Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a novel method of purchasing commodities associated with a golf course at least includes: a) providing at least one kiosk under the dominion of a golf course operator; b) via the kiosk, providing to a prospective golfer, available tee times at the golf course; c) via the kiosk, allowing the prospective golfer to reserve one or more tee times; and d) at least partially via the kiosk, processing payment for the selected tee times. In another aspect of the invention, a novel method of purchasing commodities associate with a ski resort at least includes: a) providing at least one kiosk under the dominion of a ski resort operator; b) via the kiosk, providing to a prospective skier, ski lift information at the ski resort; c) via the kiosk, allowing the prospective skier to reserve one or more ski lift tickets; and d) at least partially via the kiosk, processing payment for the ski lift tickets.

Abstract: An interior space expansion system for use with a structure needing collapsible and/or expandable space, including: a base structure having an aperture therethrough; a movable structure disposed within a central region of the base structure when in a sunken position and substantially exterior the base structure when in an elevated position; and a lifting system coupled to the base structure and the movable structure. The base structure is a trailer or recreational vehicle. The movable structure includes a cab a carriage and a footing. The lifting system couples to the footing and transitions the movable structure between the sunken and elevated positions. The lifting system is not substantially disposed within the central region of the base structure when the movable structure is in the elevated position. There is a cap member for covering the aperture when the movable structure is in the sunken position.

Abstract: A weighted sunscreen for outdoor use, which includes a shade having an elongated post with a first end, a second end, and a canopy attached to the first end, a weight, to which the second end is attached, a platform comprising an upper side upon which the weight is mounted, and a lower side, and at least three wheels attached to the lower side of the platform. The weighted sunscreen may also include a stopping device to keep the weighted sunscreen from moving. The weight may be concrete, a statue, a planter, an aquatic planter, or an aquarium.

Abstract: A case for heated appliances. There is a sheath member, a restraining system, and a clip. The sheath member is a single molded piece and includes first and second cradle members and an accordion member coupled to the side edges of the cradle members, thereby forming an enclosure having an opening. The accordion member has a U-shaped cross-section. The restraining system is elongated and is coupled to the sheath by a protruding member through apertures in the restraining system. There is a restraining mode wherein the restraining system compresses the accordion member therebetween. The clip is disposed near an opposite end of the sheath from the restraining system and receives a cord to keep the cord wound about the sheath.

Abstract: A brass instrument with improved tonal characteristics that includes a tonal material attached to the brass instrument. The instrument may be a trumpet. The tonal material may have a Mohs hardness of greater than about 6, such as a semi-precious stone. Also disclosed is a method of improving tonal characteristics of a brass instrument by attaching a tonal material to the brass instrument.

Abstract: A novel trampoline at least includes: a trampoline frame; a trampoline mat operatively surrounded by the trampoline frame; and a plurality of trampoline spring members operatively coupled between the trampoline frame and the trampoline mat. Each trampoline spring member at least includes: a first spring coupler located at a first end of the spring member; a second spring coupler located at a second end of the spring member; a first spring member section coupled to the first spring coupler; a second spring member section coupled to the second spring coupler; at least a third spring member section coupled between the first spring member section and the second spring member section, the third spring member section having a spring constant greater than the spring constants of the first and second spring member sections.

Abstract: There is a noise reduction device for reducing noise from a vibrating strap. There is a securing member including a strip of material having a first surface including hook material and a second surface including loop material, wherein the securing member is configured to removably attach to the vibrating strap by wrapping about the strap and attaching a portion of the first surface to a portion of the second surface. There is a damping member including a plurality of strands of fibers configured to dampen vibratory motion. There is an internal coupling member configured to couple the securing member to the damping member and configured to bundle the plurality of strands of fibers.

Abstract: A rotatable earring for wearing and rotating. An embodiment of the earring includes: an elongated member, having a first and second end; a motor that provides rotation; a decorative member, configured to provide decoration; a coupling device, coupled to the motor, and selectably coupleable to an ear of a person; and a power module, coupled to the coupling device, in communication with the motor, and configured to provide power. According to other embodiments, the power module includes: a securing member configured to secure the power module to the coupling device; a battery configured to provide DC electricity; and an On/Off switch configured to control the release of power from the power module. Further, there is a light module, coupled to the decorative member, in communication with the power module, and configured to provide light.

