Abstract: The present invention relates to novelty hats and items of clothing in general, and particularly to novelty hats having one or more candles, lamps or light holders depicted thereon. The hats may also be provided with flame tips or light bulbs which may be releasably attachable above the candles, lamps or light holders. Such hats may be worn by children during the joyous celebration of religious holidays, such as the Jewish holiday of Chanukah or the Christian holiday of Christmas.

Abstract: A novelty cap is provided having a strip of fabric with an accordion folding defined by a plurality of pleated fin-like members. The strip can be made to close or open to a fanlike structure while mounted on top of the head of a wearer. The rearmost fin is weighted, i.e., comprises a metal bar which serves to keep the fan-like structure in fully opened position.

Abstract: A helmet having substantially semi-looped pull members and the like which are mounted on inside pads and used to pull out the inside pads from a head protecting cap portion while the helmet is worn on the head of a helmet wearer, and a method of removing the helmet. According to this helmet, the inside pads are pulled out from the head protecting cap portion by pulling the pull members with fingers or the like, thereby removing the head protecting cap portion from the head of the helmet wearer with a relatively small force.

Abstract: A helmet with an adjustable safety strap. The length of the strap used for securing the helmet can be adjusted by the wearer continuously, or progressively in stages of 1.5 mm, and fixed or released in any of the positions with only one hand, by way of a turn-lock fastener. The turn-lock fastener is rigidly incorporated in the helmet material and has cords which are guided from its two opposite sides along an inner side of the helmet to deflecting rollers, or deflecting points, on the helmet material, and then further guided therefrom along the strap to be tightened. The safety strap can be worn around the nape of the neck, or include a chin piece, among other manners of construction.

Abstract: A helmet cover is provided for covering a helmet having a rigid shell with an outer surface, and inner surface and an outer edge. A padding material is also coupled to the inner surface. The cover comprises a flexible cover body that is adapted to be removably disposed about the outer surface of the shell. The flexible body has an outer periphery and an elastic material that is disposed near the outer periphery. Further, the body is shaped that it is adapted to be folded over the outer edge of the shell such that the elastic material is positioned generally adjacent to the inner surface of the shell.

Abstract: Toilet Accessory with a frame capable of fitting over a standard toilet, an angled rigid platform fitting on top of the frame, the platform having a cutout to allow a person to use the toilet in the natural squatting position, and hinge elements to allow the frame to go from a folded flat position to an open rectilinear position. A preferred embodiment includes having the platform angled to approximately six degrees.

Abstract: A siphon assembly for a flushing cistern, said assembly including an inverted generally U shaped duct having an up leg and a down leg the up leg being provided with an enlarged chamber having a lower end open to the interior of the cistern in use and the down leg forming an outlet from the cistern in use for delivery of flushing water; and a vertically displaceable piston incorporating a flexible diaphragm acting as a one way valve, said piston being movable in said chamber to initiate a siphonic flushing action operatively discharging water through said duct from the cistern; a side wall of the chamber defining a venting aperture intermediate the top of the chamber and said lower open end, the assembly further including a first closure element secured in engagement with the venting aperture, the first closure element being shaped so as to define at least a first predetermined flush level lower than a top edge of the venting aperture when so secured.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting a reagent into a stream of pressurized rinse fluid delivered to a vacuum toilet. The apparatus is pressure-operated in response to the flow of pressurized rinse fluid, thereby eliminating the need for electric outlets or controls. The apparatus includes an orifice located in a main conduit upstream of a reagent discharge outlet. The orifice reduces the pressure of the rinse fluid thereby to unload a check valve which controls injection of the reagent into the rinse fluid stream. In addition, the volume of a pump chamber for holding reagent is reduced to ensure that the pump maintains its prime. Furthermore, the piping leading into the pump chamber has a relatively uniform inside surface and a tapered insert is used to reduced the cross-sectional area of the reagent extreme, thereby directing air bubbles through the pump chamber.

Abstract: A baby changing and washing station is disclosed, designed as an apparatus to aid in the washing and/or cleansing of an infant. The present invention comprises a frame that is attached to a wall and provides for a fold down table portion, similar in design to a conventional diaper changing station. A padded vinyl area for the infant is provided along with restraining straps to hold the infant. A water bottle is provided in a heated container to allow the water to be slightly warmed. Tubing is designed to carry the water through a release device at the end of the tube to allow cleansing of the infant after a diaper change or may be used to wash the entire infant. A drain system in the fold down table collects the waste water in a catch basin which may be removed and emptied after bathing duties are complete.

