Abstract: An article carrier adapted for carrying a pillow includes a flexible sheet of material which defines two slotted openings adjacent to opposed edges of the material. Two flexible carrying elements are connected to the material adjacent to the slotted openings. A pillow or other item can be placed onto the material and the material folded in a predetermined manner with carrying elements extending through the slotted openings so that the pillow or other item is retained within the carrier while the carrier is held by the carrying elements. Pillows of different sizes can be accommodated by folding the material of the article carrier in different ways.

Abstract: A calendar display includes a flat support defining a plurality of scored lines of structural weakness. A plurality of stacked sheets bearing weekly and monthly time indicia are removably connected to a front surface of the support adjacent to a first, upper edge of the support. An adhesive strip is located adjacent to the first, upper edge on a back surface of the support. Manipulation of the support by bending the support in predetermined directions about the scored lines of structural weakness and contacting the adhesive strip with the back surface of the support adjacent to a second, lower edge of the support permits the support to be configured as a self-supporting stand for displaying the sheets on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is provided for auxiliary attachment to a conventional side-mounted vehicle rearview mirror. The assembly includes a housing defining a rear surface having adhesive thereon for attaching the assembly to the conventional rearview mirror. The assembly further includes a first flat or convex mirror positioned within the housing in first predetermined relationship with the rear surface and a second convex mirror positioned within the housing in second predetermined relationship with the rear surface. The blind spot of the conventional rearview mirror is substantially eliminated and the viewing range is increased by use of the rearview mirror assembly in combination with the conventional rearview mirror.

Abstract: A system for accurately measuring and displaying the elapsed time from the instant a vehicle driver mechanically or electronically acts on a vehicle to start forward motion of the vehicle until the time actual vehicle movement begins. The system includes a timer, a start timer switch for activating the timer when the vehicle is instructed by the driver to begin forward motion and a stop timer switch which stops the timer when the vehicle attains a predetermined forward acceleration.

Abstract: The invention is meant to be used on the thigh above the knee. The innovative idea is a concave bottom (FIG. 2 a), which corresponds to the shape of the thigh and a flat surface (FIG. 2 b). Thus, the upper limb can rest on the thigh. In addition, the wrist is more solidly placed in this work position. The upper limb stays better in its position. There is no need to make an unnecessary movement with it or flex it. The upper limb acts as a weight to the ergonomic mouse pad.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a computer monitor in position for optimal viewing with respect to a horizontal work surface and adapted to matingly fit with an opening formed in the work surface includes a support for holding the monitor in a recessed and tilted position with respect to the work surface and a mechanism cooperating with the support for accommodating monitors of different sizes and for adjusting the position of the monitor for maximum viewer comfort.

Abstract: The amusement exercise system of the present invention, features a new physical workout system and a new ball-shooter. The workout system emulates a fighting (combat) environment where the player (the person who workouts) fights against the ball shooter. The player throws balls at the ball-shooter while the ball-shooter shoots at the player with a plurality of different-colored balls (to signal different defensive actions by the player) and with pseudo-random striking positions. A ball-collecting net is erected behind the player to collect balls shooting from the ball-shooter. Similarly, a ball-collecting target is erected at the shooter to collect balls thrown by the player. Scores are kept by counting balls inside the net and the target after each fighting run.

Abstract: A self-locking receptacle, such as a rural mailbox, includes a housing having an open end and a closure movably mounted on the housing for closing and opening the end. A latching member is fixedly and immovably attached to and is located within the housing adjacent to the open end. A locking assembly is attached to the closure for contacting and selectively interlocking with the latching member when the closure is closed for enabling the closure to be opened and then closed only once without requiring unlocking and disengaging of the locking assembly from interlocking relationship with the latching member.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder for attachment to a dock or pier having horizontal planks spaced a first distance apart from each other includes an externally threaded shaft having a bar fixedly connected to a first end of the shaft. The bar defines; a width less than the first distance and a length greater than the first distance, and a nut is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The nut defines length and width dimensions greater than the first distance, and a handle is mounted on the shaft between the nut and a second end of the shaft. A rod holding device is mounted on the shaft between the handle and the second end of the shaft for adjustably receiving and holding a fishing rod.

