Abstract: A keyboard overlay that may be adjusted to fit over a variety of keyboards. The overlay is self-supporting so that potential damage to the keyboard is limited, and requires no straps or other retaining devices so that removal and replacement of the overlay is simple. It is particularly intended for use by young children. The overlay includes a support having telescoping crossbeams configured to permit adjustments for keyboards of varying sizes.

Abstract: A tripping device is used for protective circuit breakers. In the event that tripping is required, a detection unit drives a tripping element which is able to engage with the latching part of a protective circuit-breaker device. The tripping element is positioned and mounted in such a way that it is interchangeable and can be replaced with differently shaped tripping elements.

Abstract: An electrical service switching device includes a contact point, a moveable contact piece, an auxiliary switch associated with the contact point and having a coupling element and an auxiliary switch contact point coupled to the moveable contact piece, the coupling element actuating the auxiliary switch contact point, and a T-shaped housing. The housing has a transverse web with two trailing narrow-side walls and a fastening surface perpendicular to the two trailing narrow-side walls, a longitudinal web with a leading front surface parallel to the fastening surface, leading narrow-side walls on both sides of the leading front surface, the leading narrow-side walls perpendicular to the leading front surface, and two trailing front surfaces parallel to the fastening surface. At least one of the two trailing front surfaces connects the transverse web and the longitudinal web. The auxiliary switch is releasably attachable to the housing.

Abstract: A handle operating assembly suitable for use with an electric disconnect switch assembly having a circuit breaker. The handle operating assembly comprises a handle operator extending outward from the electric disconnect switch and movable between an ON and an OFF position and a face plate having a slot therein. The handle operator slidably moves in the slot between the OFF position and the ON position. The face plate mounts to the electric disconnect switch assembly and is positionable between a first position to prevent access to the circuit breaker and a second position to provide access to the circuit breaker. The handle operating assembly provides ease of accessibility to the electrical disconnect switch and ease of assembly.

Abstract: A motor operator for an electric power switch having a handle moveable along a rectilinear path includes a threaded shaft mounted for rotation parallel to movement of the handle. A molded flexible coupling has a drive section with a threaded through bore engaging the threaded shaft and a yoke section having a hole engaged by the handle. The yoke section is joined to the drive section by an integral flexible intermediate section formed by a pair of slits extending generally parallel to the through bore. As the threaded shaft is rotated by a motor, the drive coupling, and with it the handle, are driven between OFF and ON positions. During startup of the motor, toggling of the handle by a toggle mechanism in the switch, and deceleration at the end of travel, when the drive section of the drive coupling and the yoke section travel at different speeds, one or the other of the slits closes as the intermediate section bends to dampen the effect.

Abstract: A mechanism for switching a pull switch for a lighting fixture having having a vertical post, a socket mounted at an upper end of the vertical post, and a pull switch fitted within the socket, the switch being operatively connected with a mechanism, characterized in that the mechanism comprises a fixing seat mounted under the socket, the fixing seat having a center opening for passage of the vertical post, a driving member having a first end pivotally connected with the fixing seat, a string connecting the pull switch and a second end of the driving member, and a rod having an upper end connected with an intermediate portion of the driving member.

Abstract: The auxiliary switch (2) has a slide (5) with a gate (14) as an actuating element that engages with the reversing lever (13) acting upon the contact carrier (11). After a first actuation stage, in which the slide (5) pushes the contact carrier (11) into the ON position, the actuating element of a basic switching device (1) is actuated when pushing is continued.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an opening and closing mechanism section with an opening and closing lever, and an alarm-outputting plate operating in response to a tripping operation. A case for the circuit breaker has a plurality of switch housing sections formed on a top side thereof, in which are installed an auxiliary switch for detecting an ON/OFF state of a main circuit contact and/or an alarm switch for detecting a tripping operation. The opening and closing lever and the alarm-outputting plate have outputting projecting pieces, respectively, laterally spaced apart from each other corresponding to the respective housing sections, for transmitting mechanical output signals to the switches. When the auxiliary and alarm switches are installed, the auxiliary switch is linked to the outputting projecting piece of the opening and closing lever, while the alarm switch is linked to the outputting projecting piece of the alarm-outputting plate.

