Abstract: Lower body, upper body, and hood garments formed of a textile that inhibit the ability of insects or small animals to bite or sting the wearer. The textile of the garments have a base fabric and a cover fabric separated by a spacer layer. The base fabric is open to facilitate breathability. The cover fabric is sufficiently closed to inhibit insects, spiders, or other small animals from passing through the cover fabric, and sufficiently open so as not to inhibit the breathability of the textile. The spacer layer separates the base fabric from the cover fabric with sufficient distance to inhibit insects, spiders, or other small animals from probing through the textile to reach the wearer.

Abstract: A personal hydration system surfers and sports participants is disclosed that minimizes interruption of the user's sporting activity. A receptacle attached to the rear of a surfer's wetsuit vest retains a removable fluid container therein and the removable fluid container includes a flexible fluid delivery tube to allow a user to suck fluid stored in the removable fluid container through the tube. The upper body garment is constructed of a semi-flexible material that is sufficiently stiff to allow the upper body garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user's physique. The upper body garment also includes side panels of a very flexible and body conforming material such as Lycra® that aid the user's upper body movements. Other embodiments are shown wherein the garment could be a snow boarding jacket or a fisherman's waders. An embodiment for retrofitting such a personal hydration system to an existing garment is shown also.

Abstract: A clothing apparatus is provided with at least one fabric panel, a panel of stretch fabric, a sensor unit retaining pocket, and a light opaque fabric. The at least one fabric panel is configured to encompass a patient thoracic region. The stretch fabric panel is joined to the fabric panel about the thoracic region of a patient when wearing the clothing apparatus. A free edge of the overlapping stretch fabric panel is configured to be releasably mated along an overlapping area of the stretch fabric panel with one of the fabric panel and the stretch fabric panel. The sensor unit retaining pocket is provided between the at least one fabric panel and the stretch fabric panel. The light opaque fabric is provided in the fabric panel about an opening in an inner surface of the fabric panel contiguous with the retaining pocket. The opening is configured to enable a sensor unit received within the pocket to maintain direct contact with a skin surface of a patient over the thoracic heart region.

Abstract: A product and process involve providing customized jackets, units of which are characterized by a selection from an inventory of body construction units of a type having a zippered front from neck to waist and a selection from an inventory of decorative band construction units of a type having distinguishable color and design. The customized jackets are assembled by joining mating fasteners on the upper and lower edges of band constructions and corresponding upper and lower points on selected body construction sections. Extending from an appropriate body construction section is an elongated flap that overlaps the upper edge of the band construction to conceal the mating fasteners.

Abstract: The Drop No More-Baby Toy Belt is an original and newly created item (as described in this application) which will allow parents and child care givers to use on baby to protect baby toys from being thrown on the floor from highchairs and other locations. Babies can retrieve their own toys after they throw them (which they always do). The Baby Toy Belt eliminates frustration of baby, parents, and child-care givers, allowing for a safe solution to keep toys close to the baby where they belong. The Baby Toy Belt allows for multiple items and toys and becomes an extension of a toy in itself. The creative process has produced a highly flexible and useful multiple toy holder (product) and safeguard not found anywhere else.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective helmet having an improved ventilation system therein. The protective helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner that are joined together to form a shell/liner composite. The ventilation system interacts with one or more ventilation ports in the protective helmet to control the flow of ambient air in and out of the interior of the protective helmet. The ventilation system may be integrated or encased within the shell/liner composite, or it may be adapted to be used on the exterior of the helmet. In addition, the ventilation system may include one of several types of interchangeable insert members to allow active or passive control of ambient air into the interior of the helmet.

Abstract: A secure fastener for use with divers' hoods comprises a post assembly (3000) and a latch assembly (2700). The post assembly comprises an inner post (2555), an outer post (3015), and a locking pin (2900). The inner post is placed inside the diver's hood (125). A hollow column (2567) on the inner post passes through a hole in the hood material. The outer post is joined with the inner post via the column. The column contains recesses (2565) that mate with an inner ridge (2550) on the outer post (3015). It also contains cuts (2570) that relieve the column walls and allow the inner and outer posts to slidably engage. The inner and outer posts are forced together, engaging the ridge with the lowest recess on the column. A locking pin (2900) is then inserted into the column, preventing flexure of the column walls and locking the two halves of the post assembly in place. The post assembly is thus able to accommodate different wall thicknesses encountered in diving hoods.

