Abstract: A practice golf club that is short for carrying in luggage, but is weighted to a standard D3 swing weight. It has a shaft with first and second ends, with a first grip on the first end, a second grip on the second end, and a head projecting transversely from the second end for visual alignment of the club. It has a laser beam projecting from the second end of the shaft along the axis of the shaft. The golfer grips the first end of the shaft and swings the practice club, causing the laser to trace a line on the floor that provides feedback about the lower part of the swing. The golfer grips the second end of the shaft and swings the practice club, causing the laser to trace a line on the floor that provides feedback about the upper part of the swing. The golfer places the club horizontally across the thighs and observes the laser dot near a target to square the address stance.

Abstract: A flat horizontal platform (2) mounted on a base (1) by a central board (4) between the two. The central board (4) is attached to the platform, and is bracketed by retainer boards (3a, 3b) attached to the base. A golfer stands on the platform addressing a ball in front of the platform. The platform tilts left or right about the respective left or right side of the center board if the golfer's center of weight shifts beyond the respective left or right side of the enter board. A clicker between the base and platform on the back-swing side, alerts the golfer to an improper weight shift toward the back-swing, providing feedback during training to eliminate this stroke motion error.

Abstract: An elongated clicker (1) attached to a base (2). The base is rigid enough to distribute the pressure of the clicker on the wrist via padding (11). It is made of a lightweight material such as molded plastic, and is attached to the wrist by an adjustable strap (6). The clicker has a slidable adjustment block (12) which distributes and positions the pressure of the clicker on the back of the hand for optimum comfort and selectable clicker timing.

Abstract: An air inlet system for gas water heaters that prevents or delays the ignition of fumes from flammable liquids accidentally spilled on the floor. The air inlet is above the quickly combustible fumes from spilled liquids, allowing time for personal escape or other response. Two concentric air baffles are placed around the tank of the water heater, and are sealed against the floor. They are spaced from each other and from the tank, forming two concentric air chambers around the tank which are open at the top. The inner air baffle is taller than the outer baffle, and has holes or gaps around its lower end for air passage. When the burner is operating, combustion inlet air enters the top of the outer air chamber, travels downward, passes through the holes in the inner baffle, and under the tank to the burner.

Abstract: In a trigger release for archery bows, a movable or stationary false trigger is mounted ahead of the active trigger. The archer hooks the end of the trigger finger on the false trigger, and the finger curves around the active trigger. During fine aiming the archer pulls the forearm rearward, and gradually relaxes and straightens the curve of the trigger finger, so that the second segment of the finger contacts the active trigger. This secondary contact smoothly operates the trigger without anticipation by the archer, whose sensory awareness is preoccupied by the more sensitive first pad of the trigger finger, which is pressing more firmly on the false trigger. This prevents anticipation, jerking of the active trigger, or flinching at the instant of release. An equivalent mechanism and method is disclosed for a thumb-activated trigger.

Abstract: A pressure gauge for tennis balls and the like, comprising a rigid clamp arm pivotally connected to a flexible clamp arm for squeezing a ball between them. The rigid clamp arm has a socket for holding the ball. The flexible clamp arm preferably has a probe which extends into the socket and depresses the ball when said two clamp arms are rotated toward each other in a clamping action. A pointer arm is journalled to the fulcrum of the clamp arms and is attached to the flexible clamp arm near the fulcrum with a screw, which can be loosened for calibration. A scale adjacent the free end of the pointer indicates the pointer displacement when the two clamp arms are pivoted together. The pointer provides high sensitivity to distinguish small differences in ball pressure.

Abstract: A rack for holding bicycles and other velocipeds by their tires only. For use as a carrier on motor vehicles, or for display racks and the like. Comprises an elongated U-channel track into which are set the bicycle wheels. An inverted U-shaped arm at each end of the track contacts the nearest tire of the bicycle above its axle level. At least one of the arms pivots, to clamp the tires between the two arms and between the arms and the track, restraining the bicycle in all directions by its tires, and to quickly release the bicycle with only one operation.

Abstract: A shaft (1) having a fiber swab (5) on one end, a metric scale (2) on the shaft starting at the swab end, and preferably a flat portion (7) of the shaft for orienting the scale by touch, without visual inspection. A second scale (3) is preferably provided, starting at the opposite end from the first scale, and on the opposite side of the shaft. The shaft optionally includes a bulb (6) on one or both ends. An arrangement of tactile indicators (7 and 8) allows a practitioner to orient the probe for used of the desired end and its associated scale by touch alone, allowing visual concentration on the patient.

Abstract: A waist belt with a first end having a hook, and a second end having an inner surface with a series of engagement wires. The hook engages one of the wires, and the second end of the belt overlaps the first end, covering and hiding the hook mechanism from the front view. This provides a smooth, fashionable appearance. A spring-loaded sliding lock on the first end of the belt blocks the hook entrance, retaining the engagement wire without reliance on constant belt tension. The hook, loops, and sliding lock are designed for minimal thickness.

Abstract: At improved toilet paper dispenser with a vertical spindle for holding and dispensing rolled toilet paper, having a storage shelf for a spare roll. The improved dispenser mounts on the horizontal spindle of a conventional dispenser and is stabilized against the base of the conventional dispenser.

Abstract: A document binder made from a single piece of cover material segmented by scores. The user folds the cover along the scores to front from and back panels hinged to a spine having an inward-folded tab. The tab is punched for page binding means such as a comb or spiral rings using conventional office equipment. The tab and binder rings are hidden from view when the cover is closed. In the preferred embodiment the spine is flat, allowing labelling thereon.

Abstract: The eyepiece of a telescope is provided with a plano-convex eye lens that adjustably pivots about the geometric center of its convex surface, inducing prism while maintaining the optical axis and focal plane of the eyepiece. The prism effect is adjusted to offset atmospheric optical dispersion when viewing celestial bodies near the horizon. Simple and inexpensive mechanical means for tilt adjustment are disclosed.

Abstract: A tension adjustment and retention device for a cam/lever quick-release bicycle axle fastener, having a washer (8) that provides two different thicknesses via two alternate rotational positions. When the cam is loose, rotating the washer 90 degrees with the fingers causes a quick change in clearance between the washer and the drop-out, for removal or mounting of the axle. For axle mounting, a pre-set clamping clearance is restored precisely. A safety interlock slide (60) may optionally be added for automatic, undefeatable, secondary engagement between the axle and safety drop-outs. To remove the wheel, the cam is loosened, washer (8) is rotated to maximize clearance, then the slide is pulled away from the drop-out against a spring. In all embodiments, no tools are needed to quickly remove or re-attach the axle to the drop-outs, and no readjustment of cam tension is needed as with current quick-release adjustment nuts.

Abstract: A quick-release bicycle axle fastener for standard hollow axles and standard safety drop-outs, comprising a control rod through the axle; a mount attached to one or both ends of the control rod; a cam lever attached to each mount; a washer with a finger grip, slidably mounted on the control rod inboard of the mount, shaped to engage the safety drop-out when pressed against it; and a spring urging the washer against the drop-out at all times. The cam forces the washer inward against the drop-out for clamping attachment of the wheel axle to the drop-out. When cam pressure is released, the interlock washer continues to be urged against the drop-out by the spring for safety until the washer is pulled outward by the fingers of a user. When the wheel is re-installed, the washer automatically shifts into engagement with the coupling surface of the drop-out, providing an automatic, undefeatable safety backup for the cam.