Abstract: A pillow-like protector and body support device having a central section stuffed with polyurethane and covered with soft hypoallergenic material is provided with cut-away air gaps and medial seams that form air grooves or channels. The pillows and supports are made for supporting various body parts, e.g., the neck, shoulder, torso, elbows, and tailbone. Many of the pillows/supports are capable of being used together into an integrated system for alleviating bedsores and other medical problems associated with sitting or lying in the same position for long periods of time. One embodiment of the invention relates to a coccyx protector and is adapted to slip over a bedpan. In addition, embodiments are disclosed related to breast supports. One version is a small pillow/protector with an airflow pocket. Another version is sling-like and includes an air circulation seam for the skin just beneath the pillow. Yet another version of the breast support for protecting both breasts.

Abstract: An upgradable spa or bathing system where jets are mounted on jet panel that covers a pod. The jet panel and pod enclose the air and water supply systems to the jets, which are configured with a manifold system to easily release the jets and the jet panel for repair or replacement of the jets. A separate upper panel covers the upper portion of the pod and includes an attachment to the spa shell and a headrest. The jet panel is held in place by engagement with structure on the shell and the upper panel and may be replaced without also replacing the head rest or the shell attachment of the top cover.

Abstract: A collapsible transfer bench includes a frame moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position, said frame including at least one channel; and a seat adapted to receive and support a person, said seat cooperatively and moveably engaging said channel such that in said extended position said seat moves longitudinally along said channel and in said collapsed position said frame is portable enough for one person to transport said frame from one location to the other. Furthermore said seat being moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position, such that in said collapsed position said frame together with said seat is portable enough to be transportable by one person from one location to another.

Abstract: A bath lift for assisting a person into and out of a bath tub is disclosed. The lift includes a tower mounted adjacent or atop a bath tub. The tower includes structure for attachment of the tower to a wall adjacent the tub or to the tub when the lift is in use. The tower defines a spaced pair of tracks, reciprocatably mounting a carriage by rollers engaged with the tracks. An elongate threaded member is rotatably mounted in the tower and operably engaging the carriage. A drive is connected to the member to effect member rotation thereby causing longitudinal movement of the carriage relative to the tower as coaction of the tracks and rollers guides movement when the lift is in use. An occupant chair including a seat and a back is supported by the carriage. The chair as also mounted on the support for rotation about a horizontal axis when the lift is in use to enable adjustment of the chair back for occupant comfort.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shower system having at least one showerhead mounted on large candy cane-shaped showerhead posts in which flexible water lines are disposed. A counterbalanced bearing mechanism for each tube permits the position the showerheads to be adjusted by simply rotating, raising and/or lowering the showerhead posts as needed. The counterbalance assembly automatically maintains the vertical position of the tube and the bearing hold the tube at the desired angle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a waste prevention system which avoids the discharge, inadvertent or otherwise, of laboratory waste, into a public sewage system and subsequently into the natural environment. The system employs, in combination, a laboratory sink having cooperatively connect thereto a carboy for collecting pollutants. The carboy is provided with elements to permit removal of samples of materials delivered thereto from the sink for testing of the same to determine the presence of pollutants. In the event no pollutants are present, the carboy may simply be opened and any wash or rinse water from the sink can be delivered into a public sewage system and then to the environment.

Abstract: A faucet spout assembly 20 is mountable on a deck 80 from above the deck 80. The assembly 20 is connected to a water supply line that extends through an opening 82 in the deck 80. The assembly 20 includes a spout 22 removably connected to a mounting plate 44. A first and a second member 26 and 50, respectively, connect to non-rotatable nut member 64 carrying a retainer member 72 whereby, on shifting the nut member 64 toward the underside of the deck 80, the retainer member 72 will clamp the assembly 20 to the deck 80.

