Abstract: A protective joint guard for use in contact sports particularly adapted for providing maximum protection and mobility over jointed body parts. The protective guard comprises a multiplicity of identical graduated interlocking rigid segments connected directly to one another by a pivot fastener and stop pin connection. The protective joint guard can be used as the joint portion of protective wear such as a leg guard by simply connecting a thigh guard and shin guard to opposing ends of the multiplicity of segments, in which case the protective joint guard is used to protect the knee from impact. The thigh guard, shin guard and joint guard are all made of a rigid material each having interior and exterior shells. To provide protection against contact with the interior shell, and to provided added cushion and comfort for the wearer, a first pad is detachably affixed to the interior shell of the thigh guard, said first pad extends the entire length of the joint guard.

Abstract: An adjustable baseball batter's and catcher's helmet automatically adjusts and grips wearer's heads of differing sizes. The helmet has a rigid shell with shock absorbing foam pads secured to the interior of the shell. An elastic band or strap extends horizontally within the helmet and has a mid-portion secured to the back of the helmet. Arms of the elastic strap diverge forwardly and end in attachments under the front portions of the side pads of the helmet. The V-shaped elastic band snugly cradles and forwardly biases the helmet on the wearer's head and tends to space the helmet from the wearer's head at the sides and rear areas. The catcher's helmet is known as a half-hat, and in combination with a catcher's mask, provides the same function as the batter's helmet. The helmet is believed particularly useful in youth baseball leagues which have limited budgets and time to individually fit helmets to players' heads.

Abstract: An adjustable baseball batter's helmet automatically adjusts and grips wearer's heads of differing sizes. The helmet has a rigid shell with shock absorbing foam pads secured to the interior of the shell. An elastic band or strap extends horizontally within the helmet and has a mid-portion secured to the back of the helmet. Arms of the elastic strap diverge forwardly and end in attachments under the front portions of the side pads of the helmet. The V-shaped elastic band snugly cradles and forwardly biases the helmet on the wearer's head and tends to space the helmet from the wearer's head at the sides and rear areas. The helmet is believed particularly useful in youth baseball leagues which have limited budgets and time to individually fit helmets to players' heads.

Abstract: A burner appliance includes a burner assembly, a separate fuel tank, and a tube connecting the fuel tank and the burner assembly. A restrictor rod is positioned within the tube for minimizing fuel surge, enhancing generation of vaporized fuel, and reducing flame pulsation. The restrictor rod is part of a sealing valve which provides secondary shut-off of fuel in the event that the tube is disconnected from the burner assembly.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is fueled by a disposable propane tank which is supported by a regulator assembly below the casing of the cooking apparatus. The regulator assembly is attached to the bottom of the casing by a mounting bracket, and a burner assembly is mounted on the bottom of the casing inside of the casing. Fuel is conducted from the regulator assembly to the burner assembly by a venturi tube which extends through the bottom of the casing into the burner assembly.

Abstract: A gas appliance such as a propane lantern is provided with a piezoelectric ignition device which is operated by the on-off control knob of the appliance. The piezoelectric ignition device is actuated by a pushbutton. The control knob includes a cam which causes movement of the pushbutton as the control knob rotates.

Abstract: A single burner propane campstove is adapted to be mounted directly on a disposal propane bottle. The campstove includes a regulator assembly which is connected to the propane bottle. A burner assembly is supported by a reflector bowl, and the reflector bowl is supported at discrete points by a spider support bracket which is attached to the regulator assembly. An insulator pad between the burner assembly and the reflector bowl reduces heat conduction. A wind baffle surrounds the outer periphery of the reflector bowl and the space therefrom.

Abstract: A portable electric air compressor is provided with a plug holder for holding the electric plug of the compressor. The compressor includes a plastic base for supporting the compressor, a plastic compressor casing, and a plastic support pedestal which extends between the base and the casing and which spaces the casing above the base. A lower catch is molded into the base and has a semicircular groove which opens upwardly toward the casing. An upper catch is molded into the casing above the lower catch and has a semicircular groove which opens downwardly toward the lower catch. The electric cord of the compressor can be wrapped around the pedestal, and the plug can be inserted into the grooves of the upper and lower catches and frictionally retained therein.

Abstract: A barbecue grill is provided with a sliding damper for controlling the flow of combustion air into the grill. The damper is slidably mounted on the upper surface of a plate having an opening, and the damper is movable by a control rod which is secured to the damper and which extends to the outside of the grill.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for barbecuing or smoking includes a cooking container, a support collar, and a support base which are removably secured together. The support base and the cooking container are each provided with a central air opening, and the cooking container and the support base are clamped against the support collar by a stud which extends through the air openings. The clamping force provided by the stud is transmitted to the cooking container and to the support base by compressible and resilient spring plates within the cooking container and the support base, and each spring plate is provided with an air passage to permit air to flow from the base, through the central air openings, and into the cooking container. A burner assembly may be removably secured to the spring plate in the cooking container by the stud.