Abstract: A flushing device for toilets includes a source for applying a fluid pressure to a blockage area and provides a seal in the blocked conduit to prevent backflow so that full pressure is applied to the blockage. The device includes a resilient deformable and inflatable element secured at the end of a tubular handle which is inserted into a toilet conduit leading to the drain line. The tubular handle has a coupling at its end opposite to the end carrying the inflatable element to which a hose is connected in order to supply pressurized water to the element. The inflatable element is carried on a linear portion of the tubular handle adjacent to the discharge orifice thereof and is expanded by inflation into a sealing condition with the conduit entrance leading into the drain line. The exterior surface of the inflatable element is provided with spaced-apart ridges and grooves that are deformable to provide a positive sealing relationship with the entrance of the conduit so as to completely seal the entrance.

Abstract: An overflow preventer comprising a plug receivable in a drain hole and provided with a valve movable between a first closed position and a second open position, the valve being resiliently biased to the first position while the pressure on the valve is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A toilet comprises a pan, a trap which normally retains water as a gas seal, and an outlet. The trap is arranged for movement, during flushing of the toilet, in a manner which causes the retained water to transfer by gravity to the outlet. In one aspect, the trap comprises a length of flexible hose having a curved portion which retains water as the gas seal.

Abstract: A pool cover support frame has a central vertical support member with a plurality of radially projecting spokes extending from a hub mounted atop the central vertical support member. The spokes attach to the edge of the pool walls via clamps, and are spaced evenly about the perimeter. Spokes are inserted under compressive force into the hub, causing them to bow outwardly in an arc, creating an arched dome over which to arrange a pool cover.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appliance for showering and bathing, said appliance (1) incorporating a tub (2) which stands on a floor (4) or the like. The tub (2) has a reclining and/or sitting surface (5) for a bather (P) and a door opening (6) through which said bather (P) can move or be moved to or from the reclining and/or sitting surface (5). A door (7) is arranged so as to seal the door opening (6) whenever said bather (P) is in the tub (2). The reclining and/or sitting surface (5) is situated at a height (H) above the floor (4) or the like that is the same, or substantially the same, as the normal height (H) of a seat surface (8) of a chair (9a) or piece of transportation equipment (9b). The door (7) is arranged so as to be swung upwards or to be removable from the tub (2) in order to open up the door opening (6), and the tub (2) cannot substantially be tilted and/or raised and lowered, but may possibly be finely adjusted in said directions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of constructing a surface for drainage, and a kit of parts forming components required to produce such a drainage surface.

Abstract: The head and face washing apparatus of the invention is designed to prevent scattering of fluid and enhance the washing efficiency. The head and face washing apparatus comprises pumps (103a to 103d) for supplying washing fluid through supply pipes (101a to 103d), plural spouts (105) for ejecting the washing fluid, and supply passages (106a to 106d) for supplying the washing fluid supplied through the supply pipes (101a to 101d) into the specified spout (105). Washing fluid is continuously pumped out from the pump (103a), while washing fluid is pumped out intermittently from the pumps (103b to 103d). As a result, a continuous water stream is ejected from the spout group (105a), and an intermittent water stream is ejected from the spout groups (105b to 105d).

Abstract: A toilet seat lift comprising a base having opposite sides, a seat support mounted on the base for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis extending side-to-side with respect to the base between a lowered position and a raised position, a seat on the seat support having an opening therein adapted to overlie a toilet, and a power actuator for pivoting the seat support from its lowered position to its raised position.

Abstract: A faucet handle mechanism for attaching a faucet handle to a faucet valve body, which valve body has a rotatable valve stem, includes an adapter coaxial with and attached to the valve stem for concurrent rotation with the stem. There is an insert coaxial with and attached to the adapter for concurrent rotation with the insert and stem. A handle is coaxial with and attached to the insert for concurrent rotation with the insert, adapter and valve stem. A fastener secures the adapter, insert and handle together. There is a generally cylindrical chassis coaxial with and extending about the adapter, with the chassis being non-rotatably attached to the valve body. A shell is non-rotatably mounted on the chassis, with the chassis having an upper bearing surface which rotatably supports a lower bearing surface on the insert. The chassis and adapter have cooperating elements which prevent relative axial movement therebetween.

