Abstract: Improved body armor includes a ballistic panel having an internal ballistic component protected from moisture by an integral, sonic welded moisture impervious cover. No moisture can intrude into the ballistic component. Mildew and moisture induced performance degradation is prevented. Cost of ownership is reduced over multiple armor refurbishment cycles.

Abstract: A protective sporting glove featuring a hand receiving portion and a cuff portion cooperating to protect the entire hand of the wearer, the wrist, the thumb and the four fingers; the hand receiving portion includes finger sheath means for receiving and enclosing the four fingers of a hand placed in the glove; each of the finger sheath means comprises an elongated protective padding element extending along the dorsal side of the finger sheath means. The hand receiving portion further including a thumb receiving portion enclosing the thumb from an area proximate the base of the thumb to the tip of the thumb and comprising a rigid thumb shell covering the dorsal side of the thumb receiving portion.

Abstract: An adult bib to protect one's clothing from food and beverage spills provides a small pocket for holding napkins or wet or dry wipes. It is made a soft, absorbent material such as terry cloth and a moisture proof backing such as vinyl. It fastens around the neck of the user with the aid of snap fasteners or a hook and loop fastening system such as Velcro®.

Abstract: An undergarment, either a camisole or full slip, that has excellent wicking properties, fits the body snugly and is cut in such a way as to be unnoticeable beneath sheer outer wear.

Abstract: Evaporative cooling material comprising three layers of nonwoven material. The innermost layer can be a breathable laminate, the central layer can be an absorbent material, and the outermost layer can be a wicking material that allows evaporative liquid to reach the central layer. The material can be used to fabricate garments such as vests, shorts and other articles such as blankets and compresses. The material is suited for use in hot conditions.

Abstract: A cold weather composite camouflage hood that protects a wearer from the effects of cold weather and resembles the surrounding terrain. The hood includes a hood member that encloses the wearer's head with an opening for the wearer's face, and a face mask. The face mask is manufactured from a composite camouflage material including a sheet bonded to a substrate along attachment lines. The sheet is cut between the attachment lines to create a series of lobes that project away from the substrate to simulate the appearance of natural objects of a terrain.

Abstract: An article of clothing having a protective patch positioned to allow a user to grasp the patch over a bottle cap without removing the article of clothing, to facilitate the removal of a twist-off cap from a bottle. In the preferred embodiment the protective patch comprises a flexible patch or medallion affixed to the article of clothing at a position accessible to the user's hand, for example adjacent to the waist of the garment, which covers the cap and provides a protective layer between the cap and the user's hand. The patch may support text indicia or design indicia, or both, which may correspond to advertising indicia supported elsewhere on the article of clothing.

Abstract: A belt-like article has fastening elements continuous attached along an entire periphery of a long tape main body. The belt-like article further includes engaging means capable of engaging with/disengaging from each other, each of which has an engaging portion provided at a predetermined position in a longitudinal direction of the tape main body. By winding the belt-like article spirally about an end portion thereof so as to engage the opposing fastening elements successively, a diversified types of the storage bodies can be obtained. Further, by engaging the engaging means with each other, the belt-like article can be used as a neck strap for hanging the storage body for accommodating an object. Therefore, the belt-like article is provided with not only an application as the belt-like article but also an application as a storage body for various objects, which are functionally related to each other, so that it can be used sufficiently for practical purpose.

Abstract: A head protector consisting of a stretchable foam laminate head-band to be worn as a protection against head injuries by persons engaging in sport activities.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell made of flame resistant fibers, a moisture barrier adjacent to the outer layer, and a thermal liner adjacent to the moisture barrier. The thermal liner includes a face cloth layer and an insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer includes inherently hydrophobic fibers. The inherently hydrophobic fibers can comprise polyhalogenated ethylene fibers such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: The invention provides a protective upper body assembly comprising shoulder pads, a pair of arm protectors, and suspending means. The shoulder pads include a frontal padding element linked to a dorsal padding element by a pair of shoulder arches. Two rigid shells are connected to the shoulder arches and overlie the extremites of the shoulders. With respect to the arm protectors, the latter are capable of being integrally connected to the shoulder pads and each comprises an upper arm protector and a lower arm protector. An elbow shell bridges the lower arm protector and the upper arm protector.

