Abstract: The Adaptable Gift Bag is a bag made of relatively opaque, stretchy material, not paper or netting, so that it can fit over various sizes and shapes of gift items and present a smooth, attractive appearance. The Adaptable Gift Bag is typically made of a single sheet of material folded over and sewn along one or two sides so that it has one open end, but in alternate embodiments it could have two open ends. The open end can be closed around the gift by gathering and tying with traditional ribbon or cord, by attaching a drawstring, or alternatively can be twisted and stretched back over the gift for a unique finished appearance. The Adaptable Gift Bag may be lined (e.g., with a different material), may include a zipper for easier removal from the gift item, and/or may include strategically placed elastic bands in its interior for a better fit (esp. at the corners). Using a shimmery, sparkly, or iridescent material provides a festive appearance for the finished gift.

Abstract: A posture support garment comprises shoulder cap straps designed to pull the shoulders back thereby straightening the wearer's posture. The shoulder cap straps may be lined with silicone or some other appropriate material to grip or “grab” the skin at the area of the pectoral muscles or may be designed to cup the shoulders mechanically. This invention provides an effective posture enhancement while also providing a garment that is comfortable to wear all day. The posture support garment may be integrally designed and manufactured into a brassiere, T-shirt, bodice, or other top garment. The posture support garment may be worn by computer users or others concerned with detrimental genetic posture or the detrimental effects of everyday activity.

Abstract: A unique strap carrier tote carries a rolled yoga mat, collapsed hula hoop, towel, prayer rug, poster/drawing case, or other piece of equipment in a backpack style on the user's back. Two adjustable straps encircle the piece of equipment—typically proximate opposing ends of the rolled mat or opposing sectional sides of the collapsed hoop—and two adjustable shoulder straps extend therefrom. The user can sling the piece of equipment across her back so that her hands will be free, and the equipment will be securely and easily carried during walking, running, climbing, biking, etc.

Abstract: An abdominal exerciser can be used while standing up. The user stands on the anchor base and rests the neckpad on his shoulders while gripping the handlebars. The user can then bend forward and backward to strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles or side-to-side to strengthen the obliques. The unit is adjustable to fit various sizes of users and/or styles of workouts and can be partially disassembled for easy transportation. The unit comprises an elongate stem/tail assembly, a handlebar assembly including the neckpad to attach at the upper end, and an anchor base to attach at the bottom end. Resistance bands removably attached to hooks between the anchor base and the stem/tail assembly provide variable resistance to the user.

Abstract: A quick change mounting system for grinding and other surface preparation pads provides a simple and effective way for the pads to be mounted and changed on the mounting plate of a large surface preparation machine without removing the mounting plate from the machine. (This method also allows that existing mounting plates and preparation pads may be used with a minimal amount of adaptation.) The new quick-change system makes use of a unique slot design (using countersunk keyhole slots) for mounting the pads on the plate. Studs fixed on the pads fit into slots on the plate and may lock into position. In operation, centrifugal and other forces then help to further seat the pad onto the plate.

Abstract: A musical instrument similar to the traditional flute but easier to play and master has been designed as an introductory flute. The whistle flute can also be used by those who have had difficulty with traditional flute embouchure and/or for recreation, education, music therapy, and stage performance. With greater range, easier handling, and simpler fingering, the whistle flute will augment or replace the recorder style flutes now used in elementary schools. In addition, the whistle flute's inner whistle design could be utilized as a training or transitional mouthpiece for any type of transverse flute.

Abstract: A handheld or display assembly device which allows a user to obtain UV light in varying wavelengths from a single standard short-wave (SW) ultraviolet lamp. A standard SW ultraviolet lamp that has no phosphor coating is used, and the conversion sheets with different mixtures (or compounds) of phosphor are applied to convert the SW light into a medium-wave or long-wave light. One aspect of the present invention comprises an ultraviolet lamp, a housing for said lamp, a set of conversion sheets, and holding elements for removably mounting the conversion sheets adjacent the lamp. Another embodiment comprises a continuous sheet of the conversion sheets which is configured to roll across the front of the UV lamp, thereby converting the SW light into medium-wave or long-wave light.

Abstract: A golf bag rain cover is used to cover a club opening of a golf bag so that the golfer's clubs can remain as dry as possible during play. The golf bag rain cover may comprise a one-piece shell being constructed of a water-resistant material which is held in a bonnet shape over the club opening by several extensible rods. The golfer simply reaches up and under the shell to retrieve or replace clubs. In alternate embodiments, the deployment of the rain cover can be adjusted to allow more or easier access to the clubs. Also in alternate embodiments, the rain cover may be stowed in a stowage element integral with the golf bag.

Abstract: An attachment for drivers of screw type fasteners for releasably holding the fastener in place at the end thereof for inserting or removing. The attachment comprises a shaft collar, a spring, and a grasper, the grasper comprising an upper and a lower guide ferrule, joined concentrically by a pair of supports, and extending parallel from the lower ferrule a plurality of flexible fingers, each having at its distal end an inward facing detent that is substantially fulcrum shaped. The collar and spring are inserted between the ferrules, with the collar abutting the upper, the spring abutting the lower and the collar. A driver is inserted through the ferrules, collar, and spring until the tip is just shy of the detents, and the collar is then affixed to the driver shaft. A screw head is forced past the detents, the fingers yielding, and brought into proper contact with the driver tip, the fingers flexing back such that the detents hold the screw firmly to the driver.

Abstract: A capacitive light/dimmer switch which uses soft or fuzzy fabrics made with electronic textiles instead of, or as an extension of, metal or plastic plates. The soft fabric material, which may be in the form of a pompom, tassel, fur, or other electronic trim element, provides an attractive and compelling user interface that is soft to the touch. The user simply touches the pompom, as he would the dimmer plate, to cause the amount of light to increase or decrease. The electronic textiles of the light controller comprise electrodes integrated into their yarns or fibers, resulting in a conductive material (electronic textile) that may be used as the user interface. This conductive material is electrically connected to a sensing circuit by either AC coupling or DC contact. When the user touches the conductive material, the sensing circuit measures the change in load of the electrodes, and the lighting is changed.

Abstract: In an integrated system of alarm components used in the real estate industry, the product family consists of three primary components: a portable transmitter unit, a vehicle-mounted transceiver unit, and a house-installed receiver unit. The system is intended to enhance the personal safety of real estate professionals who venture into the field, e.g., to show vacant houses to potential buyers. The transmitter is sized to be handheld, attached with a belt clip, or carried in pocket. When a panic button on the transmitter is depressed, the transmitter sends coded radio frequency signals which will activate either or both of the vehicle-mounted transceiver and the house-installed receiver as well as other system devices within range. When the transceiver is activated, the unit's horn will sound, and the transceiver will in turn transmit a coded radio frequency signal to any one or more identified receiver units sharing the same signal code.

Abstract: A pet step is a modular foam core item which can be used alone or in an arrangement with other pet steps—referred to as cubes—to form a stair and offers a comfortable way for a pet that has been debilitated by age, surgery, illness, or injury to climb, e.g., from the floor to the couch and down, eliminating the impact of jumping. Each step is formed of a washable fabric cover stretched across a high-density foam core, the core being usually of regular block shape, but alternatively in the shape of a trapezoidal block, right wedge, or other. The cover may be made from various fabrics with different textures, colors, and designs, and is secured around the foam core using a band of elastic. Thus, the cover is easily removable and washable.