Abstract: A shrub rose plant having the unique combination of its dark pink flowers, attractive rounded flower which opens to show stamens, strong fragrance, repeat flowers, and attractive shrubby, arching growth.

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid tea rose plant producing light pink/orange blend flowers of good form and suitable for growing under glass.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided that abundantly forms attractive double flowers that are ivory in coloration. The buds are very long in configuration and tend to open slowly. The blossoms exhibit a long vase life. The plant exhibits an upright growth habit, forms vigorous vegetation, and is particularly well suited for greenhouse forcing for cut flower production. Additionally, the plant is resistant to diseases when grown under greenhouse conditions.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided that abundantly forms attractive double flowers that are bright red velvet striped with yellow or white coloration. Such flowers are long lasting and possess petals that detach cleanly. The plant exhibits an upright to bushy growth habit, forms long straight stems, forms semi-vigorous to vigorous vegetation, and is particularly well suited for greenhouse forcing for cut flower production. Additionally, the plant is resistant to diseases when grown under greenhouse conditions.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided that is a mutation of the `Meicofum` variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,997) of unknown causation. Unlike the parent the new variety forms large double blossoms that are an attractive Brick Red on both surfaces. The blossoms are long lasting when cut and placed in a vase. The growth habit is erect. Dense and semi-glossy foliage is formed. The new variety is particularly well suited for cut flower production under greenhouse growing conditions.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of apple tree named Bel-El, a sport mutation of the apple variety Elstar, uniquely characterized from its parent variety by the tree's distinctly-colored branches and the distinctly-colored petioles and nerves in its leaves, and by its less dense, bushy foliage than its parent variety, its fruit further characterizing the new variety from its parent by its solid red color, its longer, thinner brown/red stalk, and by its earlier ripening and picking dates.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of aster plant designated `Karmijn` is short in height as flowering commences; produces dark green leaves without anthocyanin that are obovate in shape, and a flower head that is small to medium in size with many purple-violet ray florets that are narrowly elliptic in shape.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Improved Hawaii, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by its single to semi-double, star-shaped, purplish blue flowers with fine white wavy edges; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; dark green, oval to heart-shaped, slightly serrated leaves; profuse flowering; vigorous and compact growth habit; flowering 9-10 weeks after potting, and by its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct lily hybrid having upright, large, spotted, orange pink flowers on tall, strong stems excellent for cut flower production.

Abstract: A Spathiphyllum plant named `Jungfrau` characterized by its miniature growth habit, satin texture foliage, and oblong white spathes. Plants of `Jungfrau` grow very quickly to marketable size, bloom and re-bloom quickly, and are adaptable to a variety of pot sizes from 6 cm through 20 cm. Plants of `Jungfrau` are responsive to growth regulators used to induce uniform flowering and branching, and are more resistant to common soil-borne pathogens than plants of comparison cultivar `Petite`. These combined characteristics make `Jungfrau` a unique new cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a midsole for a shoe and the structure of the resulting midsole. The midsole includes a core of a first plastic material and a peripheral wrap of a second plastic material. The wrap has an outer peripheral surface comprising at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the midsole. The method includes the steps of molding a peripheral wrap from a sheet stock of the first plastic material by applying compressive forces on the sheet stock in a direction which i substantially perpendicular with the outer surface of the sheet stock, placing the wrap around the inner peripheral surface of a mold which approximates the shape of the midsole, and pouring the first plastic material in the mold.

Abstract: A floatable boom for concentrating brine shrimp eggs which are floating at or near the surface of a body of water. The floatable boom comprises a rigid, floatable tube, a skirt affixed to the lower portion of the tube and extending downward into the body of water, and a remotely controlled drive device for propelling the floatable boom through the body of water. The invention discloses two of the novel, floatable booms extending outwardly from a harvesting boat in a divergent manner, such that a wedge-shaped concentrating angle is formed between the booms. The invention further comprises a means of support for maintaining the wedge-shaped concentrating angle formed by the booms.

