Abstract: Apparatus for raising and lowering objects. In accordance with some embodiments, a winch motor is adapted to rotate a winch member in opposing first and second directions to wrap/unwrap a portion of a cable on/from the winch member to raise and lower a lifting platform assembly, respectively. A tension detection switch assembly includes an on/off switch connected to the winch motor and a biasing member which exerts a bias force upon the winch member to nominally deflect the winch member to a first position which sets the switch to deactivate the winch motor in an absence of tension in the cable from the lifting platform assembly. A presence of tension in the cable from the lifting platform assembly deflects the winch member to a second position which sets the switch to facilitate activation of the winch motor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a guard rail adjacent an access aperture extending through a floor surface, such as in an attic space of a residential structure. A guard rail assembly includes a top rail portion which extends adjacent at least one side of the access aperture to provide a guard rail. An angled portion extends at a non-orthogonal angle to provide a hand grip surface for a user passing through the access aperture. A front leg segment supports an end of the angled portion opposite the top rail portion. Preferably, a rear leg segment supports the top rail portion to form a first side rail assembly. A second, nominally identical side rail assembly adjoins the first side rail assembly to form a substantially u-shaped top rail surface that surrounds the access aperture on three sides. The guard rail assembly is further preferably adjustable to accommodate different access aperture dimensions.

Abstract: Apparatus for raising and lowering objects. In accordance with some embodiments, a winch motor is adapted to rotate a winch member in opposing first and second directions to wrap/unwrap a portion of a cable on/from the winch member to raise and lower a lifting platform assembly, respectively. A tension detection switch assembly includes an on/off switch connected to the winch motor and a biasing member which exerts a bias force upon the winch member to nominally deflect the winch member to a first position which sets the switch to deactivate the winch motor in an absence of tension in the cable from the lifting platform assembly. A presence of tension in the cable from the lifting platform assembly deflects the winch member to a second position which sets the switch to facilitate activation of the winch motor.

Abstract: A lifting system for raising and lowering objects to and from a storage or holding area, having a support and drive assembly which raises and lowers a platform assembly having an lifting platform for holding objects and preferably a closure platform for closing an opening of a ceiling portal through which the object is raised and lowered on the platform assembly.

Abstract: A modular animal enclosure includes a housing comprising a top portion affixed to a base portion to form a sheltered interior. The housing includes a door aperture and a climate conditioning aperture. A remove ably attachable climate conditioning unit is installed over the climate conditioning aperture to facilitate a flow of atmospheric air from the exterior environment into the interior of the housing. The climate conditioning unit can variously comprise a cover assembly, a heating unit, a cooling unit and a forced air unit, and different types of units can be installed at different times. In another aspect, the bottom portion can be selectively hinged to the top portion on opposing sides of the housing to allow pivotal movement of the top portion in two opposite directions, as desired to permit access to the interior of the housing for inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the interior.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring water to a bottled water dispenser preferably comprises a wand assembly, a cover assembly and a water bottle transport assembly. The wand assembly engages a neck of a non-inverted water bottle and includes a bent, rigid first conduit and a second conduit which preferably surrounds the first conduit. A flow of water from the water bottle passes along the first conduit in response to the introduction of pressurized air via the second conduit from a pressurized air source in the cover assembly. The water bottle transport assembly preferably supports the water bottle at a suitable, non-inverted angle, and includes a rigid frame supporting at least one wheel and a rotatable cradle. The cradle comprises first and second support arms configured to contactingly support the bottle, and rotates with respect to the frame during movement of the transport assembly to place the bottle at the desired non-inverted angle.

Abstract: A screen assembly, associated kit and method of forming the same. The screen assembly is adapted to filter intake air passing through an exterior surface of an air processing unit, and includes a substantially rectilinear screen mesh having opposing top and bottom edges, opposing proximal and distal edges, and top and bottom contact surfaces which laterally extend along the respective extents of the top and bottom edges. The screen mesh is formed from a plurality of transversely aligned, spaced apart filaments arranged to filter contaminants from the inlet air. Opposing first and second attachment members respectively secure the proximal and distal edges to the exterior surface so as to apply a tension force to the screen mesh which seals the top and bottom contact surfaces in direct contacting abutment against the exterior surface, thereby eliminating the need for one or more mechanical fasteners along the top and bottom edges.