Abstract: A pneumatic operator has a reciprocally mounted actuator is mechanically coupled to an operating handle from a molded case circuit breaker or a molded case switch for moving the operating handle between an open position or, alternatively, to a closed position. The pneumatic operator includes a piston for driving a handle actuator assembly which is coupled to the handle. The pneumatic piston may be coupled to a remote high pressure gas source or to a high pressure gas cylinder located adjacent to the molded case circuit breaker. The pneumatic operator may be controlled either remotely or by a handle mounted adjacent to the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A push-pull switch operator includes a housing. A rotary drive is rotationally mounted in the housing and has a circumferential cam track. An actuator is operatively coupled to the rotary drive for converting linear movement of the actuator to rotary movement of the rotary drive. A pusher is received in the housing and has a follower pin riding in the cam track to convert rotary movement of the cylinder to linear movement of the pusher. The pusher actuates an electrical switch. A cap is operatively coupled to the actuator for manually operating the actuator between in, middle and out positions to selectively operate the pusher.

Abstract: A reverse switch cover assembly for covering the reverse switch and mounting screws of a ceiling fan. The cover includes a center portion and side portions of sufficient width and length for concealing the reverse switch and the heads of the mounting screws. The cover includes an arcuate inside surface to adapt to the rounded housing of the ceiling fan.

Abstract: In a rotatively-operated electric component, there is provided an Oldham's coupling between the rotary member for operating the electric component member and the operation body. The operation body is disposed with the axis of rotation thereof deviated from the axis of rotation of the rotary member so that the operation body is held by the bearing member and so that the push switch is operated by the driving member integral with the bearing member.

Abstract: A sliding plate engages moveable structure such as the actuating lever of an existing wall switch and separates or connects contacts to provide a momentary contact function in a potentially very thin but robust and economical switch suitable for inclusion within a switch plate cover. Momentary contact is provided at an intermediate location between extreme positions of the actuating lever of the existing switch or other moveable structure. Additional contacts can be provided to alter switch function and/or allow discrimination of direction of movement at an intermediate location. The switch can be retrofit to any existing structure without modification of that structure or disturbance of wiring to which that structure is connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a motor operator on a circuit breaker comprising two mounting bracket portions, each lying in a plane generally perpendicular to a face of a circuit breaker housing, and a device for slideably coupling the motor operator to the bracket portions, thereby permitting the motor operator to slide between the mounting brackets in a direction substantially perpendicular to the face of the circuit breaker housing.

Abstract: A mechanical shut-off and bypass assembly for controlling operation of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner includes a switch movable between on and off positions. A toggle member is pivotably mounted with respect to the switch and is movable to operate the switch between the on and off positions. A user operated actuator mechanism engages and manipulates the toggle member to actuate the switch. An automatic shut-off mechanism engages and manipulates the toggle member, independent of the user operated actuator mechanism, to move the switch to the off position when the liquid level in the vacuum cleaner tank reaches a preset shut-off level. The user operated actuator mechanism is operable in a bypass mode, in which the toggle member is manipulated so that the switch moves to the on position, thereby counteracting the shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: A reverse switch cover assembly for a ceiling fan, comprising in combination a ceiling fan canopy with a rounded housing, a hole in the housing for mounting a reverse switch, a pair of mounting screws, a cover having a center portion and side portions of sufficient width and length for concealing the reverse switch and the heads of the mounting screws and having an arcuate inside surface to adapt to the rounded housing of the ceiling fan canopy, and the cover being secured relative to the reverse switch.

Abstract: The present invention is a membrane switch. The membrane switch includes a switch assembly having a switch frame coupled to the switch assembly. The switch frame is sandwiched between various layers of the membrane, thus holding it in place. The lower surface of the membrane is coated with an adhesive. Once installed in an electronic device, the adhesive layer secures the membrane as well as the switch assembly in place. The adhesive layer serves to form a waterproof barrier between the membrane and the switch assembly.

Abstract: Microswitches, mounted in a compartment and molded housing of a circuit breaker separate from the compartment in which the circuit breaker mechanism is mounted, are actuated to indicate the operating status of the circuit breaker by cascaded first and second actuating members. The first actuating member bears against a cam surface on an operating member of the circuit breaker where the cam surface actuates the microswitches through the first actuating member when the operating member is in the off position. The second actuating member engages a cradle of the circuit breaker and actuates the microswitches through the first actuating member when the cradle is unlatched.

