Abstract: A self-actuated cervical traction device is provided. The traction device includes a headpiece, a loop attached to the headpiece, a cord, a pulley and a foot engaging loop. The headpiece is secured on the head. The headpiece includes straps which are connected to a first anchor. The cord is first connected to the first anchor and then to and through the pulley system. The pulley system is supported by a door. The cord is further connected to a second anchor. The second anchor is further connected to a foot strap, which engages the feet of the user. The headpiece would be adjusted, and the user would lie on the floor. When the user extends their legs, the foot loop transmits force back through to the headpiece through the cord and pully system stretching the muscles at the back of the neck, causing a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A device for testing, measuring and indexing shoes is disclosed. The device measures the capacity for vertical support of the midsole which is located directly under the heel of the foot. A base value is established for a specific brand and model of shoe. This permits the consumer to compare the amount of cushioning and shock absorption during the heel strike phase of running or walking activities of any of a plurality of different brand and models of shoe. Further, one may determine the value of a shoe which has been used to determine whether it should be replaced. The device employs a heel ram which would be inserted into the shoe directly above the midsole where the heel of the foot would reside. The ram is then forced into the midsole material. When a specific amount of pressure is achieved (PSI), a sensor measures the depth of penetration into the material. The less depth that is reached with the predetermined pressure, the more structure there is in the midsole.

Abstract: A swiveling gutter support or bracket is provided to be used to hang and support conventional existing gutters. The gutter support, when affixed to the gutter, keeps the gutter open as well as secured to the building sidewall. The gutter support has a first portion, an intermediate portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted to be received within the gutter lip. The intermediate portion connects the first portion to the second portion and includes a swivel. In some configurations, especially using plastics, the first portion may be directly molded to the second portion, and the two portions would be able to rotate. The swivel connects the first portion to the second portion. The swivel also permits the second portion to rotate with respect to the first portion. Once rotated, the second portion aligns with the side of the house. An aperture is provided on the second portion structure. The aperture is adapted to receive a fastener such as a nail, screw or the like there through.

Abstract: A method of testing athletic shoes is provided. The testing subjects athletic shoes to different temperature conditions in one test or different kinetic forces in another test. After undergoing the stressor (temperature, kinetic forces, other) the axial resistance exhibited by the shoe is measured by placing the shoe in the shoe testing device. The device ascertains the amount of torque required to rotate or twist each shoe to a standard amount. These results permits the different models and brands of athletic shoe to be independently categorized and grouped based on their performance with relation to the different stressor placed on the shoe. This would then permit the consumer, health professional and/or consultant to choose an athletic shoe which would assist in correcting pain caused by various degrees of motion in the foot or lower leg. By utilizing the categorizations, along with the needs of the individual, one may select an athletic shoe which can treat the effects of pronation and improper gait.

Abstract: A new type of antenna is provided by combining a single monocone with one or more additional antennas. The additional antennas are longer than the monocone, or they are chosen from a list of antennas. The inventive combination antenna has a greater frequency bandwidth than any of the component antennas would when employed singly. The new antenna has a single RF feed point. The monocone and the other component antennas are all electrically connected together close to said feed point. A monocone is also known as a conical monopole.

Abstract: A wine bottle convertible to a wine glass permitting the consumption of the wine directly therefrom is provided. The wine bottle may be sized to house a single serving of wine. The convertible wine bottle comprises four main elements which are assembled and filled with wine in a bottling process. The wine bottle has basically four integrated components with ancillary structure. These four components are assembled and filled with wine at a bottling plant. Once bottled, the convertible wine bottle may be packaged in 4-, 6-, or 8-packs, as well as individually. The wine bottles would then be transported and sold. These four integrated components are manipulated by the consumer to transform the wine bottle into a wine glass with an appropriate portion of wine therein. Such a convertible bottle of wine would give users the pleasure of drinking their wine from a stemmed glass. Once completed, the structure may be reassembled and recycled.

Abstract: A glove having a pinky finger, ring finger, middle finger, index finger and thumb receiving portion in communication with a hand receiving portion is provided. The pinky finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger receiving portions each have a top panel and a bottom panel, which are connected to form each of the finger receiving portions. An intermediate region of two of the finger receiving portions (ring finger, middle finger) includes a first and second insert. The intermediate region of the other two finger receiving portions (pinky and index fingers) include only a first insert sewn into a bottom panel of the finger receiving portions. It has been found that if an insert was provided in the outer pink and index finger receiving portions the stitching would fail and the glove would tear apart.

Abstract: A multi-purpose exercise device is disclosed. The device is generally an elongated rectangular box with a top side, a bottom side, a right side, a left side, a front side and a back side. The box tapers from the topside to the bottom side, giving it a trapezoidal configuration. The top side includes a transverse hinge forming a first adjustable section and a second adjustable section. The first section may be rotated about the hinge and be fixed at various angles by a pivotal adjustment arm. The second section may also be rotated about the hinge and may be secured in an angular position by a seat riser. The interior under the first section holds specialty bars, a wheel, a body pad and a variety of other devices. The interior under the second section holds handles, ankle straps, kneepads, cable ties, elastic elements and the like. A plurality of color coded ring clips are present on the right side, the left side, the front side and the back side.

