Abstract: A panelling system preferably for floors is defined by a series of panels each formed of a plurality of tongue and groove main floor plank strips arranged side edge to side edge and cut to a common length with a tongue along one cut edge and a groove along the other. At the edges are attached first and second dividing strips formed also from the flooring planks fastened together to form a common panel member for transportation and installation. Each divider strip includes a ninety degree point extending beyond the sides of the main strips to meet with the points of other strips to fill the spaces between the panels. The strips are fastened by pins from the rear or by a bonded sheet material on the rear. A method for assembly includes re-cutting the tongue or groove along one edge after compression of the main strips together to ensure accuracy.

Abstract: The rubber packing behind the blades of the nail clipper catches the scattering nails, thus preventing it from leaving the compartment between the blades and the rubber surrounding in a circular fashion. This approach saves time and effort tracing nail scatters after nail clipper use.

Abstract: A hair removal apparatus having a housing, a drive mechanism for driving at least a first hair removal unit, and an abrasive element is described. The abrasive element and the first hair removal unit are in close proximity and are equally driven. The abrasive element is arranged and carried in an attachment mountable on and demountable from the housing as an addition to the first hair removal unit.

Abstract: To allow a self-user to conveniently position a cutting area to effectively and efficiently cut the hard to reach hair surface areas, a hair-cutting device (1) with a handle (40) and a cutting head (20) connected to the handle (40) is proposed, the cutting head (20) having one cutting unit (21) rotatably displaceable around an axis (R) of rotation, wherein the cutting area (27) and a point (P) on the axis (R) of rotation span a cutting plane (CP), the cutting plane (CP) being substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (R).

Abstract: A pruning saw comprising a handle, a retractable blade pivotably connected to the handle, and a safety latch is disclosed. The handle includes first and second ends, top and bottom surfaces and a longitudinal recess beginning at the first end and extending along the bottom surface toward the second end, while the retractable blade is pivotably connected to the handle at the first end. The blade is capable of pivoting between an open and extended position substantially aligned with the handle and a closed and retracted position concealed within the longitudinal recess of the handle. Accordingly, the safety latch retains the blade in at least one of either the open and extended position and the closed and retracted position. Actuation of the safety latch releases the blade to move freely between the open and closed positions, the safety latch being responsive to at least two buttons positioned on the handle.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a frame, a shaft, a cutter and a cam. The shaft is rotatable about an axis. The cutter is coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes rotation of the cutter about the shaft's axis. The cam is positioned around the shaft such that the cam contacts the frame upon rotation of the shaft. The cam has a cam surface which is distanced away from the axis of the shaft a varying amount such that contact of the cam with the frame upon rotation of the shaft causes the shaft, and thus the cutter, to reciprocate in a generally transverse direction relative to the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A hidden switch locating means for a gardening tool includes a pair of blades pivoted to each other, each blade containing a cutting edge and a handle; each handle being provided with a pivoting base containing a pivoting hole and multiple arc holes of different diameters and being blocked by a cap; a pivoting bolt penetrating both pivoting holes and locked up with a nut; both caps being linked to each other with multiple keys and key troughs disposed to both caps; multiple arc holes from both pivoting portions being in a relation of alternatively deflected asymmetry with both blades stretched out, and in a fully penetrating relation with both blades closing upon each other; and limitation and release of stretching and clamping of both blades being controlled by pressing both caps to change relation between keys and arc holes.

Abstract: A blade assembly for use with a food processor includes a hub configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of the food processor, a first blade rotatably coupled to the hub and configured to rotate with respect to the hub at least up to a predetermined angle with respect to a second blade, which is fixedly coupled to the hub. The first blade is rotatable between a first position in which it is in phase with the second blade for receiving a blade guard protecting both blades, and a second position, in which the first blade is out of phase with the second blade for optimally processing a food item in the food processor, the blade assembly also including a biasing member for returning the first blade to the first position after use.

