Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus that utilizes a hook-and-loop fastener for attaching sandpaper to an elastomeric body is described. The sanding apparatus may include an elastomeric body with a thin, relatively flat spring member attached to a bottom surface of the elastomeric body. A first component of the hook-and-loop fastener may be coupled to the elastomeric body while being positioned in a recessed portion on the bottom surface of the elastomeric body. A second component of the hook-and-loop fastener with a sanding surface may be attached to the first component.

Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and one or more coil spring members coupled to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member. The flat spring member and the coil spring members may be elongated members coupled together lengthwise. The coil spring member may be a closed coil spring member that allows concave flexing of the sanding surface and inhibits convex flexing of the sanding surface.

Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and a plurality of disc-shaped members attached to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. The disc-shaped members may be horizontally stacked along the length of the flat spring member with at least one disc-shaped member at least partially contacting its adjacent disc-shaped members when the flat spring member lies flat. The disc-shaped members may be individually attached to the first side of the flat spring member along at least portions of outer edges of the disc-shaped members. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member.

Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and one or more coil spring members coupled to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member. The flat spring member and the coil spring members may be elongated members coupled together lengthwise. The coil spring member may be a closed coil spring member that allows concave flexing of the sanding surface and inhibits convex flexing of the sanding surface.

Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and one or more coil spring members coupled to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member. The flat spring member and the coil spring members may be elongated members coupled together lengthwise. The coil spring member may be a closed coil spring member that allows concave flexing of the sanding surface and inhibits convex flexing of the sanding surface.

Abstract: A solar cell and method for producing same is disclosed. The solar cell includes a multijunction solar cell structure and a notch filter designed to reflect solar energy that does not contribute to the current output of the multijunction solar cell. By reflecting unused solar energy, the notch filter allows the solar cell to run cooler (and thus more efficiently) yet it still allows all junctions to fully realize their electrical current production capability.

Abstract: A container assembly for keeping food stored therein fresh. The container assembly includes a plurality of nested members each having a bowl-shaped configuration comprising exterior and interior surfaces, a base and a perimeter side wall extending upwardly around the base. The perimeter side wall terminating at an upper edge. The nested members include an outer bowl, a filter, and an inner bowl. The filter is rested inside the outer bowl. The inner bowl is rested inside the filter such that the filter is interposed between the inner and outer bowls. The inner bowl having a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. A lid assembly is provided for substantially covering upper opening of the outer bowl.

Abstract: A clearing apparatus which includes a clearing device for use in clearing operations, and a carriage for supporting a clearing device during use. The clearing device is a clearing device of any conventional type and includes an elongated support member, a power unit at one end of the support member and a clearing head at the other end of the support member.

Abstract: A clearing apparatus comprising a clearing device for use in clearing operations, a carriage to which the clearing device is mounted for the carriage to support the clearing device during use, and a handle for use in guiding the apparatus during use. The clearing device comprises an elongated support member, a clearing head mounted at a leading end of the support member, a power unit mounted at a trailing end of the support member, and a drive connection for connecting the power unit to the clearing head. The carriage comprises a frame, a single support wheel having a wheel axis about which the support wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame during use, and a pivot mount mounting the clearing device to the frame such that the clearing apparatus can be supported proximate its center of gravity on the support wheel during use.

Abstract: A trimmer apparatus comprising a trimmer device for use in trimming and edging operations, a carriage to which the trimmer device is mounted to support the trimmer device during use, and a handle for use in guiding the apparatus during use. The trimmer device comprises an elongated support shaft, a power unit mounted at a trailing end of the shaft, a trimmer head mounted at a leading end of the shaft, and a drive connection for connecting the power unit to the trimmer head. The trimmer head has a trimmer blade to operate in a blade plane. The trimmer device has a swivel connection to allow the trimmer head to be swiveled between a trimming position where the blade plane is generally parallel to a support surface supporting material to be trimmed during use, and an edging position where the blade plane is generally at right angles to such a support surface during use. The carriage comprises a frame, and a single support wheel rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame during use.