Abstract: A fiber optic illuminated starlight scene on a headboard. By using a plurality of optical fibers (22) lighted by an illuminator (20) and the optical fiber/visible end (16) are positioned flush with front panel (12) decorative scene (14) a realistic rendition of a starlight scene is created. The optical fibers/visible ends (16) placement and dispersion in the decorative scene (14) along with the distance and angle of the optical fibers (22) to the illuminator makes each individual optical fiber/visible end (16) appear as starlight.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position, the wheeled carriage has thereon a patient support having head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. An auxiliary wheel and a wheel support structure therefor suspendedly mount the auxiliary wheel at its axis to the wheeled base at a distance L in a horizontal direction from the center of gravity of the wheeled carriage along the length of the wheeled base when the auxiliary wheel is engaged with the floor surface. A moment Mmass is defined by the distance L multiplied by a force Fmass, the force Fmass being defined by the mass of the carriage or carriage and patient at the center of gravity. The moment Mmass is greater at all times than a moment Mforce to prevent teetering of the wheeled carriage, where moment Mforce is defined by multiplying the height H by a force Fmax. The force Fmax is the force required to move the wheeled carriage.

Abstract: A crib having a mesh sleeping surface, front and back sections, and a pair of end sections. In order to facilitate breathing of an infant when placed in the crib, the interior of the crib is formed of a breathable mesh material through which air can pass. The front section, positioned along a front side of the sleeping surface, has at least a portion of its interior surface formed of mesh. The front section can be either a “high/tall” front side, or a “low” front side, depending on the desired use of the crib. The back section, positioned along a back side of the sleeping surface, has at least a portion of an interior surface formed of mesh; and the pair of end sections, each positioned along an end of the sleeping surface, have a portion of an interior surface formed of mesh.

Abstract: A playyard floor support frame includes a rail mount (32) and at least two floor support rails (36, 40).

Abstract: The spring bridge (2) includes a main, load-bearing bridge (6), which can be fitted in the frame of a mattress base, and one or more supporting elements (8) arranged thereon. The supporting elements (8) extend, preferably in the form of a sheet-like, wing-like lip, from the main, load-bearing bridge (6), in the lateral direction, transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main, load-bearing bridge and project beyond the top side of the main, load-bearing bridge (6). They are designed such that their flexibility in relation to the main, load-bearing bridge counter to a bearing force, usually the locally active weight of a mattress which has been positioned on top and of a person who is resting on said mattress, is more yielding than the flexibility of the main, load-bearing bridge itself.

Abstract: A method of forming a textile article and the resultant article has contained filling preventing penetration by allergens. A continuous rectilinear strip of air permeable material has parallel side edges and terminates at an edge transverse to the parallel side edges at substantial right angles to the parallel side edges. This continuous rectilinear strip of air permeable material is non-permeable to allergens. The continuous rectilinear strip of air permeable material is folded back upon itself at a fold such that at least the parallel side edges overlie one another and the edge transverse to the parallel side edges spans the continuous rectilinear strip of air permeable material between the parallel side edges. The continuous rectilinear strip underlying the edge transverse to the parallel side edges of air permeable material is cut to form the textile article having a fold and three pairs of overlying edges.

Abstract: A new and useful OB/GYN examination chair is provided, which is lightweight and collapsible for convenient transport or storage, and which is readily erected to an examination position in which it supports an OB/GYN patient in a convenient position for an OB/GYN examination or procedure. The chair comprises a collapsible structure having a seat, a back rest, a pair of armrests and a pair of substantially planar leg rests. The leg rests are spaced apart from each other to enable a patient's legs to be supported thereon in an abducted position suitable for an OB/GYN examination, and define therebetween an examination/demonstration space in which an OB/GYN caregiver can conduct an OB/GYN examination or procedure. Additionally, the seat has support structure which enables a slidable basin to be integrally connected with the seat. The chair has a seat which is relatively short in comparison to typical chairs designed as furniture pieces.

Abstract: A heated massage pillow for allowing the massage packs to be removed and for keeping hair looking nice. The heated massage pillow includes a pillow. The pillow is comprised of a first pillow case and a foam rubber cushion. The foam rubber contains a heating means. A power supply means, adapted to fit inside the first pillow case adjacent to the foam rubber, is operationally coupled to the heating means. Vibrating means are adapted to fit inside the first pillow case adjacent to the power supply. The vibrating means are operationally coupled to the power supply means. An actuating means, located outside of said first pillow, is operationally attached to the vibrating means. The actuating means is adapted to activate the vibrating means and the heating means. A second pillow case of satin is adapted to fit over the first pillow case.

