Abstract: A reminder apparatus and method are employed to by a dwelling occupant to provide a reminder concerning a pet's whereabouts. The apparatus features a carrier member that is adapted to hang from a door knob or handle, and a timer device is supported on the carrier member and operable to indicate expiration of an interval of time from a selected starting point. When the occupant lets the pet outside, they activate the countdown function of the timer and an alarm sounds when the countdown expires, providing a reminder to let the pet back inside the dwelling. Indications of an indoor and outdoor status are provided on opposing sides of the carrier member, so that reversing of the facing direction of the carrier member every time the pet transfers between the indoors and outdoors results in an ongoing accurate indication of whether the animal is inside or out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door fixture with decorative panels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a door fixture comprising a handle attached to a door plate, a handle panel attached to the handle and a door plate panel attached to the door plate, the door plate being affixed to a door.

Abstract: A pull mechanism that is attachable to a barrier structure having a sliding mounting panel and at least one base. The sliding mounting panel having a first sliding-retaining member and the at least one base have a second sliding-retaining member. The sliding mounting panel is in sliding-retaining relationship with the base such that there is longitudinal movement therebetween. A fastener may be used to both fasten the pull mechanism to the barrier structure and to limit the sliding relationship, between the sliding mounting panel and the at least one base. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the sliding mounting panel has a top surface to which decorative elements may be attached.

Abstract: A user-configurable replacement control knob for use on a household appliance, such as a stove. The control knob can be used to replace originally-supplied control knobs and allows individuals to tailor the aesthetics of the appliance to suit their preferences. The knob is user-configurable for control rotational direction by installing one of a plurality of uniquely configured indicator inserts into a receptacle on the forward side of the knob. The knob may also be adapted to interface with differing appliance control shaft configurations by inserting one of a plurality of torque inserts into a receptacle on the rearward side of the knob. Decorative faces on the knobs are visually fashioned in various color schemes and tactilely shaped to resemble various decorative forms that may be used to enhance or accent an overall kitchen décor. The replacement control knob provides the same function as a standard appliance control knob and allows appliance control knobs to be used as room decorating accessories.

Abstract: A notice tag marks out-of-service equipment, such as a fire hydrant. A front flat portion of the notice tag has an opening for mounting to the equipment. The opening may have a lip to pressure fit to a surface of the equipment, and a key for proper orientation to the notice. The front portion has an out-of-service notice on a colored background. A side portion or side panels are formed to the front portion at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the front portion. The side panels are marked for visibility from a line of sight to the side panels. The side panels are marked with a geometric shape, such as red strips on a white background. The side panels may have a source of light for dark conditions. The side portion may extend around a circumference of the front portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a door handle adapted to receive interchangeable display inserts. The door handle includes a handle body adapted to be coupled to a door of an enclosure. A receiving space is provided within the handle body for exchangeably receiving a display insert. A protective front facing planar member is located at a front face of the door handle and a graphic display is positioned behind the protective front facing planar member. The graphic display is visible through the protective front facing planar member by a person upon approach to the door handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door handle having a connection part for mounting the door handle on a door and having a handle body for manual operation of the door handle. The handle body has an information section that carries haptically discernible information.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a door handle adapted to receive interchangeable display inserts. The door handle includes a handle body adapted to be coupled to a door of an enclosure. A receiving space is provided within the handle body for exchangeably receiving a display insert. A releasable closure mechanism is associated with the receiving space and adapted to be configured between an open configuration in which display inserts may be inserted and removed from the receiving space and a closed configuration in which a display insert is secured within the receiving space. The display insert has at least two substantially planar members that are associated together to fill the receiving space so that they are held substantially stationary when installed therein. A protective front facing planar member is located at a front face of the door handle and a graphic display containing intermediate planar member is positioned behind the protective front facing planar member.

Abstract: A hanger for a lever-type door handle is constructed such that the hanger will not fall off of the handle when the door is opened and closed. The hanger has a first section having a first hole and a second section having a second hole. The first and second sections are resiliently biased apart so that when they receive the shank portion of the door handle, the hanger is held firmly in place upon the door handle.