Abstract: A kind of camp bed for multi-use as a table, a chair, an easy chair, a bed, and a personal tent. It is constructed of four foldaway pipe frame seats to support the human body, and each of the foldaway pipe frame seats are connected by a pair of hinge joints, positioned at both right and left side of each seat frame, and are able to be fixed at any angle from 0° to 180°. It has a pair of foldaway pipe legs, positioned at the front and rear under the 2nd pipe frame seat, this means the 2nd of four connected foldaway pipe frame seats. Positioned under the 2nd pipe frame seat, the rear foldaway pipe leg has a pair of slide pipes that are able to slide backward to lengthen to the base and is held by a pair of rear stops at the rear end. It has support pipes arranged on each outside face of the hinge joints, positioned at both right and left sides of each seat frame, that support both ends of flexible tent poles used to hang the tent cloth on the flat bed, constructed from four pipe frame seats as in FIG.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses various sport-shaped bed designs consisting of a frame 26, mattress 14, motion sensors 32, rechargeable battery cell 36 and dimmer night light 42. The designs have shapes such as a football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and other sport shapes. The bed also comprises storage drawers 28 located in various positions according to the design. Each bed contains battery-operated motion sensors 32 which trigger a night dimmer light 42. When the sensor 32 indicates a child has laid down in the bed, the dimmer 42 responds to the signal and the light 18 goes on. Within a short period of time, the light slowly dims until it is fully out. If the child 12 should sit up, the sensor 32 will react and the light 18 will go on. The mattress 14 fits down inside a recess 16 in the frame 26 and the headboard 20.

Abstract: A heating system, e.g. for a bed mattress or floor sleeping area, has a tube extending in an array from a water inlet portion to a water outlet portion through a sinuous intermediate portion. The heating system has a longitudinal inner area extending centrally along the array and a pair of longitudinal outer areas extending at opposite sides of the inner area along the array. The intermediate portion has innermost runs distributed over the central area, where a sleeping person is most likely to lie, and connected directly to the inlet portion and to one another and outermost runs distributed over the outer areas and connected directly to the water outlet portion and to one another. A pump has an outlet connected through the water heater to the water inlet portion and an inlet connected to a water reservoir; and a water temperature and flow control device is connected to the pump and the water heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for securing an absorbent article comprising a flexible sheet having less than four pouches designed to secure at least one edge of an outer perimeter of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, there are two pouches substantially parallel to each other and extending transversely across the flexible sheet, the two pouches designed to secure opposing edges of an outer perimeter of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the absorbent article is a bed pad, chair pad, or the like, made from a liner, absorbent and film. Use of less than four pouches, such as pouch pairs, provides an easy method for keeping absorbent articles in their intended locations, which in turn reduces wrinkles and slippage. As a result, the likelihood of a patient developing bed sores is reduced and the effectiveness of the absorbent article is increased, thus improving patient comfort.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion bed with a flushing device, comprising a containing cushion that, adhered to the upper part of the air cushion, is shaped as a tilted groove and removable, and a sensor. When excrement of a patient falls on the surface of the containing cushion, a sensor then senses and a water pump is activated, so that water can be spurted through both the water-spurting head to flush excrement on the surface of the containing cushion, and the other water-spurting head installed on top of the containing cushion to cleanse the excretory organs of the patient. The present invention provides the disabled and patients in the persistent vegetative state with the convenience of urinating and defecating in bed, and with the functions of keeping the excretory organs of the patient clean and not prone to bacteria-growing or infection, and a constant sanitary condition of the cushion.

Abstract: A two-layered textile product and method of making the product is disclosed. The product comprises a first layer, and a second layer. A woven seam connects the first layer to the second layer to form a textile structure. The textile structure includes an inner surface and an outer surface, with the woven seam arranged in a predetermined pattern to form a margin that corresponds to the exterior dimensions of the finished product. A seam opening of a predetermined length is provided so that the textile structure is capable of inversion by pulling the inner surface fabric through the seam opening so that the inner surface is then exposed to form the outer margin of a two-layered textile product. The product may be stuffed to form a decorative pillow or like product. Decorative fabrics and tapestries may be used in the finished product.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises a cushion body having a medial region and two opposing arms that define a generally open well, with the cushion body having an outer periphery and an inner periphery adjacent the well. A shell encompasses and tightly conforms to the cushion body. A fabric cover is removably disposed over the shell such that the fabric cover conforms to the shell. The fabric cover defines an opening to permit the cover to be placed over the shell, and the fabric covering includes at least one fastener to close the opening once the cover has been placed over the shell.

