Abstract: A bracket mounts against a rigid support surface for pivotally supporting an end of a tubular element of a frame for a folding awning or canopy. The pivot pin that engages the frame element is supported by a pivot pin support member that is in turn supported by two end elements that fasten to the support surface. The pivot pin support member and the two end elements are so constructed that they are free to rotate relative to one another about an axis transverse to the axis of the pivot pin. This provides greater flexibility in the folding motion of the frame element and facilitates mounting of the bracket on a non-planar surface.

Abstract: Apparatus removes and replaces the valve core from the internally threaded valve stem of apparatus such as vehicular tires and air conditioning systems. Valve cores of the Shrader type have a rectangular outward projection. The device of the invention has a pair of opposed jaws that are movable toward and away from each other for removably grasping the lateral sides of the projection. The jaws are moved toward one another for grasping by a threaded rod with a tapered end that cooperates with sloping elements opposite the jaws. The jaws move away from each other for releasing the valve core by elastic bias. An optional embodiment includes a valve to enable removal and replacement of the core without the loss of fluid from the valve stem. The invention may be used to replace a valve core, or to add fluid such as refrigerant or tire sealant without interference from a valve core.

Abstract: An exerciser is mounted on a belt to be worn by a person while walking, sitting or running. A housing is mounted on the belt at the user's back. Two cords are wound on separate grooves in a disc rotatably mounted in the housing and wound in opposite directions. A handle is mounted at the free end of each cord. Each cord is conducted through low friction guideways mounted on the belt to the user's sides. Pulling on one handle unwinds that cord from the disc and winds the other cord on the disc. Pulling alternately on the handles rotates the disc in first one direction and then the other. Friction elements between the disc and the housing resist rotation. The amount of friction and the force required to pull the handles is adjustable as is the length of the cords.

Abstract: A dog performance apparatus and method for competition trial runs has an enclosed area divided into a series of communicating passages forming an endless convoluted course that each dog must run. Distributed in series along the course are a number of obstacles the dog must traverse. The obstacles may include tunnels, jumps, apertured partitions, hurdles, A-frames, teeters, and constricting arches. A lure attached to an endless cord loop is remotely pulled along the course by a mechanism. Guides direct the lure through the course in such fashion as to encourage the dog to properly traverse the obstacles in the passage. The time the dog takes to make the run is measured.

Abstract: An attachment for a shower valve assembly provides at least one secure handhold. It may optionally also provide at least one hook for a washcloth, a soap dish and/or a bottle holder for holding items used while showering. The attachment includes a broad base plate that is fastened to the shower valve assembly by screw fasteners in a manner similar to the usual face plate that covers the hole in the wall behind which rests the valve assembly. The handhold and other accessories are securely attached to the base plate. Because the valve assembly is held securely in place by the three or four pipes to which it is attached, all forces on the handhold are transmitted to the pipes, thus ensuring a very firm and secure connection. The attachment is easily mounted with only a screwdriver and no special skills. The original face plate may be mounted over the base plate before the control knob is installed, or the base plate may be constructed to also serve the covering function of the face plate.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removing and replacing an engine mount in a vehicle that can fit between an air conditioning compressor and the upstanding stud on the engine mount to unscrew the nut on the stud and remove and replace the engine mount without removing other components from the vehicle. The tool has an elongate shaft with a transverse handle at one end and a transverse member at the other end fitted with a thin twelve point closed box end wrench head.

Abstract: A swim fin for each foot or a monofin for both feet of a swimmer has an elastic flapping foil that bends away from the ball of the foot on the kicking stroke in which the instep is advanced first, and that is forced against the sole of the of the foot on the opposite stroke. this greatly enhances the efficiency of the kicking action. The free edge of the flapping foil may be curled upward to further enhance the flapping action.

Abstract: A stretch exercise device is molded in one piece of a material having the physical properties of a soft, flexible, deformable rubber. Two elongate, spaced apart side members extend along a long axis. Many finger grips or rungs are arranged parallel to one another attached at their ends to the side members. The rungs are spaced apart by a distance small enough so that a hand grasping a first rung may reach out with some fingers to reach an adjacent rung without first releasing a secure grip on the first rung. This enables a user to exert continuously increasing tension in stretching exercises. Grooves on the rungs and grooves on the side members provide finger gripping surfaces to facilitate this progressive tensioning movement.

Abstract: A hanging plant apparatus has a conical mesh sleeve with a rigid ring in the upper margin. Suspending elements are attached to the ring and extend upward for hanging the apparatus. The lower margin has a drawstring element in the hem. The lower margin of the sleeve is slipped over the upper rim of a conventional rigid plant pot and the drawstring element pulled tight to attach the pot to the bottom of the sleeve. The drawstring element is comprised of one or more plastic cable ties. When the sleeve and pot are filled with plant growth media, holes are cut into the mesh through which various plants can be inserted to-provide a unique hanging plant container with multiple plants growing out of the cone at various levels.

Abstract: A spring biased clip is provided for eyeglasses or eyewear to hold the eyewear securely in a fabric pocket when not in use. The fabric engaging end of the clip is normally held in a recess in the side of the temple where it will not inadvertently snag items, and where it will be inconspicuous. The fabric engaging end of the clip moves outward beyond the surface of the temple when the opposite end of the clip is depressed by a finger. In this position, the clip is easily slipped over the fabric edge of a pocket without applying any force to the fabric. This enables the clip to be provided with a strong spring for securely holding the eyewear.

