Abstract: A multi-textured, bag-shaped vehicle washing mitt that fits over and encloses the head and bristles of a common household broom or mop. The mitt has a soft textured side for use where a light touch is sufficient to remove loosely adhered dust and dirt, and it has a rough textured side to be used where a vigorous scrubbing action is required to dislodge stubbornly attached dirt and grime. For use, the broom head is inserted into the open end of the mitt, and it is secured in place by the elastic upper band portion of the mitt and by a drawstring closure at the open end of the mitt. The absorbent material of the mitt along with the broom bristles are capable of holding and dispensing the wash water. The broom/mitt combination can also be used with a pressurized water hose attached to the broom handle and feeding into the mitt.

Abstract: An interlocking two-part sewing needle includes a first needle portion having a needle tip and a second needle portion configured to be inserted into the first needle portion for removably connecting the first needle portion and the second needle portion together. A needle receiver is formed in the first needle portion and is configured to receive the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the first needle portion. The needle receiver includes one or more non-resistance sections. Each non-resistance section is configured to exert only a friction force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver. Additionally, the needle receiver includes one or more resistance sections. Each resistance section is configured to exert a compressive force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver.

Abstract: An interlocking two-part sewing needle includes a first needle portion having a needle tip and a second needle portion configured to be inserted into the first needle portion for removably connecting the first needle portion and the second needle portion together. A needle receiver is formed in the first needle portion and is configured to receive the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the first needle portion. The needle receiver includes one or more non-resistance sections. Each non-resistance section is configured to exert only a friction force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver. Additionally, the needle receiver includes one or more resistance sections. Each resistance section is configured to exert a compressive force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver.

Abstract: An interlocking two-part sewing needle includes a first needle portion having a needle tip and a second needle portion configured to be inserted into the first needle portion for removably connecting the first needle portion and the second needle portion together. A needle receiver is formed in the first needle portion and is configured to receive the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the first needle portion. The needle receiver includes one or more non-resistance sections. Each non-resistance section is configured to exert only a friction force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver. Additionally, the needle receiver includes one or more resistance sections. Each resistance section is configured to exert a compressive force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver.

Abstract: In a method for providing a double loop stitch, a needle assembly having a first needle portion and a second needle portion that is removably connected to the first needle portion is provided. Opposing ends of a thread are connected to the needle portions, forming a loop that is placed around a sewing material. The needle assembly is inserted through the sewing material at an insertion point. The thread is then partially pulled through the sewing material at the insertion point such that a pair of loops of thread, separated by the insertion point, remain adjacent a first face of the sewing material. The needle portions are then separated and are passed around opposite sides of the sewing material from adjacent a second face back adjacent the first face. Each needle portion is then passed through one of the loops. The loops are then cinched and locked in place.

Abstract: A flag type warning marker consisting of two parts—a flag supported by a uniquely shaped flagstaff to be inserted into the ground directly above underground utility lines to mark their location. By the unique shape of the flagstaff, the marker also indicates the direction or path of the utility lines. The flagstaff includes one C-shaped offset segment projecting outwardly from the vertical flagstaff in the direction of the associated utility lines path. In another embodiment of the invention, there are two separate offset segments oriented at ninety degrees to one another to designate a ninety degree corner of the utility lines below. Another offset segment of the flagstaff near the lower end of the staff can be added and be partially embedded into the ground to anchor the marker in order to prevent it from rotation after installation, thus maintaining the integrity of the directional indication.

Abstract: A sewing needle having a needle tip configured to pass through a sewing material and a first needle portion that follows the needle tip. A second needle portion is removably connected to the first needle portion and includes an end that is inserted into an elongate hollow receiver located on the first needle portion. The second needle portion follows the needle tip through said sewing material substantially simultaneously with the first needle portion. A first thread connection formed on the first needle portion is configured to carry a first portion of said thread through the sewing material and a second thread connection formed on the second needle portion is configured to carry a second portion of said thread through the sewing material. After passing through the sewing material, the first and second needle portions are separated, brought around outside edges of the sewing material and reconnected for subsequent stitching.