Abstract: A light switch extender (10) comprising an elongate actuator (12). An assembly (14) is for vertically mounting the elongate actuator (12) in a sliding manner to a switch plate (16) of a light switch (18) located in a junction box (20) in a wall (22). The elongate actuator (12) engages a lever (24) of the light switch (18) and extends downwardly therefrom. A small child (26) who normally cannot reach the lever (24) of the light switch (18) can now operate the lever (24) of the light switch (18) between an on and off position, by sliding the elongate actuator (12) up and down.

Abstract: A retrofit switch actuator for a circuit breaker control switch in a power distribution network provides for remote control and automation of the control switch. A solenoid of the switch actuator is energized to move the output shaft of the solenoid. The movement of the solenoid output shaft is transferred by a connector mounted at one end to the solenoid output shaft and mounted at the other end to the control shaft of the circuit breaker to rotational movement of the control shaft. The motion of the control shaft mechanically engages the existing circuit breaker control switch.

Abstract: A circuit operator with a push to test arrangement includes a housing. A first switch is mounted in the housing and has a toggle lever pivotably connected thereto so as to place the toggle switch in its on or off state. A second switch is also mounted in the housing and is connected to a push button for initiating tests. A single switch actuator allows a user to actuate the first switch and/or the second switch from an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A keyboard has a key array including keys, a top surface having a front edge and a back edge, and a bottom surface positioned opposite the top surface. An interface device for use with the keyboard includes a base, a front standoff coupled to the base and having a keyboard-contacting portion, and a back standoff coupled to the base and having a keyboard-contacting portion. The keyboard-contacting portions are spaced such that, when the base is positioned over the key array, the key array is positioned between the keyboard-contacting portions so as to align the base in a front-to-back orientation relative to the key array. The keyboard-contacting portions are both supported by the top surface of the keyboard. The interface device also includes a key-contacting mechanism mounted on the base in a fixed orientation relative to the standoffs, and a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the interface device to the keyboard.

Abstract: An improved actuation structure for a vehicle horn switch is formed as a block adhesively attached to extend outward from the surface, such as a button flush with surrounding surfaces, or a flexible cover, otherwise used to actuate the horn switch.

Abstract: An electric outlet including a casing having a bottom shell and a cover shell covered on the bottom shell, a plurality of socket units mounted in the casing and respectively connected to a power circuit and adapted for providing electricity to electric plugs connected thereto, a press switch having a press lever forced by spring means to cut off the power circuit, a slide fastened to the press lever and having a bevel face, a press button sliding vertically on a trace device and having a beveled downward rod disposed in contact with the bevel face of the slide and a button head extending out of the casing for operation by foot to switch on the switch.

Abstract: A switch assembly activates an electronic apparatus in such a manner that, despite unavoidable gaps existing between different components of the switch assembly, force is effectively transmitted from a push button to an activating switch. Between the push button and a transmitting member, a plunger and a socket together with a spring are disposed, and ratchets are formed on the plunger and the socket. Thus, the gaps between the different components of the switch assembly are eliminated. The ratchets are buttless threads which transmit the force from the push button to the transmitting member. The plunger is provided with a protrusion for coupling with a slot of the socket.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a movable contact 15 and a fixed contact 14. A member 26 can move the contact 15 to make or break the switch. A latch including a movable device controls the initial movement of member 26 but the member 26 then moves independently of the latch. The device can be moved to release the latch either manually (by 31) or by another mechanism. This other mechanism can be an electromagnet 41; it also can be an inertia body 51 releasable from a rest position in response to excessive acceleration.

