Abstract: Implementations of a waste receptacle are provided. The waste receptacle is an outdoor container configured to temporarily store dog waste, in particular, disposable plastic bags containing dog waste. In some implementations, the waste receptacle is configured to hold a trash bag so that it can be easily filled with dog waste and/or other refuse. In some implementations, the waste receptacle comprises a body, a trash chute member having a hinged cover that provides selective access to the interior of the body, a lid configured to cover the trash chute member, and a keeper configured to secure the mouth of a trash bag about a conduit extending from the bottom side of the trash chute member. In some implementations, the waste receptacle may further comprise a foot pedal that is operably coupled to the lid. In this way, the lid can be opened by stepping on the foot pedal.

Abstract: A hair band comprises a stretchable body and a center hole. The center hole increases in diameter when the hair band is moved from a rest position to a stretched position. A distance between an outer edge of the body and an outer edge of the center hole is greater than the center hole diameter when the hair band is in a rest position. The distance between the outer edge of the center hole and the outer edge of the body decreases and the inner diameter increases as the hair band is stretched. In some embodiments, the body is hollow and filled with one or more of a gel substance, a granular solid, and a viscous liquid. In some embodiments, the hair band is manufactured by one or more of an extrusion molding process and an injection molding process.

Abstract: A tablecloth retainer includes an elastic band having at least a primary thickness, a width, and a predesigned boundary, wherein the elastic band is stretched around the perimeter edge of a table top to retain a tablecloth, the predesigned boundary being smaller than a range of table top perimeters accommodating the band by virtue of elasticity of the band.

Abstract: A fashion accessory for accessorizing an item includes a button operatively connected to a bow and an elastic cording operatively connected to the button and adapted for connecting the fashion accessory, the elastic cording having a first loop for pulling around the button for removably fastening the fashion accessory to the item. A method of fashion accessorizing an item includes providing a fashion accessory comprising a bow, a button operatively connected to the bow, and an elastic cording operatively connected to the button, the elastic cording having a first loop and a second loop and then pulling the first loop and the second loop of the elastic cording around a portion of the item and over the button to thereby secure the fashion accessory in place.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchor having a stem with a connecting portion and an emerging portion secured respectively to the ends thereof. The connecting portion is connected to bone by screws disposed in angled apertures and a cap envelops the emerging portion. A first transverse rib secured to the lower edge of the cap and a second transverse rib secured to the anchor between the connecting and emerging portions and an elastic band enveloping both transverse ribs.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a pocket money band apparatus made of a resilient material adapted to hold bill money and credit cards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step fastening device, a process for creating a fastener utilizing such a device, and the end fastener produced thereby. In this regard, the invention uses an outer, hollow fastener material that can be partially compressed under tension at designated areas (i.e., a compression member) and an inner activation or tensioning member. The compression of the outer fastener material occurs at one or more flexible areas or compression features specifically located on the longitudinal axis of the material. As a result, the outer compression member is capable of being distorted or bent under tension to produce a predetermined configuration. The device described herein has the ability to form specific and controllable fasteners of designated shapes and configurations. Methods for fastening, snaring, gripping, cutting, and manipulating material using the device in a confined space are also provided.

Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes a matrix material, and a plurality of deflectable elements or “machines” disposed in the matrix material, the machines acting to modify one or more physical properties of the composite material in response to forces acting upon the composite material. Preferably, the machines have an elongate shape defining a longitudinal axis, which are disposed within the matrix material in a predetermined array. The elongate members have an asymmetrical cross-section which is deflectable between first and second shapes, and consequently the composite material exhibits different physical properties because the elongate members deflect between the first and second shapes. The machines may include a variety of asymmetrical cross-sections, such as a generally “Z” shape, an hourglass shape, a cantilever shape or a leaf spring shape.

Abstract: An article holder comprising bifurcated arms extending upwardly from a base to receive and hold articles inserted downwardly into the holder within cushioning, resilient fingers extending inwardly from the bifurcated arms to engage the inserted article and wherein the fingers have incoming engagement surfaces connected, with an air space between, to exiting engagement surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying indicia and securing an object to a support includes a body member that defines an indicia bearing surface and a resilient hoop member that normally extends around an object. The body member includes a cup segment that defines a cavity and a plug segment that extends into the cavity of the cup segment. The resilient hoop member extends between the cup member and the plug member.

