Abstract: A decorative charm includes a base element having a decorative top and a bottom; first and second rigid hook elements having respective extensions having first ends attached to the bottom of the base element and second extension ends angled inwardly to form hook portions; and a planar attachment element having a tapered portion and being disposed to simultaneously abut each extension to frictionally fix the extensions between the base element and the hook portions.

Abstract: A decorative charm attaches to a shoe, garment, or clothes accessory. A charm includes a base element having a bottom and a top; a hook mechanism having first and second hook elements attached to the bottom; and an attachment element formed of an elastic material. The attachment element can engage the first hook element, stretchably extend around a continuous portion of a shoe, garment, or clothes accessory, and thereafter engage the second hook element, all of which cooperatively secures the charm to the shoe, garment, or clothes accessory by firmly holding the continuous portion between the attachment element and the base element.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle includes a switch having an open state and a closed state; an electrical socket that receives an electrical plug; an electrical interface that directly couples to electrical wires and conductively carries current to the switch; a user interface having an input device that receives user commands, and an output device that sends user signals; and a timer that, upon user command, causes the switch to close. When the switch is in the closed state, current conductively reach the electrical socket. When in the open state, current does not conductively reach the electrical socket.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle includes a switch having an open state and a closed state; an electrical socket that receives an electrical plug; an electrical interface that directly couples to electrical wires and conductively carries current to the switch; a user interface having an input device that receives user commands, and an output device that sends user signals; and a timer that, upon user command, causes the switch to close. When the switch is in the closed state, current conductively reach the electrical socket. When in the open state, current does not conductively reach the electrical socket.