Abstract: A walking cane is provided with a removable decorative cover which may be changed at will by the user to reflect changes in mood or attire.

Abstract: The present inventive building and the construction method thereof uses a joined-and-filled-in-situ casing system from which to provide the foundation, exterior walls and interior walls of a structure using materials that are high strength, extremely durable, highly insulating and fire-retardant. The present inventive building and the construction method thereof provides a solution to the excessive wastes generated during conventional construction methods by utilizing construction materials that are recycled by being shredded and used as insulating fill. The present inventive building and construction method thereof incorporates an improved electrical wiring system that is particularly suited to the above casing system. The inventive wiring system provides an improved gang-box and wire conduit means that is much easier to install than convention wiring methods. Live wires are encapsulated in a substantially fire-proof medium, and the location of wiring within walls is consistent and hence predictable.

Abstract: A collapsible shade structure includes a plurality of foldable frame members each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material is provided for substantially covering the frame members to form a side panel for each frame member, each side panel assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. Interconnecting portions of the fabric material form a hinge portion between each frame member. The structure may be folded and stored by folding the side panels and their corresponding frame members on top of each other about the hinge portions to have the side panels and frame members overlying each other. The overlaying side panels and frame members are then collapsed by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric frame members and side panels to substantially reduce the size of the shade structure.

Abstract: A sewer chimney and method of forming a sewer chimney for connecting a surface branch sewer pipe to a deeply buried main sewer pipe having a fixture with an upwardly facing opening. The chimney is constructed of a plurality of precast concrete elements including a supporting base adjacent the main sewer pipe, one or more transitional sections on the supporting base and a cap block which rests on the upper most transitional section. An elongated vertical pipe extends from the fixture of the main sewer pipe to the cap block. Seals are provided between each of the concrete precast sections and seals are provided between the elongated vertical pipe and components of the construction.

Abstract: A method and resulting wood frame that can be used to construct a wall. To create a curved wall, lines are scribed onto the floor to define the wall radius. The wood frame is constructed by first arranging a plurality of studs in a spaced apart arrangement. The studs have first and second surfaces along the longitudinal axis, which terminate at first and second ends that have bottom and top surfaces respectively. A flexible flat member is then attached to the first end of the studs. The flexible member has a base portion which is nailed to the first surface of the studs and a plurality of spaced apart tabs. Some of the tabs are immediately adjacent the bottom of the studs, while other tabs are located between the spaced apart studs. The attached studs are then lifted into place and the flexible member is bent until the curved member follows the scribed outline. The frame is then nailed to the floor through the tabs that are located between the studs.

Abstract: A paving stone is provided that can be laid in a plurality of open patterns, each presenting a different amount of drainage area, while retaining an interlocking relationship between adjacent stones of the pattern. In the preferred embodiment, the stone can also be laid in a closed pattern, with no drainage areas provided other than the drainage at the boundaries of the stones. Each side surface of the stone has an odd number of faces, arranged in a stair-step shape. Preferably, each of the side surfaces is symmetrical about the center face, and all sides, or at least opposite sides, are identical.

Abstract: A door system for a stressed fabric structure comprising a stationary arched anchor beam, the ends of which are supported on the base at one end of the structure, a plurality of movable arched beams of similar size and shape on the side of the anchor beam away from the structure and having supporting ends pivotally secured at the ends of the anchor beam, the movable beams to pivot along the same radial path about common pivot points at the ends, between raised, open position adjacent to the anchor beam and closed position in which the beams are spaced progressively from the anchor beam to the structure base. Fabric panels are secured to and extend between each of the anchor beam and its adjacent movable beam and adjacent pairs of movable beams so as to be under similar tension when the beams are in closed position.

Abstract: An improved sunshade opening and supporting device is provided with a rack-like member disposed on the main shaft of a sunshade at a section thereof over which the runner of the sunshade travels during the opening and closing of the sunshade; the rack-like member is equipped with a plurality of consecutive Z-shaped teeth each having an oblique face; a horizontal stop piece is disposed at the topmost end of the rack-like member. A groove is disposed on the inner wall of the slidable runner so as to permit the runner to be slidably engaged with the rack-like member; and a cavity is disposed on the wall of the groove of the runner with a spring housed therein. One end of the spring Abuts against a restraint flange of a supporting pin and the other end is limited by a lid secured at one end of the open-ended cavity.

Abstract: A novel form of crutch is provided which can be used, particularly by paraplegics, to move between sitting and standing positions. The crutch includes a unique foot mechanism which gives added stability to the user of a pair of the crutches during such sitting/standing transitions, and which can be retracted so as to avoid interference with normal crutch-aided walking. A set of such powered crutches, incorporating both power extension/retraction and power foot adjustment, are capable of extended powered operation with on-board electrical power, and use power only for adjustment and are self-locking into adjusted positions. The power assist of the crutches are controllable from switches strategically located by the crutch handles so the user can manipulate the control switches without releasing his/her hold on the crutch handles. Also disclosed is a unique method of assisting disabled persons, using such crutches, to move between seated and standing positions without further assistance.

