Abstract: Focus enhancing blinders for usage in sporting activities and other activities that require visual focus and concentration. More particularly, the invention is the blinders can be worn by players of tennis and other sports where hand-eye coordination is critical. In one mode, blinders are affixed to a headband or cap worn by the user, and extend to the areas on the outside of each eye, functioning to block off a previously-determined degree of peripheral vision. In another mode, blinders are affixed to an article of eyewear worn by the user, and again extend to the areas on the outside of each eye, functioning to block off a previously-determined degree of peripheral vision. Such blocking of peripheral vision assists the user in the difficult task of keeping his or her visual focus straight ahead and directly on the ball, thus enhancing the user's performance.

Abstract: A sweatband designed to be worn on a user for usage in a variety of sporting activities. The sweatband comprises inserts for the purpose of protecting the user, which may be permanently placed or removable. In the preferred mode, the inserts are polymeric and function to absorb and dissipate impact forces with which the user comes in contact. Importantly, the inserts may be strategically placed within the sweatband, such as in the areas most vulnerable to concussion or injury upon impact. In an alternate embodiment, the polymeric inserts may be removed from the sweatband. In total, the invention provides a novel, lightweight means to protect the athlete, while effectively functioning to absorb perspiration.

Abstract: A sweatband designed to be worn on the head of a user under a pre-existing helmet, for usage in a variety of sporting activities. Due to the presence of an additional layer beneath the helmet, it takes additional time for impact forces to reach the user's head, thus providing greater protection. In the preferred mode, the device comprises a generally tubular “horizontal” sweatband portion, much like a typical headband. In an enhanced mode, the horizontal member is affixed to a “vertical” portion that is perpendicular to the horizontal portion, extending from the user's forehead, over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head. In still another embodiment, three such bands are utilized for maximum coverage of critical areas of the head. The sweatband of the present invention comprises inserts for the purpose of protecting the user, which may be permanently placed or removable.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system for mouth guards, utilizing a series of encapsulated springs that are always in a state of suspension. In the preferred mode, the encapsulated springs are conical in nature, and alternate between standard and upside-down orientation, providing the utmost in strength and support while preventing the springs from bottoming out upon impact Importantly, an encapsulating material placed at least around a plurality of conical springs prevents the springs from being continually placed in a stressed situation, thus maintaining their structural integrity. Such encapsulating material may be made of a polymeric or thermoplastic material, which conforms to the conical shape of the springs and their respective apertures, functioning to aid in the dissipation of impact forces. In enhanced modes, the polymeric or thermoplastic material may also be placed within the interior of a conical spring, to provide additional stability and absorption and dissipation of forces.

Abstract: A sweatband designed to be worn on the head of a user engaged in activities such as soccer. Specifically, in the preferred mode, the device comprises a “horizontal” sweatband portion, much like a typical headband. In an enhanced mode, the horizontal member is affixed to a “vertical” portion that is perpendicular to the horizontal portion, extending from the user's forehead, over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head. In either instance, the sweatband of the present invention comprises inserts for the purpose of protecting the user, which may be permanently placed or removable. In the preferred mode, the inserts are polymeric and function to absorb and dissipate impact forces with which the user's head comes in contact. Importantly, the inserts may be strategically placed within the sweatband, such as in the areas most vulnerable to concussion or injury upon impact.

Abstract: A complete energy absorbing system for a variety of items, including athletic shoes. To accomplish the foregoing, the invention utilizes a series of encapsulated springs that are always in a state of suspension. Such is a result of the unique stiffening of the conical spring during compression thereof. In the preferred mode, the encapsulated springs are conical in nature, and alternate between standard and upside-down orientation, providing the utmost in strength and support while preventing the springs from bottoming out upon impact. Importantly, as distinguished from the prior art, an encapsulating material placed around a plurality of conical springs prevents the springs from being continually placed in a stressed situation, thus maintaining their structural integrity. Such encapsulating material may be made of a polymeric or thermoplastic material, which conforms to the conical shape of the springs and their respective apertures, functioning to aid in the dissipation of impact forces.

