Abstract: A connector apparatus which comprises two main connector parts, pivotally joined by a hinge mechanism, enabling a first part of the connector apparatus to be pivoted into an angled orientation position relative to the second connector part. Together with a hinge mechanism the connector apparatus can include an integral locking mechanism, such that the two main connector parts can be pivoted into a desired relative orientation and then locked into place. The user can easily unlock, pivot, and then lock the hinge mechanism in a desired relative orientation, allowing the device to be switched between straight, and angled orientations very quickly. In one embodiment, a connector apparatus is made to attach a pole handle, such as a swimming pool cleaning apparatus handle, on the first main connector part, and where the second main connector part attaches to a swimming pool skimmer net or brush.

Abstract: A quick change pole end connector apparatus for quickly connecting one or more devices to a long handled pole. The inventive apparatus can be secured between the outer end of a pole handle and a device to be attached. In one embodiment, a quick change pole end connector can be built to fit swimming pool pole handles, which are typically 1.15 inch outside diameter, and have a pair of opposing spring release connector pins, which are snapped into a matching pair of holes in a device to be connected. The invention can be built to allow a user to quickly connect a pole end device at an angle relative to the pole. In another embodiment, a quick change pole end connector apparatus can be made to accommodate two or more devices to be attached to a pole at the same time.

Abstract: A water pistol which has a water-collecting target mounted on it. The water pistol has a water firing mechanism that squirts a stream of water from the pistol. The water-collecting target is connected to the water firing mechanism of the water pistol so that water which strikes the target is collected and can be squirted again by the firing mechanism. The water pistol may also have a water reservoir connected between the water-collecting target and the water firing mechanism that can collect a supply of water sufficient for multiple squirts. Different water collecting targets and water firing mechanisms suitable for the invention are described. When the special water pistols are used in pairs, they can be used for a game of water catch where one player squirts a stream of water toward a second player, and the second player tries to catch the water in the water-collecting target of his or her water pistol and squirt it back to the first player. A number of variations of the water catch game are described.

Abstract: A modular picture frame system with the individual picture frames interconnecting like jigsaw puzzle pieces. Each of the puzzle piece-shaped picture frames has male and female connectors in the form of an interlocking geometric shape. These connectors are used to attach the individual frames to one another to make a collage of picture frames. Preferably, each frame is made with multiple connectors facing in different directions so that each frame can be connected with as many other frames as it has connectors. The connectors disclosed include rounded lobe-shaped connectors, dovetail connectors and polygonal geometric connectors. The frames themselves and the display openings in the frames can be virtually any geometric shape, rectangle, diamond, octagon, triangle, circle, or other curved shapes as long as the male and female connectors have sufficient clearance to connect.

Abstract: A combined water pistol and target for simulated combat games. A target mountable on the water pistol provides a quantitative measure of how many times and how accurately it has been hit during the course of a simulated battle to help determine the winner. Water striking the target runs down into a "lifeline" tube which can determine when a player has been "killed" during simulated combat. A float ball aids in visualizing the accumulated score. One version has a planar target which registers hits which strike the front surface of the target. A second version has a bull's-eye with concentric circles so that more-accurate hits score higher. A third version is a three dimensional target which registers hits on the target from a full 360 degrees around the player. A fourth version has a 180 degree three dimensional target. The lifeline may include a series of tubes aligned side by side. When the first tube fills, the water starts to cascade into the second tube and so on.

Abstract: An interlocking plate and cup set for use in casual dining so that one can hold a plate and cup with one hand. The plate and cup mate together so that the cup will be securely held to the plate and so that the mated combination can be placed on and removed from a flat surface without separation. The plate is generally flat and has an upper surface with a raised circumferential edge (12) for restraining food. The upper surface of the plate also has a cup-holding support (20) comprising a slot (24) extending in from the edge of the plate. The slot terminates in a concave cup-support area (22). The cup has a relatively broad base (30), a relatively narrow stem (32) extending up from the base, and a relatively broad liquid-holding body portion (34) extending up fro the stem. The body portion has a convex bottom surface (42) facing downward which is shaped to mate with the cup-support area in the plate.