Abstract: An adjustable base assembly for selectively adjusting the horizontal and vertical position of a fabricating tool such as a punch or metal forming tool. The apparatus includes a generally planar base and a carriage assembly positioned on the base. The carriage assembly includes a lower wedge plate assembly having an upper surface defining a pair of upwardly converging wedge faces, an upper wedge plate assembly having a lower surface defining a pair of downwardly converging wedge faces, a pair of wedge blocks each having converging upper and lower wedge faces for respective sliding engagement with one of the upwardly converging wedge faces and one of the downwardly covering wedge faces, and a vertical adjustment screw mounted on the lower wedge plate, passing through the wedge blocks, and including left and right threaded portions for respective threaded coaction with a left threaded bore in one of the wedge blocks and a right threaded bore in the other wedge block.

Abstract: A neutron individual dose meter and a neutron dose rate meter, both capable of implementing the effective dose equivalent response. The neutron individual dose meter is capable of being accomplished by providing a composite layer made up of a converter such as boron, and a proton radiator, on the surface of a semiconductor neutron detection element. The neutron dose rate meter is capable of being accomplished through such a structure as to surround a neutron detector with a neutron moderator and a thermal neutron absorber which has openings. Thus, a neutron individual dose meter and a neutron dose rate meter, both capable of implementing the effective dose equivalent response and measurement at lower operating voltage have been provided. Further, these meters are capable of being implemented by utilizing a single semiconductor detection element, respectively.

Abstract: A cavity in the housing, which confines the seal therewithin, has an annular wall surface which is modified to direct liquid from the cavity towards the impeller. In one embodiment, the wall surface has a helical land formed therein. In another embodiment, a helical-land forming insert is set within the cavity and in engagement with the wall surface.

Abstract: A moving image signal encoding apparatus includes: a frame decimating circuit for extracting .?.encoded.!. frames from an input moving image signal at specified intervals; a frame interpolating circuit for obtaining an interpolated frame between the .?.encoded.!. .Iadd.extracted .Iaddend.frames, and a circuit for obtaining an error formed by frame interpolation. A moving image signal decoding apparatus includes: a receiving circuit for extracting a frame code from an inputted signal; a frame decoding circuit for decoding the frame code to obtain a reproduced frame, and a frame interpolating circuit for obtaining an interpolated frame between the reproduced frames. By transmitting an error of the interpolated frame from the encoding apparatus to the decoding apparatus and correcting the error of the interpolated frame with the decoding apparatus, the error of the interpolated frame is eliminated.

Abstract: A system and method relates to an ink volume determination for determining the amount of ink to be applied by the printer. The ink volume determination involves generating a composite cylinder layout of at least one image for the engraved cylinder, generating a set of data corresponding to the composite cylinder layout and then using the set of data to determine the volume of ink. The printer is then filled with a volume of ink related to this calculated ink volume during a printing process. The method of determining ink volume may be used independently of the printing process, for example, in order to control or manage the amount of ink used in the printing press.

Abstract: A lean-to well protector apparatus for use on offshore wells having a generally vertical upstanding conductor pipe extending between the sea bed and the water surface includes a pair of jacket legs defining a plane that is angularly oriented with respect to the conductor pipe forming an acute angle therewith. A first plurality of structural chord members interconnects the jacket legs and can occupy the plane defined by the jacket legs. The first plurality of chord members and the jacket legs form a truss that leans towards the conductor pipe during operation of the offshore well. A first clamp connector is positioned at the middle portion of the conductor pipe and a second clamp connector is positioned at the upper portion of the conductor pipe generally near the water surface area. A second plurality of structural chord members interconnects the conductor pipe with the truss at the clamp connectors.

Abstract: A toilet flushing system that allows use of gray water drained from a sink including a toilet having a bowl, a water tank having a lower drain hole and an inner wall defining an upper compartment and a lower compartment and with the inner wall further having an upper drain hole; a sink having a drain pipe extended within the upper compartment; a connecting channel extended between the bowl and the lower drain hole; a flush tube inserted within the upper drain hole and having an upper end with perforations formed thereon and a lower closed plug end; a flushing mechanism having one orientation for permitting the flush tube to be positioned at a location that allows flow of water from the upper compartment to the lower compartment through the perforations thereof and further prevents flow of water into the connecting channel, the flushing mechanism further having another orientation that prevents flow of water from the upper compartment to the lower compartment and further permits water to flow into the connecti

Abstract: A helmet visor release apparatus has a pair of manually actuatable catches, each of the catches including a first portion to be disposed on a helmet; and a second portion to be disposed on a visor of the helmet. The first portion has an arrangement for releasably engaging the second portion, the arrangement for releasably engaging being manually actuatable for releasing the second portion from the first portion thereby releasing a corresponding one of the catches. The apparatus further includes a linkage mechanism connecting the catches to one another and being configured such that manual release of one of the catches causes a release of another one of the catches.

