Abstract: An improved method of shipping, storing, and changing very large tires having a removable tread belt mounted to a tire carcass which are typically used on very large vehicles such as earthmovers. By compressing both the tread belts and the tire carcasses, they can be shipped separately so that less shipping and storage space is required. Tire changing only requires changing the tire tread without removing the wheel or carcass from the very large vehicle making it economically feasible to store and change tread designs to accommodate a variety of very large tire/vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A device for trimming and shaping a moustache or beard has a handle having a shaving head with a blade assembly mounted on one end. The blade assembly carries one or more blades and is movable relative tot he handle so that in a first position the blade assembly is generally parallel to the handle, in a second position the blade assembly is generally perpendicular to the handle, and in an intermediate third position the blade assembly is mounted at an angle corresponding to a conventional shaving angle. A guide member for facilitating fine motor control when using the device may be mounted on either side of the shaving head to occupy a vertical position in which the guide member extends vertically from the top of the head or a lateral position in which the guide member extends laterally of the head.

Abstract: A versatile hand-held scissors-type cutting and stripping tool includes a pair of pivotally connected handle members, a cutting and stripping blade carried by one of the handle members for cutting flat and round insulated conductors, and for stripping insulation from round insulated conductors, and a pair of flat stripping blades for stripping the outer insulation layer from a flat thin multi-conductor cable.

Abstract: A pair of haircut scissors having hair-catching slits on one of their haircut edges are disclosed. Each slit is provided with a filler having a renewable microscopic nick on its top edge to prevent hairs from sliding along the haircut edges. The filler prevents hairs from entering the slits, and as the nick is renewable, the hair-holding property of the pair of haircut scissors will be permanently retained.

Abstract: A tonsorial device is provided that includes a comb releasably attached to a pair of shears. This tonsorial device allows the user to employ a one handed method of cutting hair. The attachment mechanism includes a nut having a polymeric core and a metallic casing. The nut may be hand tightened to provide easy adjustment of the device. The comb provided includes a channel, which receives one blade of the shears, and a notch which receives the collar of the nut. The comb-and-shears apparatus allows for the efficient attachment and detachment of a comb from a pair of shears.

Abstract: A low profile tree pruning tool is provided having a head assembly coupled to an upper region of an elongated handle member and a pulley coupled to the head where the pulley is configured to rotate about a fixed axis. A lopping mechanism is coupled to the head and an actuating line couples the lopping mechanism to the pulley. A transfer line couples the pulley to a slide block and a stationary block is rigidly coupled to the handle member below the head. A tension line has a first end coupled to the slide block and is configured to movably engage the stationary and slide blocks.

Abstract: An improved position determination system that is resistant to interference caused by glint, such as from the Sun. The position determination system for determining positional parameters of an object has a target device comprising a base configured for attaching to the object, first and second target surfaces connected to the base; wherein the planes on which the first target surface and the second target surface are located are non-parallel to each other. The position determination system further comprises an image sensing device configured for forming a viewing path intersecting the target device and generating image information indicative of the geometric characteristics of the target device, and a data processing device configured to couple to the image sensing device for determining the orientation of the object based on the image information. If one of the target surfaces becomes obscured as a result of glint, the image of the other target surface alone is sufficient to determine object orientation.

Abstract: A novel archery device which defines the position of the arrow rest so that upon release of the bowstring the arrow is center-shot, i.e., it will fire straight ahead with optimum flight. The device has a visible light source arrow rest adjustment fixture which is temporarily secured to existing site mounting holes on a riser portion of a strung bow and includes an aligning component. The aligning component can move both laterally and pivotally so that a light emission from the fixture can transverse the entire length of an arrow attached to the nock point/portion of the bowstring and rest on a properly positioned arrow rest so that the arrow when fired has optimum flight. The light source can be a visible light beam, a laser light beam, and the like. The fixture is simple, lightweight, portable and accurate. The fixture can be easily removed prior to shooting the arrow.

Abstract: A device for determining the suitability of a communications satellite antenna reception device site has a bubble level and inclinometer for orienting the device vertically and horizontally. The device also carries a magnetic compass and an azimuth dial for establishing orientation relative to magnetic North and True North. The device also carries a declination slider and an inclinometer for establishing celestial declination of a satellite spacecraft. A viewing lens is used to observe obstructions, or the lack thereof, along the line of site between the antenna reception device and the satellite spacecraft.