Abstract: An adjustable liner retainer system comprising a container having an opening defining an upper edge and an outer surface and a liner situated in the container wherein an upper portion of the liner extends from the opening, folds over the upper edge, and at least partly hangs below the upper edge adjacent to the outer surface of the container. An adjustable liner retainer is tensioned around an upper end of the container pressing the hanging upper portion against the outer surface of the container. The adjustable liner retainer comprises a strip of material at least a portion of which is elastomeric material to create the tension to press the liner to the outer surface. A hook portion and a loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener are attached to the first and second ends of the strip.

Abstract: A clamp includes a holding section for receiving an elongated member, a mounting section to be attached to a mounting object, and an elastic ring elastically deformed by the elongated member. The elastic ring is disposed between upper engagement portions formed at both sides of the holding section through lower engagement portions formed at positions closer to a bottom portion of the holding recess section. The ring constituting portions inside the holding recess section are bent in advance toward the bottom portion of the holding recess section. When the elongated member is inserted into the holding section, the ring constituting portions situated inside the holding section closely contact the peripheral surface of the elongated member.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to mount a spirit level on an elongate support such as a pipe, length of wood or the like so that the effective “levelling line” is greatly lengthened. The apparatus includes an elastic band having first and second ends and a body member to engage the level, preferably by bridging a rib on the level or by fitting to an aperture formed in the level. The body member has first and second hooks extending from it to receive the first and second band ends, respectively. In highly preferred embodiments, there are two elastic bands and two body members, each with a pair of hooks for engaging and retaining a respective one of the bands.

Abstract: A method of molding a clamping garment clip for use on a hanger comprising the steps of molding a pair of support clamp arms with a first plastic material, molding a pair of support pads to said pair of support clamp arms with a second plastic material and forming mechanical interlocks between said support arms and said support pads exclusively by molded mechanical connections between said first and second plastic materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique safety sleeve elastic device having an elastic member of a certain longitudinal length. The elastic member provides stretching capability of up to seven times the elastic member's original length depending on the material selected. A flexible sleeve member is disposed around the elastic member. The sleeve member is less elastic than the elastic member and provides a stretch limitation to the elastic member to prevent a user from stretching the elastic member beyond a safe elongation. The ends of the sleeve and elastic members are secured proximate to one another. The ends of the elastic members are further secured to connectors. The elastic member provides stretch capability while the sleeve member provides safety features to protect the elastic member and the user.

Abstract: A tension fastener for securing elongated implements to a backpack or other device. The fastener comprises a base that has a bar for attaching it to a strap, a hook disposed on the top surface of the base near one of its ends, and two parallel channels for adjustably receiving and securing a cord. The fastener also comprises a cover having a bar mounted across one end and an aperture extending through its sides on the other end. There is a cord threaded through the aperture in the cover and secured in the receiving and securing means in the base to connect the cover to the base. An implement is secured to the fastener by placing the implement on the top surface of the base, placing the cover over the implement, sliding the bar of the cover over the hook on the base, and tightening the cord until the desired tension is achieved. This fastener is easily operated using only one hand and securely keeps the implement attached to the backpack.

Abstract: An accessory for releasably engaging a temple of eye wear to display a user selected indicia is disclosed. The accessory includes a substantially planar display panel having a display surface and a back surface. A riser is connected to the back surface to lie within a periphery of the back surface. The riser includes a contact surface and opposing edges. A first tab projects from the riser and lies within the periphery of the back surface, wherein a first retaining lip extends substantially perpendicular from the first tab. A second tab projects from the riser and lies within the periphery of the back surface, wherein a second retaining lip extends substantially perpendicular from the second tab, such that the contact surface extends between the first tab and the second tab.

Abstract: A toy carrier and storage apparatus is disclosed for selectively attaching and storing a number of toys. The carrier may be worn over a shoulder or carrier carried by the hand. An extension toy carrier is also disclosed which may be attached to the toy carrier, or to a belt loop, backpack or the like. The toy carriers are provided with a number of carrying loops within which a stuffed, animal shaped or other toy may be inserted and maintained in a visible location for ready access and display.

Abstract: A buckle located around a resilience strap and a method of manufacturing includes a resilient strap material provided on a continuous basis and having a particular width and thickness. The strap material is stretched to reduce the width and thickness of the strap material at a particular position. A mold member is provided to form a buckle and the buckle is molded around the strap at the particular position where the strap material is reduced in width and thickness to increase the friction between the buckle and the strap material.

Abstract: The two ends of an elongated, flexible, elasticized cord are side by side aligned and then passed through a manually opened barrel-shaped fastener having a spring biased plunger. The spring biased plunger is then released. This operating forms a loop from the elasticized cord. The two aligned ends of the cord are then bound together to form an enlarged end portion that will not pass back through the barrel fastener even when the fastener has been manually opened.