Abstract: A foam cushion suitable for use such as with a wheelchair provides a combination of general pressure relief and positioning control over legs of a patient possibly otherwise having reduced or impaired motor control skills. A desired leg position is achieved by separating the legs and supporting them in a generally parallel position. Two base pieces have predetermined upper profiles and are glued to an upper support element having integrated cubic elements for pressure relief. Channels between adjacent cubic elements facilitate flexure of the upper element to conform to the contours of the two base pieces. Relatively high ILD foam characteristics and relatively high foam densities combined with the subject structure give good results for support and for product life, including compression fatigue considerations.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a spring core made up of a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs comprises a row of interconnected pocketed coil springs. The pocket of fabric surrounding each of these coil springs is divided into at least two subpockets by at least one line of attachment of opposite sides of the fabric to each other. Each of these subpockets contains one portion of the coil spring, thus resulting in a multilayered product.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a first section of foam material forming the head section of a mattress, a second section of foam material forming, the central section of the mattress, and a third section of foam material forming the foot section of the mattress. The second section of foam material has a load responsive characteristic different from the load responsive characteristic of the first and third sections. The central section may be replaced by an inflatable air chamber.

Abstract: A patient support system is provided with side bolster features for improved patient safety and control. A multi component mattress includes a resilient foam core having associated therewith two side bolsters of a less compressible resilient material. Each side bolster forms two peaks with a saddle therebetween to prevent a patient from rolling off the mattress while still providing direct entry and exit access to the mattress. A foam topper may be applied across the top of the exposed core and the upper portion of the side bolsters. Such topper may include parallel ridges, as well as perpendicular segmentations to improve pressure dispersion. The total coverage topper or upper layer surface adds to usable patient support area for the mattress while otherwise minimizing the pressure from the less compressible bolster elements.

Abstract: A bellows (44) for a front loading washing machine (10) having a front panel (13) providing a first channel (46) having opposed sidewalls (50), an opening (19) and a door (20) carried thereby, and further carrying a stationary drum (25), providing a second channel (48), having opposed sidewalls (52) and a rotatable drum (30), the bellows comprising an annular body portion (45) terminating in first and second fastening means (54, 56); the first fastening means (54) provided an axially extending rib (65) having opposed first and second surfaces (66, 68) and engagable with one of the sidewalls of the first channel; and the second fastening means (56) provided an axially extending rib (70) having opposed first and second surfaces (74, 75) and engagable with one of the sidewalls of the second channel and a radially extending lip (80) engagable with the door; whereby the stationary drum is sealed to the front panel of the washing machine.

Abstract: A shoe and an improved method of shoe construction comprising an upper, an insole, a midsole, and an outsole, that are coupled together to form a housing for receiving a foot, and wherein the midsole is enveloped by the bottom ends of the upper, the insole, and the outsole to provide a more secure and stable fit of the shoe to the foot. The shoe is constructed to have the midsole of the shoe enveloped by the combination of the upper, insole, and outsole. This method of shoe construction results in a shoe having an improved fit because the midsole is pulled from the top and the bottom to provide improved fit, support, stability, and cushioning characteristics.

Abstract: The invention teaches the removal of dust particles during semiconductor processing without the need to modify the processing chambers or to wait until they are not being used for their normal purposes. The dust removal operation is performed inside loadlocks instead the processing chambers. Dust removal, in a loadlock, is accomplished by first initiating a flow of gas over the wafer surface. Then a negative charge is induced at the surface for a period of time followed by the induction of a positive charge. This causes the charged particles to be repelled away from the surface, at which point they are swept away by the gas. To remove the electrically neutral dust particles, the induced surface charge is switched too rapidly for these particles to follow, so they are briefly repelled from the surface and then swept away by the gas.

Abstract: The motorless rotary toothbrush is made of an elongated grip (10) which bears at one end a freely rotating disk (12) on an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (16) of the distal end of the grip. The disk (12) bears the bristles (20) of the brush. The bristles (20) are implanted symmetrically vis-à-vis the rotary axis (14) of the disk (12). The stem of each bristle of at least one outer ring (18) of the disk (12) forms a certain angle (a) with the radial plane going through the stem of the bristle (20).

Abstract: A utility type surface cleaning vehicle comprising a unitary frame utility type tractor defining a longitudinal axis and having left and right driven rear wheels and at least one steerable front wheel and a trailer connecting mechanism. A debris hopper is removably connectable to the utility type tractor via the trailer connecting mechanism. A surface cleaning apparatus is operatively connectable to the utility type tractor and connected in debris depositing relation via a debris transfer means to the debris hopper. At least one gutter broom is included, with each gutter broom being mounted on the utility type tractor for rotation about a respective substantially vertical gutter broom axis disposed rearwardly of the foremost portion of said at least one steerable front wheel and disposed forwardly of said left and right driven rear wheels.

