Abstract: A ladder selectively allows or prevents user access to the ladder steps, such that the ladder can only be climbed when such access is allowed. For example, the ladder may only selectively allow ingress into a bathing enclosure, e.g., when operated by an adult, but always allows egress from the bathing enclosure by any user. The ladder includes one or more safety blocks moveable between a safety configuration, in which ingress is prevented or inhibited, and a ladder configuration, in which ingress and egress is permitted.

Abstract: A ladder selectively allows or prevents user access to the ladder steps, such that the ladder can only be climbed when such access is allowed. For example, the ladder may only selectively allow ingress into a bathing enclosure, e.g., when operated by an adult, but always allows egress from the bathing enclosure by any user. The ladder includes one or more safety blocks moveable between a safety configuration, in which ingress is prevented or inhibited, and a ladder configuration, in which ingress and egress is permitted.

Abstract: A herbicide dispersing system (1) that applies herbicides to weeds that have grown taller than wanted plants. A storage tank (3) supplies herbicide through a pump (5) and hose (6) to spray nozzles (7) located inside a spray bucket (4). The spray bucket is preferably V-shaped and has a cloth cover (8) made of a porous cloth material, such as a heavy felt. The spray nozzles saturate the cloth cover with herbicide through grates (18) located in the spray bucket. The herbicide then drips through the cloth cover as vegetation comes into contact with the cloth cover, thereby only allowing herbicide to be applied to vegetation that is tall enough to come into contact with the cloth cover. An additional feature of the system is a pulley system (11) that allows a user to adjust the height of the spray bucket in relation to the ground to account for varying heights of weeds.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier including an inflatable roller assembly for transporting a load such as a downed game animal or an injured person in remote areas over rough terrain is disclosed. The collapsible carrier includes a generally rectangular load supporting frame fabricated from light-weight, tubular material. The load supporting frame includes forward and rear frame sections being interconnected by a pair of triangular support frame members extending therebetween and being adapted for sliding, telescoping engagement with the forward and rear frame sections permitting convenient assembly or disassembly of the carrier. The carrier includes a cylindrical, inflatable roller assembly having axial bearings which is fabricated from a flexible fabric material capable of containing compressed air and adapted to be transversely mounted between the support frame members.

Abstract: A solar still of the type having a container for holding a supply of liquid to be evaporated and an inclined solar transmissive cover mounted in an inclined position thereon, is provided with a vibrating device for imparting vibrations to the cover member to facilitate the coalescing and downward flow of condensation droplets formed on the underside of the cover member.

Abstract: A biodegradable food container for holding and insulating food. The food container includes a wall structure constructed from heat-expanded grains bound together with a biodegradable bonding agent. In the preferred embodiment, the heat-expanded grains are popcorn and the bonding agent is a starch paste or other type of biodegradable bonding agent of food grade quality. The wall structure is formed by heating expandable grains to form the heat-expanded grains. The heat-expanded grains are then ground and mixed with the bonding agent to form a moldable popcorn mixture. The moldable popcorn mixture is molded to form a wall structure of a selected shape for holding and insulating food.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment depicted, the inflatable boarding ladder comprises upper and lower ladder sections with stiffening rails and hand-holds interconnected by inflatable steps and the ladder back. The upper section is attached to the boat through a telescoping rod engaging and pivoting on mounting brackets. A pillow section provides hull standoff. The articulating lower ladder section pivots about the lower end of the upper section. A ballast section submerges the tapered lower ladder end into the water to ease access and to stabilize the ladder. Inflation and deployment of the ladder is by a gas source such as a foot pump or carbon dioxide cartridge. A deflation orifice permits storage in a soft pack and deck mounted cannister.

Abstract: An exercise dumbbell of the type comprising a central grip portion and a pair of weighted bells on each end of the grip portion, wherein each of the bells comprises a soft, pliable outer covering filled with a yieldable mass of weighting material, and wherein the dumbbell comprises an axial support means extending axially of the grip. Preferably the support means is in the form of a rod, solid or hollow, and the end bells, as well as the supporting rod if hollow, are preferably filled with a yieldable mass of weighting material such as small balls or shot, a liquid or a gelatin, or a heavy liquid or gelatin with or without metal particles or pieces dispersed through it.

Abstract: A weighted device which is suitable for wearing about either the appendages or the body of the user thereof to build strength and for similar purposes. The present device is preferably constructed of a plurality of elongated weights interconnected in spaced relation to each other and enclosed within a fabric sleeve and encapsulated in a closed cell material with a soft vinyl coating which gives flexibility without bulging and eliminates bunching and shifting of the weights during violent maneuvers such as rapid movement exercises.

Abstract: In abstract a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a weighted device which is suitable for wearing about the body and appendages to build strength and for related purposes. The weighted devices of the present invention are preferably constructed of a plurality of elongated weights interconnected in spaced relation to each other and are encapsulated in a closed cell material with a soft vinyl coating which gives flexibility without bulging and eliminates bunching or shifting of the weights during violent exercises and movements.