Abstract: This invention is focused to overcome the common deficiencies in welder's helmets. The welding helmet's view window (Mother Window) consists of two (2) smaller view windows. The upper portion of the mother window ?22! is a tiny strip view window ?14! which provides a better view for users; the lower portion of the mother window is a shade window for protecting the welder's eyes. In addition, a removable chest protection unit ?17! is added to the bottom of the helmet for protecting the welder's upper chest area.

Abstract: A wrist guard is disclosed having first and second rigid members to be positioned over the back and front, respectively of a user's hand. The first and second rigid members are joined by flexible straps to permit an adjustment of a spacing between the first and second rigid member. Each of the first and second rigid members are symmetrical along the longitudinal axes of the first and second rigid members such that the wrist guard can be worn on either the left or right hand of a user without interfering with the flexing of the fingers or thumb of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed toward a garment (10) including a body having an outwardly facing portion (20) and a flap (22) provided on the outwardly facing portion (20) of the garment (10) for retaining a patch (12) on the garment (10). Fastening structure (30, 38) is provided on each of the flap (22) and outwardly facing portion (20), and corresponding fastening structure (52) is provided on the patch (12). The fastening structure (30, 38, 52) is adapted to hold the patch (12) between the flap (22) and outwardly facing portion (20) for retaining the patch (12) to the garment (10). The patch (12) also includes a pair of belts (48, 50) for preventing unwanted removal of the patch (12) from the garment (10). Each of the belts (48, 50) includes a coupling member (56, 58) configured for engagement with corresponding coupling members (60, 62) positioned in the garment (10).

Abstract: An improved surgical gown is provided which has, at its central operative field and the operative zones of the sleeves, a liquid repellent, moisture vapor transmitting material, an inner layer of a breathable material, and an intermediate layer of a liquid proof material interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved apparatus and method for providing a necktie restraining apparatus. The present invention employs a fusion cloth to stiffen necktie material so that it may be employed as vertical and horizontal members on an apparatus for securing a four-in-hand necktie to a shirt button while automatically adjusting to compensate for changes in the amount of slack on the necktie. An improved method of manufacture of such a necktie restraint apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet includes a helmet body having a plurality of vents, including a front vent that is wider than high. Also, a bicycle helmet includes a helmet body having a plurality of vents, including at least one rear exit port opening outward onto a surface that is below the most rearward margin of the helmet body. Preferred helmets include both such a front vent and a pair of such rear exit ports, and preferred helmets include at least one and more preferably two lengthwise interior channels that may conduct air rearwardly within the helmet over the head of the wearer from the front vent or to the rear exit port or ports, or both from the anterior vent and to the rear exit port or ports. Methods for fabricating a helmet according to the invention include forming the helmet body of two separate parts and affixing the two formed parts together.

Abstract: A strap or band worn on the swimmer's head that is attached to a pair of swimming goggles includes two ear restrainers, one for each of the swimmer's ears, that restrain and at least partially cover the swimmer's ears and pin the ears tightly against the swimmer's head to reduce the swimmer's hydrodynamic drag. When the strap is stretched or elongated around the swimmer's head during use, the top and bottom edges of the ear restrainers curve inward toward the swimmer's head. The strap reduces the swimmer's hydrodynamic drag by reducing the barrier created by the ears when the ears extend outward from the swimmer's head. In addition, the strap creates a smooth surface over the swimmer's ears so that the water passes more easily and quickly over the ears as the swimmer moves through the water.