Abstract: A modular animal enclosure includes a housing comprising a top portion affixed to a base portion to form a sheltered interior. The housing includes a door aperture and a climate conditioning aperture. A remove ably attachable climate conditioning unit is installed over the climate conditioning aperture to facilitate a flow of atmospheric air from the exterior environment into the interior of the housing. The climate conditioning unit can variously comprise a cover assembly, a heating unit, a cooling unit and a forced air unit, and different types of units can be installed at different times. In another aspect, the bottom portion can be selectively hinged to the top portion on opposing sides of the housing to allow pivotal movement of the top portion in two opposite directions, as desired to permit access to the interior of the housing for inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the interior.

Abstract: A system or kit for creating readily changeable messages is provided. The system includes a plurality of letter boxes, a plurality of removably mountable and interchangeable letter panels and a plurality of lights. Each letter box has an opening for receiving a light such that when the panel is attached thereto, the panel is backlit so that an image imprinted on the panel will be visually perceptible. The letter boxes can be arranged in any order to create any desired design or message. The message can be easily changed simply by moving the panel and replacing it with another panel having a different image thereon and/or adding or removing other letter boxes. The letter boxes are nestable within one another such that a kit including a plurality of letter boxes, lights and letter panels can be placed in a single package for shipping, sale and/or storage purposes.

Abstract: A system or kit for creating readily changeable messages is provided. The system includes a plurality of letter boxes, a plurality of removably mountable and interchangeable letter panels and a plurality of lights. Each letter box has an opening for receiving a light such that when the panel is attached thereto, the panel is backlit so that an image imprinted on the panel will be visually perceptible. The letter boxes can be arranged in any order to create any desired design or message. The message can be easily changed simply by moving the panel and replacing it with another panel having a different image thereon and/or adding or removing other letter boxes. The letter boxes are nestable within one another such that a kit including a plurality of letter boxes, lights and letter panels can be placed in a single package for shipping, sale and/or storage purposes.

Abstract: A reconfigurable decorative apparatus which has a display position defining a star and a more compact collapsed, or storage position generally defines a rectangular shape. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of elements pivotably connected to one another at the ends thereof. The members will pivot about connections points when the apparatus is moved between its display and storage positions. In the display position, the apparatus defines a star having a plurality of projections. To move the apparatus from its display to its storage position, connections between the ends of some of the members are removed to allow the members to pivot about the remainder of the connection points to a storage position. The apparatus may have lights attached thereto for display purposes and will move between its display and storage position with the lights attached.

Abstract: A frame for arranging decorative lights in a conical or Christmas tree shape is provided. The frame is a spiral-shaped frame which defines a plurality of openings for holding decorative lights. The frame includes a plurality of revolutions and preferably has a U-shaped or channel-shaped cross section. The frame provides a means for concealing wires that connect the decorative lights to one another and is collapsible from a substantially flat or storage position to a display position in which the frame defines a Christmas tree or conical shape.

Abstract: A collapsible binocular foldable between an open operable position and a closed position made of a semirigid material. The foldable binocular includes an objective lens panel, an ocular lens panel and top and bottom panels hingedly connected to the objective and ocular lens panels. A lateral flap is attached to and extends outward from the lateral edges of the front panel. The objective, ocular and top and bottom panels define the side opening which is generally trapezoidally shaped in the open position. The lateral flaps include a middle portion which is likewise generally trapezoidally shaped and which covers the side openings when the binocular is in the open position. The lateral flap has a length which is greater than a length of the side openings so that when the lateral flap is closed to cover the side openings, the flap will engage the ocular lens panel to prevent overinsertion.

Abstract: Improvements in components for mounting decorative light strings to various mounting sites include a plurality of track channels for holding light strings. Track channels may be attached to the mounting site with various fasteners or with snap buttons. The track channels may include an upper panel, legs extending downward from the upper panel and base panels parallel to the upper panel. The base panels may define a snap channel therebetween. The snap buttons may be received in the snap channels defined by the base panels to secure the track channel to the mounting site. A translucent cover for enclosing the string of lights and mounting the string of lights to the mounting site is also included. The cover provides an enclosed elongated space in which a string of lights may be disposed. The elongated translucent cover preferably has parallel side legs and an arcuately shaped top portion to cover the string of lights.