Abstract: Guides for ring saws and ring saws incorporating them and template systems are provided. The guides can be circular, square, rectangular or portions thereof. The system can comprise a guide and a template. The template can be configured to be placed onto a workpiece in a fixed relation relative to the workpiece. The template has an edge along which a side edge of the guide can travel. The guide is attachable to a platen of the ring saw and can include an insertion channel and a blade aperture for allowing passage of a blade of the ring saw during attachment of the guide to the platen. The guide and the template can be sized and configured such that the side surface of the guide can contact the edge of the template for allowing the guide to be moved along a desired cut path to quickly and easily create a precise cut.

Abstract: SHINGLESAW™ is a pneumatically powered miniaturized circular saw designed especially for roofing applications. A planetary gear set is provided to reduce the RPMs of the saw an increase torque, allowing the saw to cut though heavy and sticky roofing materials even when used with a low CFM roofer's compressor.

Abstract: Cross laser device for installing plate- or board-shaped floor covering elements, in particular tiles, on a flat substrate (17) with a housing (1) which can be positioned on the substrate (17) by means of feet (24, 25, 26) of the cross laser device, within which housing at least one first and one second laser (2, 3) are disposed, by which first and second laser beams emerging through first and second front light exits (6, 7) of the housing (1) can be generated for the formation of first and second marking lines (4, 5) on the substrate (17), which marking lines intersect at right angles at an intersection point (8) spaced apart from the light exits (6, 7), wherein the housing (1) can be positioned on the substrate (17) by means of feet (24, 25, 26) of the cross laser device, whereby an underside of the housing (1) is spaced apart from the substrate (17) after the housing (1) has been positioned on the substrate (17) by means of feet (24, 25, 26), wherein beneath the housing (1) from a first side edge (20) of t

Abstract: An inclination-detecting device includes a casing, a magnet, and a magnetic field detecting unit. The casing is formed with a cavity therein. The cavity is defined by a cavity-defining wall that has equal numbers of sides and corners. The magnet is disposed movably in the cavity in the casing. The magnetic field-detecting unit is mounted on the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing conduit which includes an elongated transparent vial having a geometric axis and containing a liquid defining a bubble therein whereby when the axis is horizontal the bubble is centered with respect to the elongated transparent vial and an elongated housing having a geometric axis.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for guiding the placement of bricks in a wall or facade in which the bricks are placed in a plurality of parallel planes offset by one or more predetermined distances. The apparatus comprises first and second members joined by a pivot or hinge mechanism that allows them to move relative to one another. The first member serves to hold the apparatus to a plumbed post located at the base of the wall or facade to be built and provides a stop for placement of the first brick in a course. The second member comprises a line support, a stop, and a protrusion for moving second member relative to the first member. When the apparatus is held to the post and attached to a line, moving the protrusion of the second member moves the attached line to a preset distance from the post. The use of the apparatus at both ends of a wall building site facilitates the rapid, aligned placement of bricks in a plurality of parallel planes.

Abstract: A chalk line apparatus having a housing defining a chamber for a supply of chalk. A reel is mounted within the chamber for rotation around an axis. The housing has an opening through which a flexible line is directed from the reel to outwardly of the housing, for use. The housing has a front wall, a rear wall, and a peripheral wall portion surrounding the chamber between the front and rear walls. A fill opening is formed through the peripheral wall portion in communication with the chamber at a location on the peripheral wall portion between the reel axis and the housing opening.

Abstract: A chalk line apparatus having a housing defining a chamber within which a supply of chalk can be stored and a reel within the chamber and mounted for rotation relative to the housing around a first axis. The housing has an opening through which a flexible line emanating from the reel can extend to outwardly of the housing for use. The reel has a spool defining a support against and around which a flexible line can be wrapped. The spool is rotatable around the first axis and has an axial extent. The spool is configured so that line wrapped around the support does not have a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the first axis over any substantial portion of the axial extent of the spool.

Abstract: A chalk line apparatus having a housing defining a chalk chamber and a reel for a flexible line mounted for rotation within the chamber. The chalk line apparatus further includes a collection space that communicates with the chamber through a housing opening. A flexible line on the reel is extendable through the housing opening, the collection space, and the collection container opening to be exposed for use.