Abstract: A toilet seat coupled to an exhaust fan that removes offensive odors from within a toilet bowl. The toilet seat has a plurality of pores on an inners surface, such that the noxious odors are extracted from within the toilet through the pores upon activating the exhaust fan. A switch is provide on a bottom surface of the seat, for selectively activating the exhaust fan when a person sits upon the seat.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for ventilating bathroom odors of a commode is provided. The apparatus provides a seat containing an entire ventilation system including an intake, an air plenum positioned within the interior of the seat. At least one air filter is positioned within the air passage. A fan or blower motor is used to move air through the air passage and the filtered air exits through an edge of the seat, the blower fan controlled by a battery pack contained within the commode seat. An external pushbutton switch sets a time that controls operation of the ventilation system. The replaceable filter is accessible from an outer edge of the commode seat.

Abstract: A method for introducing liquid agents, such as cleansers or disinfectant, into the water supply of a sanitary facility, such as a water closet includes the monitoring of the pressure characteristics of a flush cycle and determining an appropriate time during the cycle for introduction of the liquid agent. A subsequent flush cycle is similarly monitored. At the determined time the agent is added. Preferably, the determined time is towards the end of the flush cycle. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a liquid reception, a pressure sensor located in a line connecting the reservoir to the water supply line for the sanitary facility, and a control unit which operates either a pump or a valve. The liquid can be introduced into the water supply either by the pump or by suction.

Abstract: The toilet seat lift kit has a toilet seat mounting lift block, three lift blocks, two elongate bolts and fasteners for the lift blocks. The elongated bolts clamp a seat mounting assembly, and a toilet seat mounting lift block to the bowl rim of the toilet fixture. The toilet seat is fixed to the seat mounting assembly and is pivotal about a toilet seat horizontal axis of the seat mounting assembly. Two lift blocks are attached to the bottom surface of the toilet seat. When the two lift blocks set on the bowl rim, the toilet seat is supported in a generally horizontal position. A third lift block can be attached to front portion of the toilet seat to support the seat and to function as a spray guard. Recesses on the top of the lift blocks provide space for pads on the bottom surface of the toilet seat.

Abstract: A modular vacuum toilet, and a method of servicing such a toilet, are disclosed. The toilet is used with a vacuum toilet system having a sewer line placeable under partial vacuum pressure and a source of rinse fluid. The modular vacuum toilet comprises a frame and a removable bowl engaging and supported be the frame, the bowl defining an outlet and having a rinse fluid dispenser associated therewith. The modular vacuum toilet also has a valve set module. The valve set module includes a discharge valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the bowl outlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the sewer line, and a movable discharge valve member disposed between the discharge valve inlet and outlet. A rinse fluid valve is also incorporated into the valve set module and has an inlet in fluid communication with the source of rinse fluid, an outlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid dispenser, and a movable rinse fluid valve member disposed between the rinse fluid valve inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A spa communication system for establishing a communication link between a central spa box having a control module and spa components in a spa system. The spa control module is connected to the spa components through a communication link, and the spa control module sends command signals to at least one spa component and receives status information from at least one spa component on the communication link.

Abstract: A portable support apparatus designed to support and transfer people with disabilities in a variety of environments. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having two legs on a horizontal plane, containing four pivoting casters, pivoting along a vertical axis from a main cross member on a horizontal plane, a vertical support and handle pivoting about a horizontal axis, a locking pin to secure the vertical support when in the vertical position, attachment pins for supporting a portable patient lift or other device, and a motion-limiting device and interlock to constrain the movement of the lifting and transferring apparatus.

Abstract: A bed foundation is provided which is constructed of blow-molded plastic and may be assembled without using tools. The components of the bed foundation all have lengths of less than 60 inches and may be packaged together in a container having a length less than 60 inches and a girth less than 84 inches, so as to avoid shipping penalties. The components are constructed and arranged to allow disassembly and storage when the foundation is not in use. One embodiment provides a bed foundation that, when assembled, has a top panel which overhangs the side rails to permit an oversized mattress to be placed thereon.