Abstract: An electronic level (10) has a rigid flat disk (12). An electronic level sensor (14) is attached to the rigid flat disk (12). An electronic display (20) is electrically connected to the electronic level sensor (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring human finger manipulation data includes at least one finger motion detector consisting of a force sensor to be fitted on a human fingertip, at least three links and at least four angle detectors; and a base supporting the finger motion detector. The base can be attached to an external mount or a human hand. The force sensor is connected to the base through a link mechanism constituted by the links, and the angle detectors are attached at pivots between the links and optionally at a pivot between the link mechanism and the base. Three-dimensional motion of the finger is determined by measuring data of the angle detectors of the link mechanism, and fingertip contact force is measured by the force sensor. Up to five finger motion detectors, one for the thumb and each finger, can be supported on the base.

Abstract: A system for detecting linear dimensions of mechanical workpieces includes a checking probe with detecting devices, a power supply and a remote transceiver unit. A stationary transceiver unit is located at a distance from the probe, and is adapted for wireless receiving and transmitting to the remote transceiver unit signals, for example, coded optical signals. The stationary unit transmits activation and/or deactivation signals to the probe for controlling the full power supply of the probe circuits, and/or the return to a “stand-by” power state. The remote transceiver unit includes devices adapted for achieving an automatic sensitivity control and other attenuation devices for preventing unwanted consumption of the probe battery energy due to noise signals. Such noise signals could come from fluorescent lamps, for example, causing improper activation and deactivation of the probe circuits.

Abstract: An adapter for a precision inspection instrument used for measurement of rollers or rolls in the paper, steel, film industry, without contacting the rollers or rolls. The adapter employs a high pressure fluid, such as compressed air, which emerges through a plurality of nozzles to form an air cushion for supporting the adapter nears the roller. Additionally, the adapter can be provided with adjustable, specifically defined surfaces having nozzles for forming the air cushion on rollers of various dimensions.

Abstract: A head for the linear dimension checking of mechanical pieces, including a casing that defines a longitudinal geometric axis, an arm—set movable with respect to the casing, a feeler coupled to the movable arm—set for touching the piece to be checked, a biased device arranged between the casing and the movable arm—set for urging the movable arm—set into contact with the casing, a detecting device coupled to the casing, including a movable element and a transmission device between the movable arm—set and the movable element of the detecting device. In order to reduce the frictions and improve the repeatability of the head, the transmission device includes a wire substantially rigid in a longitudinal direction but flexible in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The wire has a first end coupled to the movable arm—set and a second end for cooperating with the movable element of the detecting device.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional measuring tape which typically includes a six-faced housing or casing with a flexible and spring biased measuring tape spirally wound therein, is provided with a pair of straight wings. Each wing is pivoted at one end thereof to one face or surface of the housing by its own pivot pin. Each wing, near its respective pivot pin, is provided with an arcuate set of teeth, as in the form of gear teeth. These two sets of teeth intermesh with each other so that when one wing is rotated about its pivot, the other wing will rotate as well. Upon angular extension of the wings to their open position, they are aligned and form a straight edge. In their closed or nested position, they do not interfere with the usual mode of operation of the tape and casing. Each wing is L-shaped in transverse cross-section.

Abstract: A drum dryer comprises a drying drum which is arranged for a gas to flow through it to be dried from a first end of the drum to its opposite second end, and a housing in which the drum is located with a space around the drum between the internal wall of the housing and the external surface of the drum. Gas can be directed into the space through a housing inlet, to flow in the space to the first end of the drum where it can be admitted into the drum for drying.

Abstract: A method of dewatering fine particulate materials is disclosed. In this method, an aqueous slurry of fine particles is treated with appropriate hydrophobizing reagents so that the particulate material becomes moderately hydrophobic. A lipid of vegetable or animal origin is then added to the slurry in solutions of light hydrocarbon oils and short-chain alcohols, so that the hydrophobic lipid molecules adsorb on the moderately hydrophobic surface and, thereby, greatly enhance its hydrophobicity. By virtue of the enhanced hydrophobicty, the water molecules adhering to the surface are destabilized and more readily removed during the process of mechanical dewatering. The moisture reduction can be further improved using appropriate electrolytes in conjunction with the lipids, spraying surface tension lowering reagents onto the filter cake, subjecting the cake to a suitable vibratory means, and using combinations thereof.

Abstract: A disposable sandal is formed from a single piece of sheet material consisting of a fabric laminated to polyurethane foam. The sole of the sandal is shaped to generally conform to the outline of a human foot. A strap portion is formed as a band of the sheet material surrounding a heel portion of the sole. The strap portion is folded over and attached to a toe portion of the sole. A series of perforations are provided at the heel and/or toe portions of the sole so that the sandals may be conveniently sized to the user's foot. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the sole is embossed with a skid-resistant pattern.