Abstract: Apparatus using two hinged L-shaped squares to determine perpendicular with respect to a plane. Placing the apparatus against a plane with the squares offset angularly with respect to each other and placing an object to be secured to a plane adjacent to the hinge within fins parallel to the hinge permits securing the object perpendicular to the plane with one hand while holding the apparatus and object with the other hand.

Abstract: An alignment device for assembling a masonry joint includes a main body configured to slidably engage a generally vertical support pole, the main body including a first arm and a second arm projecting away from the main body, the first arm defining a predetermined angle relative to the second arm, and a reel assembly on the main body for supporting a reel of string, the main body further including a string guide between the reel assembly and the first arm for guiding a string from the reel to the first arm. Also a method of building a wall using the alignment device.

Abstract: A measuring gauge constructed of a transparent “L” shaped body having an elongated first arm and a second shorter arm disposed at 90 degrees to the first arm and defining a notch therein which forms a triangle with the first leg of the triangle angularly disposed with respect to the outer edge of the second arm. A plurality of indicia are carried by the two legs of the gauge. The indicia each include a center band sandwiched between outer bands with the inner and outer bands being of contrasting colors. The side edges of the gauge are inserted between the flaps and back panels of the envelope into engagement with a gum line and a depth of penetration is observed by determining the intersection of an edge of the envelope with the indicium along a side edge of the gauge thereby determining whether or not the envelope is in or out of specification.

Abstract: A cutting board having a number of integral cutting guide lines for assisting an operator (chef) of a knife in cutting a foodstuff (e.g., vegetables) into uniform pieces of at least one predetermined size.

Abstract: A system for installing lap siding includes a stationary installation tool used in conjunction with a moveable installation tool to enable a single worker to efficiently and consistently achieve a high quality installation with parallel planks and a uniform exposure. The stationary installation tool features a planar face, a first stationary edge support, a second stationary edge support and an attachment component such as an aperture for receiving a nail or screw. The first stationary edge support and second stationary edge support define a determined overlap or exposure. The moveable installation tool has a planar face, a first moveable edge support and a second moveable edge support. The first moveable edge support and second moveable edge support are configured to define a determined overlap or exposure consistent with that defined by the first stationary edge support and second stationary edge support.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved quick rewind tape measure having dual modes of manual and power tool assisted operation. A quick rewind tape measure is formed by rotatably placing in an outer case a reel for winding a tape, providing a handle oil the outer side of the case so that the reel can be rotated by the handle to rewind a measuring tape. The handle of the tape measure has dual modes of operation, both manual and power tool assisted. With the power tool assisted mode of operation, the measuring tape can be rewound in a high speed. Consequently, the tape measure has the advantage that an elongate measuring tape having a length of more than 10 m, particularly 50 m to 300 m can be rewound quickly.

Abstract: A hair dryer is disclosed. The hair dryer includes a main body which accommodates a fan, a motor and a heater, a handle which extends downward from the main body and is provided with a button, and a nozzle which is coupled to the main body and contains water or hair tonic. The nozzle includes a body, a receiving part, and a containing part. The containing part includes a container which contains water or hair tonic, and a cover which is made of a porous metal material and formed at the container by insert injection molding. Accordingly, when the hair dryer is used, water or hair tonic is ejected and supplied to the hair, thereby protecting the hair.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials. The apparatus comprising a support: and an oven (10) mounted to the support for receiving material to be treated. The oven (10) maybe moved between a first position in which a first portion is higher than a second portion, and a second position in which the converse is true. In use, the oven can be repeatedly moved between the first and second positions so material falls from one portion to the other portion.

Abstract: A drying apparatus having a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, and at least one slot-like opening communicating with the fan and arranged in the casing to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The slot-like opening is formed between opposing walls which approach one another at an angle of between 10° and 20°. In another aspect, two slot-like openings are provided ducting providing communication between the fan and the slot-like openings has a first cross-section in the vicinity of the fan whose dimensions are similar in all directions and a slot-like cross-section in the vicinity of the openings, the transition between the said cross-sections being gradual and smooth.

