Abstract: A target receptacle, for use in practicing baseball, softball, and the like, having a main part and a base plate. The base plate is secured to a ground surface. The main part is rotatably mounted to the base, has an intake opening, and exit port, and a fully enclosed conduit connecting the intake opening and exit port. When a ball is thrown into the intake opening, it travels through the conduit and exits through the exit port.

Abstract: A training device, for training emergency personnel to breach a locked door with a blunt force technique. The training device includes a door, a door frame, and a locking mechanism having a latching cylinder with a vertical axis, a latch stop, and at least one heavy-duty spring. The door is held in a closed position by the latching cylinder engaging the latch stop under the strong bias of the spring. The application of a blunt force near the locking mechanism causes the latching cylinder to move slightly away from the latch stop to allow the door to enter an open position.

Abstract: A security fence cap, for use with a security fence having a post having a post top. The cap has a cylindrical collar and a domed portion. The collar has a lower opening for securing onto the post top and set screws for tightening against the post. The domed portion extends fully over the post top and has a plurality of spike protrusions, selectively attached within threaded radial bores, extending radially outwardly from the domed portion.

Abstract: A sign frame for use displaying a sign panel. The sign frame has a pair of vertical support posts, each having a bottom end, a middle area, and a spring-loaded roller extending from the top end to the middle area. A horizontal support member, having a hinged lock, attaches the vertical support posts together at the middle area. A stake is attached at the bottom end of each vertical support post for securing said post into the ground. The sign panel is attached to each of the spring-loaded rollers within each vertical support post and is displayed when the vertical support posts are extended apart and secured in the ground by the stakes. When the sign frame is disassembled, the sign retracts around the spring-loaded rollers for easily storing and transporting.

Abstract: A paintbrush support, for use in supporting a paintbrush having a bristle and handle, within a paint can having side walls, a top lip, and a bottom, the paint can holding a quantity of paint having a paint level. The paintbrush support has an outer ring defining a large central opening, and a support surface that is attached to the outer ring and spans the large central opening. The support surface is made of a mesh material and is convex downwardly, so that when the paintbrush support extends within the paint can near the paint level, the bristles can rest upon the support surface and remain within the quantity of paint, thereby staying moist while the handle rests against the top lip of the can—remaining dry.

Abstract: A muscle building tool for providing an effective upper body workout. The present invention includes a circular ring having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, and a handle portion that extends perpendicularly from the circular ring. The handle portion is held within a hand of the user and is rotated to exercise the muscles of the user.

Abstract: A buoyant hose lifter which selectively attaches to a portion of an existing hose of an underwater pool cleaning device, wherein the buoyancy of the hose lifter may be selectively varied by a user, thereby enabling the hose lifter and the underwater pool cleaning device attached thereunto to float at different vertical levels within the water of a swimming pool, thereby enabling the cleaning device to clean vertically elevated portions of the pool.

Abstract: A restaurant service management system, for facilitating efficient communication between a customer and service staff in an establishment such as a restaurant. The service staff is equipped with a communication station having a display, and each customer is equipped with a signaling device in communication with the communication station. The signaling device has a service button, numbered pushbuttons, a red colored LED, and a green colored LED. To request service, the customer presses the service button, signaling the communication station, and causing the red colored LED to flash. When the alert is acknowledged by service staff at the communication station, an acknowledgment signal extinguishes the red colored LED and causes the green LED to illuminate. When service personnel reach the customer, a code is entered using the numbered pushbuttons, the green LED is extinguished, and the system is reset.

Abstract: An umbrella and shoe drying device, for use removing moisture, dirt, and debris from shoes and umbrellas, having a mat portion, a blower housing, and an umbrella holder. The mat portion has a substantially flat top surface having a grating upon which shoes are placed. The blower housing is mounted upon the flat top surface of the mat portion, supports the umbrella holder, and contains a blower. The umbrella housing has a main bore for accommodating umbrellas. The blower is in communication with the main bore and grating, and generates suction that removes moisture, dirt, and debris from umbrellas in the main bore and from shoes positioned upon the grating.