Abstract: A self-sanitizing toilet seat cleaning apparatus includes a seat in the shape of a generally circular ring that is rotatably mounted above the toilet bowl and includes a gear on its underside meshing with a pinion gear attached to the drive shaft of a drive motor for the seat. An arm extends over a rear portion of the seat and includes flow passages that convey a disinfectant on top of the seat, under the seat, and into the toilet bowl. Under the arm, a wiper is provided that wipes the top surface of the seat as it rotates. The toilet includes a weight sensor that stops rotation of the seat if a person is sitting on it and a proximity sensor to activate flushing of the toilet and rotation and disinfecting of the seat and bowl.

Abstract: A urinal screen having a generally triangular planar configuration includes one or more through openings between its top and bottom surfaces. The screen is composed of a liquid soluble material and includes a deodorant which is released as the screen dissolves. Another embodiment of the invention includes contoured top and bottom surfaces tapering away from the center of the screen and downwardly toward its periphery. The soluble material may also include a fragrance and a detergent. A further embodiment includes a raised locating boss on the bottom surface for cooperation with the urinal drain. Still further, the screen may be packaged in a liquid soluble film.

Abstract: A two-stage water-saving flushing device adapted to be fixed in a toilet tank includes an overflow tube made up of one outer tube and one filter tube extensibly connected with the outer tube to be applied to different-sized toilet tanks. The flushing device further has a pressing unit which has a base plate with a cylinder for housing a pressing tube and a function rod inserted through the pressing tube. The function rod is pressed down to flush a large amount of water, and pulled up to flush a small amount of water, by a first arm pulled up to lift a valve of a low-level exit tube connected with the first arm with a chain, and by a second arm pulled up to lift a valve of a high-level exit tube connected with the second arm with a chain.

Abstract: A multifunction toilet is shown with a conventional flushing system and auxiliary components which include an odor exhaust system which withdraws gases from the toilet bowl and delivers them to the sewage drain downstream of the toilet water trap. Other auxiliary components include a motor driven retractable nozzle pipe which provides a personal warm water spray rinse and a dryer which supplies warm drying air. The auxiliary components are operated under a switch control system which assures proper sequencing and prevents use unless the user is seated on the toilet seat.

Abstract: A vacuum sewer system comprises a normally closed sewer valve connected between the outlet opening of a waste receiving unit to be emptied and a sewer pipe, and an ejector. The ejector is an integrated part of the sewer pipe. The sewer pipe includes one portion forming a suction pipe of the ejector and another portion forming a discharge pipe of the ejector.

Abstract: A side entry tub includes a stationary section and a movable section with a mechanism of pivoting the movable section away from the stationary section to form an opening for entry and back to the stationary section to form an enclosure for bathing. During pivoting, the movable portion is separated from the stationary section to avoid damage and excessive wear on sealing gaskets.

Abstract: A portable sink (10) includes a housing (12) having a basin (14) movably mounted to the housing. The basin is movable from an inserted position in the housing, to a position extending from the housing. The basin includes an outlet (22) for draining fluids from the basin. When the basin is in the extended position, the outlet form the basin aligns with an inlet (26) to drain a tank (24) in the housing. Thus, in the extended position, fluid in the basin is directed through the outlet into the inlet of the drain tank. When the basin is in the inserted position, the outlet form the basin is remote from the inlet to the drain tank. The portable sink further includes a flexible spigot (78) mounted to the housing.

Abstract: An improved storage system for a juvenile playyard is disclosed. The system generally includes a playyard structure for a child and a carrying case. In the folded position, the playyard structure is disposed within the carrying case. The carrying case, or bag, has several pockets which may be used for the convenient storage of other items. The pockets are easily accessible when the playyard is folded and stored within the carrying case. The carrying case may be opened into a substantially flat configuration and attached to an unfolded or open playyard with the pockets exposed to the user and remaining easily accessible. The end flaps of the carrying case are partially removable to facilitate the opening to a substantially flat configuration.

Abstract: The invention is a music-playing pillow with an internal music playing device. The device has a switch for automatically turning the music on when pressure is applied and turns off when pressure is removed. The pillow has an ovoid shaped depression for the head, consisting of tightly bound cotton material in the interior, which will be elevated on all sides, and up to the cheek bone area, with an elevated portion for the neck to give it warmth, protection and support. The bottom portion of the pillow will end into a "c" shaped curve which will come to either side of the upper trapezius and will support the three basic neck muscles.

