Abstract: A method and system for generating a minimal amount of slack in a shoulder portion of a seat belt secured over a vehicle occupant to provide comfort and safety to the occupant without interfering with the function and operation of the seat belt. A signal processor is provided for processing control signals, some of which are generated in response to actions taken by the occupant. A pair of fingers grasp, extend, retract and release a shoulder portion of the seat belt in response to a first control signal. The fingers then re-grasp and re-extend the shoulder portion of the seat belt to a fully extended position, thereby providing the minimal amount of slack.

Abstract: An inflatable ball which includes a ball skin having a ball opening, a valve ring which is secured to the ball opening, and a valve assembly insertable through the valve ring into the ball. The valve assembly incudes a valve stem slidably movable between first and second positions to block and expose the valve opening to the outside of the ball.A method of forming the ball by assembling an inflatable device which has an opening, a valve assembly and a preformed valve ring is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of inflating the inflatable device, securing the valve ring around the opening of the inflatable device while inflated, deflating the device when the valve ring is secured thereto, and attaching the valve assembly to the valve ring.

Abstract: A hand ball game includes a horizontal deck which extends between two standards. The lateral width of the deck is determined by the standards, while the longitudinal width of the deck separates the players. The deck is configured as an imperforate barrier to any ball seeking to fall through or penetrate the deck. The lateral width of the deck is adjustable as is the height of the deck, and the deck and standards knock down to a compact size for storage.