Abstract: Footwear with interchangeable components on the ankle area and tongue is herein disclosed, wherein both the replacement tongue and the upper area of the footwear comprise different materials, colors, or styles. The removal and replacement functionality is accomplished with a plurality of snap fasteners. To remove the upper portion of the footwear, the laces would be removed from the eyelets, an upper portion and tongue interchanged, and the laces replaced. It is also envisioned that the upper portion and tongue could be removed completely and shorter laces installed to transform the footwear into a pair of shoes as well.

Abstract: An insulated cover for toilet water closets intended to prevent condensation and its associated damaging properties is herein disclosed. The water closet section of the toilet is covered on the bottom and all four (4) side surfaces up to a water line with a preformed foam covering. The foam is envisioned to be of a closed cell design similar to that used on insulating sleeves for glasses and canned beverages. The foam is approximately one-quarter (¼) inch thick and available in a wide variety of colors to match all bathroom decors. The foam covering would be made in halves that meet in a shiplap joint on the sides of the water closet. Finally, the cover would be held in place on the water closet with multiple strips of hook and loop fastener material, thus allowing it to be easily removed for replacement or cleaning.

Abstract: A child car seat with electronic entertainment features is herein disclosed, comprising an integral sound system with pre-recorded sounds or music, and a pair of speakers embedded in the car seat near the child's head. Also, a plurality of flashing lights that can be synchronized with the music is provided along a perimeter region. Finally, a vibrating mechanism in the base of the seat may operate in a synchronous manner with the music or provide a soothing and comforting effect thereto the child to lull the child to sleep. The seat is capable of manual or automatic operation as selected using a front-mounted switch control panel or may be controlled remotely via a handheld wireless controller. The car seat is powered by connection to a cigarette lighter socket within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an entertaining targeting game for all ages that enhances hand-eye coordination and provides target practice and a method of playing such a game. The device consists of an electronic target striking device for removable attachment to a ground-engaging mat. The target striking device has visual and audible strike indicating means and the mat has score display means. Additional embodiments are anticipated.

Abstract: A tie-down attachment device and system for use in pickup trucks featuring a plurality of clamps that slide along the upper edge of the pickup truck bed rail used to hold bed caps in place without having to drill into the pickup truck bed is herein disclosed. The device comprises a clamping means that is secured by tightening a bolt with a strong grip or by wrench or pliers. The device further comprises a large eye bolt to which a strap, a rope, or other securing means can be connected and thus securing a load. The clamping device can be left in place on the bed rail or removed and stored when not in use.

Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses a cooking kettle apparatus having special features to make food canning a single step process. The apparatus comprises a large diameter pour spout on the upper portion of the kettle that allows even the thickest food to flow through, and a series of interchangeable spout attachments. One spout attachment is a strainer to hold back solids as the cooked product is poured into containers. Another attachment is a straight pour spout with an air induction vent to improve the flow or liquids. The kettle has three handles about the upper portion to allow easy pouring by one person, or for two people when there is a particularly heavy batch of cooked food. The method of use provides a means by which a person can cook jams, jellies, and similar foods in the most efficient manner and with less specialized cooking items.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for trucking straps used on flatbed trailer loads intended to hold stacked loads in a more secure manner while eliminating their tendency to shift during transit is herein disclosed. The apparatus provides a connecting link which takes the form of a flattened figure “8” with the approximate dimension of four-and-a-half (4½) inches wide and two-and-a-half (2½) inches tall. The link is used to hold one end of a conventional trucking strap, which is then looped around a load and then back through the other side of the link. The free end is then secured to a stationary object such as a rub bar on the edge of the flatbed trailer using a ratcheting buckle. Thus, the loop around the load is self tightening and automatically tightens in the event of a shifting load as is commonly the case with tubular loads such as PVC pipe, regular pipe, lumber and the like. The apparatus would be used on alternating sides of the load to provide a balanced bi-directional restraint.

Abstract: An apparatus to store tubular storage containers is herein disclosed. Each tube has a closed end and an open end provided with a threaded cap that can be easily removed by hand. The tubes are ideal for storing long, thin objects, but can also be used to store small objects such as nails, screws, fasteners and the like. To aid in the storage of the tubes themselves, a wall-mounted enclosure is provided preferably providing twelve (12) tubes; however, the size of the enclosure and number of tubes may vary depending on the application. The apparatus is provided with a wall mounting plate allowing easy hanging and removal and may also be set upon a workbench or carried using an integral handle as well. The tubes are simply slid in and out of the enclosure for easy access.

Abstract: A camper shell kit including a plurality of removable panels that are individually mountable onto a frame is herein disclosed. The frame serves as the skeleton for the shell and also provides a base for an optional top-mounted rack. Each panel may be mounted individually to the frame to create customized camper shell configurations. Panel insertion may not require the use of tools. Panels can be interchanged with others made of different materials for specific tasks. The frame may be integrated to match the shape of the truck and provide flush mounting for shell panels offering a smooth, integrated appearance with the vehicle. The frame mounts directly onto standard truck bed mount points which may provide maximum strength and load-bearing capacity. The frame permits the panels to be locked into place providing security for the payload against theft.

Abstract: A portable, vehicle-towed cut-off saw for firewood and the like is herein disclosed for cutting down regular length firewood into pieces that can be used in a stove or smaller fireplace. The invention is mounted on a steel frame with two wheels and a trailer tongue that allows it to be towed by a vehicle such as an automobile, truck or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The invention is powered mechanically by an on-board four cylinder gasoline engine which provides power via a series of belts and pulleys. The pulleys drive a large diameter circular saw blade which pivots from the bottom of a large feed table. The invention will cut wood up to 12? in diameter with one pass. The saw blade is retractable, is protected by a guard, and is only exposed when cutting wood. The invention can be towed directly to the cutting or piling site and is easily moved and operated by one person.

Abstract: A collapsible outdoor shower enclosure that folds up nearly flat to a wall surface when not in use is herein disclosed. The shower enclosure is intended for use in outdoor locations where a general floor drain or similar means exists for removal of waste water. The enclosure comprises a right wall assembly and a left wall assembly that have hinged connections allowing for the shower enclosure to fold up against the wall surface. The wall surface would also be the one containing a shower head and shower controls as well. When in a retracted orientation, the enclosure protrudes approximately thirteen (13) inches from the stationary wall surface. During use, each of the wall assemblies fold out ninety degrees (90°) from the wall surface and include a right door and a left door that form an entrance side for a user to enter the shower enclosure.

Abstract: An automatic alerting apparatus and method, is herein disclosed, which audibly signals neighbors when a house or building door has not been opened in the previous twenty-four (24) hours. The system comprises a plurality of contacts aligned in a parallel connection on the exterior doors of a residence. The contacts are connected to a resettable twenty-four (24) hour timer. In use, if the timer is not rest in a twenty-four (24) hour period then power is supplied to an audible horn or beacon which alerts others to a potential emergency situation. It is envisioned that the device apparatus would have a back-up battery system for use during power failures and an override button for periods where no one will be in the residence for more than twenty-four (24) hours.