Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a swimmer's starter platform including a heart rate monitor. The heart rate monitor can include electrodes to acquire heart rate data and a transmitter. The starter platform can include a detachable display including a receiver. The detachable display can wirelessly receive the heart rate data and display the heart rate data whether coupled or detached from the starter platform. The starter platform can include a top platform, backstroke handlebars, and electrode handlebars. The electrode handlebars can include electrodes to acquire heart rate data. The electrode handlebars can be positioned with respect to the top platform and the backstroke handlebars to acquire the heart rate data while the swimmer is in the pool.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for supporting a post and a base plate for the assembly. The assembly includes a tubular anchor body with an arcuate interior area. The anchor body is configured to receive a post having an arcuate exterior profile and a hollow lower end. The base plate is for connection with the anchor body. The base plate has an arcuate portion shaped congruently to the anchor body. The base plate has an arcuate conical portion that has a cross-sectional area that is complementary to the hollow lower end of the post and that has a greatest radial dimension at a base of the conical portion. The greatest radial dimension is greater than a complementary dimension of an interior surface of the post to cause the interior surface to slide over the conical portion and the conical portion to frictionally engage the post to prevent lateral movement of the post.

Abstract: A non-slip platform for location adjacent to a body of water providing a person with traction despite the presence of water on the platform, wherein the platform includes an upper portion; a fluid-draining topography at the upper portion that channels the water to minimize water contact with the person on the platform; and a non-slip surface coating on the fluid-draining topography for traction, said non-slip surface coating including an abrasive layer. The present invention is also directed to a method of making the non-slip platform for location adjacent to a body of water, the method including the steps of forming a fluid-draining topography at the upper portion of the non-slip platform, preparing the fluid-draining topography to support an abrasive layer, depositing the abrasive layer on the prepared fluid-draining topography, and providing a topcoat to the fluid-draining topography.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for supporting a post and a base plate for the assembly. The assembly includes a tubular anchor body with an arcuate interior area. The anchor body is configured to receive a post having an arcuate exterior profile and a hollow lower end. The base plate is for connection with the anchor body. The base plate has an arcuate portion shaped congruently to the anchor body. The base plate has an arcuate conical portion that has a cross-sectional area that is complementary to the hollow lower end of the post and that has a greatest radial dimension at a base of the conical portion. The greatest radial dimension is greater than a complementary dimension of an interior surface of the post to cause the interior surface to slide over the conical portion and the conical portion to frictionally engage the post to prevent lateral movement of the post.

Abstract: A non-slip platform for location adjacent to a body of water providing a person with traction despite the presence of water on the platform, wherein the platform includes an upper portion; a fluid-draining topography at the upper portion that channels the water to minimize water contact with the person on the platform; and a non-slip surface coating on the fluid-draining topography for traction, said non-slip surface coating including an abrasive layer. The present invention is also directed to a method of making the non-slip platform for location adjacent to a body of water, the method including the steps of forming a fluid-draining topography at the upper portion of the non-slip platform, preparing the fluid-draining topography to support an abrasive layer, depositing the abrasive layer on the prepared fluid-draining topography, and providing a topcoat to the fluid-draining topography.

Abstract: An anchor system for a hollow tubular support post of a starting platform utilizes a hollow tubular anchor body having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration which is adapted to be imbedded in the deck of a swimming pool. A base plate is connected to the anchor body and has four upstanding projections with tapered outer surfaces defining four corner projections of a truncated pyramid which extends into the hollow tubular anchor body.

Abstract: A method for producing a label stopping area on a semirigid or flexible package having a package portion with an opening and a label flap which covers the opening. The label stopping area is such that the label flap can be lifted away from the package opening but not completely removed from the package body. The method involves treating a specific area of the package body's surface with a corona discharge so that the adhesion characteristics of the treated areas are improved. After the application of a pressure sensitive label flap, the label flap can be peeled easily up to the corona treated zone whereafter the label flap adhesion is substantially greater, thereby preventing inadvertent complete removal of the label flap from the package when opening.