Abstract: A raceway assembly is provided for repositioning an electrical fire alarm pull station from a first position to a second lower position on a wall. The assembly covers the opening in the wall at the first position so that patching of the opening at the first position is not necessary. The assembly also covers the electrical wiring which extends from the first position to the second position within the assembly, and the assembly has a low side profile to provide a pleasing appearance and minimal intrusion into the adjacent hallway or room space.

Abstract: Wrists and forearms exercise apparatus for use with a free weight, or weights, includes a cylindrical bar defining a central location with handles attached to opposed ends of the bar. First and second spaced-apart holes located equidistant from the central location extend completely through the bar immediately adjacent to the ends of the bar, and an open-topped channel is defined within the bar and extends between the holes. A flexible cable is positioned within the channel and normally extends downwardly through the holes. The free weight, or weights, are connected to lower looped ends of the cable so that the weight, or weights, are suspended and centered beneath the bar. Because the weight, or weights, are suspended beneath the bar from two locations equidistant from the central location of the bar, movement of the weight, or weights, from side-to-side is limited as the handles and the bar are rotated during use.

Abstract: An acupressure massaging system includes a platform having an upper surface, and includes an array of intersecting air channels extending therethrough in communication with space external of the pad. An array of spaced, independently flexible nipples extends from the upper surface of the platform, each nipple having an upper distal end and a flexible, accordion-pleated side wall comprised of material having elastic memory and defining an internal air-flow chamber. The air-flow chamber is in fluid communication with the air-flow channels and each nipple is structured and disposed for movement from a biased and normally extended position to a compressed position in response to contact with the skin or clothing of the user.

Abstract: Log splitting apparatus for use in combination with a conventional vehicle jack includes a base for removably receiving and supporting the jack thereon and a first support connected to and extending upwardly from the base. A second support is connected to and extends outwardly from the first support and is located above the base. A log support is movably connected to and extends outwardly from the first support and is located between the base and the second support, and a wedge is provided in operative relationship with the second support for engaging and splitting a log positioned on the log support and beneath the wedge as the log support and the log are moved upwardly toward the second support by activation of the jack positioned between the base and the log support.

Abstract: An identification and information carrying assembly for use with a fire/rescue personnel accountability system includes a folded sheet of information-carrying material covered and sealed within transparent thermoplastic laminates. A cord is attached to the laminates, and a connector is attached to the cord for enabling the assembly to be removably fastened to fire/rescue helmets, clothing or other objects. Confidential medical information and/or medication contained within the folded sheet of laminated material is accessed by cutting the laminates along three edges of the folded sheet to permit the folded sheet to open like a book. The folded sheet of material can be resealed by use of clear adhesive tape along the three edges, and the confidential medical information and/or medication can be accessed again and again by such cutting and resealing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating lower surfaces of paper sheets with lacquer and drying the sheets include fans for simultaneously drying the sheets and for forcing the sheets upwardly against the lower surface of spaced-apart moving conveyer belts. The streams of air produced by the fans are directed upwardly against the paper sheets and against and through the conveyer belts, and the paper sheets are moved from a first location to a second location within the apparatus. Features provide for washing and cleaning the apparatus and for circulating the lacquer to keep the lacquer in a uniform mixed state.

Abstract: A fastener system includes a fastener and a tool for use with the fastener. The fastener includes a shank defining a first pointed end and an opposed second end, and a plate is connected to the second end. A first head is connected to the plate and the head defines a first opening therethrough and a slot which extends from the opening through an exterior surface of the head. The tool is configured for cooperation with the fastener for attaching the fastener to a wall, ceiling or other surface.

Abstract: A nail clipping and collecting device for use with a conventional nail clipper is designed to be easily grasped and manipulated, particularly by persons with reduced or impaired manual dexterity. A conventional nail clipper is removably positioned within a base and within a handle of the device which are removably hingedly connected together, and the base is configured for receiving, storing and emptying nail clippings. The handle is configured for removably storing a nail file, and a magnifying lens is adjustably connected to the handle for positioning to magnify a nail to be cut.

Abstract: Pet watering apparatus provides flowing water to simulate a mountain creek. A simulated rock formation representing a mountain creek defines a series of descending depressions and ledges to create descending pools and waterfalls connected by a flowing stream when water is supplied to the formation. A simulated rock is positioned within an uppermost one of the depressions and is internally configured for controlling flow of water provided by a pump via a hollow conduit from a water container to the uppermost depression.