Abstract: Fishing floats are provided with a buoyant float body, an elongate support spindle having proximal and distal ends, and a fletching member attached to the proximal end of the float body. The float body is connected to the support spindle to allow reciprocal rectilinear movements of the float body along the support spindle between the proximal and distal ends thereof. The support spindle is of a length such that the fletching member is positioned in spaced and abutted relationships relative to the float body in response to the reciprocal rectilinear movements of the float body between the proximal and distal ends of the support spindle. In such a manner, the float body may be stabilized during casting as well as providing a visual strike indication.

Abstract: Trailer hitch protectors have a flexible body member sized and configured to be sleeved over a tow bar tongue associated with a trailer hitch assembly. The body member most preferably includes an opposed pair of generally U-shaped inner and outer lateral walls which are spaced apart from one another so as to define a cushion space therebetween and thereby provide cushioned protection laterally of the tow bar tongue when received within the body member. A series of spaced-apart flexible connecting webs extending between said inner and outer lateral walls within the cushion space may be provided so as to provide further cushioning effect. In especially preferred embodiments, the flexible body member has an upper wall joined to both the inner and outer lateral walls, and has an aperture adapted to surround a hitch ball attached to the tow bar tongue of the trailer hitch assembly.

Abstract: Automatic locking systems for wheelchairs have a locking hub for attachment to a main wheel of the wheelchair, and a lock pin which is reciprocally rectilinearly moveable between locked and unlocked conditions with the lock hub. A rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the lock pin and is rotatable between normal and active positions which responsively causes the lock pin to move rectilinearly between its unlocked and locked positions, respectively. A pivotal actuator lever is provided having one end positionable in close proximity to a seat of the wheelchair. The actuator lever is thus mounted for pivotal movements between raised and lowered conditions relative to the wheelchair seat. A flexible actuator cable connects a proximal end of the actuator lever and the rotary actuator.

Abstract: Fish handling pliers are stabilized against lateral movements of the pliers jaws. More specifically, the fish handling pliers of the present invention include an upper member having an upper handle section at a rearward end thereof, and an upper jaw at a forward end thereof. A lower member has a lower jaw at a forward end thereof which is opposed to the upper jaw of the upper member. The lower member also has a rearward end pivotally connected to the upper member to allow for pivotal movements of the lower member towards and away from the upper member to thereby close and open the opposed upper and lower jaws, respectively. Importantly, one of the upper and lower members defines a lengthwise-extending groove. The other of the upper and lower members includes a lengthwise extending tongue in opposition to the groove.

Abstract: Fishhooks include a wire element which encircles the shank rearwardly of the fishhook's main barb. The wire element is preferably in the form of an elongate loop having a slide element capable of slidable movements therealong to allow for size adjustment of the wire element loop and thereby prevent it from becoming disengaged. The wire element thus retains its weed-guard position when being trolled through even relatively dense underwater vegetation. At the same time, however, the reduced-size wire element loop allows the wire element to pivot laterally in response to increased pressure thereagainst (e.g., as occurs when a fish strikes the hook) and thereby expose the point for penetration into the striking fish. Alternatively or optionally, the fishhooks include significantly longer and larger shank barbs than those capable of being obtained through conventional fabrication techniques.

Abstract: Fishing lures which include an empty firearm ammunition shell casing and a fishhook attached thereto. Soundwave-propagation is achieved by means of one or more rattle bead or beads freely housed within the interior cylindrical space of the shell casing to thereby attract game fish when the lure is submerged during use. Most preferably, the fishhook is attached rigidly to the rearward rim surface of the shell casing (e.g., in the pocket space in which the primer for the cartridge is seated) and protrudes rearwardly therefrom. A spoon or other decorative lure devices may optionally be attached to the shell casing to provide the fisherman with the desired effect.

Abstract: A camouflage device for archery bows includes mounting blocks adapted to being affixed to the bow in spaced relationship. The mounting blocks define first and second sets of sockets adapted to receive a proximal end portion of a tubular support arm so as to establish an extended condition (wherein the arms are oriented generally transverse to the long axis of the bow), and a collapsed condition (wherein the arms are oriented in general alignment with the bow's long axis). A camouflage curtain is supported by and extends between the upper and lower ones of the support arms so as to provide a blind for the archer, but yet allow the archer to track game targets, for example. An elastic cord joins the pair of arms so as to bias the proximal ends thereof into positive seated relationship with a respective socket.

