Abstract: A valve locking device has a rigid covering member with an axial bore extending inside it. The bottom of the covering member has an annular skirt, and an annular groove is formed in the interior wall of the skirt. A resilient retaining ring with opposite terminal ends resides in the groove. The groove has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the retaining ring so that the ring can be expanded radially within the groove to the extent that the interior diameter of the retaining ring is larger than the diameter of the axial bore. The skirt portion of the covering member has a cut out for accessing the terminal ends of the retaining ring with retaining ring pliers. The terminal ends of the ring have bores for receiving tines on the pliers.

Abstract: A portable door lock assembly for locking a door in a partially open attitude has an elongated base member with a length greater than the width of a standard door frame. First and second hollow members are secured to opposite ends of the base member. A pair of central hollow members are secured to the base member between the first and second hollow members. An elongated cup mount member is provided. The cup mount member has a cup for receiving the bottom of a door pivotally secured to one end. Its other end has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first, second and central hollow members so the first, second and central hollow members can telescopingly receive the cup mount member. The cup mount member is telescopingly secured in the particular hollow member depending on the type of entryway and which side of the door is hinged to the frame. At no time during use does the door lock have to be bolted, screwed or otherwise fastened to the wall, door, or frame.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column for a motor vehicle has an elongated hollow cylinder slidably mounted on a piston while also fast to the piston for rotary movement. The space between the interior wall of the cylinder and the piston is sealed in a gas-tight fashion. A head is attached to the top of the cylinder. The head has a frangible seal hermetically secured inside it so that the top of the piston, the interior wall of the cylinder and the seal define an air cavity. The cavity is under pressure such that the cylinder is supported by a column of pressurized gas. A coil spring inside the cylinder urges the piston and the bottom of the cylinder apart. The seal has a bore in which resides an explosive compound. Lead lines connect the explosive compound with an electronic collision sensor, which is located in the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp (10) comprises a pair of opposite interlocking members (30). Each of the interlocking members has a top portion (26), a bottom portion (28), and a forward and a rearward end (25,27), respectively. The interlocking members have forward end tines (24). Each of the tines has a transverse bore extending therethrough. A pin (60) is provided for inserting through the bores to lock the interlocking members together in a closed position. The pin has a top (62), a terminal end (80) and an shank (70) therebetween. The top has a bore (67) extending through it. A pair of upstanding posts (50,51) are secured to the top portion of each of the interlocking members. The top of the pin protrudes a height at least as great as the posts when the pin is fully inserted in the bores. At least one of the bores and at least a portion of the shank have complementary threads (31,81).

Abstract: A pick-up tool is disclosed for picking up, moving, and releasing a variety of objects through the use of a single hand. A spring wire, formed into a crossing loop, is drawn through a bearing with the ends of the loop grasping the object in a pincers action. The loop is attached to a guide that slides along a shaft. A cord, attached to the guide, is pulled by the action of a rod that is rotatably disposed in a handle attached at an oblique angle to the shaft.

Abstract: An upper torso restraining device is disclosed for maintaining an individual in a seated position in a chair or similar by providing attachment and support of the upper torso. An external upper body garment with appearance similar to ordinary clothing is provided with side slits. An interior vest having straps extending from front crossover and crossunder portions is attached to the upper body garment along the upper edges of the interior vest. Straps from the crossunder portion pass through one side of the interior vest through interior slits and straps from the crossover portion pass through external loops located on the opposing side of the interior vest. The straps then pass through the side slits, and may be secured together behind an individual wearing the interior vest and upper body garment.

Abstract: A cake decorating utensil organizing container is disclosed for providing a container to store a variety of cake decorating utensils in a secure, organized and readily accessible manner. Clean, wet pastry tips may be stored in an erect position in individual sleeves in outwardly rotatable holders, with moisture from the pastry tips caught on outwardly rotatable drip trays. Evaporation of moisture is facilitated by ventilation holes. Additional cake decorating utensils may be stored in a removable utensil tray and also in a base portion. The container may be rapidly disassembled into component parts for cleaning.

Abstract: A restraining device is disclosed for maintaining an individual in a seated position in a chair or similar and providing containment and absorption of waste materials produced by the individual. An external garment portion with appearance similar to ordinary clothing for the lower portion of the body has opposing, closeable side slots, and straps extending from rear waistband portions of the garment are removably disposable through loops attached to front waistband portions of the garment and tied behind the individual. A three-ply liner is attached to the interior of the garment, and a disposable, absorbent pad is removably attached to the interior of the liner.

Abstract: A scoop for pet litter is disclosed for separating pet waste materials from unsoiled clumpable pet litter. A generally planar sifter portion has a plurality of parallel ribs, defining a plurality of slots through which unsoiled pet litter is sifted. Each rib has inwardly slanting upper sides, facilitating sifting. A front member having an inwardly slanted upper exterior surface is provided, and a handle is attached to sifter portion so as to be disposed in a plane parallel to and above the sifter portion.