Abstract: A pool monitoring and control system is provided including a pool having a plurality of inputs and a plurality outputs. Also included is a pump for suctioning fluid from the outputs of the pool only during the activation thereof. A control assembly is connected between the pump and the pool. The control assembly includes at least one sensor adapted to generate an activation signal upon a parameter of the pool falling out of a predetermined range. Further, at least one dispenser is included for dispensing a parameter correction fluid upon the actuation thereof. In use, the control assembly, when the pump is activated, is adapted to actuate the dispenser if the activation signal is received.

Abstract: A portable spa has a recirculation system with an automatic vacuum breaking mechanism for preventing objects, such as small children, from becoming lodged at the discharge opening at the bottom of the spa. The recirculation system includes a vacuum sensor adapted to sense the amount or rapid change in the amount of vacuum within the discharge conduit of the recirculation system. When a pre-defined vacuum parameter exceeds a pre-determined set point, the safety switch automatically engages the vacuum breaking means, such as recirculation pump power relays, so as to immediately break the vacuum at the discharge pump.

Abstract: A spa has (a) a bath having an upstanding wall; and (b) a pump assembly removably mounted to the wall of the bath. The pump assembly comprises (i) a U-shaped cover having a dry leg, a wet leg, and a mounting groove formed therebetween, the wet leg of the cover having an inlet port and an outlet port extending therethrough; (ii) a pump disposed within the dry leg of the cover; (iii) an inlet conduit extending from the inlet port to the pump; and (iv) an outlet conduit extending from the outlet port to the pump.

Abstract: A gas release apparatus for use with centrifugal pumps, and particularly for centrifugal pumps when used in conjunction with a fluid piping system such as hydrotherapy tubs, spas, and whirlpools.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for moving a person into and out of a bath 12. The apparatus comprising a seat 48 mounted by pivotal linkages 38 and 62. The seat 48 can be raised using a ram 56. The linkages 38,62 are arranged such that when the seat 48 is raised beyond a particular height the seat 48 tilts rearwardly whereby to raise the legs of a person on the seat 48 to permit same to be pivotted over the side of a bath without the requirement of lifting the seat 48 far above the bath.

Abstract: A prefabricated, custom-built shower pan with a drain hole for use in a shower stall is provided. The shower pan comprises: (a) an acrylic-based solid surface upper layer; (b) a polystyrene foam layer; and (c) a planar base layer with raised edges, the base layer being durable, rigid and relatively lightweight. The polystyrene foam layer is framed by the base layer and covered by the acrylic-based solid surface upper layer. Also provided is a shower pan comprising: (a) an acrylic-based solid surface upper layer; (b) a base layer comprising a planar base with raised edges, and a system of stringers; and (c) a waterdam. The stringers are substantially straight, horizontal wooden supports which collectively incline toward the drain hole. They are relatively evenly distributed within and adhered to the rectangular-shaped base. Each stringer has an incline on its upper surface, and one end abutting one edge of the base.

Abstract: A faucet assembly has a conduit defining a flow path between a supply of water and an outlet, a mechanical valve in the conduit and having an open position and a closed position, and a lever coupled to the mechanical valve for shifting it between its open and closed positions. A proximity detector has a detection field adjacent the outlet and a controller connected between the proximity detector and an openable and closable servo valve is activatable for opening the servo valve on detection of an object in the field of the proximity detector. A position-detecting switch associated with the mechanical valve is connected to the controller for activating this controller on shifting of the mechanical valve into its open position and for deactivating the controller on shifting of the mechanical valve into its closed position.

Abstract: A combination wheelchair and seat lifting device for a disabled person. The wheelchair includes a pair of conventional wheelchair wheels centrally positioned and four small stabilizer wheels one at each corner of the chair support structure. The wheelchair includes a padded seat pivotally attached to a toilet seat. The toilet seat is manually pivoted from a use position to a stowed position. When used as a wheel chair, the padded seat is parallel with the chair support surface and when not in use as a wheel chair is pivoted to a position normal to the chair support surface. When pivoted the toilet seat is exposed for use. The toilet seat and pivotally attached padded seat are translatable vertically by a electric motor operating a cable system that is controlled by the user of the chair. When utilized as a wheel chair, the seats can be elevated to a suitable comfortable elevation selected by the user of the chair.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a device for facilitating the transferring of patients from one resting bed or stretcher to another. The device is a transferring sheet that is placed about one half on top of the source's bed and the other half on top of the target bed. The patient is transferred from one bed to the other by sliding on top of the transfer sheet.

