Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace in which the brace and a protective attachment are secured together as a single, unitary piece without stitching or glue. The protective attachment can have an intricate shape to fit around a moving body part, thereby permitting the therapeutic and protective use of braces that could not be achieved before. The protective attachment is anatomically secured in relation to a selected body part, and may provide control to an unstable joint, decrease stress to an over-worked tendon, provide pain relief to a sore muscle, and pad the area against impact that could cause further damage. An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides for a cushioned protective attachment on the brace to be protected by a protective shell brace.

Abstract: A flashlight and a tool are held in a housing that rotates relative to the tool, so that the flashlight remains in a relatively fixed position even when the tool is rotated. This allows the user to illuminate a work area and to rotate the tool without causing changes in the work area lighting.

Abstract: A rack is provided with shelves that are well-secured. The corners of each shelf are connected by a hook on one member dropped vertically down into a slot of the other member, and, once the members are properly aligned with the hook and slot, they are secured with a bolt. Beams, such as roller beams, guide beams, and support beams are connected to the frame members by means of upwardly-projecting trees on the frame members, which include arms that fit into holes in the vertical legs of the beams. Clips may be used after the beams are installed on the frame members to prevent the vertical legs of the beams from shifting, thereby further securing the beams to the shelf.

Abstract: A photograph display assembly and method which has particular application for outdoor use in combination with memorials or tombstones. The design utilizes a double-sided acrylic tape to hermetically seal a covering lens and to affix a frame assembly to a wall. The particular frame structure and method disclosed may be used for various sizes of pictorial or other written displays. The frame assembly includes a compartment or recessed area for a silica gel packet. The method steps of the invention include appropriate surface cleaning and the overall design make be easily installed and used.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided, in which the drive chain which drives products along the conveyor has features that permit control of the threshold driving force that will be reached before the chain's carrier rollers begin to rotate to permit accumulation of product on the conveyor. The threshold driving force is controlled by friction members which are located between split portions of the carrier rollers and by the angle of the outer surface of the carrier rollers. The steeper the angle, the greater the threshold force.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a backpack device on a trailer includes a beam with lateral projections and hooks on the ends of the projections to receive the frame of a backpack device. Preferably, there is at least one strap for securing the device in a vertical position on the mounting arrangement. To mount the device on the mounting arrangement, it is pivoted downwardly, to hook the device frame over the hooks, and is then pivoted upwardly, into a vertical position, and is secured in the vertical position so that it cannot pivot back down to come loose.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes a heel stirrup including a base and left and right upright portions. Left and right pivot legs are pivotably connected to the left and right uprights, respectively. A cuff joins the left and right pivot legs. The left and right portions of the cuff preferably are pivotably connected to each other. The sides of the heel stirrup are tapered to provide maximum stability with minimum interference with the foot.

Abstract: A measuring tool which allows for a quick, accurate determination of the appropriate position to hang a hook or similar hanger on a wall for supporting a picture or similar object. The tool includes horizontal and vertical legs and a sliding member that moves along the vertical leg. When the horizontal leg is positioned adjacent the top edge of an object, the sliding member may be moved to pinpoint the vertical location of the hanging mechanism relative to the top edge of the object.

Abstract: An oven includes a front door, a pivotable product support platform, and a back opening. There is a ramp connected to the back of the oven at the back opening, so that, when the platform pivots downwardly to eject product from the oven, the product slides down the platform and onto the ramp. The oven includes a control system, including a timer, which controls a solenoid that causes the platform to drop down when it is time to remove the product from the oven.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine includes a ball throwing mechanism that is mounted on a frame that rotates about a vertical axis so that balls are ejected at preset positions along an arc. In a preferred embodiment, the ball throwing mechanism is mounted on a base plate that rotates back and forth through a 90-degree arc. A timing plate controls the rotation of the throwing mechanism and includes projections that trigger the ejection of the balls at preselected angular positions.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided for conveying cantilevered loads on wheeled carriages. The frame of the conveyor includes carriage roller support surfaces, which support the weight of the carriage and the load and guide the carriage along the conveyor. There is a belt along the frame which drives the carriages. Since the belt does not support the weight of the carriage, the force between the carriage and the belt need only be sufficient to drive the load. This reduces the energy used by the conveyor, reduces the wear on the conveyor, and reduces jostling of the products being conveyed.

Abstract: Blocks are provided which can be assembled to form a wall without the use of skilled labor. The blocks are assembled with an adhesive caulk, which forms a watertight gasket around the wall. This design can withstand winds and earthquakes better than a standard block wall. The standard block includes a rectangular block portion, a rear face portion, and a front face portion. The face portions are recessed from the top surface of the rectangular block portion and project down from the bottom surface of the rectangular block portion. Of course, the use of the terms bottom and top are relative, and the wall could be assembled with all the blocks upside-down.