Abstract: A pair of weight devices and a method for using them for improved aerobic exercise during walking. The devices each include an elongated rigid member with a ground-engageable member at one end and a hand grip at the opposite end, a strap secured to the hand grip to form a loop adjacent thereto, and weighting to place the center of gravity of the device toward the hand-grip end. In preferred forms, the weight means is secured at or near the hand grip. The method of this invention involves walking with a pair of such elongated weight devices and applying alternating lifting and driving force to them. In preferred forms, each hand is engaged with the weight devices alternately in two different ways, by holding the hand grips and by applying downward force on the straps.

Abstract: An improved waterbed and waterbed perimeter support including a frame base member formed of a dimensionally-stable pliant sheet having a lower portion securable under the bladder and a lateral portion extending therefrom adjacent to the bladder perimeter along the sides thereof, rigid elongated reinforcing boards attached to each of the reinforcing portions and extending upwardly to an upper edge at an intermediate level beside the bladder perimeter, and resiliently-deformable elongated upper members extending along each of the boards and terminating in top edges along the bladder top. The upper members provide excellent lateral support for the bladder and are readily inwardly deformable.

Abstract: An improved plunger for clearing clogged bathroom drains and the like. The plunger has apertures through the wall of its resiliently collapsible cup and a diaphragm or other occlusion member on the inside surface of the cup for alternately opening and partially occluding the apertures in response to pressures and liquid flow. The invention allows repetitive application of downward hydraulic pressure on the clog without excessive reverse pressures during the intervening upward strokes, facilitates variation in the degree of hydraulic pressure applied, and provides several related advantages. In one preferred embodiment, the diaphragm is secured to a raised portion of the cup inside surface. In another, the degree of maximum occlusion is adjustable by turning the occlusion member. In yet another, the cup and diaphragm are integrally formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting fasteners seriatim at a predetermined position in a predetermined orientation for subsequent transfer or fastening. The invention includes a container for jumbled similar fasteners, reciprocating or other lifting means having an arm extending to a distal end within the container, and passive pickup means on the distal end configured to receive a fastener from among the jumbled fasteners and hold it by cradling as the pickup element moves upwardly through the jumbled fasteners to a position thereabove. The method and apparatus can repetitively present one type of fastener to one position, an array of one type of fastener to several positions, or an array of plural types of fasteners to plural positions.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for field sports having a circular cleat formed on the sole in forward position substantially encompassing the ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole, extending substantially across the width of the sole, and enclosing a surface coincident with the main surface of the sole. The shoe provides improved pivotability while also providing good traction, and can reduce the frequency of certain common leg injuries.