Abstract: A footwear-based gymnastics-training device for enabling a user to temporarily retain the user's feet in a together position, the footwear-based gymnastics-training device. The device having a pair of footwear constructions, the pair of footwear constructions being a left foot construction and a right foot construction, the left and right foot constructions being outfittable upon the user's left and right feet. Matable temporary fastening means are cooperably associated with the left and right foot constructions for temporarily fastening the left and right foot constructions together when outfitted upon the user's left and right feet, the pair of footwear constructions and matable temporary fastening means thus being cooperable for temporarily retaining the user's feet in the together position.

Abstract: Nanoparticle dispersions of ZnS doped with a luminescent center are prepared by precipitation from aqueous solutions. When such dispersions are coated between conductive electrodes a Thin Film Inorganic Light Emitting Diode device is obtained.

Abstract: A tie component comprising first and second pre-crimped portions. Each pre-crimped portion has a plurality of alternating indentations and projections. The pre-crimped portions are joined by alignment and relative movement with respect to one another such that at least one of the first portion projections engages at least one of the second portion indentations and at least one of the second portion projections engages at least one of the first portion indentations.

Abstract: A wire fastener for use in providing a strong, slip resistant structure in which the fastener includes a hump which the wire passes over and includes ears on either side of the hump which are crimped over the wire on both sides of the hump to cause the wire to bend in a double “s” shape over the hump.

Abstract: A hose wire-clamp arrangement includes a hose clamp (1) that comprises a helical, resilient wire, which is angled outward nearly radially or circumferentially at at least one end portion (3) and at one further portion (6). To allow the hose wire-clamp (1) to be mounted to a fitting such that it can be released easily without a tool and, once mounted, can withstand high internal pressure on the hose, a retaining sheet (2) having two spaced cutouts (8, 9) is detachably mounted to the hose wire-clamp (1) such that each of the two angled portions (3,6) rests against a respective one of the two cutouts (8, 9).

Abstract: The present invention includes an inventive pigtail fastener and the associated method of attaching line thereto. The pigtail fastener is comprised of an elongated shaft at the proximal end of the device and a tightly coiled portion of the shaft at the distal end of the device. The pigtail fastener is constructed and arranged in such a manner so as to provide an amount of tension sufficient to pinch and thereby secure a quantity of line between the coiled portion and the shaft. The tension being provided as a result of the narrow confines of the space between the shaft and the coiled portion or alternatively as a result of the coiled portion being biased against a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A clamping collar (10) constituted by a semi-rigid wire that is rolled up to form at least one turn (11) with a first end (12) thereof being provided with a hook (16) extending transversely to the plane of the turn and with a second end (14) thereof being folded back outwardly to form an extension (26) lying substantially in the plane of the turn. The extension (26) includes a fastening fold (28) forming a setback going towards the center of the turn, and it also includes a pre-fastening fold (32) situated between that end (24) of the extension (26) which is connected to the turn (11) and the fastening fold (28), said pre-fastening fold being analogous to the fastening fold.

Abstract: A stand-off assembly to attach to a cylindrical support member. The stand-off assembly includes a first component having a first arcuate portion adapted to conform to an outer surface of the cylindrical support member. The first component has a first attachment upright. A second component has a second arcuate portion adapted to conform to the outer surface of the cylindrical support member and also includes a second attachment upright. The second component is connected to the first component with a hinge connection. The first and second arcuate portions in combination extend substantially around the cylindrical support member and the first and second attachment uprights are parallel but separated from each other when the first and second arcuate portions are extended substantially around the cylindrical support member.

Abstract: A wire connection for two end portions of a wire including a closed loop at the first end portion of the wire and a projecting portion at the second end portion. The closed loop is inserted to a point to enable the projecting portion to extend through the closed loop. The projecting portion is deformed under loading into a configuration providing enhanced strength characteristics.

Abstract: A connector terminus for an elongated member consisting of a pair of spaced apart generally parallel wires, said terminus being formed entirely of the wires themselves and consisting of a loop formed in each of the wires in spaced relation from its end, the loops being coaxial transversely of said member for receiving a retainer pin to complete an actual connection, the extreme end portion of each wire being looped around the side of its standing portion distal from the other wire and extended toward and connected to the other wire to form lever arms resisting any force tending to pull the wires free of the retainer pin.