Abstract: A structural member includes a simulated surface appearance. The structural member includes a substrate, plural intermediate layers, and a top coat. The plural intermediate layers are applied over at least one surface of the substrate, with at least some of the plural intermediate layers configured to cooperate with each other to provide a simulated appearance for the structural member. The top coat is applied outward of the plural intermediate layers. The top coat is relatively thin and is configured for use with exterior applications. The top coat includes a base configured for UV resistance and an additive configured to provide abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A surface appearance simulation system includes a carrier web or fluoropolymer film, an overcoat layer disposed on the carrier web or fluoropolymer film, a pigment layer having one or more inks forming a design on the overcoat layer, and a ground coat layer. The carrier web supports the overcoat layer, the pigment layer and the ground coat layer during application of the ground coat layer with a surface of a target object prior to removing the carrier web from the overcoat layer with the carrier web directly abutting the overcoat layer without one or more slip additive materials between the carrier web and the overcoat layer prior to removing the carrier web.

Abstract: A wearable umbrella which is worn by the intended user of the umbrella and once in an opened position, the umbrella remains in the opened position without requiring the user to have to use his or hands to hold the umbrella. The umbrella generally comprises a canopy supported by a plurality of curved ribs that are pivotable from a down/closed position to a fully extended/“in use” position. When fully extended the pivot mechanisms lock in place so that canopy stays open on its, thus freeing the wearer's hands. The umbrella is supported and secured to the wearer through a back panel and adjustable waist and shoulder straps. A support member which can also be attached to the back panel supports the pivot mechanisms, curved ribs and canopy.

Abstract: A pocket-sized self-defense spray device is capable of dispensing a chemical irritant to cause temporary breathing difficulty and a burning sensation in the eyes of the target without any permanent damage. The device comprises a casing, a nozzle, and a multi-position trigger. The trigger is slidably mounted in the casing to be moveable from a safe position to an active position. The casing may contain a battery-powered light that is switched on to illuminate the target when the trigger is in the active position. The trigger button in the second position may then be depressed into an engaged position that causes chemical irritant to be discharged from a removable canister with a poppet valve into a nozzle chamber, and out the nozzle exit at a target. The casing includes an ergonomic finger grip that serves to prevent inadvertent discharge at the user, and ease of aiming at the target.

Abstract: A pocket-sized self-defense spray device is capable of dispensing a chemical irritant to cause temporary breathing difficulty and a burning sensation in the eyes of the target without any permanent damage. The device comprises a casing, a nozzle, and a multi-position trigger. The trigger is slidably mounted in the casing to be moveable from a safe position to an active position. The casing may contain a battery-powered light that is switched on to illuminate the target when the trigger is in the active position. The trigger button in the second position may then be depressed into an engaged position that causes chemical irritant to be discharged from a removable canister with a poppet valve into a nozzle chamber, and out the nozzle exit at a target. The casing includes an ergonomic finger grip that serves to prevent inadvertent discharge at the user, and ease of aiming at the target.

Abstract: An umbrella that includes a plurality of support members for supporting a canopy, and a pivot assembly coupled with each of the support members allowing the support members to move between an open position and a collapsed position. The plurality of support members define an outer perimeter of the umbrella. A handle engages one of the plurality of support rods at the outer perimeter offset from a center of the umbrella. A shoulder support may be coupled to one of the support members.

Abstract: A method for issuing a derivative contract to a buyer includes providing an index that represents a measure of commercial market volatility, assigning a target value for the index at an expiration of the derivative, identifying a premium for the derivative contract, estimating a return value to pay a buyer at the expiration if the target value is attained, and issuing the derivative contract to the buyer in accordance with the premium, expiration, and return value.

Abstract: The expandable shelf of the invention is formed of several telescoping tubular assemblies that are supported in parallel to one another between a pair of end plates. The end plates are mounted to opposed walls. A center bracket is provided to supportably mount between the end plates for embodiments having long or flexible tubes. In another embodiment, one end plate is mounted to a wall and a second end plate is supported on a floor-mounted column. A further embodiment has a removable end plate that is mounted to a wall surface and then the balance of the expandable shelf device is mounted to the removable end plate and the opposite end plate mounted to a second wall surface. An additional embodiment includes a solid surface platform that is adjustable in length to mount onto the expandable shelf.

Abstract: Flexible retroreflective sheeting, and products therefrom, fabricated from an elastic substantially linear olefin polymer are found to exhibit significantly enhanced retention of retroreflectivity and do not require the addition of plasticizers. The retroreflective sheeting of the invention is a surprisingly good replacement for polyvinyl chloride sheeting which heretofore have shown poor retention of retroreflectivity and have required addition of plasticizers for optimal flexibility and handling.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of collecting wet or dry media includes a hose having an inlet end and an outlet end that is coupled to the vacuum cleaner. A motor is supported by a portion of the vacuum cleaner and applies a vacuum to the outlet end of the vacuum hose. A media inlet is positioned near the inlet end of the vacuum hose. An air intake for admitting air into the vacuum hose is provided near the media inlet. The air intake can be adapted to receive a detachable separate device in order to provide an air intake that is remotely positioned from the media inlet. Alternatively, the air intake can be provided on an attachment to or an integral part of the vacuum hose for providing the air intake at a remote distance from the media inlet. A distal end of the vacuum hose is immersed in a liquid to be collected so that the media inlet is immersed in the liquid and so that the air intake is exposed to a source of air.

Abstract: Flexible retroreflective sheeting, and products therefrom, fabricated from an elastic substantially linear olefin polymer are found to exhibit significantly enhanced retention of retroreflectivity and do not require the addition of plasticizers. The retroreflective sheeting of the invention is a surprisingly good replacement for polyvinyl chloride sheeting which heretofore have shown poor retention of retroreflectivity and have required addition of plasticizers for optimal flexibility and handling.

Abstract: A drinking mug which includes a central core for holding liquid and having an outer surface. A hollow sleeve of flexible molded plastic material is disposed over the central core. The central core defines an outwardly protruding key while the inner surface of said hollow sleeve defines a keyway. The key and keyway are engaged in mating relationship to hold the sleeve non-rotationally upon the outer surface of the core.