Abstract: An improved hammock includes a body supporting member for a user to lie on, suspension cords, retainer rings and ropes for attachment to an external support structure. The cords interconnect the rings and body supporting member at longitudinal end portions thereof so that the body supporting member may be suspended from the external support structure. A pair of spreader bars positioned adjacent the longitudinal end portions of the body supporting member are provided with spaced apertures which receive the suspension cords therein and laterally space apart the cords in order to laterally extend the body supporting member to provide full and adequate lateral support to the user. The spreader bars are laterally curved outwardly and are split proximal to or at the apertures into upper and lower members to provide open access to the apertures so that the cords may be inserted into the apertures when the upper and lower members are separated.

Abstract: An elongated patient support table with a horizontal patient support surface is provided with a radiolucent table extension connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient. The outer end of the extension has a reduced width compared to the support table to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension into a scanning zone of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner. The table extension has at its outer end a tool support for supporting and stabilizing medical instruments, and the table extension is tiltable above and below the horizontal. The combination of the support table with the radiolucent table extension supports the patient in a desired posture for an operative procedure both during the scanning and surgical procedures.

Abstract: A lateral decubitus positioning device with a detachable limb support including an L-shaped rigid member that has a back portion and a base portion. The back portion of the L-shaped rigid member has a plurality of elongated back slots. The base portion of the L-shaped rigid member has a plurality of base slots. A pad member is sized for positioning onto an interior face of the base portion of the L-shaped rigid member. A ridged J-shaped member that has a cradle portion and a cradle extent is provided. A cradle support has a lateral channel. The cradle support is coupled to the cradle extent of the J-shaped member with an adjustment knob positioned through the lateral channel and the cradle extent. A spacer member is fixedly attached to the cradle support and sized to be positioned within one of the back slots of the L-shaped rigid member. Finally, a locking bar secures the cradle support to the L-shaped rigid member.

Abstract: A hyperflexion plate in the form of a hexagonal plate having a rail extending from the bottom surface of the plate for insertion within the track formed in a universal hip support plate for supporting a patient in the lateral decubitus position for surgery of the hip. The hyperflexion plate allows positioning of the anterior support at an angle substantially larger than the limited angle defined by the track formed in the universal hip support plate.

Abstract: A pillow is disclosed which comprises a central portion having a pair of head support limbs which curve outwardly from the head end of the pillow towards a foot end of the pillow. A pair of neck, chin and jaw support limbs extend outwardly at the foot end and inwardly of the head support limbs. The limbs are provided with curved, concave surfaces and define air breathing spaces between the limbs.

Abstract: An anatomic mattress has an external structure, and an internal structure located interiorly of the external structure, the internal structure including an upper part and a lower part, the lower part being formed as a continuous lower plate while the upper part being formed by a plurality of individual upper plates connected with the lower plate, by a plurality of projections located between the lower plate and each of the upper plates.

Abstract: A pad positionable upon an inclined surface for supporting a recumbent human being upon the inclined surface in a manner preventing slippage of the human being thereupon. The pad comprises a generally rectangularly substrate formed of a resilient material and having opposed lateral and longitudinal sides, a top surface, and a generally planar bottom surface. Formed within the top surface of the substrate are laterally extending shoulder, tail and foot support regions. Extending between the shoulder, tail and foot support regions is a general support region. The quantity of resilient material per unit volume in the general support region is greater than the quantity of resilient material per unit volume in the shoulder, tail and foot support regions. In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the pad may be formed with only a tail support region extending laterally between the longitudinal sides thereof and surrounded by a general support area.

Abstract: Cooperating jaws are pivoted together such that working end portions of the jaw members are movable toward and away from each other. The jaws have butt portions extending opposite the jaw pivot from the working end portions. Such butt portions are, in turn, pivoted to elongated handles for swinging about axes parallel to the axis of the jaw pivot. The handles are channel shaped and define recesses into which the interconnected jaw members can be swung so as to be nested in the handles or, alternatively, into which the interconnected jaw members can be retracted so as to be partially contained within the handles. The handles have forward portions interconnected by a link which, in an open position of the handles, is positioned between the handle pivots and the jaw pivot. For a given angle of swing of the handles, the jaws are moved through a smaller angle, i.e., a substantial mechanical advantage is obtained.