Abstract: An orthopedic joint for connection between first and second body parts provides for free movement in a flexion/extension plane between adjustable stops. The joint further provides for continuous adjustment of an abduction angle. The adjustment can be made while the device is mounted on a wearer, and the adjustment will move the second body part for enhanced adjustability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus applied to loudspeakers of the type having an electrically driven diaphragm in an acoustic housing to reduce distortion from two sources. 1. Loss of high frequencies when sound from different regions of the diaphragm travel paths of different lengths and neutralize each other when they meet out of phase. 2. Noise generated primarily by the central region of the diaphragm when driven at high power. A compensating or phase plug is suspended axially within the housing adjacent the central region of the diaphragm. The plug, in cooperation with the walls of the housing, directs the sound through paths of uniform length to reduce loss of high frequencies. The plug has a sound absorbing inner portion adjacent the central portion of the diaphragm for absorbing the noise generated by the central portion at high power.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for injecting fluid such as sealing and balancing fluid into tires while they are inflated and mounted on wheels and especially for two tires mounted on a dual rim wheel. The invention overcomes problems of limited access to the valve stems and includes tools for bending the stem in place to facilitate application of the apparatus.

Abstract: A hand-held, self-contained irradiator is powered by batteries. At an applicator end are provided many diodes that emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible and/or infrared portions of the spectrum. A series of switches are provided so that the user may select which one or ones of the diodes to activate to provide particular wavelengths or colors of radiation to be emitted from the applicator end to be used to treat particular body surface areas for the relief of pain or other problems. An optional line cord powered embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stand for a toddler's swing supported by an overhead horizontal bar has a compact mode for transport and storage and an operational mode. In the operational mode a horizontal bar has a pair of legs at each end of the bar forming triangles with apices at the bar. The legs of a pair pivot relative to one another and a flexible element limits the open angle. Each leg is provided with a removable extension with a lateral pedal for forcing the end into the ground for enhanced stability. The legs rotate into a common plane and the extensions are removed to form a compact flat transport and storage package.

Abstract: An exhaust system for marine propulsion units passes engine exhaust gas out through lateral holes in the lower unit casing at the level of the propeller shaft that communicate between an exhaust passage in the propeller-shaft-support unit and the ambient water. This venting mechanism discharges gas at the level of the propeller hub when the vessel is moving slowly. The vented gas enables the engine to rapidly increase its RPM s without excessive engine loading. This allows for increased acceleration and less engine damage. The system may include venting gas though the hub and out the aft end of the propeller. The system may be used with outboard engines, inboard/outdrives, and full inboards. When used with full inboards, a valve mechanism may enable diversion of an adjustable fraction of the exhaust gas through the transom. A drain hole may also be provided to drain water from the gas passage when the lower unit is out of the water.

Abstract: A scuff type slipper is produced so economically that it may be disposable, yet it has excellent cushioning properties and a sole with sufficient stiffness that the heel end will not fold under when in use. The slipper is produced from third web cushioning material. This has two planar thermoplastic webs spaced apart from one another by a middle thermoplastic web in the form of a plurality of bubbles hermetically sealed to the outer webs, trapping gas in the bubbles for cushioning and imparting stiffness. A vamp portion is formed by folding over a strip of the material at the toe end and fusion bonding it along the sides to the sole of the slipper and then cutting the slipper from the strip.

Abstract: Apparatus shears foreign matter such as lines, wires, nets and weeds that can entangle and befoul propellers, propeller shafts, bearings and related structure of propeller-driven, water born vessels. The apparatus shears by cooperative action of a rotating blade that rotates in conjunction with the propeller and a non-rotating blade supported on a non-rotating portion of the vessel. The non-rotating blade moves axially within its support. With each revolution, a slot follower connected to the non-rotating blade engages a slot carried by the rotating blade to adjust the axial position of the non-rotating blade to compensate for axial movement of the rotating blade. A wedge and valley mechanism prevents the two blades being forced apart during shearing action. Roller bearings, radially disposed, reduce friction between slot follower and slot to reduce wear on the parts and thereby prevent malfunction with prolonged operation and to provide low cost replacement of the bearings for maintenance.

Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler head is provided with a mechanism that shuts off the water when the nozzle portion of the riser is removed for maintenance. A stopper element reciprocally mounted in the riser moves to a shut off position when the nozzle is removed. A valve seat member and a stopper element may be provided to retrofit the riser of an existing sprinkler head.

Abstract: Bathing apparatus for the infirm or disabled is a portable chair supported on adjustable legs. A depressed intermediate basin portion holds water and can receive the buttocks of a bather. It is provided with a drain at its lowermost portion. One end of the basin portion is connected to an upstanding backrest/headrest. A second end of the basin portion is connected to an elevated horizontal platform which serves as a thigh rest when the buttocks are in the basin in a first mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, the platform serves as a seat so that the user can slide into or out of the basin for less strenuous entry and exit when alone or assisted. A continuous smooth, water resistant surface covers platform, basin and backrest/headrest portions for comfort and ease of maintenance.