Abstract: In combination a mount frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle and a snowplow assembly. The mount frame comprises a pair of detachable receivers which receive a pair of horns extending rearwardly from the snowplow assembly. The snowplow assembly comprises an A-frame, a trunnion and a lift frame. A blade is attached to the front of the A-frame. A pair of spaced stand assemblies, each including a latching mechanism, support the snowplow assembly when the mount frame is separated from the snowplow assembly. The latching mechanisms secure the snowplow assembly to the mount frame.

Abstract: Improvements to a grapple bucket which combine to convert the grapples into bulldozing, scraping, and hooking implements that can bulldoze, scoop, tear, and demolish more easily than a simple grapple bucket.

Abstract: A commendation bar mounting device for uniforms of the type worn by police officers, firefighters and like persons. The commendation bars are generally rectangular and have rearwardly projecting pins. The mounting plate is designed to mate with commendation bars by inserting the pins into openings on the mounting plate and bending at least one of the pins back into the opening of the mounting plate and attaching the commendation bars onto the plate using an adhesive. A forwardly projecting flange surrounds the plate framing the outer walls of the commendation bars, the inner walls of the commendation bars abut other commendation bars to prevent slippage on the uniform. At least two pins on the commendation bars are left protruding from the back of the mounting plate to penetrate the uniform. The pins are then received by a cooperating releasable clasp to hold the mounting device on the uniform.

Abstract: A license plate holder for use on a vehicle has a frame that holds and displays a vehicle license plate on the vehicle. A plurality of red light emitting diodes (LEDs) is mounted around the perimeter of the frame. They are connected to the brake light circuit of the vehicle to light up when the brakes are applied. A lesser number of non-red LEDs are also disposed around the perimeter of the frame. These are connected to the running light circuit of the vehicle. They may be multi-colored or of a single color such as blue or green.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sign having multiple light translucent layers are adjacent one another with such translucent layers being broken to form in one or more areas indicia (i.e. letters, numbers, etc.) meant to be visualized by an observer. These areas include a mid-layer, which is preferably colored and may be florescent, and a forefront layer. A transparent substrate or void layer is located between the mid-layer and the forefront layer, the forefront layer being closest to the observer. The forefront layer is comprised of a base color layer, which may be reflective, and an outer color layer which is closest to the viewer. The base color layer and the outer color layer, like the mid-layer, are in the shape of letters and indicia to be communicated. At least one milky white background layer forms the back of the sign. Other milky white layers having breaks in their integrity may be located adjacent to the rear most milky white layer and resulting in a soft background design.

Abstract: A fastening system and method to secure a light panel to the rear of a picture frame through the use of dual locking refittable fasteners in combination with retainers of the frame. The versatile thin illumination assembly system, consisting of the combination of the light panel and mounting system, can be applied to most existing display frames, thus converting a non-illuminated picture frame to an illuminated picture frame. The system when coupled with a frame creates an open backing that maintains the original light panel housing and eliminates heat buildup or dissipation complications often experienced with closed mounting systems. The mounting system and method requires no additional tools for the assembly process, and the resulting frame assembly is thin and easy to assemble.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a mid-grip high-powered pistol by modifying an existing rifle receiver, wherein a portion of the original trigger is removed, a new trigger is added in a position forward of the partially removed original trigger, and the new trigger is coupled to the remaining portion of the original trigger via an extension, wherein a recoil lug is added to the rifle receiver to handle the recoil, a plurality of different length barrels can be coupled to the new pistol, and a pivot pin diameter and location of a forearm lug prevent creation of an illegal rifle.

Abstract: A firearm safety device invention for handguns is disclosed. The safety device (10) prevents accidental firing of a gun by children, but is easily removable by an adult in 5 to 10 seconds even in pitch darkness. The safety device includes a lock sleeve (26) with an expandable end plug (30) which is inserted through the muzzle (16) of a gun barrel (14). With the end plug positioned in the firing chamber, a lock rod (24) is inserted into the lock sleeve to force expansion of the linear slotted (32) end plug sufficiently to prevent the safety device from being removed from the barrel. Withdrawal of the lock rod from the lock sleeve to allow removal of the safety device is prevented by a knurled cap (22) which is threadedly attached to a knurled enlarged end portion (28) of the lock sleeve. Since the safety device is able to rotate freely in its assembled position in the gun, any attempt to unscrew the knurled cap without holding the enlarged end portion of the lock sleeve stationary will be unsuccessful.