Abstract: A baby rest for placement upon a support surface employs a generally C-shaped inflatable tube member surrounded by padding, the combination of the tube member and padding encased in a generally circular outer fabric cover. The outer cover substantially traverses the center area of the C-shaped tube, thereby creating a thinly padded, central rest area on which an infant may lie. The tube member can be inflated to varying degrees, such that the tube member and the surrounding padding create a peripheral guard around the center rest area of sufficient height to prevent an infant from rolling out of the proportionally smaller rest area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new washing apparatus for the continuous production of elastane filaments which are produced by a wet-spinning process, which essentially consists of a stripping unit (10) and a washing unit (11) which are disposed in steps above the precipitation bath (1) of a wet-spinning device.

Abstract: A motor control method for an automatic washer having an electronically commutated motor (ECM) serving as a power source, the ECM being serially connected to a washing axle and a drying axle without decreasing a spinning rate of the ECM, includes the steps of judging, when a position of the ECM is sensed from a Hall sensor input, whether the automatic washer is set in a washing mode or in a drying mode, determining a spinning direction command signal if the automatic washer is set in the washing mode, calculating a driving logic at a specific moment angle applicable to the washing mode in the spinning direction command signal, calculating a speed command signal in the ECM and a voltage command signal at a real speed value, modulating a pulse width of the voltage command signal in the driving logic, and outputting the pulse width modulated voltage command value. The method enables the ECM to provide a low speed and high torque in a washing mode region and a high speed and low torque in a drying mode region.

Abstract: A bridge section made of light metal including a vertical web, an upper chord section connected to an upper end of the vertical web and a lower chord section connected to a lower end of the vertical web. The upper chord includes a thick-walled horizontal part with a weld seam connection and a thin-walled flange. The thin-walled flange has a wall thickness which is less than the thick-walled horizontal part. The vertical web has a wall thickness which is greater than the thin-walled horizontal part and the lower chord has a wall thickness which is greater than the thin-walled horizontal part. A residual wall is formed by machining the lower chord section and the vertical web over a length area. The residual wall has a residual wall thickness with two planes arranged at right angles to one another over the length area. A T-shaped insert is provided including two legs. A connection device is provided for connecting the two legs of the T-shaped insert to the residual wall portions.

Abstract: A ramp assembly facilitating the loading and unloading of a truck comprises two telescoping ramp sections including a forward section and a rearward section movable relative to each other between a full length ramp operating configuration and a stowed configuration. In one embodiment, the side rails of the rearward section of the ramp are slidably received within sleeve-like side rails of the forward section. In the stowed configuration of the ramp assembly, the ramp assembly is approximately half its fully extended length and fits between the existing longitudinal chassis frame members under the cargo deck of the truck without interfering with the housing of the truck differential. Accordingly, the invention makes possible the use of a full length ramp with virtually all truck sizes.

Abstract: A dock leveler comprises a deck pivotally mounted at one end thereof for movement and having a lip mounted at the other end thereof. A safety leg assembly is pivotally mounted to an underside of said the and is biased into an extended position. A cam structure is carried by the safety leg assembly and pivotal therewith. A spring biases the cam in a direction to maintain the safety legs in the extended position. The cam structure has a slot into which a pin mounted on the safety legs engages. If the deck falls rapidly a surface on the cam engages a member on a stop block. This causes the cam to rapidly move but the spring attached to the pin cannot cause the legs to move as rapidly and it shifts in the slot. This exposes the safety leg supporting surfaces which contact a surface on the stop block to limit travel of the deck.

Abstract: A sheet cleaning apparatus having sets of cleaning rollers, wherein the rollers are integrated into a removable cartridge structure. Couplers are provided at roller shaft ends to connect to the roller drive. The cartridge is received in a slide carriage, permitting the cartridge to be readily removed from the apparatus by sliding the carriage out, and lifting the cartridge out from the slide carriage. With this arrangement, the down time for the sheet cleaning apparatus is minimized, since the sheet cleaning apparatus can be provided with two cartridges, and the cartridge needing maintenance can simply be quickly removed and replaced with a fresh cartridge. The production line can quickly be put back into operation, and the removed cartridge can be serviced off line for subsequent use.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the heads of electrical welding robots, the heads including a gas casing and an electrical contact nozzle. The apparatus includes an open vessel which has connected thereto one or more ultrasonic generators which function to generate ultrasonic waves in a liquid contained in the vessel. The vessel has mounted therein a rotary device which is located beneath the upper surface of the liquid. The rotary device operates as a mode stirrer to help loosen rings of weld material that have been deposited at the gas casing outlet. Additionally, wire brushes and cutting tools can be provided on the rotary device and rotationally driven to assist in weld material removal from the casing outlet.