Abstract: The invention is related to means of drying various, mainly, capillary porous materials and can be used in agriculture to dry grain and other agricultural products, or in mill industry to dry timber and sawdust, or in food industry to dry food products, and also for similar purposes in other industries. A device for drying capillary porous materials comprises a drying chamber supplied with sound-proof partitions that divide its inner volume into isolated sections, each section being supplied with a separate source of sound, and a source of heated air, executed in such a way that heated air is supplied from said source to each section of the drying chamber. The invention solves the problem of making a drying device suitable for drying capillary porous materials by means of the acoustic thermal method, the device being at the same time simple in design and cost-effective.

Abstract: An evacuation method which can reduce evacuation time without causing moisture-related problems. In a vacuum processing apparatus including a vacuum processing chamber, during the evacuation for the vacuum processing chamber, the pressure in the vacuum processing chamber is maintained at a pressure lower than or equal to the atmospheric pressure but higher than or equal to 6.7×102 Pa (5 Torr).

Abstract: A non-slip shoe cover includes a body, a toe cap and a holding member. The body has a sole, multiple protrusions and multiple studs. The sole has a bottom, a front section, a rear section and a cutout defined between the front section and the rear section. The protrusions are formed integrally on the front section and the rear section of the sole and protrude out from the bottom of the sole. The studs are mounted on the front section and the rear section of the sole and protrude out from the bottom of the sole. The toe cap is formed integrally on the front section of the sole. The holding member is formed integrally on the rear section of the sole.

Abstract: An overshoe that covers a footwear structure for protecting a walking surface. The overshoe includes a base and an upstanding portion, which extends around at least a portion of the base. A protrusion extends inwardly from an inner surface of the upstanding portion. The protrusion engages the footwear structure for releasably retaining the overshoe to the footwear structure.

Abstract: An insole (1) for reflexological stimulation of the sole of the foot, comprising a plurality of elastic elements (4) extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the sole of the foot and arranged at selected areas thereof to perform said stimulation by deforming elastically during a subject's walking, said elastic elements (4) having a first end (41) fixed on a support (2) and a second end (42) apt to act onto the sole of the foot, wherein the rigidity and the height of the elastic elements (4) is differentiated in different zones of the sole of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe pad made of a flexible thin sheet material (paper or plastics) for adhering to the outer sole of a shoe to prevent floor contamination is disclosed having a top surface, an adhesive zone disposed on the top surface for adhering to the shoe pad to the outer sole of a shoe, and a smooth bottom surface disposed opposite to the top surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protector for a toe strap of a footwear such, in particular in the form of a shoe, a sandal or a flip-flop, comprising a tube or a tube-like body with a first end and an opposite second end along its longitudinal axis, in particular in the form of a circumferential sleeve, which at least partially encloses a space, with a first opening at the first end and an opposite second opening at the second end for the at least partial inclusion of a toe strap, wherein an inner wall of the tube or tube-like body extends from the first to the second end and wherein an outer wall extends from the first to the second end, wherein the tube or tube-like body, in particular the circumferential sleeve, comprises a slit extending from the first end to the second end and from the outer to the inner wall so that the tube or tube-like body, in particular the circumferential sleeve, comprises adjacent longitudinal first and second areas, in particular contact areas which are facing each other and

