Abstract: A multiblade knife unit includes knife blades of different type normally stored within and adapted for deployment from a common end of a handle housing. A pivoting knife blade is supported for pivotal movement between a stored position nested substantially within one side edge of the handle housing, and a deployed position projecting from one end of the handle housing. A razor-type utility knife blade is supported by a slide clip for sliding displacement between a retracted position stored and concealed within the handle housing, and an advanced position projecting from said one end of the handle housing. A release button on the handle housing is depressed for releasing the utility knife blade from the slide clip for facilitating quick and easy slide-out blade removal and replacement. In one form, the knife unit may further include driver bits interchangeably mounted at an opposite end of the handle housing.

Abstract: A multiblade knife unit includes a first blade pivotally moveable between a folded position within a side edge of the handle, and an extended position projecting from one end of the handle. A second blade is supported by a carriage for sliding displacement between a contracted position stored within the handle, and an extended position projecting out from one end of the handle. The first and second blades being independently deployable out a common end of the handle. The knife unit includes a third blade slidably mounted to the handle housing, opposite the first and second blades, for sliding displacement between a retracted position within the handle and an extended position projecting generally out from a second end of the handle. The knife unit may further include a belt clip mounted to a housing for encasing a can opener.

Abstract: Combined knife and wire cutter apparatus including both fixed blade knife and folding knife embodiments. Both such embodiments comprise an elongate handle including at least one notch along an edge thereof for receiving a segment of a wire; and an elongate member pivotably secured to the handle and having a first end portion and a second end portion, the elongate member pivotable about a pivot axis in a first rotational direction with the first end portion moving away from the handle and in a second rotational direction with the first end portion moving toward the handle, the second end portion including a cutting edge situated for traversing the at least one notch when the elongate member is pivoted about the pivot axis.

Abstract: Two-stage force multiplier tin snips are provided which have a pair of cutting blades and associated tangs, both being pivotable about a cutting axis. Each respective tang is coupled to a pair of handles by a pair of respective tang pins. The handles are pivotably attached to one another about a handle axis. The tin snips provide a mechanism for changing a force multiplier of the cutting blades by selectively adjusting relative longitudinal positioning of the cutting blade axis, the handle axis or the tang pins, relative to another of the cutting blade axis, the handle pins or the tang pins.

Abstract: A special tabbed pattern is integrated into a series of forms. The forms may be cookie cutters adapted to cut baked dough or other material set to desired density to provide a series of panels corresponding to the cutters. Alternatively, the forms may be molds, e.g, adapted to receive melted chocolate which is allowed to cool and set to form a series of panels corresponding to the molds. The panels are adapted to be joined together to form a decorative structure. The tabs are sized and positioned to provide a dovetail joint along each edge of the structure. The protruding tabs or ends are of a slightly smaller dimension than the notches that they fit inside of to provide a secure fit. This self-interlocking design allows each individual piece of the structure to be fitted together, one at a time, while maintaining an acceptable degree of stability throughout the assembly process.

Abstract: A carpentry tool comprises an elongated handle and a metal head attached to one end of the handle. The head includes a ferrule adapted to fit over one end of the handle, and first and second cutting portions extending laterally away from opposite sides of the ferrule. The first cutting portion has a width that progressively increases as the distance from the ferrule increases, and terminates in a first single cutting edge. The second cutting portion has a width that progressively decreases as the distance from the ferrule increases, and terminates in a second single cutting edge that is narrower than the first cutting edge.

Abstract: A hobby knife employs two threadably engaged forward and rear sections and a blade holder which mounts the knife blade for positioning generally outwardly from the front end. The forward section has a tubular shape with three angularly spaced longitudinal indentations which are traversed by a series of longitudinally spaced ribs. The forward and rear sections are substantially covered by overmold material.

Abstract: Razor handles are provided for razors having a battery-powered functionality. Methods of manufacturing such handles are also provided. In one implementation, the handle includes a unitary grip portion constructed to receive a razor head at one end thereof, and a battery cover, mounted on the grip portion. The grip portion and the battery cover, when joined, may together define a water-tight unit prior to mounting of the razor head on the grip portion.

Abstract: An apparatus that identifies and simulates vehicle wheel and tire dimensions can be removably attached to a vehicle wheel hub and adjusted in radial and axial directions to determine the dimension of a wheel and tire that would fit the vehicle.