Abstract: Decreased risk of accidental gun discharge is provided by tethering a hunter'gun to the hunter via a gun safety lanyard of this invention. The gun safety lanyard generally includes a flexible cord having a preselected length and thereby establishing an opposing pair of looped ends. A first one of the looped ends of the flexible cord is attached to the handle grip of a gun's shoulder stock by means of a clove hitch, while a second one of the looped cord ends is positioned so as to encircle, for example, the wrist of the hunter's hand that will physically hold the hande grip of the gun's shoulder stock. A slide clasp is provided so as to adjust the relative size of the looped end that encircles the hunter's wrist. The lanyard may be stowed by simply positioning the second loop end in encircling relationship to the rear of the shoulder stock, and then adjusting the slide clasp to maintain the lanyard taunt against the exterior surface of the shoulder stock.

Abstract: A kit which provides a removable top assembly for a vehicle (e.g., all-terrain vehicles) includes a pair of lateral upright supports adapted to being rigidly fixed to a rear portion of the vehicle, forward and rearward generally U-shaped upright support bows adapted to being removably coupled to the lateral supports, and a forwardly extending, generally horizontal support bow adapted to being removably coupled to an upper region of the forward upright support bow. A fabric top component is connected at its forward edge to the horizontal support bow and at its rearward edge to the rearward upright support bow, the forward support bow serving to support the fabric along a region between its forward and rearward edges. When the top assembly is erected, the forward and rearward upright support bows will be inwardly flexed relative to one another so as to exert a tension force upon the fabric top component (i.e.

Abstract: An anchor davit assembly preferably includes an anchor support bracket and a winch. The bracket is provided with a releasable locking system to positionally lock the anchor to the anchor support bracket, the locking system including a lever which is pivotally connected at one end to the anchor support bracket, and a tension spring (or other suitable biasing structure) which connects the anchor to the lever. The tension spring thus urges the anchor rearwardly against the anchor support bracket while also urging the lever to pivot in a direction towards its locked position. The winch of the invention includes a spool freely rotatable about an axle and a handle pivotally connected to one of the axle's ends. The axle is, in turn, mounted for rotation relative to a base support.

Abstract: An especially adapted sport bag having a carrying strap which is capable of supporting the bag in either one-, two- or three-point contact and thus permits the bag to be utilized as either a waist-, shouder-, or back-pack, respectively. The bag/strap configurations are readily converted by a user one to another so that it is "universally" adapted for various modes of transport.

Abstract: An x-ray film cassette holder especially adapted for use in radiography of the temporomandibular joint is disclosed. Slideable horizontal adjustment of the cassette holder is provided by a horizontal tray disposed at a vertically and rotatably adjustable position above a free-standing floor-engaging structure. Ear cannula location holes are provided in the cassette holder opposite the back or reverse side of an x-ray exposure aperture. A special beam limiting device is employed simultaneously to minimize patient x-ray exposure and to facilitate rapid accurate relative placement of the usual weight-balanced x-ray source apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable tree table that includes two sub-assemblies: a tree belt and bracket assembly, and a table assembly. In use, the tree belt is first tightened about a tree to dispose the bracket at the desired height and adjusted. Then the table assembly is mounted to the bracket. Further adjustments are then made, including extending against the tree and securing stabilizing braces. Disassembly calls for a reversal of these procedures. It is easy to bring in the table and leave the bracket attached to the tree for instances where the table is to be put back up again shortly. Thus there is provided a steady, level work surface easily and securely mounted at a desired height, with no harm to the tree.

Abstract: The flexible cord used to erect the umbrella from the top, passes through a cantilever tube, the inner end of which is removably supported in a bracket. A notch in the bracket tensions the canopy and locks the umbrella to the bracket by catching a bead fixed on the cord. Three ways of supporting the bracket are shown, as is a way of storing the device.

Abstract: A portable, multisectional ladder for scaling poles, trees and like objects and a method of use thereof. Individual ladder sections are formed of steps welded to individual angle metal sections. The angle metal sections are removably joined using male/female connectors at either end thereof. One or more brackets welded to each section slidably retains an auto-type safety belt which can be releasably buckled about the object to be scaled. The brackets on each section except for the base section include a special belt cincher arrangement which includes means for drawing the belt into the recessed portion of the angle metal to forcibly tighten the belt about the object to be climbed, thereby eliminating any slippage or wobble in the ladder.