Abstract: In brief, the invention includes a portable shower and spray apparatus which is adapted to selectively direct a jet of water in a desired direction. The apparatus includes a generally planar base which is adapted to be placed directly on the ground or suspended from an elevated anchoring point. Attached to one side of the base is a housing which is sized and positioned so as to enclose a portion of a water conduit. The conduit has a terminal end which may conveniently be connected to a water hose of the type commonly used to water a yard or a garden; the conduit also has a functional end with a shower head attached thereto. Mounted at an intermediate location of the water conduit is a control valve for regulating the amount of water which exits the shower head. The preferred planar base covers an area of nearly 170 square inches, which makes the apparatus very stable when it is resting directly on the ground, and it is not easily tipped over.

Abstract: A latching mechanism having utility in securing a pivotable member with respect to a stationary structure. The housing includes a base that is adapted to be mounted adjacent the pivotable member (e.g., a cage door). A pair of spaced flanges is affixed to the base, with each of the flanges extending away from the door and lying in planes which are generally perpendicular to the base. Each of the flanges has two openings which are adapted to slidably receive first and second elongated appendages, with both appendages being slidably held with respect to the housing, and with each appendage having an outer region extending outwardly away from the housing. The two latching appendages are adapted to move in different directions to engage a portion of the stationary structure (i.e., the cage enclosure) so as to hold the cage door in a closed position. The latching mechanism includes a control device for manipulating the appendages so as to slidably move the latching appendages inwardly (with respect to the housing).

Abstract: An apparatus including a rigid base having a first portion, typically the top, that is configured to receive and support an auxiliary sighting aid for a firearm (e.g., a rifle, shotgun or pistol). A typical configuration may be a standard dovetail shape that is sized to receive scope rings of the Weaver type. The firearm must have an accessible aperture, but it need not be integral with the firearm's original structure; an adaptor can be attached to the firearm's original structure so as to create a structural extension which contains the necessary aperture. The rigid base also has an exterior that fosters the correct orientation of the auxiliary sighting aid with respect to the firearm's longitudinal bore. A post having a generally smooth exterior is carried by the base and extends outwardly therefrom for a distance which is sufficient so that the distal end of the post may be inserted into the aperture on the firearm.

Abstract: A lens shield assembly and method for protecting recessed vehicular lights, such as the type mounted behind a cutout in an automotive body, from gravel, stone, and other roadway debris. The assembly includes an essentially transparent protective plate that is positionable against an outer vehicle surface (such as a bumper or fender) to cover a cutout behind which a light is recessed. A first retaining member is attachable or fixedly secured to the plate outer region and positioned through the opening in the vehicle surface to secure the plate to the vehicle surface. A clip attaches to an outer region of the plate for sliding engagement along an opening in the plate, and can be positioned against a portion of the vehicle surface which borders the cutout so as to clamp the vehicle surface between the plate and the clip. A fastener such as a screw through the plate opening for coupling the plate to the clip.

Abstract: A non-metallic and non-magnetic case for storing and/or transporting at least 200 and preferably over 300 floppy disks. The case is provided with a tray that contains filler blocks of foam that are configured so that individual blocks may be selectively removed and replaced with a quantity of floppy disks.

Abstract: A hand-held trotline holder adapted for safety accumulating, storing, and dispensing a trotline having a main line with spaced drop lines carrying hooks. The trotline holder includes an arcuate handgrip and spool-like member that rotates with respect to the handgrip. The spool-like member comprises a hollow cylindrical hub with two circular flanges; one of those flanges is attached at each of the two ends of the hub. The trotline is accumulated around the hub and contained between the two flanges. The hub is adapted to rotate about its central (longitudinal) axis, and the two flanges (which are preferably formed integrally with the hub) therefore rotate in planes perpendicular to the hub's central axis. Rigidly affixed to the outer face of the first flange is a series of peripherally and outwardly opening compartments; each compartment has at least one radially extending slot for storing one or more hooks attached to the drop lines.

Abstract: Tilt-wall concrete panels adapted for constructing small buildings with "finished" interiors, especially single-family residences, etc. A peripheral frame of wooden members is laid on top of a barrier film of plastic (e.g., 4 mil polyethylene) on a horizontal surface. Wood-like studs are then placed within the frame and nailed thereto. Any desired utility cables and service pipes are positioned within the frame. An insulating foam cover, preferably high-density polyurethane, is then generated within and over the frame, to a depth that at least covers the wood-like studs and any utility or service lines. Foam about 1.5 inches thick will cover these elements and bond them securely together as a stable, easily movable "plate"--after the foam plastic has hardened.

Abstract: An article having the nature of a splint and/or mold which is adapted for temporary use on the injured digit of a person's hand or foot in order to foster beneficial healing after a nail plate has been removed. The splint includes a generally elongated sheet of thin (i.e., 0.020 inch) polypropylene or the like, which is inert to body fluids. It has a generally compound curvature so that it approximates the natural shape of a human nail plate, and has on its lower surface a smooth, concave shape which is adapted for contacting the healing nail bed. The sheet has a proximal end that is approximately perpendicular to the sides of said sheet, and the sheet has "square" corners which fit within the eponychial fold of the person's digit--for the purpose of preserving the fold and maintaining its size.

Abstract: An auxiliary bearing apparatus for selective attachment to milling machines of the Bridgeport type, said machines having a head which supports a quill that is longitudinally movable with respect to a fixed housing. A tool-holding spindle is rotatable within the vertically movable quill at all times, both when the auxiliary bearing apparatus is installed and when it has been removed. The auxiliary bearing apparatus includes a support bearing which is adapted to be selectively attached to the housing near the bottom of the head, when the quill is fully retracted into the housing. Installation of the auxiliary bearing support is facilitated by providing a threaded retainer which engages a special extension of the housing, the special extension having threads for the express and singular purpose of accomodating the threaded retainer.