Abstract: A food skewer tool for removal of a food article from a skewer includes a flat elongated main body having a head portion disposed at a first end and a handle portion disposed at a second end opposite of the first end. The head portion and the handle portion are generally co-planar with one another. The tool further includes a notch extending inward into the head portion of the main body. The tool optionally includes a grip covering at least part of the handle portion of the main body. The tool further optionally includes an accessory disposed at the second end.

Abstract: An epilation apparatus includes a support and a glass pad adhered to the support. The glass pad has an exposed roughened surface that, when placed against human skin and manually manipulated in a rotational motion, is adapted to remove hair from the human skin. A method of using the epilation apparatus involves configuring the support such that the roughened surface of the glass pad is placed against human skin that has hair and manually manipulating the support in a rotational motion such the glass pad removes the hair from the human skin.

Abstract: A mobile outlet apparatus and process for providing electrical current by means of a clamp-on outlet extender attached to an object and connected to a stationary source of electric current is provided. A description of several possible clamping systems for attaching the mobile outlet to an object is provided, as well as a description of different voltage conversion and outlet options on the mobile outlet. In one configuration the mobile outlet is particularly designed to provide a flat profile and to allow quick attachment and detachment by means of a ratchet system. The mobile outlet is also designed to allow attachment of various faceplates for purposes of decor matching and branding purposes.

Abstract: A hose support apparatus includes a spine member defining an axis, a handle attached along the spine member and first and second arcuate supports extending downwardly and inwardly from opposite sides of the spine member. The first arcuate support extends from the spine member at a first end thereof and the second arcuate support extends from the spine member at a second end thereof such that the arcuate supports are adapted to support a section of a hose co-axially aligned with the spine member.

Abstract: A canine restraint harness for controlling pulling behavior by a dog while being led includes a cord having first and second ends, a clasp for attachment to a dog collar, a cam for receiving and clamping a segment of the cord to reduce the length thereof, a closed loop at the clamped segment of the cord for attachment to a dog lead, and a fastener for fastening the first and second ends of the cord together. The cord is adapted to extend from the dog collar, between the front legs of the dog, and around the back of the dog to the dog lead such that the cam is disposed close to the back of the dog with the cord adapted to apply a tightening force when the dog exhibits pulling behavior while being led.

Abstract: A fastening system for a shoe for a child includes a tongue and at least a pair of fastening arms. The tongue includes one or more features of a selected character. Each of the pair of fastening arms is configured as an appendage of the selected character and is attached to the tongue. Each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in a body portion of the shoe and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.

Abstract: A method of swaddling a baby includes providing a blanket having a pair of spaced-apart sleeves attached to the blanket and a pair of leg openings that extend fully through the blanket. Each leg opening is located generally beneath a respective one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator for highlighting or imparting color to a user's hair includes upper and lower halves attached together by a hinge. Each half includes a rigid outer cap and a flexible connector surrounding and connecting the outer cap to a perimeter of the respective half. The cosmetic applicator further includes an applicator pad arranged in an interior of one of the upper and lower halves and a coloring material arranged in an interior of the other of the upper and lower halves. The flexible connector permits the outer caps of the respective upper and lower halves to be pressed inwardly toward one another so as to bring the applicator pad and the coloring material into engagement with one another.

Abstract: A trashcan includes a container having a base and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base forming an interior space for receipt of a trash bag therein; and a trash bag retention member disposed on the peripheral wall, the retention member defining a passageway into the interior space of the container and comprising a plurality of resilient, flexible fingers configured to receive and retain therebetween a portion of a trash bag. Each finger includes a portion thereof that extends away from the peripheral wall. Each finger is “bent” and extends away from the peripheral wall. A finger may extend away from the peripheral wall on the exterior of the container, away from the peripheral wall on the interior of the container, or both. A method of making the trashcan includes injection molding the container and the retention member separately or, alternatively, together.

Abstract: A projectile tossing game that combines elements of traditional washers and bean bag games with baseball. The game includes a receiving box that resembles a baseball field having an infield and outfield. The floor of the box can be covered with a material such as outdoor carpeting or turf to minimize the impact of projectiles landing in the box. Players score points (or runs) by landing projectiles in the infield or in one of the cylindrical outfield targets. The game is played for nine turns rather than a predetermined score. In the event of a tie, extra turns are taken until a player or team is declared the winner. The game can be played with multiple players and one receiving box or teams of players with two receiving boxes. A carrying case, handle, or lid may be provided to assist with transport of the game.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator for highlighting or imparting color to a user's hair includes upper and lower halves attached together by a hinge. Each half includes a rigid outer cap and a flexible connector surrounding and connecting the outer cap to a perimeter of the respective half. The cosmetic applicator further includes an applicator pad arranged in an interior of one of the upper and lower halves and a coloring material arranged in an interior of the other of the upper and lower halves. The flexible connector permits the outer caps of the respective upper and lower halves to be pressed inwardly toward one another so as to bring the applicator pad and the coloring material into engagement with one another.

Abstract: An automated vehicle includes a vehicle body, a power source, one or more motors housed within the vehicle body and in operable connection with the power source, running gear in operable connection with the one or more motors for facilitating movement and supporting the vehicle body upon a surface, and an optical system. The optical system includes an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from the surface and generating an output in response to the light reflected, and one or more light sources, each light source capable of projecting light on the surface. Furthermore, the optical system is configured to regulate an amount of power supplied to the one or more motors in response to the output generated by the optical sensor.

Abstract: A dulling assembly includes a corrugated bundle having a plurality of generally vertically oriented planar paperboard sheets with fluted paperboard sheets located therebetween, each fluted paperboard sheet being adhered to the two planar paperboard sheets it is located between, and a plurality of grains of sand adhered with glue to a top surface of the corrugated bundle. A method of creating a dulling assembly includes the steps of providing a corrugated bundle, applying glue to a top surface of the corrugated bundle; and applying sand to the top surface of the corrugated bundle.