Abstract: The invention is an airborne contamination control system with a main device unit and a remote unit. The main airborne contamination control unit is a cabinet including a motor in communication with an air treatment path. The main unit has a variety of configurations. The main unit has the capability to be connected to any of a plurality of lightweight remote units, depending on the specific application. These remote units are highly portable and of a small dimension which permits them to be employed in areas inaccessible to the main unit. The main unit is connected to the remote unit by an elongated and flexible duct. Both the main unit and remote unit have a general cabinet structure with mounting structure designed to receive dual or single articulated suction ducts thereon. The articulated suction ducts may be placed proximal a work piece which is being coated, abraded or treated by spraying.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and article of manufacture which comprises a portable, sensor-activated, suspendable electronic device which produces human speech when stimulated. The device may be used in conjunction with punching bags or may also be worn about the belt of the user. The device is programmed with plural sounds and phrases which are played through an on-board speaker. It is equipped with facility for recording sounds and phrases. Sounds are toggled to be played by built-in sensors which may be sensitive to vibration, touch, light or other means. Sounds and phrases may be related to specific activity modes in which the user employs the apparatus. All sounds can be played, either serially or randomly through the self-contained speaker. Sounds, which may be motivational in nature, can be related to a specific user function, such as jogging, working out, boxing, punching a punching bag or other desired activity.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a window guard system is disclosed. The window guard is mounted about the exterior of a window to its frame. The window guard is designed to be have the capability to be opened from the inside. A locking mechanism with three lock subassemblies is provided. A first locking element includes a sliding rod which immobilizes the second lock. The second locking element includes a position dependent sliding member which secures the third lock. The third lock is a pin which must be appropriately rotated in order to be removed when the second locking element is slid to a specific position. At this point, after opening the three locks comprising the locking mechanism, the window guard may be opened by pushing on the now released side causing rotation about the hinge members on the other side. The locking mechanism must be opened in a specific order in order to open the window guard. Once the window guard has been opened, one may egress the building or clean the window or window guard assembly.

Abstract: The invention includes a concave cup specifically designed to hold various size basketballs. The cup has a stem which inserts and is held securely in a precision bearing, which in turn is held firmly in the splined finger gripping portion of the invention. The splined finger gripping portion of the device is held securely on the finger of a person, by an o-ring. The o-ring rolls up and down on the splined portion and is prevented from rolling off by the molded protrusions at the bottom of the splined finger gripping portion of the invention. The splines are tapered to allow for expansion and contraction to fit various finger sizes.

Abstract: An earring to improve facial appearance is provided. The earring includes a main body which is hingedly affixed to an elongated post element. The post element has a unique structure and is designed to be received through a pair of holes which are made in and through the outer ear. A first hole is located on the region of the outer ear above the earlobe proximal the temporal bone on the pinnae or auricle of the ear and a second hole which is located on the earlobe proper. The earlobe is bent back behind the ear, aligning the first hole with the second hole. The post element would pass through both holes, pinning the earlobe behind the pinnae below the auditory canal. By placing a back or a securing means to the post extending through the folded ear configuration the earring is secured to the ear about the folded earlobe. By this method of attachment of the earring, wrinkles, loose skin, and the like on the face are smoothed out by the pulling action caused by the placement of the earrings.

Abstract: The invention is an airborne contamination control system with a main device unit and a remote unit. The main airborne contamination control unit is a cabinet including a motor in communication with an air treatment path. The main unit has a variety of configurations enhancing its flexibility. The main unit has the capacity to be connected to a lightweight remote unit. The remote unit is highly portable and of a small dimension which permits it to be employed in areas inaccessible to the main device. The main unit is connected to the remote unit by an elongated and flexible duct. Both the main unit and remote unit have a general cabinet structure with mounting structure designed to receive articulated suction ducts thereon. The articulated suction ducts may be placed proximal a work piece which is being coated, abraded or treated by spraying. The articulated suction ducts collect overspray and errant particles and transports them to and through a filter located in the main unit.

Abstract: A canine waste collection appliance and waste disposal method are disclosed. The collection appliance includes a handle connected to a frame. The frame includes a right portion, a left portion and an end portion. The right portion includes a proximal end and a distal end. The left portion includes a proximal end and a distal end. An end portion is provided intermediate the distal end of the right portion and the distal end of the left portion. The end portion includes a thin slot thereon. A paper element, such as a paper towel would be partially threaded through the thin slot and folded about the end portion. The paper towel would be also folded about the right portion and the left portion and the excess paper towel would be wound about the connection of the handle with the right portion and the left portion. The dog, in preparation for defecation, rounds its back, then squats and defecates.