Abstract: An article of clothing includes, in one embodiment, four alternate layers made of an air permeable material such as cotton and a non-air permeable material such as polyethyleneterephalate. Two intermediate layers both include a plurality of throughholes therein covered by the outer layers. The throughholes of the second layer are laterally offset from the throughholes of the third layer such that no direct path is provided through the throughholes between the intermediate layers so that the bites of insects are resisted. In another embodiment, two layers are provided each including a pattern, e.g., alternating stripes of an air permeable and a non-permeable material. The stripes of the two layers are offset so that non-permeable material of the two layers, taken together provide an insect barrier.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided which is used in exercising of the abdominal muscles as well as in exercising the muscles of the upper torso, shoulders and arms while the back of the user is supported, elongated and stretched. The device includes a platform which is elevated at one end from a supporting surface for the device. A seat is located at the one end of the platform and a bowed back support member is disposed on the platform adjacent to the seat. The support member presents a convex curved surface of a longitudinal extent such that the back and head of the user can rest thereon with the user in a backwardly reclining posture. A resilient belt fits around the waist of the user while a restraining arrangement preferably in the form of flexible restraining members is adapted to engage the arms of the user during movement of the user from the backwardly reclining posture wherein the back of the user rests against the convex curved surface to a sitting position.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising of the abdominal muscles as well as in exercising the muscles of the upper torso, shoulders and arms while the back of the user is supported, elongated and stretched. The device includes a platform which is elevated at one end from a supporting surface for the device. A seat is located at the one end of the platform and a bowed back support member is disposed on the platform adjacent to the seat. The support member presents a convex curved surface of a longitudinal extent such that the back and head of the user can rest thereon with the user in a backwardly reclining posture. A belt fits around the waist of the user while a resilient or stretchable cord is adapted to engage the arms of the user during movement of the user from the backwardly reclining posture wherein the back of the user rests against the convex curved surface to a sitting position. The cord thus increases the force that must be exerted by the abdominal muscles of the user in carrying out this movement.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided which is used in exercising of the abdominal muscles as well as in exercising the muscles of the upper torso, shoulders and arms while the back of the user is supported, elongated and stretched. The device includes a platform which is elevated at one end from a supporting surface for the device. A seat is located at the one end of the platform and a bowed back support member is disposed on the platform adjacent to the seat. The support member presents a convex curved surface of a longitudinal extent such that the back and head of the user can rest thereon with the user in a backwardly reclining posture. A resilient belt fits around the waist of the user while a restraining arrangement preferably in the form of flexible restraining members is adapted to engage the arms of the user during movement of the user from the backwardly reclining posture wherein the back of the user rests against the convex curved surface to a sitting position.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided which is used in exercising of the abdominal muscles as well as in exercising the muscles of the upper torso, shoulders and arms while the back of the user is supported, elongated and stretched. The device includes a platform which is elevated at one end from a supporting surface for the device. A seat is located at the one end of the platform and a bowed back support member is disposed on the platform adjacent to the seat. The support member presents a convex curved surface of a longitudinal extent such that the back and head of the user can rest thereon with the user in a backwardly reclining posture. A belt fits around the waist of the user while a resilient or stretchable cord is adapted to engage the arms of the user during movement of the user from the backwardly reclining posture wherein the back of the user rests against the convex curved surface to a sitting position.

Abstract: A shoe for running, cross training and the like includes a base member including a raised front portion and a rearwardly extending rear portion. A U-shaped spring is disposed beneath the raised portion. The spring has transversely extending ends engaging the front portion at respective longitudinally spaced locations. The front end of the spring is preferably unconnected to the raised portion such that a projection on the latter cams against and flattens the spring when the user's weight is put on the raised portion. A sole spring element is affixed to the front portion of base member and includes a flexible part overlying, and extending rearwardly beyond, the sole portion of the base member. The flexible part of the rear spring element is disposed at an acute, non-zero angle with respect to the sole portion of the base member.

Abstract: A programmable transaction card enables accessing a selected one of a plurality of different accounts with the same or different financial institutions through communication with an authorization center while providing important anti-fraud features. The transaction card includes a keyboard for selecting a desired account and for entering optional identification information for the card. The transaction card generates an account number corresponding to the selected account. The account number, together with the identification information, if entered, is presented in a form which is readable by a reader device but is not discernible by the human eye, e.g., by emulation of a magnetic strip. In an alternative embodiment, an optical reader can be used. Upon reading the account number and the identification information by the (e.g.

Abstract: A programmable credit card enables accessing of a selected one of a plurality of different credit accounts with the same or different credit card companies through communication with a clearing house for the credit accounts while providing important anti-fraud features. The credit card provides means for storing a basic account number and includes a keyboard for entering terminal digits which together with the basic account number define a completed account number and which identify a selected one of the plurality of accounts to be accessed, and for entering identification information for the card. The terminal digits are preserved along with the basic account number to provide the completed account number, together with the identification information, in a form which is readable by a reader device but is not discernible by the human eye, e.g., by emulating a magnetic strip.

Abstract: A firearm combination safety lock is disclosed. The safety lock includes a plurality of independently actuatable members, which in the preferred embodiment, are four push button switches connected to an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit compares the sequence in which the buttons are pushed and will operate an interlock means when the sequence matches a predetermined sequence. The push buttons are preferably provided in the finger grip of the handle of the firearm.