Abstract: A very simple, effective medication reminder used to designate the day of the week and the daily dosage number of the most recent medication dosage taken by the user (or alternatively the day of the week and the next dosage number to be taken). This invention can be used with medication containers of various sizes and shapes. It can be used over and over on the same pill bottle or it and be easily removed and placed on a new pill bottle. The device is placed on the exterior perimeter of the medication container and comprises a calendar and a marker assembly. The calendar shows the days of the week and is attached to the vertical side of the pill bottle using a weak adhesive. The marker assembly comprises an elastic band and a small tubular shaped sliding marker with the elastic band passing through an axial hole through the sliding marker.

Abstract: In a method for providing a double loop stitch, a needle assembly having a first needle portion and a second needle portion that is removably connected to the first needle portion is provided. Opposing ends of a thread are connected to the needle portions, forming a loop that is placed around a sewing material. The needle assembly is inserted through the sewing material at an insertion point. The thread is then partially pulled through the sewing material at the insertion point such that a pair of loops of thread, separated by the insertion point, remain adjacent a first face of the sewing material. The needle portions are then separated and are passed around opposite sides of the sewing material from adjacent a second face back adjacent the first face. Each needle portion is then passed through one of the loops. The loops are then cinched and locked in place.

Abstract: A sewing needle having a needle tip configured to pass through a sewing material and a first needle portion that follows the needle tip. A second needle portion is removably connected to the first needle portion and includes an end that is inserted into an elongate hollow receiver located on the first needle portion. The second needle portion follows the needle tip through said sewing material substantially simultaneously with the first needle portion. A first thread connection formed on the first needle portion is configured to carry a first portion of said thread through the sewing material and a second thread connection formed on the second needle portion is configured to carry a second portion of said thread through the sewing material. After passing through the sewing material, the first and second needle portions are separated, brought around outside edges of the sewing material and reconnected for subsequent stitching.

Abstract: A fish hook of generally conventional design with the unique features of having a point section of a pyramidal shape with a triangular cross-section. The three sides of the point section are either flat-sided or slightly concave facets extending from the point to the base of the point section. The hook has at least three barbs of different sizes with at least one barb on each edge of the cross-section. The smallest barb is near the point, and the barbs increase in size in increments down to the largest (conventional) barb at the base of the point section. The barb positions rotate sequentially in 120 degree increments around the axis of the point section from the top barb near the point to the bottom barb at the base of the point section. This multiple barb arrangement and the cutting edges of the facets results in increased and more secure hookups.

Abstract: A live bait container having at least one air chamber to provide buoyancy. It floats upright when stationary, and it floats on its back side when trolling. There is a strategically placed opening through the back or side wall of the air chamber to selectively allow air or water to enter and be trapped within the chamber. During fishing, air will remain trapped inside of the air chamber; however, when the user wants to store the container below the surface, air can be allowed to escape through the opening in the chamber by simply pushing the container below the water surface with its back side up. Air will escape the chamber to allow the container to submerge. To regain buoyancy, the user removes the container from the water and places it in a generally upright position, and the water will run out as air enters through the air chamber opening.

Abstract: A sanding tool for holding sandpaper or other abrasive sheet material. The tool consists of a base unit with a flat sanding surface and two outwardly sloping end walls, and a block unit with an arcuate sanding surface having outwardly sloping end walls that slope to a lesser degree than the slope of the base unit end walls. A strip of sandpaper is placed on either sanding surface, and the block unit is then firmly inserted into the base unit. As the block unit is pressed firmly into the base unit, the ends of the sandpaper strip are wedged securely between the sloped ends of the block unit and the sloped inner surfaces of the end walls of the base unit wherein the sloped ends of the block unit impinge on the sloped end walls of the base unit with the ends of the sandpaper strip compressed tightly therebetween.