Abstract: A letter opening device is provided. The letter opening device includes a generally rectangular body having a letter opening blade for opening envelopes. The body is formed from a molded plastic material and is suitable for being hand held, and the letter opening blade is molded partially within the plastic molded body. The device further includes a sheet-like material cutter having a coupon cutting blade. A portion of the coupon cutting blade is exposed exteriorly of the body whereby the exposed portion can be manipulated to selectively separate sections of sheet-like materials such as paper and plastic sheets.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a set temperature of wash water of clothes washer comprises the steps of supplying first cold water into a wash tub, measuring supply time of the first cold water until filling a first target level of the first cold water, measuring temperature of the cold water contained in the wash tub, supplying hot water and second cold water in the wash tub containing the first cold water, measuring supply time of the hot water and the second cold water until filling a second target level of the hot water and the second cold water, measuring temperature of mixed water being comprised of the hot water and the first and second cold water contained in the wash tub, and comparing temperature of the hot water which is calculated on the following four values-supply time of the first cold water, temperature of the first cold water, supply time of the hot water and the second cold water, and temperature of the mixed water with predetermined temperature, and controlling a valve for the cold water and a va

Abstract: A modular bridge section including one or more box girders, wherein at least one box girder 1, 1' is equipped with at least one lower chord structure 5, 5', which is mounted floatingly at or in the box girder 1, 1' in the loaded state only between the end stops 6, 6', 6", 6'", which are arranged in the vicinity of the coupling elements 7, 7, 7", 7'".

Abstract: An improved swimming pool cleaner of the type for submerged random travel generally along the floor and sidewalls of a swimming pool to dislodge and collect debris. The pool cleaner comprises a frame and associated housing through which a suction mast extends with a collection bag mounted at the upper end thereof. First and second wheels are mounted for rotation on a common axis on opposite sides of the housing forwardly of the suction mast, and third and fourth wheels are mounted for rotation on a common axis on opposite sides of the housing rearwardly of the suction mast. The first and second wheels are driven by a water-powered drive train within the housing, and the third and fourth wheels are mounted for freewheeling rotation. A forward end of an upper surface of the housing has a substantially linear sloping portion to reduce the tendency of the cleaner to lift off the submerged surfaces of the swimming pool as the first and second wheels propel the cleaner in the forward direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotating wafers in a scrubber, wherein both sides of a wafer are scrubbed without slipping or hesitating. A rotating roller imparts rotary motion to a semiconductor wafer during a cleaning process wherein both sides of a wafer are scrubbed. The rotating roller and wafer contact at their outer edges and the friction between their outer edges causes the wafer to rotate. The roller has an outer edge with a groove. The wafer edge is pinched inside the groove to create enough friction that when cleaning solutions are applied the wafer does not slip and continues to rotate. Also, the groove allows the roller to pinch the wafer just enough so that when the roller reaches the flat of the wafer, the roller may regain the radius of the wafer without hesitating.

Abstract: A sweeping machine for picking up debris from a surface includes a frame and wheels attached to said frame to support the frame of the sweeping machine over the surface being swept. A cylindrical brush is rotatably attached to said frame. The cylindrical brush includes a pattern of rows of sweeping material having N sections that have a first spiral in a first direction and N+1 sections of the brush that have a second spiral in a second direction. Two of the N+1 sections having the second spiral are located on the ends of the brush. The spiral is selected so that it augers or moves debris from a desired or selected side of the sweeping machine toward the center of the brush. The sweeping machine also includes a mechanism for rotating said cylindrical brush.

Abstract: A mop for cleaning a floor includes a handle. A mop head is attached to the distal end of the handle. A sponge having a floor contact surface is removably attached to the mop head. A squeegee, having a floor wiping surface, is formed integral with a front surface of the mop head. The mop also includes a mechanism for wringing the sponge, coupled to the mop head.