Abstract: A footwear system (S) and corresponding methods (M1) and (M2) for providing a plethora of footwear fashion options via a plurality of interchangeable components, the interchangeability of which being facilitated by structurally stable quick-coupling and quick-decoupling techniques. The system (S) includes a plurality of interchangeable uppers (100), a plurality of interchangeable heels (200), and a quick-release device (300) for easily and selectively engaging a heel (200) of the plurality of interchangeable heels (200) with an upper (100) of the plurality of interchangeable uppers (100). The quick-release device (300) has a safety feature for providing structural stability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a insole arranged on an upper surface of an innersole in a shoe. The insole includes: an intermediate supporting portion 41 coming into close contact with a center portion of a foot sole, including an arch, and having a plurality of elastic protrusions P formed on a lower surface of grids L defining grid-type thru-holes; and a rear supporting portion 42 extending from the rear end of the intermediate supporting portion 11 to a heel of the foot in order to make close contact with a rear portion of the foot sole, and having a plurality of stationary protrusions P? formed on the lower surface of the rear supporting portion 42 to protrude downward. The insole can improve air permeability through the thru-holes, and in addition always makes close contact with the foot sole through elastic protrusions formed on the lower surface thereof so as to buffer impact on the shoe.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving associated material which includes a mounting and a blade carried on the mounting, the blade having an edge for engaging a quantity of material to be moved, the edge having a bead extending along the edge, the bead having a cross-section that has a curvilinear contour whereby the blade will be deflected away from interfering obstacles within the associated material. In some embodiments the apparatus may be a shovel. In some of these embodiments, the bead has a circular cross-section. Some embodiments have the circular cross-section and others have a curvilinear cross-section. The invention also includes the method for moving material which includes providing a mounting and providing a blade carried on the mounting that has an edge for engaging a quantity of material to be moved, providing an bead extending along the edge that has a cross-section that has a curvilinear contour whereby the blade will be deflected away from interfering obstacles within the associated material.

Abstract: Hanging laminar label consisting of a main portion of essentially rectangular sheet of a width H and with a longitudinal central appendage, which is essentially rectangular and of a narrower width h, wherein the appendage is attached to said main portion by a connection neck that has a central portion of a constant width z and the distal end of the appendage has a wider section with a portion of a constant width Z, the sum of the widths of the main portion and the appendage H+h being equal to the sum of the widths of the connection neck and the wider section of the appendage z+Z.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical label for placement on a medicinal container, the pharmaceutical label includes an elongated label having a front face with an adhesive backing. The elongated label is formed from a continuous strip with substantially planar surfaces. The label has a first portion affixed by the adhesive around substantially an entire perimeter of the container. The first portion has a first front face portion, facing outward from the container. The label has a second portion. The second portion has a border with the first portion. The second portion projects from the container in close proximity to the border and the second portion has a second front face portion. The first front face portion and the second front face portion have information thereon.

Abstract: A method of using color or color schemes to simplify the communication to consumers of complex information regarding the combinations and interactions of technically oriented performance attributes that describe the degree of comfort as found in mattresses, mattress foundations, upholstered furniture articles and other articles filled with cushioning materials. Additionally the selected method of using color as a communication tool may be of further benefit in the interaction with consumers by developing strong emotional ties to the consumers purchase decision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for card viewing used to select desired layered compound images is disclosed. The device includes viewing windows, slots, and various card types. The cards, each of which may contain an element of the compound image to be formed are inserted into the slots in a prescribed manner such that layered combinations may be viewed through viewing panes. Some embodiments may include a background card to place the layered combination in context, or, by excluding the background card, the compound image may be placed against a desired background such that a portion of the background remains visible with the compound image superimposed thereon. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus may be used to select art frame and mat design combinations in connection with representations of works of art and desired backgrounds.

Abstract: A rocking head picture display device includes a hollow casing with a bottom and a rocking assembly received in the casing. The rocking device includes a drive element mounted on the bottom of the casing and a rocking device mounted on a top of the casing. The rocking device corresponds to the drive element. The rocking device includes a pivot sequentially extending through the casing and a rocking shaft that linearly corresponds to the drive element. A connector is connected to one end of the pivot relative to a front side of the casing. A seat is upwardly mounted to a bottom of the casing. A picture is divided into a head-style portion adhered to the connector and a body-style portion located between the seat and the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to structures for representing images by directing light at a viewer. In order to represent an image, a structure is provided comprising a plurality of tile elements (22) which, when illuminated by a light source, each direct an amount of light toward an observer at a viewing location dependent on their orientation angles. The orientation angles of each tile element (22) may be selected based on a visual characteristic of a corresponding pixel of the image, such that the observer sees a representation of that image created by the varying amount of light directed to the viewing location by the tile elements (22).

