Abstract: Apparatus for transporting, loading and unloading a watercraft, such as a jet ski, or wheeled vehicle from the bed of a pick up truck, where the apparatus is convertible to a mobile dolly for storage of the jet ski or other object. The apparatus comprises a tiltable mechanism formed of a pair of spaced apart rails mounting a pair of pivotal and retractable legs at a first end, a winch mechanism at the opposite end, and a longitudinally movable and pivotal leg support mechanism, movable from the first end to near the opposite end.

Abstract: A buoyant, pool skimming device for removing floating debris from swimming pools. The device includes a skimmer frame mounting plural flotation, buoyancy members removably secured to the frame. The respective members each comprise an elongated elastomeric member, having a snap engaging channel for attachment to the frame, and a light weight foam body secured thereabout.

Abstract: A portable and retractable cart primarily for transporting and dispensing beverages at selected mobile sites, then retractable to a relatively thin profile for easy storage. The cart comprises a planar, U-shaped frame member, a pair of pivotal wheels at the frame free ends, and first and second hinged and supportable platforms for transporting and dispensing the beverages.

Abstract: A fire suppressant device that may be rendered automatic by exposing the device to an elevated temperature. The preferred device comprises a canister housing with a uniform cross section throughout its length, and includes a piston member disposed for sliding movement within the canister housing. The canister housing, preferably cylindrical, for containing a fire suppressant fluid, features in a preferred embodiment a nozzle mechanism that includes a cap member temporarily fixed to the spray nozzle thereof by a solder having a known melting point. Disposed between the cap member and spray nozzle is a compression spring biasing the cap member. When the canister housing is exposed to temperatures of at least the melting point of the solder, the solder melts or softens allowing the cap member to be released under the influence of the compression spring, whereby fire suppressant fluid within the canister housing is released against a fire.

Abstract: A manually retractable electric power cord system for a mobile appliance, such as an upright vacuum cleaner. The power cord, in combination with the mobile appliance, comprises a coiled power cord that has a memory to restore its coiled shape when in the relaxed or resiled state, and an elongated rod extending generally vertically from the mobile appliance. Hand gripping members are provided along the power cord to help the operator to manually pickup and feed the coiled power cord onto the elongated rod.

Abstract: A planetary ratchet wrench with an optional add-on pipe cutting tool. The basic tool includes first and second intermeshing gear members, where one of the gear members includes a pair of arcuate shaped segments, pivotally engaged, that open to receive a pipe connection and close to form a continuous circular gear member. To the second of the gear members, a ratchet arm, removably secured to the second gear member, is provided to effect rotation of the respective gear members. Stabilizing arm is provided to allow the rotation of the gear members from a position remote from the meshing gear members. Further, a pipe cutting tool may be an add-on to the tool for rotation with the first of the gear members.

Abstract: A portable fluid dispensing system, such as for the transfer of fuel to a vehicle fuel tank, that is convenient and safe. The system hereof includes a closed fluid containing chamber, having access means for fitting the chamber, air relief means, and a quantity regulating dispensing mechanism. The quantity regulating dispensing mechanism includes a pair of concentric tubular members, rotatable relative to one another, where such members feature a series of apertures or ports that may be aligned, through rotation of one of the members, to control the quantity of fluid to be dispensed at any given time, such as in increments of gallons.

Abstract: A communication system for detecting mail at remotely located mail receptacles, where the receptacle mounts a battery powered, intermittently operable radio transceiver. The transceiver preferably includes a pair of infrared light beams and a beam reflective membrane, where a reflected beam, i.e. reads itself or other beam, indicates no-mail, whereas an interrupted beam causes a signal to be generated to indicate the presence of mail. The signal is picked up by a radio frequency polling transceiver relay, which in turn relays the signal to one or more, fixed or mobile, radio transceivers.

Abstract: A portable receptacle, to be carried by a golfer, to repair and restore divot marks by dispensing sand and related granular material on the golf course. The receptacle comprises a canister housing and an axially movable, spring biased member that moves between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing position. Cooperating with the axially movable member is an internal vane member that ensures proper dispensing of the sand or sand mixture.

Abstract: A three point hitch assembly for attachment to the rear of a powered vehicle, such as a four wheel drive vehicle, for trailing an implement. The three point hitch assembly is pivotal in a horizontal plane to allow for decreased turning radius when the implement is rendered operable, and vertically adjustable for positioning the implement. The three point hitch assembly includes a fixed planar plate mounting device for removably securing the three point hitch assembly to the rear of the powered vehicle, and a pivotal main frame mounting a rotating planar base and adapted for pivotal movement on the fixed planar plate. The pivotal main frame includes an L-shaped member, fixedly secured to the rotating planar base, a transverse arm having a pair of free ends, with each end pivotally mounting a lifting arm, where a free end of each lifting arm includes a mounting device for removably securing the implement. Additionally, there is included at least one adjustable leveling arm.

