretofore method requiring a forceful prying open of the auto hood.

Abstract: A hand held utensil has a blade with an arcuate working edge and radially spaced concave and convex surfaces. The utensil has a grip which is axially spaced from the arcuate edge and has a convex surface which is grasped by the hand of a user for manipulating the blade. The convex surface of the blade and the convex surface of the grip have congruent spherical curvature with spaced apart centers of curvature. The grip comprises a volume of wood, plastic, metal, or other suitable material which conforms to the space bounded by a pair of intersected eccentric spheres which each have a radius equal to the radii of curvature of the blade and the grip.

Abstract: A portable a hand-grip device having a base member overlaid by a flexible pad having its opposite ends releasably secured to the base. The pad includes an adhesive-covered surface which may be attached to a flat surface. A plurality of closely-spaced elongated rigid members are arranged side-by-side across the back of the flexible sheet to reinforce the flexible pad. The ends of these reinforcing members project beyond the opposite sides of the base and flexible pad. A selectively-operable mechanism on the base member releasably captures the outer ends of the reinforcing members and secures them when the pad member is attached to a flat surface and provides a load path between a handle on the base and the flexible pad. The selectively-operable mechanism is further arranged to selectively release the reinforcing members so that the device may be progressively peeled away from a wall surface.

Abstract: A clevis assembly including a clevis body, a clevis loop pivotally mounted on the clevis body, a collar, a fastener, and a set screw assembly. The collar is externally threaded and threads into a counterbore opening in the lower end of the clevis body. The fastener has a circular head portion which is journalled in a bore in the clevis body with the shank portion of the fastener passing downwardly through the collar. A set screw assembly is positioned in a transverse bore in the clevis body extending between the outer periphery of the clevis body and the bore in which the head of the fastener is journalled so that tightening of the set screw assembly engages the head of the fastener to lock the fastener relative to the clevis body and loosening of the set screw assembly allows relative rotational movement between the fastener and the clevis body.

Abstract: A chopstick eating utensil comprising an elongated member having a defined outer perimeter, a selected length, a top end, a bottom food handling end, and a finger grooved region between the top and bottom ends; the finger grooved region comprising a first upper medial groove formed within the perimeter of the member and dimensioned to receiving a thumb of a hand and a second lower lateral groove for receiving another finger of the hand, the lower lateral groove being formed within the perimeter of the elongated member laterally opposing the medial groove and being disposed below the medial groove closer along the length of the member to the bottom end than the medial groove is disposed.

Abstract: A retrieval and litter pick tool includes an elongated handle, a spike extending longitudinally therefrom and having an irregular surface, a spike shield, and an adhesive tube selectively mounted on the spike by the shield. Alternately, the adhesive tube is directly mounted on the spike. The spike pierces and removable holds penetrable items for retrieval from penetrable surfaces or other surfaces where penetration is not limited, and the adhesive tube presents an adhesive face for retrieving penetrable or impenetrable items from any surface.