Abstract: A device to exercise a user. The device includes a support member and a plurality of arms. The support member has a major vertical portion. There is a base on bottom of the support member, a pad on top of the support member, a central attachment portion between the base and the pad including a plurality of circumferential attachment locations. The arms each extend substantially radially from the central attachment portion and engage to one of the plurality of circumferential attachment locations. The arms have a longitudinal track along each arm, coupling to an engaged traveling member configured to engage a user's hand, allowing motion of the engaged traveling member only along a defined length. There is a floor buffer member to protect the floor.

Abstract: A spatter guard for covering food in an oven. The guard includes: a first shell configured to cover food, having: a first semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Additionally, there is a second shell is pivotally coupled to the first shell to substantially form a hemispherical barrier and an array of substantially parallel semi-hemispherical barriers. The array includes a second semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Moreover, the first shell has a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member to space the first shell from a surface. Further, there is a flange that extends outwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member. Further, the second shell has a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom and is configured to be used as a handle for actuating the second shell between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Present invention relates a suspendable magnetic brush for cleaning an aquarium with curved window surface, characterized in that an upper cover with an air chamber is attached tightly to a bottom cover with a cleaning material layer underneath, and an inner cover with a magnet located therein is provided inside the air chamber, said inner cover being attached to the bottom cover while isolated from the air chamber. Said upper cover having through holes connecting the air chamber to the exterior of the device. It is possible to adjust the air or liquid in the air chamber through the holes connecting the upper cover and the air chamber so that the weight of the interior magnetic brush can be adjusted so as to balance all the forces exerted upon the interior magnetic brush. As a result the interior elements of the brush can suspend in the water and move smoothly on the aquarium window upon the manipulation of the exterior brush.

Abstract: There is a pneumatic mud stamp including an applicator, a tube-like member, a stopper, a retraction mechanism, ad a pneumatic control. The applicator is configured to apply mud in a pattern and includes a boot and a faceplate with a slot. The tube-like member is coupled to the applicator and includes a first chamber configured to hold mud, a second chamber configured to hold pressurized air, and a decoupling mechanism configured to open the tube-like member for insertion of mud therein. The stopper is slidably disposed within the tube-like member between the first and second chambers. The stopper provides a fluid tight seal therebetween. The retraction mechanism is configured to facilitate moving the stopper away from the applicator. The pneumatic control is configured to selectably dispose pressurized air into the second chamber.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing resins and other liquids. The device comprises of a first elongated member which includes a drill end being adaptable to a conventional drill motor chuck and first connection end. A U-shaped member coupled to the first elongated member, which includes a first end coupled to the first connection end and a second end wherein the U-shaped member curves greater than about 180 degrees. A second elongated member is coupled to the U-shaped member and includes a second connection end coupled to the second end and a free end portion. The free portion extends adjacent to and substantially parallel to the first elongated member. The mixing device may also comprise one, contiguous single member. The mixing device may also be made of a rigid material including steel, ceramic, plastic, or the like.

Abstract: A novel rake minimally consists of: at least two tine frames, each tine frame having a plurality of tines coupled thereto; a tine frame coupling for coupling to proximal ends of each of the tine frames; pivot mechanisms coupled between the tine frames and the tine frame coupling; a rake handle coupled at a proximal end to the tine frame coupling, and adapted for being grasped at a distal end for raking activity; and a locking mechanism adapted to lock the tine frames into an operational raking configuration, and adapted to unlock the tine frames for transition to a non-raking stowage configuration. When the tine frames are unlocked, the tine frames are adapted to have their distal ends pivoted toward the distal end of the rake handle into the stowage configuration with the distal ends of the tine frames being at least in close proximity of the rake handle.

Abstract: A polyurethane decorative lighting product comprising a casing made of polyurethane material and a lighting source positioned in the casing. By using polyurethane material, this invention greatly simplifies the manufacturing process and increases the production efficiency. In addition, since the material is elastic in nature, the semi-finished products and finished products are not easily broken or cracked from an impact or fall which may occur during transportation. The elastic nature of the material also makes it unnecessary to use special packing materials to meet safety and protection requirements.

Abstract: A stain removing composition having a mixture of N-methyl pyrrolidinone and at least one solvent from the group consisting of 3-pentanol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. Preferably, the stain removing composition comprises, in percent by weight about 70-90%, N-methyl pyrrolidinone and about 10-30%, in percent by weight, at least one of the solvents from the group described above.