Abstract: A landscaping control fabric to allow gardeners and landscapers to custom design various outdoor planting projects by the use of a unique landscaping control fabric containing plural layers of time releasing growth enhancing and control products. Such products, contained on mucilage media on a water pervious mesh layer, may be selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, fungicides, water saver crystals, vegetation foods, pre-emergent weed killers, and post-emergent weed killers, are placed about selected vegetation.

Abstract: A floor mounted adjustable airflow assembly for use with an underfloor air distribution or diffuser system. The assembly comprises a circular grate housing nesting a rotatable and removable, circular grate mechanism, where the assembly includes a cam riding, continuous sleeve that may be recessed by rotation of the circular grate mechanism for full air flow, or extended to close off air flow, or readily set at selected positions therebetween as a means to control air flow from an underfloor plenum to the space above the floor.

Abstract: A convertible, vertically disposed dispenser for dispensing toilet tissue from a roll. The dispenser is adapted to be attached to a conventional horizontally disposed toilet tissue dispenser by a fastening mechanism which includes a rotatable, elongated threaded member mounting a movable plate for engagement with the spindle of the horizontally disposed toilet tissue dispenser. Further, the convertible dispenser mounts a vertically oriented spindle for receiving and dispensing a roll of toilet tissue.

Abstract: A protective shield for the wheel rim of an automobile, to be held against the wheel rim during the application of a protectant/cleanser to the side wall of a tire mounted on the wheel rim. The protective shield comprises a circular, generally flat body, preferably formed of plastic, of a size to overlie the wheel rim. The circular body includes a first annular, outwardly extending rib, a second continuous, outwardly extending rib spaced radially inwardly therefrom to define an annular channel, a continuous, yieldable foam-like member positioned within the channel, and a handle means. The foam-like member preferably extends above the respective ribs to provide a moisture sealing barrier between the body and wheel rim when held against the wheel rim.

Abstract: A slidable and adjustable shelf assembly adapted to be fitted to the rear of a pickup truck, more precisely the side walls. While overriding such side walls, the shelf assembly is in rolling contact with a rigid canopy or camper shell fixed to the side walls. The assembly includes a pair of U-shaped members which telescopically engage a pair of intermediate joining members to form a generally rectangular frame sized to fit the truck side walls, and to receive a pair of overlapping planar panel members. The respective U-shaped members are each provided with at least a pair of spring biased, roller members that include complementary roller wheels maintained in rolling contact with the side walls and rigid canopy during sliding movement of the shelf assembly, even where the canopy walls are in a nonparallel relationship. Further, a clamping device is provided to prevent premature movement of the shelf assembly.

Abstract: A two stage alarm system for detecting rising levels of sludge in septic tanks, and similar sedimentary tanks. The system, to detect a first or “caution” level, and a second or “critical” level of sludge, relies upon a pair of vertically positioned weight sensitive switching mechanisms which, when triggered by the rising levels of sludge, will send appropriate signals to a remote alarm mechanism, such as at the residence, to activate a “yellow” and/or “red” light, for example, thus alerting the owner of the tank to the need for remedial action.

Abstract: The combination of a bath/shower enclosure with an innovative curtain arrangement to eliminate splashing water from exiting the enclosure. The curtain arrangement includes at least one elongated, hook and pile type fastening strip positioned along each vertical edge of the curtain, and a complementary number of such fastening strips, angularly oriented to the curtain fasteners, on the enclosure walls, whereby the curtain may be adjustably and temporarily fastened to the enclosure walls.

Abstract: A dual roller assembly adapted to simultaneously rotate along perpendicular surfaces. The roller assembly comprises a pair of telescopically engaging shaft members sized to rotate and move axially of one another. A first of the shaft member, mounts first and second interfitting cylindrical members receiving a rotary caster ball, where the rotary caster ball is supported for rotative movement within the roller unit formed by the interfitting cylindrical members, by a first ball bearing ring. The second shaft member mounts a cylindrical cap member for receiving a second ball bearing ring in rotary contact with the second cylindrical member, and finally, the second shaft member further mounts a fixed annular ring spaced from the cylindrical cap member, and an encircling compression spring on the second shaft member extending between the cylindrical cap member and the annular ring, to provide shock obsorbing features thereto.

Abstract: A video camera mounting system for a firearm, such as a rifle or a shotgun, to simultaneously video a target at the time of the “kill”. The system includes a video mounting assembly that incorporates a shock absorbing mechanism to protect the video camera against the recoil of the firearm, and a pivotally mounted platform to finely adjust the video camera toward the target.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser assembly for late model CORVETTE, such as for the model years 1997 to 1999. The assembly includes a box-like housing for slidable receiving a conventional box of facial tissue, and a support adapter secured to at least a portion of the housing. The housing and adapter are positioned to lie contiguous with a pair of angled walls forming a part of the console of the CORVETTE.