Abstract: A promotional position displaying device comprises a light display, comprising a trademark or other words or inscriptions to be displayed, which is so applied to an article as to be easily visible.

Abstract: A flag assembly is provided. The flag assembly includes a flag including a plurality of openings defined therein, and at least one replaceable panel. The replaceable panel includes at least one fastening mechanism. The at least one replaceable panel is coupled to the flag such that the at least one fastening mechanism is at least partially inserted through at least one of the plurality of openings. A method of assembling the flag assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A frame for holding a flexible banner in tension, and a frame and flexible banner assembly in which the flexible banner is held in tension, has a frame including segments that are positioned together to define an enclosed area. Each segment has two main parts that are held together with a hinge that runs along the entire length of the outer edge of the segment. One main part is a base and the other one serves as a decorative cover. To keep the covers closed, each segment has a number of springs that secured to both the base and cover. To load the frame with a banner, each cover can be opened by hand a device inside the frame can be used to hold the covers open. Once loaded, the banner is held in place and tensioned with banner tensions, which may be springs that stretch from posts in the frame to holes in the banner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification systems and more particularly to patient identification systems comprising an identification band and a reusable pouch. The identification system comprises an identification band that is passed through one or more slits in a reusable identification pouch. The pouch includes an information area where information about the patient may be printed, and a pocket where alert labels or other tags may be stored. When the identification band is removed, the pouch may be mounted onto a new band. The information contained on and attached to the pouch may be reused each time a new identification band is needed.

Abstract: A precisely measured removable cover for reusable beverage containers with releasable closures. The cover has a flexible sheet with a graphical display imprinted on one side and a cover fastener for removably fastening the cover to a container. The sheet is advantageously adapted to substantially cover the side walls of the container. The cover fastener has one or more releasable closures, and at least one of the releasable closures includes a fluked tab interlock locking tab and slot structure, wherein the fluked tab is on one end of the cover and the slot is proximate the opposite end of the cover and parallel to the fluked tab. A cam/slot paired closure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A changeable photo or print display with optional stand is formed from a single substrate of an at least slightly flexible cardstock, paperboard, plastic or magnetic sheeting with no resulting knock-out parts, crimps or sharp bends required for its manufacture via high speed print and cut methods, and having at least one or more appendage forming inverted U-shape through cut slits with tension releasing and tear preventative beginning and ending points being directed inwardly and upwardly; and with other embodiments having a plurality of concentrically smaller and centeredly located appendages which form a stand as two laterally extending tabs of an interiorly located appendage abut and support a rearward surface of a larger surrounding indicia sheet retaining appendage to form a slight strengthening curvature to further secure the standing display and held photo or print; and with any rearwardly extending appendages or resulting apertures being hidden from a frontal viewer by the held photo as it is retained

Abstract: A digital photo frame with a function for displaying images according to a chosen date includes an internal memory for storing a search date and digital images; a date unit for supplying a system date; a date obtaining module for obtaining the system date from the date unit; a time frame search confirming module for confirming a time frame according to the system date and the search date; an image searching module for searching images in the internal memory or an external memory connected to the digital photo frame according to the time frame; and an image obtaining module for obtaining images according to the time frame. A method of displaying images according to a chosen date in a digital photo frame is also provided.

Abstract: A semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The rifle has a receiver having a receiver frame, a barrel removably connected to the receiver frame, and an end cap coupled to the barrel. A removable hand guard section is provided extending over and generally surrounding the barrel, the removable hand guard section removably connected to the receiver. The removable hand guard section has a locating feature adapted to engage with the end cap and locate the hand guard relative to the end cap. The removable hand guard section has a mounting rail portion and a body portion, the mounting rail portion molded into the body portion. The barrel has a locking collar adapted to removably position and lock the removable hand guard section relative to the receiver frame and the barrel. The removable hand guard floats in position relative to the barrel.