Abstract: A laser alignment device includes a base adapted to be installed in a drilling machine above the worktable of the drilling machine. The base has two through holes, a first laser module mounted in one through hole and operable to emit a first laser beam, a second laser module, which has a laser emitter mounted in the other through hole and operable to emit a second laser beam from its bottom side. The second laser module has a protruding portion extending around the periphery of the laser emitter and engaging the inside wall of the associated through hole to maintain the laser emitter away from the inside wall of the associated through hole Setting devices are mounted in the base and are inserted into one through hole to engage the periphery of the laser emitter of the second laser module.

Abstract: A laser surveying instrument, comprising a rotating unit for projecting a laser beam by rotary irradiation, a main unit for rotatably supporting the rotating unit, and a sealing means for sealing between the rotating unit and the main unit, wherein the sealing means comprises annular ridges formed on the main unit concentrically to the rotation center of the rotating unit, and annular grooves formed on the rotating unit so that the annular ridges are engaged in the annular grooves and gaps are formed between the annular ridges and the annular grooves, the annular ridges and the annular grooves being arranged concentrically to each other and disposed in double arrangement, and wherein the sealing means further comprises a route bent and crooked in a radial direction by the gaps, and a cavity disposed at least at one point along the route and having larger volume than the volume of the gap.

Abstract: A detector level system for use with a work-piece is provided. The system can include a clam shell housing with a first shell and a second shell that define a set of lateral walls and a cavity. The set of lateral walls can define two parallel planes. The system can include a hidden object detector retained within the cavity and operable to detect an object hidden by the work-piece. The system can further include at least one bubble level retained in the cavity. The at least bubble level can be disposed between the parallel planes and visible through apertures formed in the set of lateral walls. The system can include at least one magnet coupled to one of the first shell, or second shell. The at least one magnet can be operable to enable the detector level system to be coupled to a metallic material.

Abstract: A probe system includes a probe head and a transceiver element. The probe head has a feeler and a sensor element. Moreover, the probe head is able to be transferred from a passive state to an active state, a sensor signal being able to be generated by the sensor element in the active state. The probe head and the transceiver element are configured such that a wireless data transmission is possible between them in a manner that the sensor signal is convertible in the probe head into a switching signal which is transmittable from the probe head to the transceiver element. During the active state, a control command is able to be transmitted continuously in wireless fashion by the transceiver element, the active state of the probe head being able to be maintained by the continuously transmitted control command. Furthermore, the switching signal is able to be transmitted without collision with respect to the transmission of the control command.

Abstract: A hairdryer including a safety device is characterized in that the safety device is designed for detecting a jamming, even partial, of the hairdryer air suction fan.

Abstract: A method for drying moist goods is provided. The method uses a dryer positioned within a building connected to a dual flow duct that includes a fresh air passage and an exhaust air passage. The method includes the steps of supplying drying air to the dryer through the fresh air passage, passing air through the moist goods, and exhausting the air from the building through the exhaust air passage of the dual flow duct. The method may include the steps of transferring heat energy from the exhausted air to the drying air. Also, the flow of supplied air and exhaust air may flow concentrically relative one another or in side-by-side relation. Furthermore, the method may include sensing characteristics of the air and controlling the dryer according to the sensed characteristics.

Abstract: A method and a device for drying wet washing that has been placed in a drier device equipped with a rotatable drum. The stream of drying air is guided in such a way that the surface of the washing to be dried that is exposed to said stream is maximised. To achieve this, the invention provides a washing spacer, at least some sections of which are flexible and on which the washing to be dried can be placed. The spacer can then be rolled up together with the washing to be dried into a preferably cylindrical form. The washing spacer and the wet washing, which is rolled with a radial distance between its layers, is connected in an air-conductive, sealed manner to the extraction opening, allowing the stream of drying air to be guided through the washing spacer and the washing to be dried. Said method is extremely effective and reduces the drying times.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.

