Abstract: A within-ground portable pool, particularly well suited as a sand pool in a beach environment is disclosed. Importantly, the portable pool has a bendable structure wherein children can develop creative skills by bending the structure into various shapes and designs. Additionally, multiple pools can be joined together optionally according to the imagination of a user. A novel sun shade design is also provided to the sand pool. More features are also included for stability and entertainment.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a region outside a vehicle, and a system for accomplishing the method, the method consisting of the steps of: receiving a signal from outside of the vehicle; activating, in response to the receiving the signal, at least one lamp within the vehicle; and illuminating, in response to the activating of the at least one lamp, the region outside the vehicle. The illumination is at least 180 degrees around the vehicle and includes projecting light from the at least one lamp within the vehicle to the region outside the vehicle. In variations of this embodiment, the illuminating includes intermittently illuminating the at least one lamp by projecting light in a flashing manner from the at least one lamp within the vehicle to the region outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a region outside an automobile involves activating at least one lamp within the automobile; and illuminating, in response to the activating of the at least one lamp, the region outside the automobile. The region extends from the automobile to at least 15 to 30 feet or more from the automobile, and the illuminating includes projecting light from the lamp within the automobile to the region outside the automobile. Preferably, the illuminating includes projecting light that illuminates an area at an average maintained luminance of at least 0.2 foot-candles at a distance of 15 to 30 feet or more from the lamp. An apparatus for carrying out this method employs at least one lamp; a remotely-controlled switch coupled to the lamp; a power source selectively coupleable through the remotely-controlled switch to the at least one lamp; a housing coupled to the at least one lamp; and at least one hook coupled to the housing for suspending the housing within an automobile.