Abstract: A clearing apparatus which includes a clearing device for use in clearing operations, and a carriage for supporting the clearing device during use. The clearing device is of conventional type and has an elongated support tube, a clearing head mounted at one end of the support tube, and a motor mounted at the other end of the support tube. The carriage includes a frame, a single support wheel which is rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame, and a guide handle for use in guiding the apparatus, and the frame has a mounting bracket which mounts the support tube on the frame so that the clearing apparatus will be supported proximate its center of gravity on the support wheel during use.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel trim member has a round spring steel ring mounted on the inboard face thereof adapted to engage in grooves in the wheel mounting lug nuts or the studs on which they are threaded to releasably retain the trim member on the wheel. The ring is dimensioned to be flexed radially into non-circular shape and thereby assume a stressed condition when engaged in the grooves. The ring is mounted on the trim member such that the retention forces generated by the flexed ring are absorbed entirely by the studs and not by the trim member. Distortion and warpage of the trim member is thus avoided.

Abstract: Ironing apparatus provides supporting of a hand iron above the ironing surface of an ironing board. It includes a base for supportive disposition upon a supporting surface, upright post members extending upwardly from the base, and apparatus for securing an ironing board in a use position to one post member and proximate the other post member with the ironing surface horizontally disposed for ironing. An articulated linkage is swingably interengaged at one end with one of the post members, being extendable by articulation to positions over the ironing surface during ironing. A securement unit pivotally interconnects the other, post-remote end of the linkage with the iron for permitting its movement between first and second orientations respectively in and out of contact with the ironing board surface.

Abstract: Compact, collapsible ironing apparatus is disclosed having a base providing supportive disposition upon a supporting surface for carrying an ironing board and for supporting a hand iron above the ironing surface of the ironing board. A first upright member extends upwardly from the base and is pivotally secured at its upper end to the ironing board for swingable movement upon a pivot axis between storage and use positions. A second upright member extends upwardly from the base and an iron support linkage is swingably interconnected at one end to the upper end of this second upright member. The linkage comprises articulated arms which are extendable to positions over the ironing surface. An iron securement unit pivotally interconnects the distal end of the support linkage with the iron for permitting movement of the iron between first and second orientations respectively in and out of contact with the ironing surface.

Abstract: A machine for bending wire into a ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially outwardly projecting loops. A loop is formed by the cooperation of a pair of first mandrels longitudinally spaced apart on one side of a wire segment and a second mandrel normally positioned on the other side of the wire segment and moved generally transversely across the longitude of the wire segment along a path between the first mandrels while essentially simultaneously the first mandrels are moved generally longitudinally toward each other. Pairs of third and fourth mandrels disposed on opposite sides of the wire form bends in the wire to provide a plurality of rectilinear portions interconnecting adjacent loops to form a ring-like configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover releasably retained on a wheel by an annular resilient wire ring supported on the rear face of the cover. The ring has a plurality of radial outward projections thereon for releasably engaging the wheel rim. At at least one point around its circumference, the ring has radially outwardly bent parted ends which extend into a radial retaining passageway formed on the cover and which support therebetween a separate metal finger. The finger extends radially outwardly beyond the parted ends of the ring and has sharp pointed edges at its outer end which engage the wheel rim and prevent rotation of the cover relative to the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel cover formed of plastic or metal having a wire ring supported on the inboard face thereof. The ring is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly extending, U-shaped projections designed to frictionally engage an annular surface on the wheel rim to retain the cover thereon. The radially outermost portion of the bight section of each projection is formed with a sharp biting edge face inclined both to the plane of the wheel cover and to the axis of the wheel cover so as to provide substantial resistance of the cover to rotation and axial outward displacement relative to the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover formed of plastic or metal having a wire ring supported on the inboard face thereof. The ring is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly extending projections which are designed to forcibly engage an annular surface on the wheel to retain the cover thereon. The ring is supported on the cover such that the forces developed by displacing the projections radially inwardly as a result of mounting the cover on a wheel are substantially completely absorbed by the ring itself rather than being transmitted to the cover. Thus the cover itself is not subjected to any forces which tend to flex or distort it.

Abstract: A counterbalance for a window sash which comprises a bracket for securement to the window frame and which bracket contains spaced-apart slide plates with at least a pair of vertically spaced-apart transverse elements extending therebetween; there being a self-coiling spring suspended from each transverse member by means of the free end of such coil being lead over said transverse member. The free ends of said coil springs are connected to each other and then secured to a movable window sash for effectively counterbalancing same during movement between open and closed condition. Said transverse elements permit of at least two-point contact with said spring free ends whereby rocking of the spring coils is inhibited during sash counterbalancing operation.