Abstract: A motorized jigging device that can be used with conventional fishing rods and reels. It has a drive wheel attached to a spool-shaped eccentric unit by a pivotal attachment. The eccentric unit supports the handle of a fishing rod. The eccentric unit can be pivotally offset from the drive wheel to travel in a circular path producing a jigging movement as the rod pivots vertically on a fulcrum support. Speed is adjustable by the variable speed motor, and the amplitude of the jigging movement can be easily adjusted by simply pivoting the eccentric unit attached to the drive wheel. It is very simple and can be easily used by fishermen of all ages and abilities. It can have a remote controller to operate the device, including switching the device on and off, adjusting the speed, and setting the duration of the on and off periods of the repeating jigging cycles.

Abstract: An improved anchor (20) for securing the floatation units (12) of marker buoys (10), waterfowl decoys (36), and the like at selected locations on a body of water. The anchor (20) has an anchor weight (24) portion of non-lead material and a pair of clamping arms (30) extending outwardly from the anchor body (22), and configured and adapted to springably spread apart to open, to close about, and to releasably clamp onto the floatation unit (12), thus preventing the release and tangling of anchor line (14). This provides convenient storage for the marker buoy (10) or the waterfowl decoy (36) with its wound anchor line (14) and the attached anchor (20). Currently, marker buoy anchors and waterfowl decoy anchors frequently consist of a thin lead strip capable of being bent around a portion of the floatation unit (12) of the marker buoy (10) or the waterfowl decoy (36) for secure storage. For use, the lead strip can be unbent to release it from the floatation unit (12).

Abstract: A multi-strand disposable dental flosser with an improved floss strand pair arrangement. The dental flosser is an integral unit having an elongate gripping handle with a toothpick at one end, and a flosser head with two spaced apart arms at the opposite end. The floss strand pair is tautly stretched across the span between the arms and anchored securely near the tips thereof. The floss strand arrangement includes an X-configured floss strand pair, and can have at least one additional X-configured floss strand pair or at least one added single floss strand disposed slightly above the lower floss strand pair. The X-configured floss strand pair has two individual strands that are spaced apart at the ends thereof and cross together at the mid-lengths thereof. The flosser can have a tongue-cleaning edge and a tongue-cleaning surface area to enhance overall oral hygiene.

Abstract: A self-setting marker buoy comprising a floatation unit (20), including a hollow upper member (22), a separable end cap closure lower member (36) with a line storage spool (38) having a uniquely shaped line-trapping element (52) on its lower flange (50), anchor line (44), and anchor (68). The upper member (22) can be tapered inwardly toward the top to allow multiple upper members (22) to nest together for storage. Lower members (36) can also stack together. The line-trapping element (52) is in the shape of a disk having alternating slots (54) and spokes (56) at the perimeter thereof. When tossed onto the water, the weight of the anchor (68) causes the floatation unit (20) to tilt sufficiently to allow the release of anchor line (44) as the anchor (68) descends to the bottom of the water body. When the anchor (68) reaches the bottom, ballast (62) in the lower member (36) rights the floatation unit (20), and the line-trapping element (52) comes into effect to prevent any further release of anchor line (44).

Abstract: A simplified, self-setting marker buoy having an outer shell of abrasion-resistant plastic material, two end portions (14) that are filled with foam or hollow to provide buoyancy, an integrally formed medial portion (18) on which the anchor line (22) is wound, an anchor line (22), and an anchor weight (38). The medial portion (18) is slightly offset from the axis of rotation of the floatation unit (10) to provide rotational resistance to impede rotation of the floatation unit (10) and the resulting release of excess anchor line (22) due to the action of wind, waves, or currents. The amount of offset of the medial portion (18) is preselected to provide the maximum amount of rotational impedance that will still allow rotation of the floatation unit (10) while the anchor weight (38) descends to the bottom of the water body. The medial portion (18) also has a relatively large cross-sectional area resulting in greater ease in rewinding the anchor line (22) onto the medial portion (18).