Abstract: A paint roller consisting of a one-piece handle made of plastic provided with a handgrip and of a paint roll which can be mounted rotatably on the front end of the handle, in which the handle comprises over at least part of its length transversely running reinforcement elements which are interconnected in a reinforcing manner by longitudinal bracing.

Abstract: A telescoping broom for providing an extendable and useful sweeping tool.

Abstract: An athletic shoe cleaner for cleaning a shoe bottom, especially the bottom of a shoe having non-metal spikes. The athletic shoe cleaner includes a pair of opposed faces each having a cleaning surface having a plurality of spaced apart rods, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart rods is formed from a semi-rigid material. In the preferred embodiment, the cleaner includes a flexible carrying strap in the form of a continuous loop for permitting the cleaner to be attached to a golf bag or golf cart. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the opposed faces are generally round and the plurality of spaced apart rods are arranged in an overlapping and radially symmetrical fashion with respect to the center of the cleaner with the height of each of the plurality of spaced apart rods increasing from the outer edge to the center.

Abstract: A bath scrubber includes an outer bag and a sponge received in the outer bag. The outer bag is made of a fabric woven from thin and thick yarns of twisted artificial fibers. The thin yarns are densely woven to form a base of the fabric, and the thick yarns are evenly woven into and distributed among said thin yarns, such that the thick yarns intersect one another to divide the base of the fabric densely woven from the thin yarns into a plurality of separated small areas, and intersections of the thick yarns are wound by the thin yarns. The small areas enclosed by the thick yarns allow more bubbles to be held on the bath scrubber for a prolonged time. A difference in height exists between the thin yarns and the thick yarns to give the outer bag of the bath scrubber a rough surface that enables good cleaning and massaging effect on a user's skin.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (2) having a cleaner head (8) comprising a dirty air inlet (12) and a passage 20) forming an airflow path for dirty air entering the dirty air inlet (12). Access means (24, 26) are provided for allowing access to the airflow path (20) to facilitate cleaning thereof and or removal of blockages therefrom. A transparent portion is provided in an outer casing (22) of the cleaner head (8) to allow the interior of the airflow path (20) to be visually inspected. The improved vacuum cleaner facilitates use and maintenance of the vacuum cleaner (2) by enabling a user to easily and quickly detect and remove blockages in the airflow path (20) between the dirty air inlet (12) and dust separating apparatus (6).

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a handle pivotally mounted to a base module, a lower portion of the handle mounts a lamp assembly which is hidden from view by the base module when the handle is in an upright, storage position and is visible above the base module when the handle is rotated to a use position. Between the front and back of the base module, a set of wheels or other projections that support the base module are mounted. The handle likewise has at a lower portion a set of wheels that mobilize the vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the pivot axis of the handle with respect to the base is selected so that rotation of the handle assembly from a use position to a storage position pivots a front end of the base module about the base wheels and thereby raises an agitation brush from contact with a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a housing (1) accommodating a suction unit (7). The vacuum cleaner further comprises a dust container (11) in which a dust filter (21) can be placed. The dust container is detachably coupled to the housing and comprises a handle (33) and an opening (31) via which the dust filter can be placed. According to the invention, the handle is provided on a side wall (39) of the dust container, while the opening is provided at an upper side (35) of the dust container, the upper side of the dust container being directed towards an upper side (37) of the housing in an operational position of the vacuum cleaner. In this manner, it is prevented that the dust filter can fall out of the dust container or that dust can fall out of the dust filter when the dust container is detached from the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the handle of the dust container also is a unique handle for the housing, so that the construction of the housing is simplified.

Abstract: A caster includes a wheel body having a hub portion and an axle extending from the hub portion. Lock engaging members are disposed around the hub portion. An upright mounting frame includes a lower mounting portion journalled to the axle, and an upper mounting portion extending upwardly from the lower mounting portion. The upper mounting portion is spaced apart from the wheel body to define an upright passage therebetween. A support frame is movable relative to the mounting frame, and includes an upper force transmitting member to support a load. A confining member extends downward from the upper force transmitting member into the upright passage, and has an outer wall facing the wheel body. A spring member biases the upper force transmitting member to move upwardly and away from the mounting frame.

