Abstract: A retractable leash device for animal control is disclosed, having a multitude of settable maximum leash line extensions providing leash line retraction at each set extension length. The device includes a leash line connectable to an animal, a housing having an axle and an outlet aperture, a reel having a hub and mounted on the axle, a reel biasing spring to retract the leash line, a maximum extension brake having an arresting member and a brake control. The leash line is wound on the reel and exits the housing through the aperture. The arresting member crosses the leash line thereinbetween the hub and the aperture. Upon engagement of the brake therewith the reel and extension of the leash line, an eventual interaction of the arresting member therewith the leash line prevents further extension of the leash line. The brake control engages and disengages the brake with respect to the reel.

Abstract: A novel, simple, inexpensive and universal device and method for manipulating a magnetic object with at least a portion thereof having a substantially prismatic shape with side surfaces and an end surface such as a fastener, bolt, nut, plug, screw, and the like is disclosed. One embodiment of the device includes a head assembly having a magnetic field. The head assembly includes a body and a magnetic pole piece. The body serves to support the magnetic pole piece and the magnetic pole piece is configured to contact no more than two side surfaces of the magnetic object. The magnetic pole piece is also constructed and arranged to concentrate and shape the magnetic field into the magnetic object. The head assembly is further configured to be spatially open opposite from the magnetic pole piece so as to receive and contact the magnetic object.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a novel, simple, inexpensive, user friendly and portable, truck bed assist handle quickly attachable without tools to a truck tailgate striker and tailgate hinge is presented. The assist handle provides for easy access into a truck bed. The handle includes an elongated body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion being a tailgate hinge connector configured for removably engaging with the tailgate hinge. The second end portion being a hand grip. Positioned thereinbetween the first end portion and the second end portion, the body has one of at least one first tailgate striker connector integrated therewithin the body and a structure attached thereon the body. The structure has at least one second tailgate striker connector integrated thereon. Both at least one tailgate striker connectors being configured for removably engaging with the tailgate striker.

Abstract: A novel, simple, inexpensive and universal device and method for manipulating a magnetic object with at least a portion thereof having one of a substantially prismatic cavity and a substantially prismatic shape, each with side surfaces and an end surface such as a fastener, bolt, nut, plug, screw, and the like is disclosed. One embodiment of the device includes a head assembly having a magnetic field. The head assembly includes a body and a magnetic pole piece. The body serves to support the magnetic pole piece and the magnetic pole piece is configured to contact no more than two side surfaces of the magnetic object. The magnetic pole piece is also constructed and arranged to concentrate and shape the magnetic field into the magnetic object. The head assembly is further configured to be spatially open opposite from the magnetic pole piece so as to receive and contact the magnetic object.

Abstract: A device and method, for use with a striker bar to secure an object to an adjacent structure, the device operable from each side of the object. The device includes a latching member and a locking member. The latching member and the locking member are adapted for at least indirect mounting on the structure. The latching member has a leading edge cam and a grapple for engaging the striker bar to establish a latched state. The locking member has a closure portion and both pivots with and slides to engage with the latching mechanism. The members together include a multipart locking assembly operable alone or in combination with a separate lock device. The members secure the striker bar to the device when the members are locked together, thereby securing the object to the structure for establishment of a locked state.

Abstract: A hose controlled sprinkler device, whose sequential liquid output states can be remotely controlled by a substantially unidirectional movement of a hose connected to the sprinkler device. The hose controlled sprinkler device includes a valve and at least one valve support. The valve includes a moveable member, a valve housing, an inlet connection configured for connection to the hose and an outlet connection. The valve is configured to have at least one liquid off state, a liquid on state, and a liquid off state output sequence at the outlet connection. The sequence is established by a pressurized liquid input at the inlet connection and further by a unidirectional movement of the movable member and the housing one about the other. The at least one valve support is connected to the valve and is configured to stabilize the valve above at least one of a ground and a lawn.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting and transporting a conventional hay bale feeder in association with the directed movement of a round hay bale and for facilitating the placement of the feeder around the bale. The device can be removably attached to the feeder and consists of a lift arm assembly, a lift arm support assembly, and an anti-slide stabilizing assembly. The lift arm assembly includes a lift arm that is angled away from the top of the feeder to provide feeder lift. The lift arm support assembly acts as a brace to support the lift arm. The anti-slide stabilizing assembly limits rearward and side to side rocking movement of the feeder when lifted and transported, respectively. In alternate embodiments, the device is integrated into circular and multi-sided feeders during manufacture, forming single stand-alone units.

Abstract: A device and method for remote manipulation of a magnetic object with at least a portion thereof having a substantially prismatic shape. The device includes a head having a magnetic field wherein the head includes a face contact surface and a magnetic extension piece. The face contact surface and the magnetic extension piece are configured to contact and thereby, concentrate and shape the magnetic field into an end surface and no more than two side surfaces of the prismatic shape, respectively, whereby when the prismatic shape is placed in proximity to the head, the magnetic field draws the end surface of the prismatic shape into contact with the face contact surface and the no more than two side surfaces of the prismatic shape into contact with the magnetic extension piece. The device thereby engaging the magnetic object and allowing for its remote manipulation.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting and transporting a conventional hay bale feeder in association with the directed movement of a round hay bale and for facilitating the placement of the feeder around the bale. The device is removably attached to the feeder and consists of a lift arm assembly, a lift arm support assembly, and an anti-slide stabilizing assembly. The lift arm assembly includes a lift arm that is angled away from the top of the feeder to provide feeder lift. The lift arm support assembly acts as a brace to support the lift arm. The anti-slide stabilizing assembly limits rearward and side to side rocking movement of the feeder when lifted and transported, respectively. In alternate embodiments, the device is integrated into circular and multi-sided feeders during manufacture, forming single stand-alone units.