Abstract: Resealable, ice cube and liquid fillable, microwaveable portable pillow that has a single cavity, which is created by sealing together the edges of two separate pieces of laminated fabric material that are identical, including size and shape. The pillow has a resealable closure, or valve that is large enough to accommodate ice cubes, as well as to facilitate the ease of filling he pillow by means of opening the closure, or valve and submerging into water. The resealable closure, or valve is permanently attached to the surface of one side of material by a specific manufacturing process and, can be opened or closed by pulling the cap from the valve thus allowing the pillow to be filled and or emptied of ice and liquid. The resealable closure or valve also has the ability to allow steam to be released while the liquid is being heated through the use of a microwave oven. The specific laminated fabric gives this pillow increased durability thus allowing the pillow to be filled with hot or cold liquids.

Abstract: An ergonomic seating cushion has a central cavity whose interior boundaries form an oscillating waveform. This feature reduces the pressure gradient on skin pressing against the cushion, promoting blood flow to the region while maintaining a central area of little or no pressure upon the perineum area. The cushion may have a dimpled surface to further lower pressure gradients, and may be tilted forward to assist in increasing lordosis and reducing lower back pain, or rearward when used by pregnant women to assist in compensating for the weight of an unborn child during pregnancy.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. An air passageway in formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. The passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic feel.

Abstract: A bed and mattress structure includes an articulating frame having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thigh, and foot sections. The head, thigh and foot sections are movable relative to each other and relative to the seat section. A deck on the frame supports a user. A mattress is interposed between the deck and the user. The mattress includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending air bladders corresponding respectively to the frame sections. A power driver tilts the frame sections to desired tilted positions. An air supply fills each bladder to desired air pressures to support the user. A drive controller controls the power drive for tilting the frame sections to various desired positions. An air supply controller controls the air supply for filling the air bladders to desired air pressures. A hand held controller includes a key pad cooperating with a programmable device to provide signals through a cord in response to inputs from the user.

Abstract: A pocketed coil spring unit and associated method of assembly combines top and bottom sheets with bonding of the sidewalls of adjacent rows of pocketed coil springs. With this combination, a posturized spring unit is produced in a commercially efficient manufacturing process. The top and bottom sheets extend perpendicularly to the rows of pocketed coil springs and the adjacent rows of pocketed coil springs are bonded on the sidewalls of the fabric pockets in the absence of the top and bottom sheets. As such, the spring unit can be customized for posturization to provide a firmer supporting foundation at the locations of the top and bottom sheets and a more individualized flexible construction in the regions of the inter-row sidewall bonding.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. The handles can be releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement and a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly can extend transversely through openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The interchangeable implement can be pivotally attached to the axle. Alternatively, the implement can be releasably coupled to the handles by a latch. The latch can include a plate with a pair of wings and an engagement mechanism.

Abstract: A process for patterning textile materials is described. The process involves applying a water soluble chemical substance designed to mechanically inhibit the wetting of underlying regions of the fabric to a textile fabric in a predetermined pattern, then dyeing the fabric in a manner conventionally used to uniformly dye fabrics, such as by a continuous or semi-continuous dye process. The chemical substance which has been applied to the fabric functions to temporarily mechanically inhibit wetting of the underlying regions of the fabric, so that the underlying portions are dyed to a lesser extent than the surrounding regions. The resulting fabrics have good print characteristics without the physical strength degradation of irregular hand associated with patterned fabrics produced by conventional fabric patterning methods.

Abstract: An improved leather formed of a leather having an internal matrix and a fiber matrix coupled to the leather matrix, the coupling creating a supplementary fiber matrix in the leather which enhances a characteristic of the leather. The improved leather includes fibers from the fiber matrix which pierce the leather in many locations and interlocking with other fibers both within the internal matrix of the leather and on a first surface of the leather. The improved leather is useful for gloves, shoes, garments, luggage and upholstery.

