Abstract: The present invention is a novel hinge design that allows unique operation of the lid for a container, box, storage chest, ice chest or similar item. In addition to the lid being able to flip up on two hinges as is traditional, the present invention allows the lid to swivel to one side or the other, while remaining in the horizontal plane. This is accomplished, in the exemplary embodiment, by means of two inventive ball-and-socket hinges each of which can have its ball disengaged from its socket. If one ball-and-socket hinge is thus disengaged, the lid is then free to rotate horizontally around the other ball-and-socket hinge, thereby swiveling the lid to one side and effectively opening the box or container. The lid, when opened in this fashion, is amply supported by the end of the box over which it sits, and can act as a table or flat surface for organizing items as they are transferred to or from the box or container.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel hinge design that allows unique operation of the lid for a container, box, storage chest, ice chest or similar item. In addition to the lid being able to flip up on two hinges as is traditional, the present invention allows the lid to swivel to one side or the other, while remaining in the horizontal plane. This is accomplished, in the exemplary embodiment, by means of two inventive ball-and-socket hinges each of which can have its ball disengaged from its socket. If one ball-and-socket hinge is thus disengaged, the lid is then free to rotate horizontally around the other ball-and-socket hinge, thereby swiveling the lid to one side and effectively opening the box or container. The lid, when opened in this fashion, is amply supported by the end of the box over which it sits, and can act as a table or flat surface for organizing items as they are transferred to or from the box or container.

Abstract: A skeletal structure and method of assembly are provided. The skeletal structure includes one or more vertical columns, one or more upper tracks operatively attachable to the vertical columns, and one or more base tracks operatively attachable to the vertical columns. Upper brackets are attached to the upper tracks, such that the upper brackets attach the upper tracks to the vertical columns. Base brackets are attached to the base tracks, such that the base brackets attach the base tracks to the vertical columns. The skeletal structure is freestanding upon attachment of the upper tracks and the base tracks to the vertical columns.

Abstract: Adhesive tape on a roll having a functional strip running the length of the tape, wherein a color gradient is visible on the top side such that the functional strip at the leading edge always appears different to the layer of tape below, to which it adheres on the roll, facilitating the location the leading edge. Furthermore, the adhesiveness of the tape is reduced on the underside within the area of the functional strip, facilitating the lifting and peeling of the leading edge at that point. Methods of manufacture are disclosed, including use of an inkjet printer to print a layer of ink with a color gradient directly onto the adhesive side of a transparent tape, the color gradient being visible through the tape, and the layer of ink accomplishing the reduction in adhesiveness.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a security bulwark for mounting outside a perimeter railing of a vessel or marine installation. The bulwark has a front face comprising a projecting mound. The mound has an underside which provides the bulwark with an overhang. The mound is also convex in a direction of the breadth of the bulwark. The invention also provides a perimeter protection system comprising a plurality of such security bulwarks arranged side-by-side and adjacent to each other. Finally, the invention further provides a method of protecting a perimeter of a vessel or marine installation.

Abstract: An obstruction positioning in a recess between an adjacent pair of security bulwarks mounted outside a perimeter railing of a vessel or marine installation is provided. The obstruction comprises a rear end for positioning towards the perimeter railing, a front end for positioning away from the perimeter railing, and a top side, an underside and a pair of opposing lateral cheeks separating the front end from the rear end. The obstruction comprises a connection facility for connecting the obstruction to at least one of the perimeter railing and the adjacent pair of security bulwarks. The top side slopes downwardly from the rear end towards the front end during use of the obstruction between an adjacent pair of security bulwarks, so that a hand of an unauthorized potential boarder placed on the top side of the obstruction will tend to slide off it in a seaward direction.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a security bulwark for mounting outside a perimeter railing of a vessel or marine installation. The bulwark has a front face comprising a projecting mound. The mound has an underside which provides the bulwark with an overhang. The mound is also convex in a direction of the breadth of the bulwark. The invention also provides a perimeter protection system comprising a plurality of such security bulwarks arranged side-by-side and adjacent to each other. Finally, the invention further provides a method of protecting a perimeter of a vessel or marine installation.

Abstract: The invention provides a remote flashgun incorporating a xenon flash bulb for use with a mobile device comprising an internal camera that enables the user to take improved photographs in low light conditions. A plastic case is used to hold the flashgun and mobile device in close proximity. An application running on the mobile device communicates with the flashgun to provide information on the required total flash light output and timing to synchronize with the mobile device capturing an image or photograph. The invention further enables the user to take photographs of high speed events, such as a balloon bursting. The flashgun is configured with an integrated microphone to provide a trigger signal to operate the xenon bulb at a time suitable to illuminate the high speed event. The application operates the camera to take continuous images and captures the image when the flash bulb was operated.

Abstract: A device and method for securing a tether, such as a lead rope used to tie a horse, to a fixed object, such as a tie-rail. The load end of the tether, which is attached to the horse's halter, is looped one or more times over the tie-rail, and the invention secures the loose end of the tether to the load end of the tether. Adjustment of the device and method determines the tension or load at which the horse can pull out additional rope. The device can be easily applied and removed. Pulling down on the loose end of the lead rope releases the device quickly when needed.