Abstract: A handle assembly for brushes, curlers and the like is assembled without adhesives and includes, in a preferred embodiment, an elongate handle core, a bellows, an outer handle and a fastener. Assembly includes sliding the bellows over the core, placing the handle over the core and compressing the bellows to align at least one opening in the handle with at least one opening in the core. The fastener is then inserted. The fastener preferably includes at least one prong or cluster of prongs to pass through the opening of the handle and into the core. In the most preferred embodiment, the fastener prongs are resilient and expand within the core opening to lock the handle assembly together. One disclosed use of the handle is for hair curling brushes. In this embodiment, a cup is formed integrally with the core, the cup including an alignment rib and locking tabs. A first end of a cylindrical, metallic curling brush body is attached to the cup, and a cap is inserted into the second end of the barrel.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising, generally in a sole piece, an elongated handle (10); one head (20) carrying, on the front side, a set of bristles (40); and a flexible neck (30) joining the handle (10) and the head (20) and comprising a pair of front (31) and rear (32) spaced longitudinal beams (33) and having their opposite extreme ends respectively united to the head (20) and the handle (10) through localized bending regions (34) which allow the beams to operate as parallelogram articulation arms when the head (20) is displaced in transversal direction in relation to the handle (10) and in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the handle (10) and being parallel to the longitudinal axes of the bristles (40), from an inoperative rest position to operative positions.

Abstract: A cleaning pad for golf players for mounting on the leg of the player above the ankle for cleaning the head of a club and having a base layer of absorbent material against the player, a vapor barrier of the outside the base layer, a cushion layer on the outside the vapor barrier and an exterior layer on which the club head can be readily wiped on the outside of the cushion layer. Straps with hook and loop material hold the pad on the leg of the person playing golf. The exterior layer is preferably terry cloth and one alternate embodiment uses an exterior layer of felt and still another alternate embodiment uses an exterior layer of terry cloth but with bristles mounted in the cushion layer extending through the terry cloth.

Abstract: A cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The cleaning pad exhibits the ability to initially delay absorption of cleaning fluid, soil and the like, but then absorb those materials after this initial delay.

Abstract: A hand tool consisting of a flexible blade with a working edge is provided for use with a cementitious material to permit the forming and finishing of columns and other curved surfaces of relatively large radii. A pair of gripping surfaces are formed in the flexible blade, consisting of handles to which handgrips have been attached. To enhance the ability of the user to control the curvature of the working edge, the handgrips are attached to the handles in a manner such that a portion of the handgrip overlies and is supported by the outer, lateral portion of the handle. Such an arrangement permits the user to apply force through the handgrips directly to the outer periphery of the flexible blade.

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus for controlling various functions of a liftgate of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an elastomeric member which is operably disposed in connection with a gear which imparts a driving force to a drive shaft of a window wiper member. The elastomeric member, in one embodiment, is a coiled spring which allows movement between the drive shaft and the gear driving the drive shaft in the event the wiper becomes frozen to the window of the vehicle or otherwise immovable. In this manner various other functions can be carried out by the apparatus regardless if the wiper becomes temporarily immobilized.

Abstract: A three chambered hose cleaning and drying head which attaches to the back of a cleaning vehicle. The cleaning head allows hoses to pass through each of the three respective chambers. As a hose passes through the first of these chambers it is sprayed with an encircling high pressure stream of the cleaning fluid which effectively removes all dirt and debris from its surface. This chamber subsequently vacuums away the dirt debris and much of the excess cleaning fluid. The other two chambers are vacuum chambers which remove the fluid from the hose and transfer it back to the cleaning system in order to dry the clean hose. This system can easily be used each time the hose is loaded on the truck or any time as desired. Therefore, the hose stays clean and dry regardless of the condition in which the cleaner is being used.

Abstract: A device for vacuuming organic materal, comprising an impeller constructed from an elastomer such as polyurethane and shaped so that at operating speeds, the impeller deforms under the centripetal forces into a shape commonly found in such devices having rigid impellers. In an alternative embodiment, the device further comprises a housing and an outlet duct constructed from high density polyethylene. The outlet duct may be directed in at least two directions. In yet another alternative embodiment, the device further comprises a vacuum wand having a flared entrance and may have a riser section which is preferably 18 inches long.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the lower portion of the chamber (54). A main filter assembly (50) includes a main filter element (H) for filtering residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: A valve device is adapted to be provided on top of a container (1) to prevent the flow of a liquid from said container. Said container may form a part of a cleaning device. The valve device comprises a passage (10) extending in a direction (x) being essentially vertical when the valve device is in a normal working position and having an orifice (11) at one end. The orifice is surrounded by a surface (14). Moreover, the valve device comprises a disk (15) having a disk diameter exceeding the diameter of said orifice and support means (17, 18) to support the disk (15) beneath said orifice (11) at a distance from said surface such that the disk is movable to abut said surface when said direction (x) deviates from said vertical direction by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A brushroll having a pulley driven spindle with an end assembly at each end rotatably mounting the spindle in a vacuum cleaner nozzle. On the pulley end of the spindle, a projecting pin is knurled at one end and inserted into the end of the spindle. An outboard portion of the pin is threaded. The knurling on the pin forms an abutment shoulder outboard of the end of the spindle. The drive pulley is threaded onto the threaded end of the pin until it contacts a bearing and presses it against the abutment shoulder, so as to prevent the pin from being jacked out of the spindle when the pulley is threaded onto the pin.

