Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses an apparatus to aid in holding shoe eyelets in place during the shoe manufacturing process. The apparatus has a large comb shape with a plurality of rod shaped teeth corresponding to the number of shoe eyelet pairs. In operation, each tooth that is threaded through a shoe eyelet pair comprises “eyes” on each end similar to those found on sewing needles. A pair of metal or plastic rods, equipped with locking features, is then threaded through the eyes to secure the apparatus with the shoe eyelet in place. There are various sizes of the apparatus to accommodate different sized shoes and number of shoe eyelet pairs. The use of this apparatus saves time in the manufacturing process while improving work quality and increasing operator safety.

Abstract: An electrical outlet plate with a hinged cover to not only cover the outlet openings, but provide a means of safely securing any plug and cord that should be connected to it is herein disclosed. The base cover plate is similar in appearance to a conventional duplex outlet cover plate used in homes, offices, and businesses. The hinged outlet cover is approximately two (2) inches deep with a lockable latch along a side surface and two (2) slots in the face for routing electrical cords, thereby captivating a plug portion inside. Thus, when secured in place, it is impossible to remove the plug and cord without first removing the cover plate. Due to the spring action of the latch, an adult can easily remove the hinging cover by pressing to release; however, it is virtually impossible for a child or toddler to do so.

Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses a motion-activated, mechanical apparatus that can be mounted onto a wall to provide the automatic scratching of a house pet, specifically a cat. The new and novel apparatus is configured with four independent mechanisms resembling human fingers, less the thumb, in both appearance and in movement. The fingers would be covered with a latex material to closely approximate the feel of real fingers. The mechanical apparatus would be mounted on a wall structure at an appropriate height to best facilitate the petting and scratching of the owner's particular pet. In operation, the artificial finger-like appendages would have a drive mechanism, electrical motor and be powered by a battery. A motion sensor, such as a close range infrared detector or similar device, would activate the fingers as the pet came into close proximity.

Abstract: A cleaning system stored within its own storage case having an integrated and collapsible handle, a dustpan, and a broom head specifically designed to sweep under furniture and other obstacles is herein disclosed. When in a broom configuration, a curved handle portion and the bristled broom head allows cleaning beneath objects. The handle can be removed from the broom portion and attached to the dustpan to remove dirt and debris. The broom head, with its own separate angled handle, may also be utilized as a whisk broom to collect the dirt and refuse into the dustpan. All components are stored in a self-contained carrying case. The storage case also has internal fasteners to secure the components of the apparatus securely therewithin.

Abstract: An auxiliary dual handle device for attachment to a handle of a floor cleaning appliance having a floor, engaging portion includes an elongated member which has a predetermined length and which is manufactured from a predetermined material and a bore which is longitudinally and axially formed in at least a portion of the elongated member and which is sized and shaped to slidingly engage an exterior surface of the appliance handle. There is a left and a right auxiliary handle, each having a first end portion thereof rigidly secured to a user proximal end portion of the elongated member and laterally offset from one another. The elongated member is secured to the appliance handle with fasteners of clamps. There is also provided a single piece dual handle device which is attachable directly to the floor engaging portion of the floor cleaning appliance.

Abstract: An attachable hanging hook for removably hanging a carrying bag from an upper edge of a vertical support surface or from an edge of a horizontal support surface includes a pair of hooks and a central joint. A first hook is pivotably movable about the joint and a second hook is rotatably movable about the joint. Depending upon the orientation of the hooks relative to one another, the carrying bag can be securely suspended from a horizontal support or a vertical support. The joint also allows the hooks to be collapsibly folded onto one another for storage.

Abstract: A device which anchors a small boat to a tree stump is herein disclosed, comprising a section of resilient and inert material with an interior opening and is provided with a multitude of attaching apertures through its cross-section. These attaching apertures are connected to a plurality of three hundred (300) pound test nylon cords in a conical type fashion. The various sections of cord are also secured intermediately along its length thus producing a net structure not unlike that of a basketball net. The upper end of each cord is secured to a central point and is anchored with a section of five hundred (500) pound test nylon cord which is used to connect the device to a small boat. To use the device, the user slips the device over a tree stump or similar support structure protruding up through or just below the water surface. The net structure of the device provides a secure grip about the support structure no matter the direction of the boat in relation to the support structure.

