Abstract: A biodegradable food container for holding and insulating food. The food container includes a wall structure constructed from heat-expanded grains bound together with a biodegradable bonding agent. In the preferred embodiment, the heat-expanded grains are popcorn and the bonding agent is a starch paste or other type of biodegradable bonding agent of food grade quality. The wall structure is formed by heating expandable grains to form the heat-expanded grains. The heat-expanded grains are then ground and mixed with the bonding agent to form a moldable popcorn mixture. The moldable popcorn mixture is molded to form a wall structure of a selected shape for holding and insulating food.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment depicted, the inflatable boarding ladder comprises upper and lower ladder sections with stiffening rails and hand-holds interconnected by inflatable steps and the ladder back. The upper section is attached to the boat through a telescoping rod engaging and pivoting on mounting brackets. A pillow section provides hull standoff. The articulating lower ladder section pivots about the lower end of the upper section. A ballast section submerges the tapered lower ladder end into the water to ease access and to stabilize the ladder. Inflation and deployment of the ladder is by a gas source such as a foot pump or carbon dioxide cartridge. A deflation orifice permits storage in a soft pack and deck mounted cannister.

Abstract: An exercise dumbbell of the type comprising a central grip portion and a pair of weighted bells on each end of the grip portion, wherein each of the bells comprises a soft, pliable outer covering filled with a yieldable mass of weighting material, and wherein the dumbbell comprises an axial support means extending axially of the grip. Preferably the support means is in the form of a rod, solid or hollow, and the end bells, as well as the supporting rod if hollow, are preferably filled with a yieldable mass of weighting material such as small balls or shot, a liquid or a gelatin, or a heavy liquid or gelatin with or without metal particles or pieces dispersed through it.

Abstract: A weighted device which is suitable for wearing about either the appendages or the body of the user thereof to build strength and for similar purposes. The present device is preferably constructed of a plurality of elongated weights interconnected in spaced relation to each other and enclosed within a fabric sleeve and encapsulated in a closed cell material with a soft vinyl coating which gives flexibility without bulging and eliminates bunching and shifting of the weights during violent maneuvers such as rapid movement exercises.

Abstract: In abstract a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a weighted device which is suitable for wearing about the body and appendages to build strength and for related purposes. The weighted devices of the present invention are preferably constructed of a plurality of elongated weights interconnected in spaced relation to each other and are encapsulated in a closed cell material with a soft vinyl coating which gives flexibility without bulging and eliminates bunching or shifting of the weights during violent exercises and movements.