Abstract: A dryer for drying moist goods is provided. The dryer reduces the amount of conditioned air used during the drying cycle by drawing drying air from the exterior of the building rather than the interior of the building thereby reducing the overall energy efficiency of the building. The dryer includes an air flow passage extending between a fresh air inlet and an exhaust air outlet. A drying chamber forms a portion of the air flow passage and is interposed between the fresh air inlet and the exhaust air outlet. A blower moves air through the air flow passage. The fresh air inlet and exhaust air outlet are separated from one another by a common wall and are positioned adjacent to one another. The fresh air inlet and exhaust air outlet are configured to attach to a combined supply and exhaust duct such that exhaust air and fresh air are passed between the dryer and the exterior of the building through the combined supply and exhaust duct.

Abstract: A protective foot cover for use in dance, exercise, or athletic applications using strategically placed protective pieces in ball and heel areas of the foot in connection with an elastic material in the sole structure to allow the foot to move freely and provide less of a barrier between the foot and floor such that a dancer can better sense the floor upon which they dance. The foot cover incorporates strategically placed protective patches that provide support, protection, and comfort to the ball and heel portions of the foot. The patches are spaced from one another so that the footwear is able to move more naturally with the expansion of the foot as pressure is applied to the foot. An elastic band extends in a figure eight configuration from the front of the cover, beneath the arch of the foot where the band overlaps, and around the heel to provide arch support and to hold the cover on the foot.

Abstract: Shoe with slipper function both open and closed, of the type realised by means of perimetrical sewing (3) of the upper (2) on the sole (1), having the following characteristic: I—use of an elastically yielding flexible expanded plastic material sheet with alternatively variable thickness >2 mm and <8 mm, pierced (F) and bossed on its surface (e) and ribbed (i) on the opposite surface, the piercings being made in the thinness zones and then alternated by bossings (e); II—punching of said sheet in soles (1) and uppers (2); III—perimetrical sewing at the sole edge (3) of the upper (2) to the sole (1); IV—with the characteristic that said bossings (c) are placed towards the outside of the shoe both for the sole (1), thus toward the, floor, and for the upper, thus towards outside.

Abstract: A fluid-filled structure, such as a bladder, is disclosed. The bladder has a first surface and an opposite second surface that are peripherally joined to define various edges. The bladder encloses a fluid between the first surface and the second surface. A portion of the edges may have a concave configuration, or the edges may have both concave and convex configurations. A shape of the bladder may be a tessellation pattern so that a plurality of the bladder may be efficiently.

Abstract: Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a closure device for flexible and adjustable fastening between two edges located opposite or crosswise, in particular for footwear, clothing, textile, leathercraft and sportswear, consisting of at least one tongue (5) and two edges (1, 2), the tongue (5) being provided with a hook-and-loop textile (7) and being linked to a first edge (2).

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a liner defining an interior area configured to removably receive a wearer's foot, an upper stitched to an upper portion of the liner, a lower foot portion adjacent to the upper; and an attachment skirt stitched to the upper. The attachment skirt is laminated between the lower foot portion and the liner to securely interconnect the liner to the upper and lower foot portion without perforating the liner below the upper portion of the liner.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a footwear construction with a heel compartment that has a sufficient height dimension and a sufficient width dimension to support from below the heel of a user and which is adapted to receive therein a removable locking surfboard wax roughing comb which in turn has sufficient height, width and depth dimensions for the storage of a bar of surfboard wax.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a mid-sole foot platform for supporting from below the foot of a user, an outer sole for providing the footwear item with turning traction and a stash assembly sandwiched between the mid-sole foot platform and the outer sole, wherein said stash assembly has disposed therein a slidably removable comb sufficient width, length and depth dimensions for storage therein of loose items.

Abstract: Footwear having removable straps is disclosed herein. More specifically, the footwear disclosed herein includes a removable strap assembly having concealed releasable connection means for attaching to the sole of the footwear.