Abstract: A procedure for removing a water-insoluble finish from aramide fibers, wherein the aramide fibers are present as short-cut, random fibers or flat textile materials and are treated with an agent that contains at least one hydrophilic fluid.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate comprises contacting the substrate with a cleaning composition comprising at least one mono-, di-, or trialkoxy-substituted perfluoroalkane, perfluorocycloalkane, perfluorocycloalkyl-containing perfluoroalkane, or perfluorocycloalkylene-containing perfluoroalkane compound, the compound optionally containing additional catenary heteroatoms. The compounds exhibit good solvency properties while being environmentally acceptable.

Abstract: Continuous thermal treatment of a textile product web for dye fixing is performed by applying a dying solution on a moist product web, transporting the moist product web with the applied dying solution through at least one treatment chamber, bringing the moist product web with the applied dying solution in the treatment chamber in contact with a treatment gas which contains a hot steam, and using the treatment gas which is substantially composed of hot steam.

Abstract: A load adaptive brake system is provided for an appliance which includes a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor and a rotatable vessel. A brake surface is fixed relative to a non-movable portion of the appliance and at least one brake shoe carried by the vessel to rotate with the vessel. A biasing mechanism is engageable with the brake shoe to press the brake shoe into engagement with the brake surface. A cam is carried on the vessel, but is rotatable with respect thereto, and engageable with a portion of the brake shoe to overcome a bias of the biasing mechanism when the cam is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction to disengage the brake shoe from the brake surface.

Abstract: Novel hair coloring compositions are provided which give improved fade resistance.

Abstract: Coloration composition, process for obtaining same and its use for the coloration of keratin fibres.

Abstract: Black Dye Mixtures of Fiber-Reactive Azo Dyes, Methods for their Preparation and Use Thereof for Dyeing Hydroxyl- and/or Carboxamido-containing Fiber Material Deep black-dyeing dye mixtures comprising a disazo dye conforming to the general formula (1), 1

Abstract: A knockdown ramp construction has a plurality of quadrangular platform members of uniform length, width, and height arranged in adjacent stacks of different heights. Vertically adjacent platform members are coupled to one another by removable couplers which preclude relative horizontal movement between adjacent platform members. An inclined riser member atop the uppermost platform member of each stack provides a smoothly inclined upper surface for the ramp. Separable connectors connect adjacent stacks of platform and riser members to one another, thereby precluding relative movement of the stacked members in directions away from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush with a handle (1) and a bristle-carrying front head part (3) which are interlinked by means of a neck part (4). The head part (3) or the zone adjoining said head part accommodates a mechanical vibratory device (10) that sets the head part (3) vibrating. Said vibratory device is functionally linked with an electric power source (25) accommodated in the handle (1) by means of electrical connections (33, 34) that extend in the neck part (4). The aim of the invention is to improve a toothbrush in such a manner that the vibrations are not transmitted to the handle (1) To this end, vibration-damping means (7) are provided that allow the vibrations to take effect mainly in the head part (3) and to be hardly perceptible in the handle (1) so that the toothbrush is pleasant to use. The size of the inventive toothbrush corresponds roughly to that of conventional manual toothbrushes.

Abstract: A cleaning device for smooth floor surfaces has a housing having a working chamber and a drive chamber. First and second cleaning rollers are rotatably supported in the working chamber and extend transversely to a working direction of the cleaning device substantially across an entire width of the cleaning device. A drive is arranged in the drive chamber and drives the first and second cleaning rollers about a horizontal axis of rotation. The first and second cleaning rollers are height-adjustably arranged in the housing such that an adjusting device acts on the first and second cleaning rollers and moves them into a working position or into a parking position, respectively. The first and second cleaning rollers have a mantle surface projecting in the working position downwardly past a bottom plate of the housing to act on a floor surface.

Abstract: A disposable lint remover mitt includes an adhesive laminate having a liner, a release coating disposed on the liner, a face adhesive disposed on the release coating, and a face sheet adhered to the face adhesive. A patterned adhesive is disposed on a top portion of the face sheet, with a top web adhered to the patterned adhesive. The top web and the face sheet form a pocket therebetween for accommodating a hand of a user therewithin. The liner is removed from the adhesive laminate of the mitt, thereby exposing the face adhesive. With the mitt on the hand of the user, the exposed face adhesive functions to remove lint from a fabric article when the mitt is pressed thereagainst.