Abstract: A motor operator for a circuit breaker has a motor driven carriage which engages a circuit breaker handle and drives it between an on position and a reset position beyond off. When the carriage drives the handle to the on position, an on limit switch is actuated to deenergize the motor. A fastener releasably secures a bracket slidably mounted on the carriage to a fixed member when the carriage reaches the on position of the handle so that if the circuit breaker is not reset and rebounds toward a trip position, the bracket is extended and maintains actuation of the on limit switch. Hence, the motor is not repeatedly energized and burned out in unsuccessful attempts to turn on the circuit breaker. A similar arrangement prevents the motor from cycling when the off relay is latched.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operator handle apparatus means and system for use with a circuit breaker assembly having a linearly movable actuator for actuating the circuit breaker assembly to at least an ON position and an OFF position. The circuit breaker operator handle apparatus, means and system includes a housing adapted for mounting on the circuit breaker assembly, a movement translation assembly adapted to be mounted on the housing, an operator handle assembly adapted to be connected to the movement translation assembly and adapted for operator handle rotatable movement. The movement translation assembly is further adapted to provide a linear movement action for linearly moving the linearly movable actuator of the circuit breaker assembly using the rotatable movement of the operator handle assembly. The movement translation assembly includes a thermoplastic cam lever for operating the circuit breaker assembly actuator.

Abstract: A strap that incorporates a breakaway connector that extends between a chain on a switch contained on a fixture and a bedpost or other fixed or stationary object. The strap has an attachment mean, such as hook and loop fastener, on a lower end for making a loop to attach the strap to the object. The upper end has a breakaway connector with a chain attaching device attached. The chain attaching device attaches the strap with the breakaway connector to the chain on a switch on a fixture. The breakaway connector disconnects the strap from the switch if the strap is pulled to hard, yanked or jerked. The breakaway connector disconnects to protect the switch from breaking. The connector is easily reconnected once disconnected. A shock absorber is also provided for additional protection and to prevent unnecessary disconnects during momentary pulls near or slightly over the disconnect tension.

Abstract: A sliding plate engages moveable structure such as the actuating lever of an existing wall switch and separates or connects contacts to provide a momentary contact function in a potentially very thin but robust and economical switch suitable for inclusion within a switch plate cover. Momentary contact is provided at an intermediate location between extreme positions of the actuating lever of the existing switch or other moveable structure. Additional contacts can be provided to alter switch function and/or allow discrimination of direction of movement at an intermediate location. The switch can be retrofit to any existing structure without modification of that structure or disturbance of wiring to which that structure is connected.

Abstract: A circuit operator with a push to test arrangement includes a housing. A first switch is mounted in the housing and has a toggle lever pivotably connected thereto so as to place the toggle switch in its on or off state. A second switch is also mounted in the housing and is connected to a push button for initiating tests. A single switch actuator allows a user to actuate the first switch and/or the second switch from an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A protective cover for a hand operated computer control device. The device includes a cover having a cavity shaped to receive a control device such that the control device is releasably held within the cavity. The cover further includes weakened sections creating a push button member oriented to be adjacent a button on the control device when the control device is positioned within the cover. The push button member is moveable into the cavity to engage and actuate a button on the control device when a user presses down on the push button member.

Abstract: A mechanism (10) for actuating an electric circuit includes a cover (124) having a front wall including a broad surface and movably mounted by pins (126) extending through apertures (108) formed in a mount (90) of a housing (12), with the cover (124) being biased by springs (130) located on the pins (126). Tongues (136) of the cover (124) engage the legs (118) of first and second actuating arms (112, 114) to pivot the arms (112, 114) to pivot an actuation lever (100). The lever (100) includes an actuation finger (104) which pushes against the toggle (38) of a switch (36) to de-energize the circuit. Thus, when any point of the cover (124) is pushed towards the mount (90), the switch (36) is moved to de-energize the circuit. A switch lever (70) is pivotably mounted to the housing (12) and is pivoted by a slideable actuator (42) to move the switch (36) to energize the electric circuit.

Abstract: A trim switch for a radio control transmitter capable of exhibiting satisfactory operability and permitting concurrent operation of two such switch members to be readily selectively carried out in a transmitter which is adapted to operate two-in-a-set switch members. The trim switch includes two switch members and a switch lever including two actuation sections arranged in correspondence to the two switch members. The switch lever is constructed so as to operate the switches either individually or concurrently.

Abstract: An actuator button is mounted in a housing by a cantilevered beam fixedly attached to the intermediate portion of a torsion beam. The ends of the torsion beam are nonrotatably fixed with respect to the housing. The actuator button is maintained at a normal, spaced-apart position with respect to a switch positioned within the housing. Movement of the actuator toward the switch induces bending stress in the cantilevered beam and torsional stress in torsion beam. The actuator button arrangement permits direct, vertical insertion of the actuator button into the housing, does not require any secondary assembly operations, and has a unitary construction.