Abstract: A hand rotating type toothbrush having provision for rotation in first and second rotational directions using separate manually actuated slides. The shaft supporting the head is formed integrally with an axially aligned torsion bar which returns the head to neutral position. A first slide member provides for rotation in a first direction. A second slide member provides for rotation in a second direction, each slide member providing 180 degrees of rotation. Preferably, the entire device is formed from synthetic resinous materials for low cost of production and convenience in maintaining sanitary conditions. The shaft is selectively fixed at an inner end thereof to the handle by catch or detent means, thus maintaining the device in selectively assembled condition.

Abstract: A laundering implement is provided for cleaning an external surface of a vehicle. A plurality of spacers are supportable with respect to a path of travel for a vehicle to be cleaned and are arranged in first and second stacked or sandwiched groups of spacers for oscillating or rotating movement about a common axis of rotation or axial shifting oscillation along a common axis. Each spacer in a group moves in unison with adjacent stacked spacers of the same group. Each spacer has opposite complimentary faces matable with an opposing face of an adjacent spacer. A plurality of cloth elements are interposed between adjacent stacked spacers for movement in concert therewith. At least a portion of a cloth cleaning element is interposed between adjacent spacers. The interposed portion of the element is anchored on an anchoring pin extending between the adjacent spacers, and the cleaning element and adjacent spacers are compressively sandwiched toward one another.

Abstract: A spherical bearing for a vehicle laundry brush which affords universal angular displacement freedom for the brush. The spherical bearing is mounted to the outboard end of a brush support arm and consists of a hemispherical bearing member and a complemental bearing seat. A rests on top of the bearing member for universal pivoting movement relative thereto. A brush drive motor, gear box, and a drive shaft are mounted to the bearing so that the drive shaft extends through the bearing member and is suspended in a generally vertical position. Cage members on the support arm operate with extensions associated with the spherical bearing to prevent rotation of the bearing about the brush axis. The moment of inertia of the brush components located below the pivot point is substantially greater than the moment of inertia of components mounted above the pivot point thereby providing a self-damping function. The spherical bearing is preferably formed from a bowling ball.

Abstract: A shower foot washer comprising a platform having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a top surface and a bottom surface. A casement extends upward from the top surface, along the distal portion, of the platform. A plurality of vertical partitions extend through the casement to the top surface of the platform, thus forming segmented portions within the casement. Brush extensions protrude from the vertical partitions to aid in the cleansing of one's foot and toes. A button is positioned on the casement, thus dispensing soap when pressed. A plurality of bores are positioned along the proximal portion of the platform. The bores extend from the top surface of the platform, through the platform, to the bottom surface. These bores allow for water and soap to drain through the shower foot washer. A plurality of suction cups are positioned along the bottom surface of the platform.

Abstract: A toothbrush, having a handle (11) and a bristle bearing head (13), the head (13) being flexibly and resiliently linked to an extended portion (12) of the handle, the extended portion (12) either surrounding the head (13) or the head (44) partly surrounding the extended portion (42), the head (13, 44) being capable of rocking motion relative to the extended portion (12, 42).

Abstract: An improved hand-held towel structure suitable for cleaning and drying athletic apparatus and other implements in wet weather is described. The towel structure includes an outer layer of towel material having a first predetermined absorbency which is separated from an inner layer of wiping material having a second predetermined absorbency by a film layer that substantially inhibits transfer of water from the towel material to the wiping material. The improved towel structure is arranged such that the outer layer of towel material may be utilized for wiping and cleaning the athletic equipment or other implements, while the film layer inhibits transfer of any soil or water to the inner wiping layer. The structure substantially defines an inner pocket open at the bottom in which the athletic equipment or other implements can be inserted for further wiping and drying. Various structures for retaining the elements of the towel structure in position relative to each other are described.