Abstract: A new and improved overhead door safety apparatus is disclosed for a cable controlled door whose movement is guided by a stationary guide track. The new apparatus includes a brake assembly which is attached to the door and which is responsive to a decrease in a predetermined cable tension. When the decrease in the predetermined cable tension takes place, the overhead door safety apparatus is actuated causing the brake assembly to apply a braking action on movement of the overhead door. More specifically, in the brake assembly, a cable-tension-responsive track follower guides motion of the door by following the track. The cable-tension-responsive track follower has a first and a second operating state. The first operating state permits smooth movement of the cable-tension-responsive track follower along the track as the door moves when a control cable maintains a predetermined amount of cable tension.

Abstract: A flexible, rubber-like member in the shape of a flat "dumbbell" has a pair of holes at either enlarged end thereof for fitment respectively about the opposed knobs or handles of a door with the narrow portion thereof wrapping around the side edge of the door proximal the knobs to prevent closure of the door. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, there is provided a signal generating mechanism for indicating when an attempt is being made to close the door with which it is being used.

Abstract: In a staple remover wherein a pair of pointed teeth engage with a second pair of teeth to remove a staple the improvement which comprises providing a pair of clamping plates at the opposite end thereof.

Abstract: A new and improved early childhood learning toy includes a housing portion which includes planar walls, wherein at least two of the planar walls include different colors, and wherein at least two of the planar walls includes different visible patterns. The planar walls define an interior chamber. One of the planar walls includes one aperture permitting communication between the interior chamber and outside the housing portion. One of the planar walls includes two apertures permitting communication between the interior chamber and outside the housing portion. A plurality of cords includes respective ends attached to opposite ends of a planar wall. The cords extend across the planar wall, and a plurality of solid geometrical shapes are supported by the cords such that the geometrical shapes can be selectively moved along the cords. The respective geometrical shapes include respective centrally located cord-receiving apertures for receiving the cords. The cords are made of elastic material.