Abstract: A nestably stackable assembly for use in a bedding foundation. The assembly has a rectangular border wire with parallel sides and ends. Transversely spaced, parallel and longitudinally extending support wires are connected at their ends to the border wire ends. The support wires are formed so as to be generally corrugated along their lengths with peaks and valleys. The peaks are flattened at their tops, and the flattened tops are generally coplanar with a plane defined by the border wire. The valleys are vertically displaced beneath and intermediate of the flattened tops. Longitudinally spaced and transversely extending, upper connector wires are connected to the sides of border wires, and the upper connector wires are connected along their lengths to the flattened tops of the peaks of the support wires. The valleys have flattened bottoms, and adjacent pairs of the flattened bottoms of the valley are interconnected by resilient connectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat supplement for saddle seats such as those on motorcycles and bicycles. A web or panel of flexible, durable and wear-resistant material having a length longer than width is used to secure two cushion elements within tubular sleeves or pockets located laterally at each end of the length-wise dimension of the web so that the length direction of the web corresponds to the width dimension of the seat upon which it is placed. The cushion elements are rounded or curved, but each has one relatively flat side parallel with the axis of the pad which fits against or butts against the side of the saddle seat, thereby increasing the effective sitting area of a conventional saddle seat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for an automated fragrance dispenser for the application of a fragrance to dry fabrics during an industrial laundering process. In one embodiment, the fragrance dispenser is positioned outside the dryer, and preferably on the exit side of the steam tunnel in the laundering process. The fragrance dispenser includes a sensor for determining whether the garment passing on the conveyor is the type of garment to which the fragrance is to be applied, for example, a uniform shirt versus pants. The fragrance dispenser also includes a delivery system for applying the fragrance to selected garments. The delivery system also includes a timing device for dispensing the fragrance onto the garment for a controlled amount of time.

Abstract: Method for controlling a full automatic washing machine, the method comprising a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle, wherein the washing or the rinsing cycle includes the step of rotating an inner tub at a high speed higher than a preset speed in one direction, thereby making a centrifugal force caused by high speed rotation of the inner tub, to push laundry against a wall of the inner tub, to enforce washing water in the inner tub to penetrate through the laundry at a speed higher than required to make the washing done, and to pump the washing water penetrated through the laundry and discharged into an outer tub upward, to recirculate to the inner tub.

Abstract: A method for jet-dyeing fabrics, which contain elastomeric fibers, by pre-heating the dyebath prior to introducing the fabric, is provided.

Abstract: A process for dyeing a fibrous substrate which comprises the steps of: providing a fibrous substrate; providing at least one sulfur dye; providing at least one reduction stable direct dye; and applying said reduction stable direct dye and sulfur dye to said fibrous substrate in the presence of a suitable reducing agent. Further, it has been surprising to find that these reduction stable direct dyes can be processed without a sulfur dye present. This results in a process for dyeing a fibrous substrate which comprises the steps of: providing a fibrous substrate; providing a reduction stable direct dye; and applying said reduction stable direct dye to said fibrous substrate in the presence of a suitable reducing agent.

Abstract: Reactive dyes of formula (1) 1

Abstract: A vehicle roof snow removal system for removing snow and ice from the top of a vehicle. The vehicle roof snow removal system includes a main frame. A scraper blade assembly is coupled to the main frame. The scraper blade assembly comprises a scraper blade. The scraper blade is lowerable from a top of said main frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning culverts and the like, and the apparatus has a longitudinal beam having a first end and a second end, adjustable support legs secured to said first and second ends of the beam, a carriage movably mounted on the beam between the support legs, a means for moving the carriage along the beam, a motor having a rotatable shaft secured to the carriage beneath the beam, and the rotatable shaft is configured to receive a removable coupling, at least one drive link having a first end and a second end and the first and second ends are configured to receive removable couplings and the drive link is joined to the rotatable shaft by means of a removable coupling and a culvert cleaning tool having a shaft configured to receive a removable coupling and the shaft is secured to the drive link by means of a removable coupling.

Abstract: A portable golf club cleaning device including a plastic bottle designed to contain a cleaning fluid, a threaded cover for the bottle having an opening and a removable snap on lid. Brushes attached to the cover extend partially into the fluid and surround the inside of the enclosure so that a golf club placed into the hole will be scrubbed by the brushes and washed by the cleaning fluid. The brushes are limited in deflection due to the insertion of the golf club between the brushes, by mounting opposite facing pairs of continuous scrubbing of the golf club. The snap on lid will allow portability without spillage.

Abstract: A handle for use in production of brushes by fusion. The handle is injection molded with a set of pre-formed holes. Each hole contains, on its bottom surface, a protrusion of excess material. Bristles for the brush are heated to form a small fuse at their ends. When the fused ends are inserted into the holes, material from the protrusion flows around the fuses, retaining them in the holes upon cooling.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper system with at least one wiper support (10, 12, 14, 16), which, in a pre-mounted state, has a part (18) that is guided through a mounting opening (20) of a vehicle and is fastened to it.

Abstract: A winter windshield wiper assembly for a vehicle which comprises an elongated frame assembly including at least a primary yoke, said elongated frame assembly being enclosed by a sheet member, an elongated wiper blade supported by said elongated assembly, and a bridge member secured to said enclosed elongated frame assembly at both ends thereof, said bridge member and said enclosed elongated frame assembly defining an air space therebetween which enables the winter windshield assembly to operate with reduced resistance.

Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner having a chasse, an air blower and a dust extraction and collection unit is provided. The dust extraction and collection unit has an easily removable inlet chamber and an easily removable outlet chamber. The inlet chamber is substantially cylindrical, and the outlet chamber is disposed concentrically within the upper portion of the inlet chamber. Duct work within the chasse conducts air from the air inlet and into the inlet chamber in tangential fashion, such that air swirls about the inside walls of the inlet chamber. Air within the inlet chamber is then allowed to escape from the inlet chamber into the outlet chamber via a plurality of small holes disposed in the side walls of the outlet chamber. Air within the outlet chamber is exhausted to the blower via a top wall opening in the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A hand held wand for connecting an electrically powered cleaning device to a source of vacuum and electricity has inner and outer concentrically mounted tubular members which form an intervening passage therebetween. An electrical conductor extends through the passage and terminates in a pair of electrical connectors mounted on a pair of end connector sleeves. The inner and outer tubular members terminate in the end connector sleeves. One of the end connector sleeves is adapted to be connected to the cleaning device and the other connector sleeve is connected to a flexible hose which is connected to the source of vacuum. The electrical connectors are connected to complementary electrical connectors mounted on the cleaning device and on the flexible hose to provide electric power to the cleaning device.

Abstract: An easily assembled castor wheel for chairs, armchairs and the like, comprises a supporting body defining a seat for housing a vertical pivot pin for coupling the wheel to the chair, and being supported by a pair of adjoining arranged wheels, the main feature of the invention is that the wheels comprise removable front cover elements.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a shock absorbing caster of a traveling suitcase, which comprises a caster shell seat, a roller pivotal seat, a roller, a soft component, and a soft bushing. The caster shell seat is locked at the side plane of the bottom end of the traveling suitcase. The roller is pivotally joined with the roller pivotal seat, which is again pivotally joined with the caster shell seat. The soft component and the soft bushing are installed between the caster shell seat and the roller pivotal seat so as to absorb the vibration energy generated when the roller rolls on an uneven ground; the shock absorbing effect of the whole structure can thereby be enhanced. Moreover, the valuable articles in the traveling suitcase can thus be protected, and the lifespan of the roller can also be increased.

Abstract: A lightweight high capacity industrial caster which has three major parts, an upper assembly, a lower assembly, and a roller assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper plate with a first top surface and first bottom surface, the first bottom surface having a circular upper race groove within the plane of the upper plate, a kingpin having a top end and a bottom end, connected to the upper plate on the top end and extending downwardly away from the first bottom surface, the kingpin centered with respect to the circular upper race groove and an upper race insert carried in the upper race groove. The lower assembly includes a lower plate with a second top surface and second bottom surface, the second top surface having a circular lower race groove within the plane of the lower plate, a hole in the lower plate at the center of the circular lower race groove through which the kingpin extends, a lower race insert carried in the lower race groove, a first set of bearings carried in the lower race insert.

Abstract: A compact door check of modular design for a vehicle door is described that can be integrated in the door hinge and mated with many types of hinges and door assemblies. The door check according to the invention is includes a housing affixed to a first half of the door hinge, a shaft extending through the housing and connecting the other half of the door hinge to the first half to allow the first half to rotate about the shaft, and a detent mechanisms defining a plurality of detent positions of the door hinge. The detent mechanism is enclosed in the housing so as to be sealed against the environment to prevent contaminants and debris from affecting the operation of the door check.

Abstract: An abutment member 4 of a first hinge member A1 is pressed against a cam member 8 of a second hinge member A2 by a coiled spring 6. By this, an interval between an enlarged diameter portion 31 of an insertion member 3 of the first hinge member A1 and a connecting plate portion 72 of the second hinge member A2, is restricted to a predetermined interval. In other words, an interval between the end faces 31a, 72a of the enlarged diameter portion 31 and the connecting plate portion 72 is restricted to a predetermined interval. A friction member 10 composed of an elastic material such as a rubber is disposed between the end faces 31a, 72a. The thickness of the friction member 10 in the opposing direction of the end faces 31a, 72a is larger than the interval between the end faces 31a, 72a.

Abstract: A hinge is constructed for automatically opening the cover panel of an electronic device. The hinge assembly includes a torsion bar on which is concentrically mounted a series of cylindrical barrels. The torsion bar is fixed to the base of the device at one end and to the cover at its other end in such a manner that the torsion acts as spring which is loaded by the closing rotation of the cover. The cover is opened by releasing the loaded torsion bar and allowing the cover to rotate to its open position. Viscous damping is provided to control the rotation of the cover support barrel.

