Abstract: A cart with extensible axles for transporting shock sensitive loads, computers, luggage and the like, which cart is provided with a wheel base that is adjustable to fit the various sizes and weights of the loads supported on the cart. In a first embodiment, the wheel base is adjustable via a hollow tube having a pair of oppositely-disposed slots formed at the ends of the tube. Each axle of the cart has a J-shaped hook at its end remote from the wheel it carries, which hook rides in the slot disposed on the opposite end of the tube. The diameter of the tube is such that the two axles can pass only by the application of force to overcome the friction caused by the oppositely-moving snug-fitting axles. The slots are arranged on the bottom circumferential portion of the tube and are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, but are spaced angularly with respect to each other about the outer circumference of the tube to aid in the frictional holding of the axles upon extension and retraction.

Abstract: A system for tensioning a line of flexible material such as a cord, rope, cable or web, including a body provided with a pair of spaced sheave means each having a central rod around which the line may pass, the axes of the rods being parallel. A bracket projects from the body in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the rod axes, and includes a pivotal attachment point spaced from the plane. A swing arm may be pivotally attached at one end to said point and at its other end to the line to be tensioned, and means are provided for selectively locking said arm against swinging movement when the arm is parallel to the plane of the rod axes.

Abstract: A manually controlled device for lowering people or objects safely from tall buildings having two spaced pulley assemblies, held in place by a cylindrical frame. One end of the frame holding one pulley assembly is rotatable with respect to the other end of the frame. A rope threaded between the two pulley assemblies binds against itself when one pulley assembly is rotated with respect to the other pulley assembly. The rate of descent of a person or object connected to one end of a rope threaded through the device is controlled by the degree of rotation between the two pulley assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming or restoring the pleats of draperies which have been newly made or freshly dry cleaned. The drape or drapes are supported from a horizontally extending hanger bar which in turn is vertically movable on an upstanding frame. An improved horizontally mounted pleater bar assembly is also vertically movable on the frame and includes a stationary bar mounted on the frame having a plurality of spaced plates or fingers extending generally normal to the drapes and a movable bar carrying a plurality of spaced, flexible fingers, which movable bar is movable from a position away from the drape or drapes to a position whereby the fingers interleave with the plates with the drapery pleats passing about the fingers and plates. A releasable lock is provided for quickly and easily locking approximately 90% of the drapes between the plates and fingers.

Abstract: Method and device is provided for recording the swing of a golf club over a mat and permitting the analysis of the depth of the swing, the arc of the swing and the angle of the face of the golf club head when it contacts the mat. A resilient mat is covered with a thin film of chalk dust and a golf club having an attachment secured to the golf club head capable of dispersing the dust on the mat when it contacts the mat. The dust is dispersed in a pattern on the mat, which due to the attachment, permits analysis to determine the foregoing. The mat may also be provided with indicia related to a golf ball and the equivalence of making a divot by the golfer may also be determined.

Abstract: A portable, releasable tie-down device and method for quickly and easily applying tension to a flexible elongated member such as a belt, strap, cable, rope or the like when the ends thereof are either free or tied down. The device enables an elongated member to be tensioned without the necessity of releasing the tied-down ends. Either the end portions of one or more flexible elongated members or a midportion of a single elongated member are wrapped into overlapping relationship, thereby tensioning the flexible elongated member. The flexible elongated member may be maintained under tension until it is desired to relieve such tension. Subsequently, the flexible elongated member may be quickly and easily relieved of tension and the device may be totally removed from engagement with the flexible elongated member.