Abstract: A hanging sign is provided for displaying messages. The sign may include a pair of walls that face in generally opposite directions so that messages can be displayed in two general directions, and a hook for hanging the walls from a support, such as a handrail assembly or other stanchion. The sign also may be configured to hang from a door handle and include a single display panel angled to face a pedestrian approaching the door. The sign may have a cavity to provide for nesting of a plurality of similar signs. A method is disclosed for hanging a sign to provide information to pedestrians.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enclosure sign apparatus for unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation of an entryway opening device. The enclosure sign apparatus includes at least one side surface extending out as least as far as the entryway opening device, a back surface interconnected to the side surface, wherein the back surface comprises an opening to accommodate the entryway opening device therethrough, and a front surface having a sign. The front surface is capable of preventing access to the entryway opening device and is interconnected to the side surface. When in use, access is obtained to an entryway opening device by physically removing the enclosure sign apparatus so that there is unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation of the entryway opening device.

Abstract: A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product includes a rack unit having a plurality of support structures capable of extending out from the rack unit, a plurality of dispensing units each containing a product for dispensing and arranged on the support structures and including restraining means to restrain all but a first support structure of the plurality of support structures when a first support structure is extended from the rack unit.

Abstract: A door reminder for hanging on a doorknob for delivering a message comprising a hanger, a flap and at least one electronic device to be actuated by the flap. The hanger is provided with a hanger opening for hanging the door reminder on the shank of the doorknob. The flap is rotatably and horizontally mounted on the hanger above the hanger opening and the flap is provided with a flap opening such that the doorknob can pass through the flap opening when the flap is rotated towards the surface of the hanger hanging on the shank of the doorknob through the hanger opening with the hanger located between the door and the flap. The flap is maintained at an operative angle of approximately 30 degrees above the front surface of the hanger by an urging component when the flap is not moved. Preferably the door reminder includes two electronic devices, one light emitting and one sound emitting.

Abstract: A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product stored in bulk includes a storage portion for storing loose product and a removable dispensing barrel located within the bottom of the storage portion. The dispensing barrel includes an inlet positioned adjacent a first end of the barrel and an outlet positioned adjacent a second end of the barrel opposite the first end. The first end of the barrel is removably fastened to the storage portion. The apparatus also includes an auger located within the dispensing barrel having a major diameter and a first end removably fastened to the first end of the dispensing barrel, and a brush member positioned adjacent the auger for brushing excess product away from the major diameter.

Abstract: A mnemonic temperature marking system for fluid valves, especially of the type used in bathing vessels such as bathtubs and showers. Any user can easily, quickly, and accurately set the valve so that water of the desired temperature will flow when the valve is adjusted so that the marker is aligned with a pointing arrow on the valve. The marking system comprises a plurality of individual, personalized, or unique markers (16). Users of the bathing vessel adhere the markers to the valve (knob (14) or escutcheon (10)) at respective positions where such users' desired water temperature settings are adjacent the valve's fiducial marker (12). The markers can comprise graphic symbols (16', 26), letters (32), or markers (34) which can have a plurality of letters (for initials of a user) adhered.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for emergency under-door signalling includes a paddle in the form of an elongate strip of stiff plastic material bearing on its surface a phosphorescent marker. The strip may be slid under the door of an apartment or other building unit in an emergency situation, for example a fire, to indicate to emergency response personnel that the unit is occupied. The system includes a strip storage mechanism, for example a hook that will mount the paddle on a wall and an indicator for attachment to the outside of the door to indicate any relevant handicap that the unit occupant may suffer.

Abstract: An advertisement display device which is removably secured to a toilet flush valve cap. The device is comprised of a clear plastic valve cap cover which receives advertisements therein and is then placed over the valve cap. The device may be secured onto the valve cap by means of one or more set screws, and is held in position by means of the toilet water inlet pipe.

Abstract: A knob assembly for drawers and the like comprises an integral knob having a flat base member, a longitudinally-extending stem connected at one end to the base member and a threaded bore opening in a second stem end for receiving a screw fastener therein. An insert piece having a top portion and a recessed shoulder portion extending around the perimeter of the top portion is received by a collar having a central opening size to receive the top portion of the insert while blocking the passage of the shoulder portion of the insert therethrough. The collar is adapted to be crimped so as to securely engage the base member by its periphery.

