Abstract: A backless house shoe comprising a foot-receiving top portion and an oppositely disposed sole portion, wherein the sole portion is at least two centimeters thick rubber vehicle tire, wherein the vehicle is selected from the group consisting of trucks and tractors; wherein the sole portion defines a plurality of spaced treads; wherein the depth of a respective spaced tread is at least two centimeters; wherein the width of a respective spaced tread is at least one centimeter; wherein the sole portion is at least three centimeters thick; wherein the backless house shoe disengages from a wearer's foot upon experiencing traction; and wherein the sole portion includes a member of the group consisting of chains, studs, sipes, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An umbrella comprising of a central support shaft that includes a proximal end and an oppositely disposed distal end. The proximal end is comprised of a handle portion, and the distal end is comprised of a concave canopy. The screen shield is operationally connected to the peripheral edge of the canopy and extends therefrom toward the proximal end. The screen shield is weighted and extends at least partially along the peripheral edge. A similar screen shield can be attached to a beach umbrella. One end of the screen shield is operationally connected to the umbrella while the other end contains tie down lines that are placed into the ground for support.

Abstract: A backless house slipper including a soft, typically plush foot-receiving portion and an oppositely disposed hard, thick and heavy sole portion. The sole portion is typically at least 1 centimeter thick rubber truck tire, and more typically the sole portion is 2, 3, or 4 centimeters thick and weighs between 0.5 and 3 kilograms, more typically between 2 and 2.5 kilograms. The sole portion engages the ground with tread patterns at least about 1 centimeter deep, and is unsuited and impractical for outdoor wear as the treads will grippingly engage the ground while the slipper offers no back heel engagement, thus the slipper will become easily stuck in the ground and disengage from a wearer's foot when worn outdoors.

Abstract: A stationary base assembly for restricting the movement of a pet, including a first generally circular top surface, a first rubberized generally circular bottom surface, and a first generally cylindrical endless wall extending between the first generally circular top surface and the first generally circular bottom surface and defining a first cylindrical body having a first inner volume. A first is aperture formed through the first generally circular top surface for fluidic communication with the first inner volume. A first plurality of spaced lugs extend from the first generally circular top surface and a first plurality of spaced recesses are formed in the first generally circular bottom surface, wherein the first plurality of spaced recesses are sized, shaped, and positioned to engage the first plurality of spaced lugs. A leash engaging assembly is operationally connected to the first cylindrical body. A stacking unit is operationally connected to the first generally circular top surface.

Abstract: A method for providing automatic petting attention to unsupervised pets, including clamping an automatic pet-tending apparatus to a predetermined desired location and engaging the plug with an AC power source. The automatic pet-tending apparatus further includes a motor, a rotor arm operationally connected to the motor, a power source connected in electric communication with the motor, a switch operationally connected to the motor, a roller head engaged with the rotor arm, a clamp operationally connected to the motor and power source, and a power cord engaged in electric communication with the power source and terminating in a plug. An animal may position itself adjacent the roller head and apply an upward urging force against the switch to energize the motor. The motor will be deenergized upon departure of the animal and cessation of the upward urging force on the switch.

Abstract: A hands-free, belt-worn paint container support apparatus including a receptacle for holding a paint container, a handle rotatably connected to the receptacle, one or more spacers rotatably connected to the handle, a belt tab connected to the spacers, and first and second spaced panels operationally connected to the spacers, where each panel is connected to the spacers, where the handle is rotatably connected to the first side panel, and where the belt tab is connected to the second side panel. In additional embodiments, the belt may be configured to accommodate paint trays as well as paint holders.

Abstract: A dual-purpose pole chair and torso support apparatus including a seat portion, a rectangular base plate having four feet, and an elongated pole extending from the seat portion having a proximal end and an oppositely disposed distal end. The seat portion is connected to the proximal end of the pole, while the rectangular base plate is connected to the distal end of the pole. Both the seat portion and the rectangular base plate are connected to the pole via a quick release fastener system.

Abstract: A dual-purpose pole chair and torso support apparatus including a seat portion, a rectangular base plate having four feet, and an elongated pole extending from the seat portion having a proximal end and an oppositely disposed distal end. The seat portion is connected to the proximal end of the pole, while the rectangular base plate is connected to the distal end of the pole. Both the seat portion and the rectangular base plate are connected to the pole via a quick release fastener system.

Abstract: A hands-free, belt-worn paint container support apparatus including a receptacle for holding a paint container, a handle rotatably connected to the receptacle, one or more spacers rotatably connected to the handle, a belt tab connected to the spacers, and first and second spaced panels operationally connected to the spacers, where each panel is connected to the spacers, where the handle is rotatably connected to the first side panel, and where the belt tab is connected to the second side panel. In additional embodiments, the belt may be configured to accommodate paint trays as well as paint holders.