Abstract: A complete energy absorbing system for a variety of items, including athletic shoes. To accomplish the foregoing, the invention utilizes a series of encapsulated springs that are always in a state of suspension. In the preferred mode, the encapsulated springs are conical in nature, providing the utmost in strength and support while preventing the springs from bottoming out upon impact. Such is a result of the unique stiffening of the conical spring during compression thereof. Importantly, as distinguished from the prior art, an encapsulating material placed around a plurality of conical springs prevents the springs from being continually placed in a stressed situation, thus maintaining their structural integrity. Such encapsulating material may be made of a polymeric or thermoplastic material, which conforms to the conical shape of the springs and their respective apertures, functioning to aid in the dissipation of impact forces.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: Improved eyewear designs allow for circulation of air between the eyes and lenses to prevent fog from appearing on the lenses, the eyewear utilized in a host of sporting activities and work areas that require glasses or goggles for safety purposes. A first embodiment of the invention teaches the use of beveled members affixed to the interior portion of the frames of the glasses or goggles, such that the spaced apart members come in direct contact with the user's forehead, allowing for continuous air flow between the beveled members to the user's eyes. The spacers may be placed on the inside of the frames, attached to the frames by simple adhesives. The distance between the spacers may be of a range of one-quarter to three-eighths inches, and the spacers may be of a similar width as the outside frame. The edges may be rounded or beveled for user comfort.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for helmets and protective gear. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium, to absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with helmets and a variety of sporting equipment. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or titanium—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon the equipment to hold the spring in place. Thus, a helmet, chest protector or the like may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing absorption and dissipation of impact forces for all helmets and protective equipment. More particularly, the invention is a series of detachable pre-formed pads that each include a rigid or semi-rigid insert for enhanced protection and effectiveness. In one mode of production, at least one rigid or semi-rigid layer is located within the pad, or covered by pliable pad material on all sides. In a second mode, at least one rigid member or semi-rigid appears on the exterior surface of the pad, with pliable materials located beneath. In still another mode, at least one rigid or semi-rigid member appears on the interior surface of the pad, providing great versatility to the manufacturer or user. As such, the device is specifically designed to improve the absorption and dissipation of primary forces directly into items such as a plurality of previously existing pads and chest protectors, as well as to the shell of helmets.

Abstract: An insect repellent candle including a liquid containing DEET and a fragrance oil which acts as a carrier for dispersing DEET vapor into the atmosphere upon evaporation of the fragrance oil. The liquid system is contained within the wax of a candle which can be burned to emit DEET vapor into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An insect repellent including a liquid system containing DEET and a fragrance oil which acts as a carrier for dispersing DEET vapor into the atmosphere upon evaporation of the fragrance oil. In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid system is contained within a solid thermoplastic system which can be formed as pellets for fabricating utilitarian products, e.g., wristbands and tablecloths. In another embodiment of the invention, the liquid system is contained within the wax of a candle which can be burned to emit DEET vapor into the atmosphere. In a third embodiment, the liquid system can be mixed with alcohol, with or without water, and dispersed by an air-wick to repel insects. In a fourth embodiment, towelettes can be soaked in the liquid system for later use as applicators of the liquid system to areas of the skin from which Deet vapor can be released into the atmosphere for effectively repelling insects from around the entire body.

Abstract: A slip resistant shoe lace is produced by weaving or braiding a plurality of standard yarns with special yarns. The special yarns have a special effect in the form of slubs or eccentricities at regular intervals or throughout the length of the yarn and when woven or braided along with the standard yarns produce protuberances along the length of the shoe lace for resisting untying of the lace.

Abstract: A bracelet has a guide aperture at one end, a barb at the opposite end, and elongated holes running along its length. The barbed end can be pulled through the guide aperture and then twisted and inserted into an adjacent hole for being captured therein. The barb is connected to the bracelet by a frangible neck which will break under tension sufficient to otherwise cause bodily injury upon snagging of the bracelet, thereby releasing it from the wrist of the wearer.

Abstract: A bracelet has a guide aperture at one end, a barb at the opposite end, and elongated holes running along its length. The barbed end can be pulled through the guide aperture and then twisted and inserted into an adjacent hole for being captured therein. The holes in the bracelet have rounded corners to enhance the flow of the polymeric material from which the bracelet is formed during an injection molding process and to alleviate the formation of stress points which otherwise occur at the corners of rectangular holes.

Abstract: A repellent incorporating the petals and/or oil of African Marigold (Tagetes Menuta) is applied to an area frequented by animals to deter them from entering or remaining in the area. The repellent can be obtained by drying the petals of the African Marigold and pulverizing them or extracting the oil by distillation and the use of organic solvents.

Abstract: Formulations containing certain unsaturated drying oils, e.g., linseed oil, are rendered flame retardant by dissolving in them certain halogenated compounds which are solids at room temperature and soluble in linseed oil or other suitable solvents which can be added to the linseed oil formulations with phosphate-containing compounds added to enhance flame retardance. The resulting flame retardant system is achieved without adversely affecting the finish, coloration, transparency, or appearance of the formulation, its resistance to light or heat, or its durability.

Abstract: A storage battery provided with an inverted U-shaped cover located over the generally flat top wall of the battery casing. The ends of the cover are open so that the space between the cover and the top wall of the battery casing communicates with the atmosphere. The cover is sufficiently flexible so that a downward force on the cover, even when applied repeatedly, can substantially flatten the cover against the top wall of the casing without cracking the cover. The cover is also sufficiently resilient so that upon removal of the downward force, the cover can return to its original inverted U-shape even after being maintained in a flattened condition for a substantial period of time.