Abstract: Enclosure sign device for unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation f an entryway opening device. An enclosure of an entryway opening device includes at least one side surface extending out at least as far as the entryway opening device, a back surface coupled to the side surface to accommodate the entryway opening device through the back surface, and a front surface releasably coupled to the side surface which can be releasably opened or closed over the entryway opening device. The enclosure is coupled to a surrounding surface of the entryway opening device and includes a display for releasably holding a sign attached to the outside surface of the front surface so that sign viewable when the front surface is closed. Access is obtained to an entryway opening device by releasably opening the latching so that there is unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation of the entryway opening device.

Abstract: A lightable display device including a base, a handle including a light source for illuminating the display device, a rechargeable battery coupled to the light source for energizing the light source, and means for effecting the recharging of the rechargeable battery in a conventional electrical outlet, and means for removably securing the handle to the base.

Abstract: A feline toy comprised of a body with a vertical and horizontal portion which when mounted over an existing door knob will provide a platform from which a target may be tethered.

Abstract: A lock box door protector prevents doors to new or unoccupied homes from being scratched by realtor's lock boxes. The lock box door protector comprises a plastic sleeve or strip that fits over the doorknob and is positioned between the door and the lock box. A pocket on the lock box door protector proffers a supply of business cards to potential buyers.

Abstract: A message-carrying device (e.g., a key ring holder) wherein the device is provided with a restricted passageway communicating between a central opening and an opening along the edge of the device for receiving a portion of an article to which the device is to be affixed, and wherein the central opening, but not the restricted passageway, can accommodate a different portion of the article.

Abstract: An envelope comprising a body and a hanger. The body includes front and back panels forming a pocket therebetween and a seal flap. The hanger includes front and back panels which are extensions of the body panels, a doorknob opening and a door handle opening with spaced-apart receivers interconnected by a tear line.

Abstract: An elongated, heavy plastic strip substantially covering the stile of a door containing the door handle and extending in a vertical direction therefrom and removably secured to the door handle at one end and having elements to removably secure the plastic strip to the lower end of the bottom rail of the door.

Abstract: An envelope which, for the purposes of delivery, may be hung over a door knob. The envelope comprises an envelope portion provided with a flap for closing that envelope portion, and a hanging portion from which the envelope portion is separable, the hanging portion being formed with an aperture from which a slit radiates and provided with a flap for sealing across the slit once the envelope has been applied (by its aperture) to the door handle.

Abstract: A teaching aid having an alongated backing including an open slot terminating into a central opening. One end of the aid has a picture of a face. Printed indicia is on the elongated backing. The process for teaching comprises pivoting the teaching aid around the doorknob shaft into a generally horizontal position such that a child can readily read all of the indicia.

Abstract: A wind proof door knob tag especially for use with exterior doors includes integral flexible detent tabs between the opening through which the door knob passes and the opening which conforms to the outside diameter of door knob shaft. The tabs are cammed outwardly upon downward pull over the knob shaft and snap back into position to hold the tag firmly in place on the door knob despite wind conditions, thereby to prevent being blown away. The tab is made of a polyolefin sheet but could be made of a vinyl sheet which at the thickness utilized, prevents unauthorized opening of locks by insertion of this tag between a door and its associated jamb.

Abstract: An apparatus for reminding a driver to turn off automobile headlights before locking the automobile door, comprises a sheath member defining an enclosure for concealing an interior automobile door lock actuating post and removably mountable thereover. A cooperating bracket member is mounted to the sheath member and movable relative thereto for engaging an automobile window slot adjacent to the door lock actuating post. Cooperatively, the bracket acts to maintain the sheath member in position so as to conceal the door lock actuating post. Consequently, the apparatus must be physically removed from the door locking post by the driver in order to actuate the post to its locking position, thereby reminding the driver to turn off the automobile headlights before locking the door.

Abstract: A reservoir cap assembly of a vehicle master cylinder includes a cap body detachably mounted on an open end of a reservoir a caution plate on which directions or the like are inscribed, and a rivet having head and leg portions for respectively securing the cap body and the caution plate.The head portion of the rivet is firstly caulked to a bottom surface of the caution plate, and thereafter the leg portion of the head caulked rivet is fixedly secured in the cap body thereby to tightly attaching the caution plate to the cap body.