Abstract: An umbrella that when folded functions as a conventional flashlight, and when opened functions as an umbrella with a two-way flashlight handle. The flashlight handle contains two lamps/reflectors. One is located in the side of the umbrella handle. The other is positioned in the base of the handle. The handle also serves as a battery compartment for a plurality of "AA" size batteries. The lamp/reflector at the base of said handle is intended to produce the illuminating power of a conventional flashlight. The lamp/reflector at the side of said handle is intended to provide illumination for the forward path of the umbrella user when the umbrella is fully extended. The side lamp/reflector is positioned to direct light onto the forward path of the user when the handle is held vertically. Either lamp may be activated at a time via a two-way switch, located on side of said handle, when said umbrella is either folded or fully extended.

Abstract: A tent structure arranged to afford protection to an individual during a tire changing procedure, wherein the tent structure includes a U-shaped base rib, with a plurality of intermediate ribs and a leading rib, with each of the ribs pivotally mounted relative to a central axle, with web members extending between the ribs to afford protection to an individual positioned within the tent structure. The tent organization includes magnet members mounted to the leading rib for magnetic adherence to a body panel of an associated vehicle to enhance positioning of the tent structure relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a substantially inextensible cord which is mounted by couplers to the free ends of the ribs of the umbrella such that the cord forms a closed loop disposed radially inwardly of the ribs of the umbrella. The cord braces the umbrella against inversion, and the couplers can be designed to allow the cord to be retrofitted to an existing umbrella.

Abstract: A golf bag umbrella attached to the side of a golf bag for protecting the open end of the bag and golf clubs therein from the elements. The umbrella includes an articulated shaft, pivoted and locked by a button latch located above a lower end handle grip on the shaft. The umbrella ribs may be overbuilt to provide a strengthened umbrella that resists being everted in a moderate to strong wind. The umbrella may be removed and pivoted against the ground by a single hand of the user. The umbrella is readily attached to and removed from the bag by use of a pair of spring clips or clamps. During play in inclement weather, the golfer may use the umbrella conventionally, to protect himself, and then clip the open umbrella onto the bag, to protect the bag while taking a shot or stroke, and then readily detach the umbrella from the bag for protection, as the golfer walks to the ball to take another stroke.

Abstract: A foldable walker that includes a single latch operator connected with each of left and right latches for the walker's left and right side frames, the left and right latches functioning to latch the left and right side frames open in the use position. Use of the single operator by only one of the user's hands allows both the left and right latches to unlatch the side frames from their open or use position, thereby allowing both those side frames to pivot closed into a collapsed or storage position against the front frame. In preferred form, the left and right latches also function to latch the left and right side frames closed in the storage position. In that preferred form, use of the single operator again by only one of the user's hands allows both the left and right latches to unlatch the side frames from their storage position, thereby allowing both the left and right side frames to pivot back open into the use position relative to the front frame.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for an umbrella comprising a runner mounted with a fastening device and an inner seat including a push button mounted thereon is disclosed. The fastening portion of the push button engages with either the fastening holes or the fastening edges. The inner seat is placed within the handle of the umbrella such that the pressing portion is close to the circumferential edge of the handle facilitating the opening of the umbrella.

Abstract: A modified folding tent is provided. The tent comprises a plurality of main supporters and supporting structures, and a topmost supporter, to form a frame which is covered by an awning. Each main supporter has an inner supporter and a slide. Each supporting structure is provided with a pair of U-shaped covers to provide a sturdy connection. The awning and main supporters are coupled together by studs passing through holes in the awning and wing nuts tightened on the studs. The topmost supporter has a resilient inner supporter, to make the awning look smooth and good-looking. The modified structure ensures high strength of the tent and proper stability thereof, when it is opened.

Abstract: A fold-down detachable utility tray for invalid walkers is disclosed, comprising a generally rectangular tray frame in combination with a pair of locking, fold-down arms each having spring clips for securement to the upright members of an invalid walker. In one preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of the tray is located over the pivot point of the locking arms, so that the weight of objects placed on the tray causes the arms to lock more tightly, promoting stability of the tray. The locking arms each comprise an elongated angle bracket provided with a pivot. An actuator arm has a first end movably connected to the pivot and a second end slidingly engaged in a slot in the tray frame. One end of the slot is provided with a upwardly extending locking notch to hold the arm in the extended position.

Abstract: A beach umbrella has a shaft, ribs, gores, stretchers, and a runner to open and close the umbrella. A container is attached to the runner, container a radio and a locked storage compartment. A fan assembly is also attached to the runner to force air downward onto a person under the umbrella. The umbrella also has a base with threads on the lower end of the base, so the umbrella can be threaded into the ground. A platform on the base provides a stable foundation, and handles on the platform facilitate the threading of the umbrella into the ground.

Abstract: A foldable rigid frame front entry safety walker having programmed resistance to backward motion, and having a porous seat to accommodate incontinent patients.

Abstract: Spacer suited for being embedded in concrete, for use with wire reinforcements placed in the walls of concrete pipes cast in molds. One side of a basic body is provided with radially projecting mounting elements for connecting the basic body with the wire reinforcement. The radially opposite other side of the basic body is equipped with a spacer element projecting in radially opposite direction relative to the mounting elements and terminating by an inclined surface which extends substantially in axial direction for assisting the sliding movement when mounting the mold.