Abstract: An arcuate switch plate assembly for a standard wall toggle switch comprising a convex base plate and a convex switch actuator wherein the convex actuator moves in an arc similar to the arc of the toggle switch.

Abstract: A push-button mechanism for plunger-type electrical switches of the type having a push rod actuator, is provided with a base unit having a pair of undercut tabs. A button member has a pair of heels respectively receivable in the undercut of the tabs for sliding movement of the button to move the push rod actuator to thereby change state of the switch. The button member is retained to the base unit by snap-fit between the heels and the tab undercuts. The switch has a pair of flanges; and the base unit has a pair of tapered slots respectively aligned with the flanges and adapted to releasably receive the flanges upon assembly of the switch to the base unit. The push rod actuator has a recess; and the button member has a pair of opposed ribs aligned with the recess and adapted to be received by the recess upon assembly of the switch to the base unit.

Abstract: An improved light switch assembly and a method for its use, wherein the improvement comprises an extension comprising a rod attached on one of its ends to a ring, with the ring being suspended from a hole formed near the end of the lever component of a conventional toggle-type light switch assembly. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use by children for autonomous use of toggle-type light switches, use by an elderly or infirm person who has fallen to signal for help by blinking the light associated with the switch, and use by people restricted to wheelchairs to avoid the expense of lowering electrical switches in a home to a position within their reach.

Abstract: A device for setting actuators of a DIP switch is desired positions. A device having a number of notches and protrusions on an edge thereof can be swiped over the actuators of a DIP switch thereby causing the protrusions to engage and move desired actuators into the "on" position, whereas the notches on the device will slide over the actuators without engagement thereby keeping those actuators in the "off" position.

Abstract: A toggle switch handle for a toggle switch mounted to the dash of a truck consists in substantial part essentially of a resilient bendable material. The switch is generally spatulate in shape with a base, a distal end, rounded side edges and recessed or concave major opposed surfaces. The handle is elongated with a longitudinal axis. The handle has a stiffness in bending in response to a force applied at the distal end of the handle and in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal axis from twenty-five pounds to thirty pounds per inch at seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit and most preferably twenty-eight pounds per inch. The handle may be of an elastomeric material of a durometer of from 85 to 95, and most preferably about 90, on the Shore A scale measured at seventy-three degrees Fahrenheit. The handle is coupled to switch components by a lever. The extent to which the lever projects into the base of the handle is limited so that the lever has a minimal impact on the bendability of the toggle switch handle.

Abstract: A retrofit switch actuator for a circuit breaker control switch in a power distribution network provides for remote control and automation of the control switch. A solenoid of the switch actuator is energized to move the output shaft of the solenoid. The movement of the solenoid output shaft is converted into rotational motion by an adapter rotatably mounted at one end to the solenoid output shaft and fixedly mounted at the other end to the control shaft of the circuit breaker. The rotational motion of the control shaft mechanically engages the existing circuit breaker control switch.

Abstract: A device for detecting a change in the thrust load acting on the actuating rod of a linear actuator. The thrust detecting device includes a pinion which converts and enlarges an axial linear displacement of a rotating drive screw shaft caused by a change in the load on an actuating rod driven by the screw shaft into an angular displacement of a vertical shaft of the pinion. A circular scale plate is attached to the vertical shaft of the pinion and serves to indicate a preset value for the load change to be detected. A pair of striker plates each having a pointer effective to select a preset value on the circular scale plate and a striker effective to activate a corresponding limit switch are attached to the circular scale plate.

Abstract: An electronic device is formed with a casing which houses a printed circuit board carrying a surface mounted switch. The casing has a hole through which a push-button portion of a switch actuator projects for operation by the thumb of a user. Because of design considerations the push-button portion has to be located approximately on the same plane as the printed circuit board. Accordingly the actuator has to be designed to convert inward motion of the push-button to motion in a direction perpendicular to the push-button motion so as to operate the switch. This is achieved by forming the actuator as a hook having a free end for engaging the switch and another end joined to the push-button and formed as a pivot.