Abstract: An electrically operated sander for removing calluses and increasing circulation, having a rectangular base unit for insertion into a docking unit. The base unit has a rear end, and includes a movable base plate having rounded edges and a grainy surface area and a gripping handle. The gripping handle extends outwardly from the base unit and defines a curved junction before extending horizontally toward the rear end of the base unit. The base unit houses a motor having a drive shaft mechanically linked to base plate. A rotating two position on-off switch actuates the motor, causing the base plate to vibrate. A rectangular docking unit has a hollow cavity for accepting the gripping handle of the base unit therein for allowing users a hands free method of removing calluses.

Abstract: A pair of cooling ear muffs, for use by a user in cooling the head of the user. A pair of ear covers each have a shell and contain a reservoir for holding a chilled liquid. A sealing ring on each ear cover encircles the ear and a thermal membrane communicates heat from the ear to the reservoir. A connecting band extends between the ear covers for maintaining the ear muffs on the head of the user while holding the ear covers in position on the ears.

Abstract: A propane tank cover, which safely covers, protects, and locks a propane tank having a protective cage. The propane tank cover has a protective cover, a safety cover, a tabletop, and a tablecloth for use as an end table. The safety cover has an upper circular plate having an outer edge for covering the protective cage, and a lower locking collar for fitting around the protective cage. The tabletop has a bottom surface having a centrally positioned track having a slotted channel. The slotted channel receives the outer edge of the upper circular plate for securing the tabletop to the safety cover and propane tank. The tablecloth is draped over the tabletop for fully covering the tabletop, safety cover, and propane tank.

Abstract: An ornament having an upper hub, a lower hub, a platform, a central pole and a coil. The upper hub is mounted directly on top of the lower hub with the platform permanently attached to the lower hub for attachment to virtually any smooth surface. The coil wraps around the pole, which is threaded and mates with internal grooves in the upper hub. The coil includes a string of lights plugged into an electrical outlet in the upper hub. The upper hub freely rotates with respect to the lower hub, which remains stationary. To maintain electrical contact between the lights and a power supply, copper tabs protrude from the lower hub and extend into copper rings in the upper hub.

Abstract: A portable awning comprising a flexible shading element, an attachment strap for anchoring the shading element to an existing vertical support structure, and poles for maintaining the shading element at a vertically elevated position with respect to the surface of the ground. The shading element is constructed from a waterproof material such as canvas or nylon and substantially protects a user from overexposure to inclement environmental conditions, including direct sunlight, wind, rain, and snow. The poles and the attachment strap are easily disengaged from the shading element, and the shading element is foldable, thereby providing a portable awning which is easily disassembled in order that it be transported between locations or stored between successive uses.

Abstract: A cover frame assembly for use in conjunction with an existing flat panel display of a display device such as a high definition television. The cover frame assembly comprises an outer frame, and a one-way mirror attached within the outer frame. After mounting the flat panel display to a wall, the outer frame is selectively extended over the flat panel display and is supported by the flat panel display. The images projected by the flat panel display upon activation of the display device are easily seen through the one-way mirror. When the display device is deactivated, the reflective surface of the one-way mirror obscures the flat panel display, and the combined frame assembly and flat panel display appear to be a decorative, wall mounted mirror.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the abdominal muscles and the arm muscles of a user, comprising a T-shaped, tension loaded press bar that selectively telescopes within an elongated shaft when pressed by the hands of the user. The press bar is mechanically linked to the shaft by a stretchable band having an equilibrium relaxed conformation and also having a stretched conformation. When the user presses down upon the press bar, this causes the press bar to substantially retract into the shaft and simultaneously causes the rubber band to be stretched from its relaxed conformation, thereby simultaneously exercising the muscles of the user. The exercise device may be selectively folded upon three hinges, thereby providing an exercise device that is easily carried, shipped, and stored.

Abstract: A hair styling tool for performing weaves without leaving a bulky and unkempt look and without damaging hair including a housing having a plurality of compartments formed therein. The hair styling tool includes a plurality of hair styling tools each having interior ends and exterior ends. The interior ends are pivotally coupled with the housing whereby each of the hair styling tools being removably positionable within the plurality of compartments in a closed orientation. Each of the plurality of hair styling tools have a styling tool portion disposed on the exterior ends thereof.