Abstract: A can crusher for axially crushing an empty can of the type having a recessed top and bottom and a pour hole in the top, the pour hole appearing when the tab is removed to empty the can. The present invention comprises first and second members having a hinge at one end for connecting the members in a hinged fashion. One of the members comprises a protrusion arranged for engaging the can bottom, preferably by protruding into the recessed bottom of the can. The other member comprises a pour hole protrusion for engaging the top of the can by protruding into the pour hole. The two protrusions are positioned on the respective members so that the can may be retained between the two members as the can is axially crushed by moving the unhinged ends of the members toward one another.

Abstract: A cable tensioning device having a frame, a cable-winding drum carried in the frame, ratchet wheel means attached to the drum, a reciprocable handle bearing a driving pawl for advancing the ratchet wheel means, and a holding pawl normally limiting rotation of the drum to a single direction. The ratchet wheel means may comprise a pair of toothed ratchet wheels respectively spaced on either side of the drum, and engageable with a driving pawl having similarly spaced teeth to provide symmetrical driving of the drum.

Abstract: A clip assembly for wallet-like articles carried upon the person such as notebooks, daily calendars, writing pads and the like, wherein an accessory clip is firmly but detachably affixed to the cover of the article and carries a readily available writing instrument. An auxiliary clip associated therewith serves as a page separator or hold-down for use on the pages within the wallet as well as providing a mount for a slidable nomographic reference member such as a calendar.

Abstract: A backerboard for use in conjunction with a siding panel of the type having longitudinally disposed walls connected by a longitudinal step and wherein the siding panel is normally fastened to the external wall sheathing of a building. The backerboard is adapted to be disposed between the inner surfaces of the siding panel walls and the exterior of the building sheathing. The backerboard is fabricated from two polystyrene foam plastic members that are disposed with respect to each other so as to have overlapping portions that are bonded to one another by a suitable adhesive such that the longitudinal side edge of one of the members adjacent the overlapping portions is contoured to snugly abut the step of the siding panel when the backerboard is positioned against the same. A method for manufacturing the backerboard is disclosed.

Abstract: A backerboard for use in conjunction with a siding panel of the type having longitudinally disposed walls connected by a longitudinal step and wherein the siding panel is normally fastened to the external wall sheathing of a building. The backerboard is adapted to be disposed between the inner surfaces of the siding panel walls and the exterior of the building sheathing. The backerboard is fabricated from two polystyrene foam plastic members that are disposed with respect to each other so as to have overlapping portions that are bonded to one another by a suitable adhesive such that the longitudinal side edge of one of the members adjacent the overlapping portions is contoured to snugly abut the step of the siding panel when the backerboard is positioned against the same. A method for manufacturing the backerboard is disclosed.