Abstract: A dish caddy includes a base frame formed of multiple, tiered circular racks with vertical support rods attached to the periphery thereof. Each rack includes a wedge-shaped notch formed on its periphery. Superimposed on an upper end of the base frame is a dome-shaped cover having a handle attached thereto. To transport multiple plates to a table, a waiter places each plate on one of the tiered racks and grasps the handle with either hand. The frame is then transported to the table where the waiter can easily remove and serve each plate.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a chair member formed of a seat portion with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. On each of two opposing sides of the backrest is an armrest that pivots between a horizontal, deployed position when in use, and a stowed, vertical position when a patient is entering or exiting the seat. The chair is mounted on an electronics housing that includes a pair of reversible DC motors and associated gear boxes that rotate a pair of pneumatic tires. A caregiver can stand on a platform behind the chair member when operating the wheelchair. The chair's speed and direction are controlled with either of a pair of control panels. A caregiver's control panel is mounted on a steering bar attached to the rear surface of the backrest while a patient control panel is mounted on one of the armrests.

Abstract: A travel pillow includes a U-shaped cushion formed of a pair of spaced side panels, each having a front end, a rear end, a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface of each side panel has an upwardly-inclined front portion that extends to a concave, downwardly-facing shoulder indention, proximal the rear end. Interconnecting the front ends of the side panels is a substantially-tubular cross member having a contoured upper surface that nudges the head rearwardly toward a seat backrest when engaged by a falling chin. On the rear end of each side panel is a fastener for engaging a mating fastener positioned on a passenger seat backrest.

Abstract: An exercise cycle includes a base frame having front and rear wheels and a seat slidably mounted thereon. A pair of pivotal foot pedals operate a steering mechanism to turn the front wheels toward the left or right. Between the foot pedals is a vertical support bar having a drive pawl at an upper end with a cable spirally wrapped thereabout. A handle affixed to the distal end of the cable is accessible by a rider resting in the seat. A drive chain encompasses a gear on a side of the pawl and a similar gear on the rear wheel axle. Accordingly, a rider sits on the seat, grasps the handle and places the feet on the foot pedals. By pushing with the legs and simultaneously pulling the cable, the rider propels the cycle while simulating the workout typically provided by a rowing machine.

Abstract: A collapsible arch bar for a water craft includes a pair of side arms pivotally attached to the gunnels on the water craft. A cover member is pivotally attached to the upper ends of the side arms allowing the arch bar to be collapsed rearwardly if the craft is approaching an overhead obstruction. An automated lifting means allows the water craft operator to automatically collapse and re-erect the arch bar, if desired.

Abstract: A calendar system comprising multiple (i.e., twelve) magnetic “month” sheets for each calendar month of the year, a magnetic “To Do List” sheet and a magnetic “Six Weeks at a Glance” sheet. Each sheet includes a header section that can variably depict the current month, year and/or day. The system further includes a plurality of magnetic “week” strips for securing to one of the sheets. Each “week” strip includes seven columns each having a day of the week imprinted adjacent thereto. Adjacent each day of the week indicia is a date space to which one of the numbered tabs is secured to appropriately label each day with the corresponding date for the particular week. A plurality of color-coded event tabs are also included for magnetically securing to one of the “week” strips positioned on a “Month” sheet or the “Six Weeks at a Glance” sheet, or directly to the “To Do List” sheet. Each time a week elapses, a “week” strip is moved from the current “Month” sheet to the “Six Weeks at a Glance Sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for more accurately fastening a raised heel to a shoe outsole includes a shoe support column having an impact head at an upper end thereof. The impact head is contoured to substantially conform to the inner heel portion of the shoe upper. The impact head includes a plurality of bores each having a piston-operated driver therein that propels a nail upwardly through the shoe insole and into the raised heel. Proximal the bore outlets is an alignment button that is inserted into a channel formed through the shoe insole and outsole. An alignment pin is positioned within both an alignment aperture formed on the shoe heel and a centrally disposed cavity on the button. When the alignment aperture, button and channel are axially aligned, the raised heel is properly positioned on the shoe outsole ensuring accurate penetration of the nails.

Abstract: A novelty ceiling fixture includes a housing mounted within a ceiling having a hub depending therefrom. The hub is formed of two independently rotating segments each having an angled, truncated end adjoining the other. Attached to the lower segment is a fixture configured to resemble a skateboard mounted on wheels. Each wheel includes a translucent or transparent outer surface superimposed on a plurality of peripherally-disposed LED'S. A remote unit controls the operation of the LEDs and hub segments so that the fixture simulates the movement of a conventional skateboard.

Abstract: A tool for assisting a worker in removing a windshield includes a cylindrical housing having an L-shaped blade depending from a lower end thereof. The housing includes a butane-fueled heating assembly that heats the blade to a predetermined temperature so that the blade easily penetrates the adhesive surrounding a vehicle windshield. A handle is tethered to the housing with a cable that allows a worker to easily lift the windshield once the adhesive has been completely separated.