Abstract: A paint ball gun is provided. The paint ball gun has a curved bore and a fluid actuated firing mechanism. The fluid actuated firing mechanism is in operable communication with the curved bore such that the fluid actuated firing mechanism propels the paint ball through the curved bore.

Abstract: An electric charging system for a firearm includes a port in operable communication with a chamber adapted to receive an amount of expanding gas created by an ignited charge, and a cavity in operable communication with the port and adapted to receive an amount of the expanding gas therefrom. The charging system also includes a charging assembly in operable communication with the cavity, wherein the charging assembly creates an electric charge when impinged by the expanding gas located within the cavity, and a conductor in electrical communication with the charging assembly, wherein the conductor receives the electrical charge from the charging assembly. The charging system further includes a power storage unit in electrical communication with the conductor, wherein the storage unit stores the electrical charge received from the conductor.

Abstract: A gun rest [101] comprises a fore stock support assembly [103] supported from a support surface [127] and a butt stock support assembly [105] attached to a connecting beam [107] pivotally connected to the tripod support assembly by a pivot pin [123]. A butt stock height adjustment screw [135], attached to the connecting beam and engaging the support surface allows adjustment of the butt stock height above the support surface independent of the fore stock height. The device includes elevation and adjustment mechanisms for the fore stock height adjustment assembly and attachment holes for securing the fore stock height adjustment assembly to the support surface.

Abstract: A system for actuating an accessory mounted on a weapon with the sighting light beam generated by a laser sighting device. A light probe, adapted to be mounted on the weapon proximate the optical pathway of a sighting beam of light generated by a laser sighting device, is provided for detecting the sighting beam and producing in response thereto an electrical detection signal. An actuation circuit, adapted to be mounted on the weapon, is provided for receiving the detection signal and, in response thereto, actuating an electrical accessory mounted on the weapon. An ambient light sensor is provided for receiving ambient light and producing an electrical reference signal. The actuation circuit includes a comparator for comparing the detection signal to the ambient light signal and actuating a flashlight or other accessory when said detection signal passes said reference signal by a predetermined amount. The system inhibits the accessory when the ambient light passes a predetermined intensity.

Abstract: An ice hole fishing plug comprising an elongated cylindrical member which is constructed of a closed cell compressible foam material. An upper plate is positioned on the upper end of the cylindrical member and a lower plate is positioned on the lower end of the cylindrical member. An elongated rod extends downwardly through the upper plate, the cylindrical member and the lower plate with the lower end of the elongated rod being secured to the lower plate. A nut is threadably secured to the upper end of the elongated rod above the upper plate. When the nut is threaded down on the rod, the cylindrical member 16 is compressed between the upper and lower plates to cause the cylindrical member 16 to expand radially outwardly into engagement with the side walls of the ice fishing hole. An actuator is also provided for conveniently threading and unthreading the nut at the upper end of the elongated rod.

Abstract: A mount for rigging a single-barb fishhook or a treble hook which temporarily secures the fishhook for rotation by a motorized drill or similar type of equipment or by hand, where the eye is maintained in a generally fixed spatial location on or near the central axis of the mount during rotation, for attachment of a wire leader to the eye of the fishhook. A bore perpendicular to the rotational axis is provided to retain a single-barb fishhook and a cross member is provided to retain a treble hook. A short segment of the wire lead is threaded through the eye and bent back toward the main body of the wire leader. Both the main body and the short segment of the wire leader are then held in fixed relationship while the mount is rotated.

Abstract: A fishing accessory providing a combination fish club for dispatching a fish, gaffing a fish, or extracting a hook from a fish. The club includes an elongate rod having sufficient length and weight for striking and dispatching a fish. A handle is located on one end of the elongate rod for gripping the club, and an angular tip is located on the opposite end of the rod to provide a useful tool in extracting a hook or gaffing a fish. A receiving slot is formed in the angular tip with an open end for receiving a fishing line or fish hook. A pair of diametrically opposed grasping members are formed in the angularly tapered walls of the angular tip with projecting edge oriented toward the handle such that the grasping members may be used for extracting a fish hook from the throat of a fish or gaffing a fish.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of wood destroying subterranean termites. The apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber with a closed upper portion (top) and an open lower portion (bottom) that is secured to a monitor stick to be inserted in the ground. The hollow chamber top has a peripheral flange that overhangs or extends beyond the perimeter of the chamber. A monitor stick is inserted into and secured in the chamber interior and in the ground. The top is provided with an aperture having a penetrable seal such that a combustible gas detector can be inserted into the chamber to measure the combustible gas in the chamber. When wood destroying termites are present and attacking the monitor stick, they generate combustible gas that becomes trapped in the closed hollow chamber and can be detected by the combustible gas detector. A second material also can be used, e.g., cardboard wrapped around the monitor stick to attract the pests.