Abstract: A scarf cinch formed of a loop of elastic cord having a mount along the loop to define two sub-loops so that a part of a scarf can be passed through and held by the elastic action of the cord of each sub-loop. The mount can be made adjustable along the loop to change the sizes of the sub-loops. Two or more loops angularly positioned with respect to each other can be attached at a common mount point that is fixed or an adjustable mount can be used to select the size of each of the sub-loops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining neckerchiefs scarves, handkerchiefs, bandannas, and/or other deformable items is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a neckerchief slide comprising a body having a cavity through it. A first post and a second post connect to the body on opposite sides of the cavity. The first and second posts are capable of securing an elastic band such that the elastic band extends across the cavity.

Abstract: A rack strap for an automotive vehicle rack is described having a hook securing arrangement made up not only of a hook but also a sleeve. The sleeve cooperates with the hook to protect the load at the location of the hook, as well as to hinder disengagement of the hook relative to the rack bar. In one embodiment, the hook includes a reentrant end which passes through an eyelet at a rack cross bar, which reentrant end can be encompassed by the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve acts to maintain clasp pieces about a rack cross bar.

Abstract: A fastener for holding a tool under tension against the outer surface of a backpack or the like. The fastener includes a pair of interlockable members which are coupled by an elastic member which exhibits resistance to stretching. The fastener may be looped around a conventional attachment means, such as a lash tab, commonly provided on a backpack. The fastener may be opened and closed quickly and easily without readjusting its size each time.

Abstract: A plastic holding element 1 for the mounting of at least one tube or cable 2 includes a connecting base 4 attachable to a support and carrying a mounting area comprising two opposed dish-like elements 5, 6. The dish-like elements are connected to each other at a lower end and are further connected on both sides of the lower region to a resilient intermediate piece, which joins into connecting base 4. The dish-like elements 5, 6 are connectable to each other adjacent their upper end portions via contact elements 16, 17. Elastic strip portions 9, 10 connect the two dish-like elements with each other and are joined thereto at an interior end 13 and exterior ends 11, 12.

Abstract: Panel apparatus includes a plurality of panels which may be fabricated or assembled into enclosures of various types, as desired by a user. Adjacent panels are secured together by any of several different types of fastening or clamp elements. The particular clamp elements are selected according to the type of structure desired to be made from the plurality of panels, or the orientation of the panels. Panels may be made of various sizes, depending on the end use, but the general size of the panel elements may be the same, and accordingly the various fastening elements are suitable for panels regardless of the overall size of the panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for rotating documents in place, such as clip boards, in the absence of tables, desks and similar supports. A writing tablet is secured to a thigh of a user, while seated by a belt which wraps about the thigh of a user and the ends of which are locked by a buckle or Velcro.RTM. strips. Positioning of the writing tablet in relation to the belt can be varied by rotating the writing tablet in relation to the belt and, after the most convenient position for the user has been selected, the writing tablet is locked in that position in relation to the belt.

Abstract: A strap is provided for retaining at least one article on a rack. The strap comprises at least three spaced apart, substantially annular eyelets, and at least one elongated resilient cord. The cord serves to resiliently attach the eyelets to each other. The third eyelet can be positioned either between the first two eyelets in a substantially parallel fashion or in a fashion which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cord that fits around the cord. Second and third cords can be provided to provide an assembly which is more flexible in terms of attaching one or more breakable items to a dishwasher rack, and to minimize wear and breakage on the articles during the dishwashing process.

Abstract: A strap is provided for retaining at least one article on a rack. The strap comprises at least three spaced apart, substantially annular eyelets, and at least one elongated resilient cord. The cord serves to resiliently attach the eyelets to each other. The third eyelet can be positioned either between the first two eyelets in a substantially parallel fashion or in a fashion which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cord that fits around the cord. Second and third cords can be provided to provide an assembly which is more flexible in terms of attaching one or more breakable items to a dishwasher rack, and to minimize wear and breakage on the articles during the dishwashing process.

Abstract: A medical tube holder and its method of use are disclosed. The holder has a backing element having front and back faces, a portion of the back face having means to adhere to a substrate. The element has an elongate elastic strip having a free end and an end attached to the element suitable for wrapping around tubing to form a loop within which the tubing is held. Members possessing a mutual magnetic attraction are mounted on the front surface of the element for mutual engagement when the element is folded. After the tube is positioned within the loop, the free end of the strip is pulled to tighten the loop and is then positioned between the magnetic members. When the element is folded, the strip is held between the magnetic members to lock the tube within the loop.