Abstract: An apparatus for securely holding and protecting a layout of elements includes a portfolio having a first cover and a first overlay. The first overlay and the first cover are releasably cohered together, preferably utilizing magnetic forces. A loose arrangement of elements can be secured to a work surface of the first cover using the first overlay for safe storage and transport. The apparatus is used in rubber stamping design, stained-glass design, and quilting design.

Abstract: A rim assembly comprises a rim including a peripheral rim portion for the mounting of a wheel; a wheel cover affixed to the rim and configured to rotate about an axis of the rim; and an oscillator attached to the wheel cover and configured to move back and forth between a first position and a second position based on rotation of the wheel cover about the axis. The oscillator is configured to protract axially away from the wheel cover when moving from the second position toward the first position and to retract axially toward the wheel cover when moving from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A leash securing assembly includes a cuff having interior and exterior surfaces, the interior surface comprising one or more fastening components configured for securement with one or more fastening components of the exterior surface; a webbing loop secured to the cuff; a shock cord comprising an elastic member having two ends, two fasteners, two connecting members, each connecting member connecting one of the ends of the elastic member to a respective one of the two fasteners, and an outer sheath enclosing the elastic member; wherein one of the two fasteners of the shock cord is coupled to the webbing loop.

Abstract: A book covering includes a stretchable material configured to completely extend over an outer face and side edges of each cover of a book and a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed at localized areas of the stretchable material. Each reinforcing element includes a segment, spaced from the other reinforcing elements of the plurality of reinforcing elements, that is adapted to be disposed adjacent a corner of a cover of a book when the stretchable material is extended over the outer face and side edges of each cover of a book, thereby protecting a corner of the book cover. The reinforcing elements include a resilient, pliable material.

Abstract: A mountable power strip includes first and second arm sections, at least one of which includes a plurality of electrical receptacles. The arm sections are coupled together for relative rotational movement between an open position for receipt of an object therebetween, and a closed position for clamping engagement with the object. The first and second arm sections are spring biased toward the closed position. The spring-biasing of the arm sections provides a clamping force for mounting the power strip to an object. The arm sections generally have the same dimensions and configuration and are coupled together between opposite end portions of each arm section. One of the end portions of each arm section defines a handle grip. Alternatively, a long handle integral with the first arm section extends generally linearly from the coupling and a short lever arm integral with the second arm section extends generally linearly from the coupling.

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.

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: An exercise apparatus includes a platform for use in exercises in an unstable configuration. The platform includes a stepping deck for receiving a user; an arched base for rocking support of the stepping deck on a workout surface; and a resistance band assembly housed within the platform, with the resistance band assembly including a plurality of resistance bands. The exercise apparatus may include a frame that is adapted to removably receive and support the platform above a workout surface in a stable configuration for use in exercises. In another exercise apparatus, the platform is secured to the frame such that, in a first orientation, the platform is stable; and in a second, inverted orientation, the platform is unstable. The platform is plank-shaped, and the stepping deck includes two stepping surfaces, each surface being located on an opposite side of the stepping deck.

Abstract: Various new designs for a power strip. Each design includes some structure that enables the mounting or attachment of the power strip to an object or portion of the object. The object may include, for example, a Christmas tree, such as the trunk or a branch thereof. Another object may includes, for example: a portion of a stud in the frame of a building that is under construction, in which case the power strip may be plugged into a generator at the construction site; and a portion of a work bench or work table.

Abstract: A mountable power strip includes: a first arm section; a second arm section; a lever arm connected to the second arm section; and a coupling assembly configured to couple the first and second arm sections together such that the first and second arm sections are configured for relative rotational movement between an open position for receipt of an object therebetween; and a closed position wherein the first and second arm sections are closer to one another than when in the open position for clamping engagement with the object. The first arm section includes a plurality of electrical receptacles positioned adjacent each other along an extent of the first arm section such that the plurality of electrical receptacles form a “strip” of electrical receptacles. Methods of use include mounting a power strip to an object.

Abstract: A mountable power strip includes a first arm section having a plurality of electrical receptacles defining a “strip” of electrical receptacles. The mountable power strip further includes a coupling assembly that is configured to couple the first arm section to a second arm section such that the first and second arm sections are configured for rotational movement relative to each other about an axis of the coupling assembly. The first and second arm sections are offset a distance along the axis of the coupling assembly such that the first and second arm sections are configured to transition between, a first configuration, in which the first and second arm sections do not overlap each other when viewed along the axis of the coupling assembly, and a second configuration, in which the first and second arm sections overlap each other when viewed along the axis of the coupling assembly.