Abstract: An in-ground rechargeable planter assembly comprising a receptacle body having two or more recesses formed therein and further having a broad peripheral flange which lies at ground level when properly installed. Insert bodies which are precharged with soil and living plants are dropped into cavities in the receptacle body. The adjoining side walls of the cavities are fused together in a thermoforming operation to prevent flexing and hinging of the structure when under load.

Abstract: A two portion frame for an opening (10) comprises a fixed frame portion (12), which is secured about the opening (10); a removable frame portion (22), which is hinged to the fixed frame portion (12) by hinges (30) and locks (36) by which the removable frame portion (22) is fixable to the fixed portion (12), so that the removable frame portion is removable only from one side of the frame. A door (32) is hinged to the removable frame portion (22) by hinges (34) so that it opens towards the other side. One or more locks are provided to lock the door (32) with the removable frame portion (22) and one or more locks are provided to lock the removable frame portion (22) with the fixed frame portion (12).

Abstract: A sliding door assembly comprises a frame assembly, a sliding panel carrier, and a sliding panel mounted to the sliding panel carrier. The sliding panel carrier is mounted to the frame assembly for generally rectilinear movement to enable movement of the sliding panel between a closed position and an open position. The sliding panel carrier has a pivot pin receiving opening. A door controlling unit moves the sliding panel carrier in a generally rectilinear manner between the open and closed positions. The sliding panel has a mounting bracket mounted to the top rail thereof. The bracket includes a pivot pin that moves between extended and retracted positions. The sliding panel is mounted to the sliding panel carrier by inserting the pivot pin into the pivot pin receiving opening. As a result, the sliding panel can swing relative to the frame assembly through a breakout movement from a normal, non-breakout position to a breakout position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window regulator of an automobile vehicle quarter panel, which comprises a support plate having two cam grooves substantially offset in an oblique direction, a mobile carrier supporting a windowpane guided by the cam grooves, a cable winding drum connected to the mobile carrier by an upper cable passing over an upper return pulley and by a lower cable passing over a lower return pulley. The lower return pulley is arranged in height between the height of the lower ends of the two cam grooves. This allows the total height of the support plate to be decreased.

Abstract: A protective frame positioned between the mounting of an automatic or manually swing door and the exterior, the frame comprising first and second upright members, a pair of absorbable members positioned between and mounted to the first and second upright members to be contacted by errant grocery carts, and deflecting the carts away from the door; and a spring-loaded mechanism for allowing one of the upright members to be rotated away from the door in the event the door is opened to the outside during an emergency, so that the door is able to travel a complete 90-degree path, without being impeded by the protective metal frame, and complying with fire and safety codes. When the door is closed, the absorbable members rotate back to the position to protect the door against carts.

Abstract: A door gasket mounting structure for a refrigerator is disclosed. The door gasket mounting structure comprises an engagement groove and a laterally projected portion. The engagement groove accommodates the engagement portion of a door gasket, and is formed along the peripheral portion of a door liner. The laterally projected portion holds the engagement portion of the door gasket while the door gasket has been inserted into the engagement groove, and is formed on one of either side of an entrance portion of the engagement groove.

Abstract: A water holding and dispersing apparatus for catching and retaining rainwater for later watering usage. The water holding and dispersing apparatus includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The housing comprises a substantially rigid material. A supply pipe is positioned nearer the top wall than the bottom wall and has a first end fluidly coupled to the housing. A second end of the supply pipe is fluidly coupled to a gutter of a dwelling such that water in the gutter will flow into the housing through the supply pipe. A first drainage pipe is fluidly coupled to the first side wall and is located generally adjacent to the bottom wall. The first drainage pipe has a valve thereon for selectively opening and closing the first drainage pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is a rain water downspout for shooting water away from a building. It includes a vertical downspout column for receiving and holding rainwater. The downspout column has an outlet at its lower end. A buoyant column inside the downspout column rests on the bottom of the downspout column and blocks the downspout column outlet until the downspout column fills with enough water to cause the buoyant column to float. A nozzle is attached to the downspout outlet. The nozzle can be oriented to shoot a stream of water away from the building. When the buoyant column inside the downspout rises, water flows out of the downspout column under pressure and shoots out from the nozzle away from the building.