Abstract: An improved hinge system is provided to couple a first component and a second component. The hinge system includes a first fastener (200), a clutch (300), and a second fastener (500). The first fastener includes a first end (220) adapted to be secured to the first component, and a second end defining a first cylindrical portion (210). The clutch includes a first end defining a second cylindrical portion (320) including a first cavity (325) therein, and a boss (330). The first cavity is sized to tightly yet rotatably receive the first cylindrical portion of the first fastener within, so as to form an axle of the hinge. The second fastener includes a first end forming a third cylindrical portion (553) defining a second cavity (550) therein, and a second end (520) adapted to be secured to the second component. The second cavity is sized to slidably receive the boss of the clutch within, in such a manner that the second cavity and the boss cannot axially rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a video display with a screen to the interior of an automobile is disclosed. The hinge assembly comprises an open shaft adapted to pivot the screen about a first axis, a rotate shaft adapted to pivot the screen about a second axis, transversal to the first axis, a click plate attached to at least one end of the rotate shaft, the click plate causing the rotate shaft to pivot with a plurality of stops to maintain stability of the video display, a stopper attached to at least one end of the rotate shaft, the stopper causing the rotate shaft to stop rotation at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A pivoting assembly for a notebook computer is disclosed. The pivoting assembly has a sleeve with a hole defined on one end, a pivoting axle extending into the hole, a positioning rod co-axially protruding from one end of the pivoting axle and received in the hole, multiple disk springs each having a central hole through which the positioning rod extends, at least one oil recess defined on the inner periphery of the central hole for lubricating oil in each oil recess, a limiting means to keep the pivoting axle from pulling away from the hole and a fixed means for keeping the disk springs from pivoting with the pivoting axle such that a pivoting assembly with a lubricating effect is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure improvement of spring hinge which mainly utilizes the tension adjustment stand, made of plastic composite material, to simplify the composition in order to achieve the purposes of reducing cost and the difficulties in assembling, yet to preserve the original intended functions, and an insertion portion extended from the end of the torque spring to insert a insertion hole formed at the tension adjustment stand to enhance the stability of the positioning of the torque spring and to abrade the torque produced by the torque spring to avoid broken the end of the torque spring.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a clasped towel 10 wherein a towel 11 is attached to a clasp 13 which can be attached by means 30 to an article of clothing 12. A flap 38 is attached to the towel 11 which forms a partial pocket-like enclosure 39 on the towel in which items can be cleaned. An alligator clip-like element 32 is also shown for attaching the present invention 10 to the clothing 12.

Abstract: A tension member termination device optimized for terminating flat tension members having compressible outer coatings, the device including a wedge and a socket each having cooperating surfaces positioned at a predetermined angle for clamping the tension member therebetween. The angle reliably secures the tension member while avoiding deleterious pressure and stress upon the tension member. The invention also provides a safety clamp for optional use with the tension member termination device.

Abstract: A hooking device comprises a male hook (1) attached to one side of the opening of a garment (F) and a female hook (4) attached to the other side of the opening in such a way that it can be hooked to and unhooked from said male hook (1). The male hook (1) comprises a male hook base (11), a male hook main body (21) and a spring (31). On the male hook base (11), a groove (12) housing the spring (31) is longitudinally formed. The male hook main body (21) secures a space for housing the spring (31) between itself and the male hook base (11) and is provided with a hooking piece (22) for hooking to said female hook (4). The spring (31) is housed in said male hook base (11) in such a way that it elastically controls the sliding movement of the male hook main body (21) with respect to the male hook base (11).

Abstract: A one piece, reusable, self-adjusting bundle strap of thermoforming, flexible, resilient plastic material, formed into a several turns, resilient concentric coil, with one end in the center coil, and one in the outside coil.

Abstract: A tie-down anchor for attachment to a side rail of a pickup truck bed. The tie-down anchor assembly comprises an anchor plate having an upright portion that defines a side face having an anchor protruding therefrom. The anchor is positioned on the face beneath the upper end of the plate and at a distance closer to the upper end than to the lower end of the plate. A mounting means for mounting the plate to the side rail is also provided. In this manner, the side rail is loaded in shear generally at its top when the tie-down anchor assembly of the present invention is mounted thereto and a tie-down member is secured to the anchor of the assembly.