Abstract: A cleaning brush suitable for use in connection with automotive cleaning tasks, incorporates back-to-back bristle heads at one end of an elongated handle. One of the bristle heads features a concave, or dished, face; the other bristle head has a planar face. The concave brush head is intended for use on tires, and as such, is fabricated from fewer, coarser bristles than is the planar brush head, which is intended for use on wheels and body parts. For a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle is about 61 cm (24 inches) in length, and includes an elongated portion of square cross section and a flattened, largely disk-shaped portion in which bristles of both heads are imbedded. Optionally, the handle at the end opposite the disk-shaped portion includes an aperture which may be used to hand the brush on a hook.

Abstract: Toothbrush comprises a handle and a head, said head comprising upstanding bristles and at least one upstanding tooth polishing element, characterised in that the tooth polishing element is in the form of a resilient wall-like member and is flanked by bristles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mop wherein a cylindrical member is fixed in a groove of a sponge The cylindrical member has a smaller length than the sponge and a flat surface located midway between a first end and second ends thereof. The flat surface is located in a same horizontal plane as first and seconds lands defined by the groove in the sponge. A single screw is turned into the cylindrical member at the center of the flat surface and a handle is turned onto the screw until an end of the handle engages the flat surface. A roller with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical member has a first axial projection, which is located in a first opening in a strap, and a second axial projection which is in a second opening in the strap. The strap is flexed and the first and second axial projections on the cylindrical member are located in third and fourth openings in the strap such that the roller and cylindrical member are parallel to each other.

Abstract: A butterfly type sponge mop includes a self-contained wringing mechanism comprising only two molded parts, an actuating lever and an enclosed yoke. A pair of hinged wings can be integrally molded onto one end of the actuating lever, and the lever can rotate back and forth within the enclosed yoke. Guides within the yoke can swing the wings closed when the lever is moved forward, squeezing a detachable sponge. The mechanical advantage of the actuating lever can increase as it is moved forward. Moving the lever back to its original position can cause the wings to swing back open, aided by the compression of the sponge. The wings can be positively held in their open position by wing tabs that move in and out of corresponding pockets within the yoke as the actuating lever is moved forward and back. The actuating lever can be molded without die side actions, and the enclosed yoke can be molded with only a single die side action.

Abstract: A multi-purpose back brush including a shaft portion comprised of an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment and the lower segment each have an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the lower segment is secured to the lower end of the upper segment creating an angle of about forty degrees. A scrubbing brush portion is provided that is securable to the upper end of the upper segment of the shaft portion. The scrubbing brush portion includes a cylindrical portion dimensioned for receiving the upper end of the upper segment of the shaft portion. A sponge portion is provided that is securable to the upper end of the upper segment of the shaft portion. The sponge portion includes a cylindrical portion dimensioned for receiving the upper end of the upper segment of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A push broom bracket device for connecting a rectangular-shaped broom brush head of a given length to a rod-shaped handle. The device includes a sheet-like member in the form of an isosceles triangle having a base edge and two side edges of equal length extending to an apex, the base edge having a length which is greater than one-half of the given length but less than the given length of the brush head, the two side edges forming an angle of substantially 45° at the apex, and the sheet-like member being bent along a line extending substantially parallel to the base edge to form two substantially planar sections which intersect at an angle of substantially 35°, the section adjacent the base edge being adapted for attachment to a top portion of the brush head.

Abstract: Cleaning brush including an elastic mesh tube having a predetermined length and diameter, a grip and a string-like fastening member. The elastic mesh tube is axially squeezed to form continuous crimps on the periphery of the mesh tube. The grip is disposed on outer side of the elastic mesh tube and formed with a recessed receptacle and several fixing sections radially passing through the wall of receptacle. The fastening member is wound between the fixing sections and one side of the mesh tube opposite to the grip to fix the mesh tube to form at least two linear pressing sections for pressing and fixing the expanded mass-like spongy mesh tube on the grip and avoiding swinging of the mesh tube during use.