Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for packaged products which includes a plurality of parallel channels, each of which independently positions products for dispensing. Each product dispensing channel is separated from the adjacent channel or channels by a removable divider wall and is adapted to support and dispense packaged products having a common configuration. The product packages aligned within a dispensing channel are supported upon a pair of parallel guide rails which extend from the rear to the forward position of the dispensing apparatus. A positioning member is disposed within each channel and is slidably engaged upon the parallel guide rail. The positioning member is biased toward the front dispenser support thereby positioning all product packages within a dispensing channel adjacent one another and forwardly toward the front dispenser support.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing simulated snow effects for theatrical environments. To create simulated snow in the quantities and qualities necessary for theatrical effects, ice is used as the source material. A plurality of storage channels are adapted for holding and channeling blocks of ice to the snow creating member. A rotating disc incorporates a plurality of radially directed, adjustable cutting blades mounted in the surface of the disc. The disc is rotatable beneath each of the ice supply channels. Each of the cutting blades is pivotable along one radial edge thereof, the angular position of the blade relative to the surface of the disc determining the thickness of the layer of ice shaved from the surface of the ice block in contact therewith. Immediately forwardly of each ice cutting blade is an aperture disposed in the disc to provide a downwardly directed fluid force to the shaved ice. When elevated, shavings or flakes of ice having a selectable thickness from 0.005-0.

Abstract: The footwear sole construction has a sole element disposed in the heel region of the sole. The sole element includes a first pod disposed on the medial side of the sole and a second pod disposed on the lateral side of the sole. The first pod is connected to the second pod by a web. A lower side of the sole element defines a concavity such that a lower surface of the first and second pods are disposed for contacting a ground surface. The first and second pods each include cavities extending therethrough such that a first open end of a cavity is disposed on one of the medial and lateral sides of the pod and a second open end of that cavity is disposed on the lower surface of such pod. The placement of the cavities and the orientation of the pods allow for tailoring and control of shock absorption.

Abstract: A footwear sole construction has a cavity. The footwear sole construction includes pods disposed on the medial and lateral sides of the heel region of the sole. The pods may be formed independent from the sole or integral with the sole. In addition, the pods may be disposed on the forefoot region of the sole, as well as, around the entire periphery. The placement of the cavities directly control the degree of shock absorption. The pods may be disposed such that at least one of the cavities may be disposed to have an open end on one of the medial and lateral sides of the sole and another open end on the lower surface of the sole. The cavities also may be formed directly in the sole material. In such case, a support piece can be disposed in the cavities or a reinforcement piece can be disposed on the bottom of the sole. The cavities also may be formed in a support element disposed in the sole.

Abstract: A structure for eyeglass frames which incorporates an improved frontal support assembly and adjustable temples. Left and right ocular frames are interconnected, each being laterally supported by an adjustable temple assembly. To support the eyeglass frames on the user, a pair of upper frontal spacers extend rearwardly from the member interconnecting the ocular frames. The upper frontal spacers are adapted to be placed adjacent the user's brow precluding contact with the nose of the user. Lower frame spacers depend rearwardly from the lower extent of each of the ocular frames and are adapted to be placed adjacent the cheekbones of the user. The upper frontal supports and lower frame supports insure the ocular frames are appropriately spaced from the user's eye while simultaneously preventing the eyeglass frames from slipping or otherwise being inadvertently displaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for paring the skin or rind from fruit and cutting segments of the rind having a defined length, width and thickness. The fruit is mounted upon a rotatable shaft which is longitudinally moveable through the incorporation of a continuous worm drive. The skin or rind of the fruit is brought into communication with a plurality of paring blades which will cut the rind to a defined width and thickness. A cylindrical member is frictionally disposed adjacent the outer skin of the fruit and is rotated about its axis by the frictional engagement between the cylindrical surface and the pared strip of fruit. One or more cutting blades are secured to and rotate about the axis of the cylinder severing the pared rind into defined lengths.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing a hypodermic needle which is adapted to permit the hypodermic needle to be removed and later recapped by relative lateral movement between the apparatus and the needle. The storage apparatus comprises a housing having an inner cylindrical chamber which is closed at one end into which the hypodermic needle may be inserted. The hypodermic needle includes an enlarged hub which engages the upper, open end of the housing. The wall of the housing chamber is longitudinally severed along the housing axis from the open upper end of the housing to the closed bottom end thereof. Sheathing tabs are secured to the outer surface of the housing, the sheathing tabs being oriented in opposition to the severed slot in the housing. The outer surfaces of the housing adjacent the severed wall of the housing chamber extend upwardly and outwardly into guide flanges which are in opposition to the sheathing tab.

Abstract: A bicycle, motorcycle or the like is fabricated from a pair of frame sections. A front frame section includes the front fork and wheel, handlebar assembly and seat. A rear frame section includes the crank assembly, pedal assembly and the rear stays and wheel. A shock absorber resiliently couples the front and rear frames to one another intermediate the crank assembly and seat. The lower terminus of the shock absorber is secured to a center support stay of the rear frame, the upper terminus of the shock absorber being coupled to one plurality of selectable locations on a diagonal support of the front frame. The point of coupling alters the relative stiffness of the suspension to compensate for the load imposed on the bicycle seat. The front and rear frames are pivotally coupled to one another forwardly from the lower terminus of the shock absorber in a manner which will optimize of the force required to activate the suspension.