Abstract: A roof mount includes a base member and an attachment mount. The base member has a protrusion, and the attachment mount defines a hollowed region for receiving the protrusion to form a compression fitting. A substantially leak proof assembly is formed when the attachment mount is placed against the base member with a sealing material therebetween and a connecting element for coupling the attachment mount to the base member extends through the sealing material. A spacer extends the base member to a roof surface. The spacer is a hollow base stand, a tube, or a side wall of the base member. The spacer has a surface area covering the roof deck less than the surface area of a side of the base member facing the roof deck. The invention includes a method of limiting wind uplift of a roof.

Abstract: A plurality of wheeled cabinets, including single-sided cabinets (20) and double-sided cabinets (21), is movably mounted upon fixed rail assemblies (90) and (90A). Each cabinet is fitted with an extendable privacy partition (80), an automatically deployed safety-spacer assembly (110), and is capable of accepting both factory-finished and custom-fabricated furniture and fixture infill packages (24) that provide the activity spaces (23) created in between the cabinets with all of the appurtenances necessary to particularize these spaces into functionally specific rooms. A continuous conductor rail (100) supplies power, telephone, and data to the residential program deck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple assembled slow baking oven device, comprising a net member with a predetermined area; a plurality of clay blocks being flatly disposed on the surface of its top layer in a radiant form; an opening being disposed at the center of the net member; and each clay block has a coupling section for embedding another clay block on its lateral sides, such that when the opening at the center of the net member is pulled upward, the surrounding clay blocks will rise accordingly, and the gravity of the blocks automatically make the blocks to couple with each other on the lateral sides, and thus quickly completes a clay housing assembly for its use as a slow baking oven.

Abstract: Raised access flooring utilizing panels having a thick, resilient pad bonded directly to and covering the entire surface of the panel. The pad acts like the backing layer of a conventional floor treatment by absorbing impact and attenuation sound. A reinforced face cloth module having only a face layer and a stabilizing layer covers the pad to protect the pad from wear and to provide an attractive floor treatment. The reinforced face cloth module can be detachable or bonded directly to the pad. Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners can removably affix the pad to the face cloth module.

Abstract: Tiles, preferably floor tiles having an upper surface (1) which has engagement members (6) extending from two adjacent sides (2 and 3). The engaging elements (6) have a recess between them which is a mirror image of the engaging elements (6) of an adjacent tile. Rib (9) on the outer extensions (6a, 6b, 6c) of the engaging elements (6) engages with slot (10) along the lengths of sides (2, 3) to form a fluid tight seal between adjacent tiles which are interlocked by engaging elements (6).

Abstract: A highly stable beach access stairway is described that includes steps constructed of first and second parallel stringers with a plurality of treads extending between the stringers; upper, intermediate and lower support posts upon which the stringers are mounted; upper, intermediate and lower cable attachment rods extending through the support posts and stringers; a plurality of sand anchors positionable at spaced distances from the top and sides of the steps, and cables that connect the anchors to the attachment rods adjacent the inner sides of the stringers. The top anchor is connected to the upper and intermediate rods, while the side anchors are attached to the inner face of the stringer on the opposite side of the steps from the anchor. A bottom anchor may also be positioned beneath the steps and attached to the intermediate and lower rods.

Abstract: A trim strip for use around window and door opening and a method of installing the same. The trim strip includes a unitary body having an elongate first planar portion and an elongate second planar portion in parallel spaced relation. A second edge of the second planar portion is connected to a second edge of the first planar portion. A third planar portion is secured substantially perpendicularly to a first edge of the first planar portion and extends transversely in spaced relation past a first end of the second planar portion. The trim strip is intended for installation onto any building after a “J” strip trim or equivalent has been secured around the window and door openings. It is particularly suited for retrofitting a building that has exterior siding.

Abstract: A removable and reusable door frame guard for installation over and providing temporary protection to door trim attached to a door jamb. The guard includes a relatively rigid elongate upright member of shock absorbing material with an L-shaped cross section for covering adjacent bottom, front and inside portions of a vertical door jamb to be protected, and an expandable clamp means is secured to an upper end of the upright member and dimensioned in position for expanding and thereby engaging a bottom surface of a horizontal door header to hold the upright member in position.