Abstract: An improved air concentrator nozzle for creating an increased air exit velocity from an extension tube of a portable blower or blower/vacuum. The extension tube tapers from a larger, upstream end to a smaller, downstream end. The nozzle is inserted into the upstream end of the extension tube and drops until it protrudes outwardly from the downstream end of the extension tube. An interference fit between an exterior surface of the nozzle and an interior surface of the downstream end of the extension tube restrains the nozzle relative to the tube.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaning apparatus, particularly adapted for wet/dry cleaning operations includes a powerhead housing assembly formed by an impeller housing for supporting an electric motor which drives a working air impeller and a motor cooling air fan and a cover member removably secured to the impeller housing. The impeller housing and the cover member define flow passages and chambers for diffusing and expanding working air flow to reduce noise emissions therefrom and for directing motor cooling air through the housing assembly without mixing with working air flow and while minimizing the ingestion of working air into the motor cooling air flowpath. An alternate embodiment of the housing assembly includes separable, opposed impeller housing members and a shroud member, all secured together by common fasteners and cooperating to form the working air diffusing and expansion chambers together with the cooling air flow passages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for counteracting the effects of warpage, distortion and/or tilting of a support track in a sliding closure assembly, such that a door in the sliding closure may be freely moved along the support track, but, when desired, may be secured in one or more locations such that an external force is required to move the sliding fixture from its desired position.

Abstract: An adjustable handle, fabricated of plastic and/or wood and/or metal and/or porcelain or other materials, facilitates the adjustment of the handle to align the ends of the handles with fastening screw holes set apart in various widths on cabinets, drawers, and doors. The adjustable handle increases the utility due to the incremental infinite adjustability of the width between the ends of the handle to align with fastening screw holes of various widths by means of a new engineering design. The adjustable handle is made of three pieces which are designed to slide together by means of the insertion of each of two of the pieces into a separate opposite side of the third piece of the handle, the third piece being hollowed out and minusculely tapered to snugly receive each one of the first mentioned two pieces.

Abstract: A hinge for connecting a lid to a box which includes a flexible web, a pinching means for securing the hinges to a panel of a box and a mounting means for affixing adhesively a lid to the hinge.

Abstract: A hood hinge mechanism having a pivot pin having a D-shaped cross sectional shape positioned within a recess. The hood and pin are pivotal to a position whereat the D-shaped cross section is oriented to pass through a slotted opening to the recess to thereby allow the hood to be removed or installed on the vehicle. A bracket coupled with the hood abuts a support member when the hood is pivoted to its fully open position such that the hood is held open by the weight of the hood and is generally blocked from being detached from the vehicle unless acted upon by an operator.

Abstract: A new beverage bottle handle attachment for easy holding of a beverage bottle, in particular a two liter beverage bottle. The inventive device includes a top cap defining a top cavity adapted for receiving a top of a bottle therein. The top cap has an opening of the top cap adapted for extending a top spout of a bottle received by the top cavity. An elongate handle strap is extended from the peripheral edge of the top cap. The handle strap has a keyhole slot therethrough located towards the free end of the handle strap. A bottom cap defines a bottom cavity adapted for receiving the bottom of a bottle therein. A slide tab is extended from the side wall of the bottom cap. The slide tab is inserted through the keyhole slot of the handle strap to link the top cap to the bottom cap.

Abstract: The control knob engages, on its interior, a translucent polycarbonate jewel body collar assembly of a first color, such as white, which, in turn, provides a housing for a translucent polycarbonate jewel LED holder assembly. The LED emits light, possibly modified by the jewel LED holder assembly, of a second color, such as blue or blue-green. This second color can be varied in intensity and hue by varying the polarity and resistance of the LED. The jewel body collar assembly includes a collar to engage the interior cylindrical support section of the control knob and a housing assembly to engage the jewel LED holder assembly. The jewel body collar assembly further includes a ridge which protrudes through a slot in the sidewall and front face of the control knob thereby forming an indicator for the control knob. In ambient illumination, such as during the day, the indicator appears to be the color of the jewel body collar assembly, such as white.