Abstract: A handle for a hand held tool which includes a main body portion adapted to engage an elongate tool element and a rotatable portion disposed behind the main body portion. The rotatable portion of the handle may be rotated relative to the main body portion of the handle without imparting rotational movement to the elongate tool element. The rotatable portion of the handle includes a digit acceptance opening for insertion of one or more fingers by the operator so as to maintain contact between the hand of the operator and the handle during use of the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the work gap between the points of flat clothings and the points of the cylinder clothing of a card, whereby the flat bars provided with clothings are led across a partial area of the drum circumference on both sides of the card on respective, convex bent sliding guides, and whereby their sliding surfaces with regard to the drum axis of rotation are being radially adjustable. Each sliding guide has the form of a sandwich type design with a radially inner support which can also be divided into individual supporting sections, and into a radially outer, continuous flex bend, whereby between the flex bend and the radially inner support a centre core is provided which is provided with one or several adjusting elements.

Abstract: A fastening assembly and method uses a belt loop/snap arrangement in which a belt loop of a pair of pants or other garment is combined with a female or male snap part. The other mating snap part half (male or female) is attached to the bag or carrying case of an electronic device such as a cellular phone, CD player, or wearable computers, etc. The belt loops on which the snap parts are attached can be sewn on pants in vertical, horizontal and criss-cross arrangements to form “I” type, “H” type, “X” type, “Y” type and “V” type arrangements. The snap fasteners are preferably placed on the middle area of the belt loop and at the center to about the upper ⅓ to ⅕ of the back side of the bag or carrier for the electronic device.

Abstract: Safety glasses holders and eye glass holders for securing to hats or fabric comprising a wedge shaped design, a clip on design and a fastening design, wherein said fastening design comprises a frame secured to the insides of a hat, a first and second elastic cord or pin penetrating said hat and secured to said frame, and a strip disposed between said first and second elastic cords or pins for holding the arm of a pair of safety glasses.

Abstract: Safety glasses holders and eye glass holders for securing to safety hats or fabric comprising a clip on design and a nonremovable fastening design, wherein the fastening design in one embodiment comprises a removeable frame secured to the sides of a safety hat; and in the second embodiment, a nonremoveable design which may be either a first and second elastic cord or pin penetrating the hat and secured to the frame, and a strip disposed between the first and second elastic cords or pins for holding the arm of a pair of safety glasses or, in a second embodiment of the permanently fixed holder, comprises a planar member attached to the safety hat by a spring which serves to hold the clip in place and provide a securing force to engage the arm of a pair of eyeglasses between the clip and safety hat.

Abstract: A process for the handling of a tow of fibers during manufacture and subsequent processing prior to splicing is described. The process includes the step of applying a clip to the free end of the tow, prior to transport of the tow. The fiber is preferably a carbon fiber precursor, and the clip is preferably removed and the tow spliced prior to the steps of oxidation and carbonization to form the carbon fiber.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the fastening of the top button of a dress shirt comprises a latch member having a tab portion and a hook portion. The tab portion is adapted to be sewn to the button hole placket at the top of the shirt so that the hook portion may engage the top button.

Abstract: A spring fastener for securing one or more sheets of material on another sheet of material having a V-shaped clip, which clip has two sides. Preferably, one of the sides has a wide angle bent, while the other side has one or more embosses and/or recesses. The fastener also comprises an elastic body extending from the vicinity of the top section of the V-shaped clip to at least one of the embosses. Examples of elastic bodies are foamed or un-foamed plastisol, polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and a combination thereof. The substantially central part of the elastic body, between the first side and the second side of the V-shaped comprises a cavity with a closed cavity bottom, thus providing to the fastener easy insertion to an opening of a first rigid sheet, combined with unexpectedly improved sealing performance.

Abstract: A device for positioning a vehicle during the parking thereof includes a hangable object and a cord, the cord having a first attachment member for attaching the cord to a overhead object at a desired location on the overhead object, and a second attachment member for attaching the hangable object to the cord. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the hangable object displays information sufficient to suggest to the user of the identity of an entity.

Abstract: A zipper pull tab comprises a U-shaped rod containing hooked ends, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly contains rod passageway cavities and rod engagement cavities that will accept the insertion and engagement of the U-shaped rod with the hooked ends. The U-shaped rod is connected to a zipper slider through the connection arch, and then the U-shaped rod and the handle assembly are forcibly joined using complimentary engagement features.