Abstract: The PTT assembly (100) self locates and then locks a back support plate (106) and switches (146, 148) directly to an inner surface (134) of a housing wall (132). On the outer surface (136) of the housing wall (132), keypad plungers (116) self locate through holes (140) in the housing wall. The perimeter of the keypad itself is retained by a bezel (110) that snaps into the housing (132). A hook (130) extends from the bezel (110) to lock and fix the travel distance of the plungers (116) to the switches (146, 148). With the back support plate (106) firmly in place, the keypad actuation force remains consistent since the travel distance of the plungers (116) to the switches (146, 148) is fixed by the hook (130) length. Additionally, the back support plate (106) supports the switches without bowing under the applied plunger force further ensuring a consistent actuation force.

Abstract: A child resistant switch lock having a body and a slide which can be installed over an existing mounted toggle-type or rocker-type switch. The slide is arranged to operate the toggle handle or rocker between an on and off positions. Stopping tabs on the body prevent movement of the slide from the off to the on positions unless the stopping tabs are first depressed. The required two handed operation, one to depress the stopping tabs and one to advance the slide, make operation by a child very difficult. The slide can operate the toggle handle of a toggle-type switch directly or the rocker of the rocker-type switch through intermediate cams contained in the body.

Abstract: An electric switch for converting to rotary motion a rocker style switching mechanism. A switch cavity is formed in the case and a movable contact is provided in the switch cavity. A knob is coupled to an actuator mounted in the cavity for positive pivotal movement on a lateral axis. The knob contains cams formed in an interior knob cavity and is mounted on the switch so that when the knob is rotated on an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the actuator, the cams engage the actuator to move the movable contact between "ON" and "OFF" positions.

Abstract: A motor operator for a circuit breaker has a motor driven carriage which engages a circuit breaker handle and drives it between an on position and a reset position beyond off. When the carriage drives the handle to the off/reset position, an off limit switch is actuated to deenergize the motor. A fastener releasably secures a bracket slidably mounted on the carriage to a fixed member when the carriage reaches the reset position of the handle so that if the circuit breaker does not reset and rebounds toward a trip position, the bracket is extended and maintains actuation of the off limit switch. Hence, the motor is not repeatedly energized and burned out in unsuccessful attempts to reset the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A tactile button (10) for activating a tact switch disposed on electronic circuitry enclosed within a housing element (102) having a shoulder slot (106). The shoulder slot (106) is integrally disposed with a shoulder ledge (108) with two pivot slots (110,112) and an underside flange (114). The shoulder member (104) couples to the shoulder slot (106) and comprises an actuating stub (202), a second latch (204), and two pivot protrusions (208,208). The tact switch is activated by the actuating stub (202) when depressing on an outer surface (216) of the shoulder member (104) and movement of the shoulder member (104) is restricted to an angular direction (304) that pivots on the pivot slots (110,112). In an alternate embodiment, a portable electronic device (40) has a left tactile button (402) and a right tactile button (404) and inadvertent activation of either tactile button is prevented because activation of either tactile button (402,404) is not laterally but from a top portion of the outer surface (216).

Abstract: A portable computer includes a computer housing which has a top wall and a front wall, a pointing device which is mounted on the top wall and adjacent to the front wall, a concavity which is formed adjacent to the pointing device and which is open at the top and front walls, and a press button which is mounted resiliently in the concavity. The press button has a top press plate which is exposed from the top wall, and a front press plate which extends forwardly and downwardly of the top press plate and which is exposed from the front wall. The press button is operated when pressure is exerted on either the top press plate or the front press plate.

Abstract: Buoyant tether cords that remove ignition keys from personal watercraft to safely disable the motor in the event a rider falls off. When dropped in the water the cords float so that the ignition key is not lost. The cords float horizontally to maximize visibility. The cord has an elongated embodiment and a looped embodiment. Both have a brightly colored floating body that is attached to a stretchable, coil section. The coil enables the cord to elongate or contract. Both cords have one end to be coupled to the watercraft key, and an opposite end to be coupled to the rider. The floating body comprises an elongated, tubular foam core having an interior passageway. The core is preferably made from lightweight, flexible low-density closed cell foam. The core is preferably coaxially covered by a resilient, tubular knitted fabric sheath that strengthens and colors it. Each coil comprises plastic-coated string.