Abstract: A temperature adjustable chair includes a seat portion with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. The seat portion is superimposed on a plurality of support legs that suspend the chair above an underlying surface. Adjacent each of two sides of the seat portion is an armrest. Imbedded within both the backrest portion and the seat portion is a thermoelectric cooler for selectively generating or removing heat. The cooler is regulated with a control panel positioned on one of the armrests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast pump including a cylindrical housing encapsulated by an insulated thermal layer; the housing includes an outer wall and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. Superimposed on the open top is a removable pump assembly having a pair of outlet tubes extending therefrom. At a distal end of each tube is a conical suction cup for placing over a nursing mother's breast nipple. Any one of a plurality of varying sized auxiliary containers, such as a conventional baby bottle, can be placed within the interior chamber to receive and store breast milk extracted from the breasts.

Abstract: A retractable hose assembly for a central vacuum system includes a PVC conduit mounted behind a wall within at least one room on each floor of a building. The conduit includes an elbow at a lower end that extends to the outlet of a wall-mounted vacuum receptacle. Received within the conduit is an elongated, length-extendable hose formed of helical spring wire encompassed by a flexible layer. The helical wire allows the hose to be manually extended to approximately six times its collapsed length. When the hose is released, it retracts completely within the conduit with its inlet concealed behind the wall-mounted receptacle. By simply pulling the hose from the conduit, a user can extend it significantly to access one or more rooms on a given level.

Abstract: A pet scoop includes an elongated tubular shaft having a handle at an upper end and a pivotal, fan-shaped panel at a lower end. A pair of motors move the panel between a raised, contracted orientation and a lowered, expanded orientation. A stack of waste disposal sheets is superimposed on the panel and is secured thereto with removable clamps. Accordingly, the panel may be deployed and expanded beneath a defecating pet to contain and trap the waste for later disposal.

Abstract: An air filtering system for a vehicle includes a housing having a fan, a HEPA filter, a carbon-impregnated military cloth and a scent dispersing mechanism received therein. Air intake modules are positioned at desired locations within the vehicle passenger compartment, each of which is in communication with the housing interior. To remove smoke or other pollutants, a passenger activates the fan to deliver ambient air to the housing interior whereby the HEPA filter removes particles while the charcoal cloth removes entrained odors. The housing also includes a fragrance dispenser for dispersing a scented material, if desired.

Abstract: A sports backpack includes a hollow bag member with a pair of shoulder straps on the front surface thereof for securing the bag member to a user's back. The bag member includes several storage compartments that are accessible with zippers. Furthermore, the bag member includes a plurality of horizontally aligned male snap members on the rear surface thereof. An accompanying collapsible stool includes an attachment strip with mating female snap members thereon for fastening the stool to the bag member.

Abstract: A protective mat assembly for a boxing ring includes a substantially trapezoidal base mat having multiple strips of hook and loop fasteners on the upper surface thereof. A similarly-shaped absorbent foam pad includes a plurality of mating hook and loop fastener strips on a lower surface to engage those of the base mat. The absorbent pad includes foot indentions for receiving a boxer's feet, and openings for receiving the legs of a boxer's stool. Accordingly, when a fighter sits on the stool between rounds, the underlying absorbent pad collects any fluids that would otherwise fall onto the ring surface.

Abstract: A tool for assisting a worker in removing and reattaching brake springs includes an elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower end. Axially extending from the upper end is a tapered neck with a flattened stem extending therefrom. At a distal end of the stem is a C-shaped gripping member for grasping a brake spring. By holding the shaft, a worker can secure the C-shaped gripping member about the spring. The S-cam can be used as a fulcrum for the shaft, allowing the spring to be expanded as necessary for removal or attachment. The shaft may also include a light for illuminating dimly lit work areas.

Abstract: A motorcycle backrest assembly includes a pair of side plates each for mounting on either the left or right side of the motorcycle's rear fender. A receiver is securable to each plate for adjustably receiving one of two side rails depending from a backrest. Each receiver is angularly adjustable to vary the position of the backrest. The entire assembly can be quickly removed from the motorcycle and stored, if desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling swimming pool water includes diverting a stream of swimming pool water to a distribution header. The distribution header includes a plurality of dispersing apertures for converting the stream of swimming pool water into a plurality of smaller streams. Positioned immediately beneath the distribution header is a fill medium through which the smaller streams of water pass where they are atomized into smaller droplets. An electric fan is positioned above the distribution header for forcing ambient air through the fill medium to invoke evaporative cooling of the atomized water. The resulting evaporatively cooled water is collected in a reservoir and returned to a swimming pool.