Abstract: A reel assembly includes an electrical cord, and a reel encased within a housing and capable of winding and unwinding the electrical cord. A power connector electrically couples one end of the electrical cord to a power source, such as a vehicle's cigarette lighter receptacle or 12 volt accessory power outlet. A powered device, such as a lamp, or flashlight, may be electrically coupled to an intermediate connector at the other end of the electrical cord. Connectors coupled to the electrical cord are removably attachable to the housing of the reel assembly.

Abstract: A reel assembly includes an electrical cord, and a reel encased within a housing and capable of winding and unwinding the electrical cord. A power connector electrically couples one end of the electrical cord to a power source, such as a vehicle's cigarette lighter receptacle or 12 volt accessory power outlet. A powered device, such as a lamp, or flashlight, may be electrically coupled to an intermediate connector at the other end of the electrical cord. Connectors coupled to the electrical cord are removably attachable to the housing of the reel assembly.

Abstract: A portable utility light, including a reel assembly, a power connector, and a light assembly. The reel assembly includes an electrical cord, and a reel encased within a housing and capable of winding and unwinding the electrical cord. A power connector electrically couples one end of the electrical cord to a power source, such as a vehicle's cigarette lighter receptacle or 12 volt accessory power outlet. A lamp, or flashlight, is electrically coupled to the other end of the electrical cord. Connectors coupled to the electrical cord are removably attachable to the housing of the reel assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable automotive clothes rod assembly having multiple telescoping clothes rod segments that may be securely attached to one another through a T-shaped male member having a pair of wings and a keyhole-shaped female member having a pair of channels for accepting the wings of the male member. Each of the clothing rod segments comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is sized to permit it to move in telescopic relation to the outer sleeve. The end of the inner sleeve includes a retaining end member for attaching the clothes rod assembly to the inside of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining end member includes both a loop and a hook for attaching to a hook or a handle of a vehicle, respectively. The inner sleeve also preferably may be selectively secured within the outer sleeve to maintain the clothes rod assembly in either extended or retracted position.

Abstract: A shape retaining flexible connector apparatus for supporting flashlights, lamps, etc., is provided. The shape retaining flexible connector apparatus includes a formable support member, one or more joint forming members associated with the support member and a cover member.

Abstract: A locking fastener (10) comprises a nut (12) having a threaded portion (14) formed about a central axis (16) of the fastener. A head portion (18) of the nut is formed integral to the threaded portion (14), for gripping the fastener during tightening or loosening. An inner member (22) is provided coaxial with the head portion (18) and is designed to be mechanically coupled to an underside of the head portion (18) so as to be substantially immobile relative to the head portion. Inner member (22) is provided with inclined cam means (24) in the form of a plurality of cam surfaces arranged in an annular configuration about the inner member (22). A locking member (26) is provided coaxial with the threaded portion (14) and has a matching cam means (28) on one face adapted to rotatably interengage in facing relation with the inclined cam means (24) on inner member (22).

Abstract: A fastener bearing assembly for reducing the turning friction between a head of a fastener and an object to be fastened, for example, a vehicle wheel. The assembly comprises a first part having a first pressure transmitting surface and a second part having a second pressure transmitting surface, and adapted to rotatably receive the first pressure transmitting surface in facing relation thereto. A solid dry lubricant material in the form of an annulus is provided to reduce friction between the first and second pressure transmitting surfaces. In use, the first part rotates with the head of the fastener and the second part remains stationary relative to the surface of the fastened object so that the dry lubricant annulus acts as a bearing between the head of the fastener and the fastened object. A locking member adapted to engage a surface of both the first and second parts may be provided to prevent rotation of the first and second parts relative to one another.

Abstract: A fastener (50) is disclosed suitable for securing a grinding wheel (92) to the spindle of an angle grinder, the fastener (50) being capable of tightening and loosening by hand. The fastener (50) comprises a first disc-shaped component (52) having a first pressure transmitting surface (53) adapted to bear against the grinding wheel (92), and a second disc-shaped component (54) having a threaded hub (56) non-rotatably fixed thereto. The first and second components (52, 54) are assembled on the hub (56) so as to be rotatable with respect to each other, and the second component (54) is adapted to apply an axially directed compressive force to press the first component (52) against the grinding wheel when a torque is applied to the second component (54).