Abstract: A pair of safety sunglass, particularly for use when arc welding, includes auto darkening lenses having suitable characteristics for providing high intensity light protection during welding procedures. The sunglasses have a tight fitting frame conforming to an individual's face curvature. When an arc is struck, or another high intensity light source is present, the lenses instantly and automatically darken to protect the individual's eyes from damage. Each lens includes a plurality of layers for prohibiting the high intensity direct light rays from passing therethrough. A feature and benefit of such eyewear is that welding operations may be performed in confined spaces where a conventional welding face shield can not fit. When the welding is completed, the eyeglasses would quickly return to their sun tinted state allowing them to be used as a conventional pair of sunglasses.

Abstract: A pair of wire strippers with a specially designed tip to allow stripping of type NM or NMC cable inside of electrical boxes is herein disclosed. The upper portion of the tip, is bent at a ninety degree (90°) angle to the main body of the stripper. This angled tip contains cutting blades designed to conform to the profile of type NM or NMC cable, commonly known as “Romex.” Due to this angled configuration, the wire stripper blades can easily fit into small electrical boxes and strip cable near the back of the box, as opposed to conventional wire strippers which cannot be used in such close quarters. To aid in proper positioning of the tip of the wire stripper, a “Z”-shaped parallel offset is provided. The wire strippers can also be used outside of boxes in an equally effective manner, thus an electrician is not required to carry two (2) pairs of wire strippers.

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: A golf ball dispenser which attaches to the exterior surface of a golf bag that is upright, rectangular, and capable of holding a plurality of golf balls, is herein disclosed. The dispenser is made of a durable yet flexible plastic material. Stored balls are added through the top of the dispenser through an upper opening. The balls can either be inserted one (1) at a time or in “as-purchased” quantities. In use, to remove a golf ball, the lowest ball is forced upward through a flexible retaining tab, thus releasing the ball through a bottom aperture. The dispenser is attachable to a golf bag with a fastening means.

Abstract: An exercise machine designed to enhance flexibility and allow for controlled stretching of torso muscles is herein disclosed. The machine comprises a padded cushion upon which a user is situated in a seated position. The machine also comprises a padded bolster which moves in a circular arc which the user pushes against with their back, chest, or side, depending on the seated position. The bolster supports and guides the user through a full arcuate motion from a vertical position downwardly toward the floor. The machine comprises a stationary second pad which supports a user's pelvis or waist area during the stretching therapy. The positions of both the bolster and stationary pad are adjustable in order to accommodate the user's size. The exercise machine utilizes a series of counterbalancing springs housed within a main enclosure to enable the user to easily return to a sitting position.

Abstract: An apparatus that indicates the speed of oncoming trains at train crossings comprises a large digital display attached to a drop gate or alternately on a side gate crossing sign for those crossings without a gate. The digital display is surrounded by a large sign indicating the speed of an oncoming train. A speed detection device aimed in either direction on the track to determine train speed. An interface converts the detected speed into a digital display. It is envisioned that motorists knowing the speed of an oncoming train will be less likely to try to beat the train through the crossing.

Abstract: An apparatus that mimics the physical effects of riding in a motor vehicle comprising a base structure on which a child automobile seat may be mounted to sooth an occupying child is herein disclosed. A top platform is laterally and longitudinally motioned by bottom mounted motion generating motor assemblies by means of supporting springs. A standard child's automobile seat can be fastened with the use of an integral seat belt. The apparatus is controlled by a microprocessor-based control system, which activates the motors to reproduce a gentle rocking, bumping, swerving or other motion commonly experienced in a motor vehicle. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a sound system capable of producing soothing music and a plurality of sounds designed to mimic those heard in a motor vehicle.