Abstract: A clip is fixed on the front or rear case, so as to obtain elastic force between clip and the surface of the case in order to suspend the body of a portable communication terminal on the clothes or bags. The clip is a molded synthetic resin which is itself elastic. Further, there is formed, on the front or rear case, a pocket which puts in a base portion of the clip from the side direction of the case. Further, a window portion is formed for guiding an elastic supporting portion of the clip from the pocket to the outer surface of the case. Furthermore, there is formed, on a base portion of the clip, a screw fixing portion which is inserted into the pocket and is fixed to one of the cases at the position of a screw insertion portion of the other case by using a screw.

Abstract: A parallel entry tie include a flexible strap having a locking head and a free end. The strap is received in a passage in the locking head where it is engaged by a locking tab which is biased toward engagement with the strap as it passes into and through the passage. The locking tab prevents withdrawal of the tie from the locking head. The strap can be released for withdrawal from the locking head by moving the tab against the bias. An opening is provided in the locking head generally opposite to the location of the locking tab. The strap, throughout the major portion of its extension, has a width which is less than the width of the opening. The opening in the locking head is preferably provided with spaced shoulders in the area of the engagement between the locking tab and the straps serrations. An inclined lip is provided in the area through which the strap exits the locking head. The lip is angled such as to displace the strap from the normal exterior of the strap.

Abstract: Filamentary fastener and method of making the same. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing a length of stretched flexible filamentary material, (b) insert molding a cross-bar onto the length of stretched flexible filamentary material, (c) insert molding a paddle onto the length of stretched flexible filamentary material, the paddle being spaced apart from the cross-bar, and (d) removing any stretched flexible filamentary material not located between the paddle and the cross-bar. The cross-bar and the paddle may or may not be made of the same material as the stretched flexible filamentary material. Preferably, the stretched flexible filamentary material is made of a plastic, such as propylene, nylon, urethane and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of suspending equipment (40) from an overhead structural member (37) comprises providing a first eye (36) on the overhead member (37), providing a suspension strand (20) with a loop (21) at one end, passing the other, free, end (38) of the strand (20) through the eye (36) and through the loop (21), passing the free end (38) of the strand (20) through one bore (24A) of a locking device (23) of the type having twin bores at least one of which is associated with wedging means preventing withdrawal in the opposite direction to insertion, providing a second eye (39) on the equipment (40) to be suspended, passing the free end (38) of the strand (20) through the eye (39) on the equipment (40), and passing the free end (38) of the strand (20) through the other bore (24B) of the aforesaid device (23).

Abstract: A clamp device has a first clamp plate, a second clamp plate, and a connection portion. The connection portion has a first bevel plate, a second bevel plate, and an elastic main body. The first clamp plate has a first upper end and a first lower end. The second clamp plate has a second upper end and a second lower end. The first bevel plate has a first distal end and a first connection end. The first distal end is connected to the first upper end. The second bevel plate has a second distal end and a second connection end. The second distal end is connected to the second upper end. The elastic main body has a first arm connected to the first connection end, a second arm connected to the second connection end, and a lower opening.

Abstract: A pair of shoes fastener for releasably coupling at least one pair of shoes together. The pair of shoes fastener includes a male portion and a female portion that are releasably coupleable together. The male portion has a neck member outwardly extending from the front face thereof and a bulbous end portion extending from the neck member. The female portion has an aperture extending through its top and bottom faces and a pair of axial breaks providing an opening through the front face of the female portion into the aperture. The aperture and the axial breaks define a groove of the female portion. The end and neck members of the male portion are slidably insertable in the groove of the female portion. The male portion is coupled to an inner side of a shoe. The female portion is coupled to an inner side of another shoe.

Abstract: A buckle including a first buckle portion having an engagement member and a second buckle portion having socket arms forming a socket for releasably engaging the engagement member. A sleeve member is reciprocatably disposed about the socket arms between first, second and third positions, whereby the sleeve member in the first position prevents expansion of the socket arms so as to retain the engagement member, and the socket arms are expandable when the sleeve member is in the second and third positions so as to permit release of the engagement member from the socket and insertion of the engagement member into the socket.