Abstract: A novelty footwear construction includes a cassette-like heel component which is sandwiched between a mid-sole and an outsole for supporting the heel of a user, and wherein the heel component includes an upper retainer, a lower retainer, and a hollow flask for supporting the heel of a user and for providing the user with a source of fluid refreshment.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a footbed and a heel-shaped storage unit which has a liftable lid. The footbed and the storage unit are mounted within a wedge-shaped cupsole so that a rear portion of the footbed overlays and conceals the storage unit and pivots up and away from the cupsole in unison with the lid when it is lifted to provide a user access to the heel-shaped storage unit.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a flexible outsole, a flexible footbed and a flexible elongated wedge-shape midsole. The midsole has a unitary construction including a heel support area and an arch support area. An open storage compartment is disposed within the heel support area and is concealed by the footbed which overlays the midsole and the outsole. The footbed is fixedly attached to a front toe area of the outsole and fixedly attached to the midsole at about the arch support area. The footbed is further removably attached to the midsole at about the heel support area so that the footbed may be lifted up pivotally and way from the heel support area to provide user access to the storage compartment. Stiffeners disposed within the footbed facilitate the pivoting of the footbed and prevent collapse of the footbed into the compartment under a user load.

Abstract: A padded shoe, comprising a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially smooth surface; a shoe upper, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding; an ankle padding structure extending from the shoe upper, adapted to cover the medial malleolus of a wearer; a padded tongue; a means to retain the shoe on the foot of a wearer; an outer protective flap, the outer protective flap being located such that the outer protective flap covers at least a portion of the retaining structure; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure, whereby the wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the retaining structure, the engagement structure, or the wearer's ankle.

Abstract: A sport or active shoe that can be stored in a compact configuration can be folded generally in half and secured closed with a closure connected to the heel and toe. The shoe includes a single layer upper to facilitate folding. The shoe can be folded into a very compact configuration and stored conveniently in a pocket, pack, purse, etc., allowing a user to keep a pair of the shoes handy for wearing before or after sports activities or specialized activities requiring specialized or bulky footwear.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a mid-sole foot platform for supporting from below the foot of a user, an outer sole for providing the footwear item with turning traction and a stash assembly sandwiched between the mid-sole foot platform and the outer sole, wherein said stash assembly has disposed therein a slidably removable comb sufficient width, length and depth dimensions for storage therein of loose items.

Abstract: A novelty footwear construction includes a cassette-like heel component which is sandwiched between a mid-sole and an outsole for supporting the heel of a user, and wherein the heel component includes an upper retainer, a lower retainer, and a hollow flask for supporting the heel of a user and for providing the user with a source of fluid refreshment.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: An air permeable middle sole including a plastic layer and an air permeable woven layer covering up the plastic layer; multiple ventilation pores being consistently disposed in the plastic layer; and multiple grooves being molded among and connecting through those ventilation pore; a wall is disposed to the edge of the plastic layer; a blank edge surrounding pores being disposed on the bottom of the plastic layer to ensure tight adhesion to the insole; grooves being directly in the plastic layer; the woven layer being made of air permeable material to permit vertical air circulation through woven layer and pores; the grooves allowing unobstructed expelling of odor to ambient air; and grooves and pores permitting water containment and sweats built up on the shoe to be expelled in time.

Abstract: An air permeable mobile insole including a plastic layer and an air permeable woven layer covering up the plastic layer; multiple ventilation pores are disposed in consistent arrangement on the plastic layer; and a first groove connecting to the ambient air is formed between any two neighboring pores; a wall is molded protruding from the outer edge of the plastic layer; and multiple ventilation pores or multiple second grooves connecting through first grooves are disposed on the side of the wall not covered with the woven layer so to allow each ventilation pore communicating with the ambient air through the grooves to realize sufficient air circulation and fully removal of the odor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laser marked tags and more specifically, to a system and method for ink over laser label marking. A tag is produced by creating a laser marking that effaces the material within the thickness of a tag. Once the material beneath the surface is obliterated, creating a significant laser marking, the laser marking is covered with ink. The ink that is supplied to the laser marking adheres to the carved out portion within the thickness of the tag, that is, below the outer surface of the tag which protects the ink marking from wear and deterioration.

Abstract: A sports memorabilia display stand includes a base having a motor operated rotatable drive mechanism for driving a display pillar assembly extending upwardly from the base. A support pedestal is mounted to the display pillar assembly for rotation therewith and a sports memorabilia item is placed on the support pedestal. A music box may be incorporated in the base to play songs or speeches or other information consistent with the theme of the particular sport. At least one auxiliary sports item may be mounted on the display pillar assembly.

