Abstract: A kit and corresponding methods for mechanically shimming an electrical socket as well as a pair of electrical sockets, involving a generally planar member having a front surface and a rear surface; a pair of shims formed on the rear surface; and a pair of primary orifices formed through the generally planar member for accommodating an electrical plug.

Abstract: An exercise device designed to work the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser comprises a carriage connected to a frame by a swing-arm that allows the carriage to swing along an arcuate path. In some embodiments, the carriage is connected to the frame by non-parallel first and second swing-arms. The carriage is adjustable so as to accommodate users of different sizes and to isolate different abdominal muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser device is designed to simulate an abdominal exercise “crunch” motion when the knees are brought within proximity of an upper body support.

Abstract: An animal control arrangement having a plurality of leashes which may be attached to the collars of animals to be controlled while walking, exercising, training, or the like and which reduces the likelihood of the leashes becoming tangled.

Abstract: A free coaster bicycle wheel driving apparatus having a clutch that employs radially acting components. A drive sleeve has an inner cylindrical wall surface mounted coaxially about a wheel mounting shaft and an outer cylindrical wall surface that is eccentric relative to the drive sleeve inner wall surface. The outer surface of the drive sleeve cooperates with a power transmission sleeve that has an inner cylindrical wall surface that is eccentric relative to its cylindrical outer wall surface. The power transmission sleeve is interposed between the drive sleeve and a wheel hub. When the eccentric lobe on the drive sleeve is in opposition to the eccentric lobe on the surrounding power transmission sleeve, the sprocket is disengaged from the wheel hub. Forward rotation of the sprocket jams the lobe of the drive sleeve against the power transmission sleeve, forcing its cam lobe outwardly into frictional engagement with the wheel hub.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convertible apparel top such as a brassiere, tank top, or dress having two straps attached to the garment on at least one end of the strap with a swivel mechanism such as a means for attaching so that the garment may be converted from a garment with straps to a strapless garment and vice versa. In one embodiment, the ends of the straps not attached with a swivel mechanism may be removeably attached to the garment to facilitate the conversion, and may be configured to attach both to the garment and to each other for multiple looks and configurations such as strapless, parallel straps, crisscross straps, and a halter without the risk of losing the straps.

Abstract: An apparatus, a device, and corresponding methods for exercise which involve a frame having a substantially right-angle configuration for facilitating its accommodation into a corner of a room and for optimizing its footprint in the room, a pulley system having an adjustable resistance device using a pulley ratio technique, a fixed high pull mechanism, a fixed low pull mechanism, a cross-over exercise mechanism, and a lifting bar, the lifting bar having linear bearings and handles, and the handles subtending an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.

Abstract: A self-donning surgical gown comprising a plurality of pockets positioned strategically along the shoulders and back to allow the user to insert his hands into the shoulder and waist pockets to secure the surgical gown to his shoulders and back, respectively, without exposing his hands and arms to the non-sterile environment outside the traditional sterile field, thereby effectively increasing the sterile field and allowing the user to self-don a surgical gown. The pockets and/or the back flaps of the surgical gown may comprise fasteners, such as adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, ties, magnets, buttons or the like to fasten the self-donning surgical gown to itself or the a garment worn by the user.

Abstract: An article of bedding, such as a sleeping bag, is constructed so as to allow a user to selectively and alternatively control the insulating properties of the covering structure over the user's feet. Specifically, the lower portion of a main cover layer of a blanket or main sleeping bag cover is provided with an overlying top covering layer. Also, a slit is defined transversely across the lower portion of the main covering layer between about one foot and about three feet from the foot extremities of the blanketing layers. The user selectively inserts his or her feet either beneath both covering layers, or through the slit in the main covering layer. When the user's feet are inserted through the slit, they are covered only by the top covering layer below the slit. Preferably, the foot extremities of the top covering layer and the main covering layer are provided with an open-mesh ventilating panel therebetween.