Abstract: In a universal, adjustable spacer assembly, first and second opposed wedges have faces that are inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis. As the wedges translate along the longitudinal axis with respect to one another, vertical distance between an upper face and a lower face of the first and second wedges respectively changes. Longitudinally displaced portions of a rotatable member such as a threaded rod are received in a first and a second collar member pivotally mounted with respect to the first and second wedges respectively. As the rod rotates, longitudinal distance between the collar members changes, and the wedges slide against each other, the collar members rotate within each wedge. In a further form, opposing track members may be fixed to inclined surfaces of the first and second wedges respectively.

Abstract: A portable door locking device. In one embodiment, a door lock may include a base plate configured with a locking wedge and a driver wedge. The base plate may be formed in a U-shaped fashion, thus defining a cut-out region sized to receive the locking and driver wedges. Typically, the locking wedge is pivotally attached to the base plate, permitting rotational movement of the locking wedge about a pivoting axis. In some implementations, the locking wedge comprises a sloped bottom surface that slideably cooperates with a sloped top surface of the driving wedge. In use, the driver wedge may be driven in linear fashion underneath the locking wedge, causing the locking wedge to engage an adjacent door. With the door lock deployed in this manner, the door cannot be readily opened from the outside.

Abstract: A portable door locking device. In one embodiment, a door lock may include a base plate configured with a locking wedge and a driver wedge. The base plate may be formed in a U-shaped fashion, thus defining a cut-out region sized to receive the locking and driver wedges. Typically, the locking wedge is pivotally attached to the base plate, permitting rotational movement of the locking wedge about a pivoting axis. In some implementations, the locking wedge comprises a sloped bottom surface that slideably cooperates with a sloped top surface of the driving wedge. In use, the driver wedge may be driven in linear fashion underneath the locking wedge, causing the locking wedge to engage an adjacent door. With the door lock deployed in this manner, the door cannot be readily opened from the outside.

Abstract: A stabilizing, turning and controlling side fin for a surfboard or the like increases the performance and maneuverability of the surfboard or the like. The side fin may be provided on the right, left or both sides of the surfboard near the rear or middle portions of the surfboard. The side fin includes a deck portion forming a foot support and a roll over edge at the side thereof. The side fin is selectively submergible and provides a lift and thrust feel to the board when going through the water. In operation, when stepping on the deck portion of the side fin, or otherwise submerging a selected side fin, the board will turn in that direction. Stepping on the deck surface lightly will produce gradual turn and stepping on the deck surface heavily will produce a sharper turn. The side fin allows the board to essentially climb up on to the wave, giving the user the ability to maneuver and ride even small waves.