Abstract: Light units are provided that have a number of different features. In one aspect a light unit comprising a substrate and a display interconnected to the substrate is provided. The substrate includes a power source, a plurality of light elements, a controller operably interconnected to the power source and light elements that activates the light elements to one or more illumination states, and a communications module operably interconnected to the controller and power source. The communications module receives wireless communications and provides information from the wireless communications to the controller, wherein the controller activates the light elements according to information received from the communications module when the communications module receives information related to the activation of the light elements. Other aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tanning bed sanitized sign which is comprised of a compression molded EVA foam or the like which is formed by cutting the foam into sheets. The sign may be shipped flat and then folded into a tent and placed on the tanning bed when the tanning bed has been sanitized.

Abstract: A wristband and clasp for securing the wristband to a person is disclosed. The wristband includes at least one attachment aperture. The clasp includes a folding base having a first triangular section connected to a second triangular section and a hinge connecting the first and second triangular sections. The hinge defines a folding axis that enables the base to be folded so that the first triangular section is positioned adjacent to the second triangular section in an overlapping relationship. A securement aperture is formed in the first triangular section, and a post extends from the second triangular section to couple with the securement aperture when the base is folded along the folding axis. The post extends from the second triangular section through the attachment aperture of the wristband and couples to the securement aperture of the first triangular section so that the clasp is secured to the wristband.

Abstract: This relates to a tag holder with flexible thread, of the type wherein a filiform body composed of a flexible cord, straight or twisted, realized in fabric, in natural fibers such as cotton or linen or in synthetic fibers such as nylon or rayon and where said body is provided at one of its ends with a transverse bar, preferably realized in plastic material, which constitutes the desired attachment ratchet. The terminal portion of the flexible cord is incorporated in the body of the transverse bar (3), arranging itself in a direction substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the bar itself.

Abstract: This invention is a picture frame that is capable of framing a, picture in a manner suitable for hanging on a wall or standing on a table while also packaging a compact disc, digital video disc, memory card, or alternate media. Various embodiments are described that facilitate economical manufacture of the picture while allowing an elegant display of the picture. Further, these embodiments allow the user to easily switch between pictures in the frame and remove and replace the disc. Thus, a unique picture frame is disclosed that functions both to store and to display pictures while also serving as a package or receptacle for disc shaped and other media.

Abstract: A display device includes a first piece of two-dimensional art and a second piece of three-dimensional art connected to the first piece of two-dimensional art to form a third piece of three-dimensional art. The second piece of three-dimensional art is one or more pieces of jewelry. Each of the first piece of two-dimensional art, second piece of three-dimensional art, and third piece of three-dimensional art stands on its own as a finished work of art.

Abstract: A method including sensing movement of an existing non-shot-indicator of a handgun, and interpreting a sensed movement of the existing non-shot-indicator as a shot fired from the handgun so that the sensed movement serves as a shot counter for the handgun.

Abstract: A hydraulic recoil buffer assembly for a firearm having a receiver and a fixed or collapsible stock assembly including an end cylinder adapted to be secured to the pistol grip or receiver of the firearm and slidably translatable with respect to the extension tube, and a hydraulic shock absorption assembly operative to produce a hydraulic resistance to a rearward movement of the end cylinder during recoil of the firearm. The hydraulic shock absorption assembly has an orifice restricted fluid flow passage and a piston head that compresses a return spring as the end cylinder moves rearward against a recoil coil spring. The recoil buffer assembly stores a portion of the recoil energy through compression of the recoil spring and the return spring, and dissipates a portion of the recoil energy through the resistance provided by fluid flow through the orifice restricted flow passage.

Abstract: Firearm that includes a safety that doubles as an on-off switch for electrical accessories.

Abstract: A light-weight, durable, soft shell firearm case made from flexible Neoprene can be snugly fitted to a gun like a glove, and once removed, rolled into a compact configuration for convenient carrying. The frameless, reversible cover comprises a pair of flexible sides, one with a flap with a Velcro strip, and the other with a mating strip. The case snugly fits around the firearm, preventing contact with mud, snow, dust, debris and moisture. The tight fit allows the hunter to transport the gun as if no case were in use. Clearance regions allow the user to transport a firearm with its own strap without placing weight in the region between the clearance regions. Quick-acting Velcro straps are used to hold the flap. If the device becomes dirty or muddy, it can easily be hand washed. The flexible, pliant design allows for it to be “rolled-up” for easy storage.