Abstract: The invention relates to a ballistic vest containing a stack of flexible fabrics and a stack of flexible unidirectional layers, in which the fabrics contain strong fibres of a first kind, the unidirectional layers contain strong fibres of a second kind, and in which the fibres in a unidirectional layer run essentially parallel and are disposed at an angle to fibres in an adjacent layer which is greater than 0 degrees, where in that the flexible fabric is a loose fabric and is located on the strike side of the vest.

Abstract: A cone-shaped outwear or disposable raingear of substantially waterproof material, having oppositely disposed front and back panels, with bottom edges, a bottom opening and sealed side edges terminating at said opening. The front panel having at least a partially perforated face opening disposed below where the side edges terminate at a top end, and at least two partially perforated openings disposed below the face opening. The method of fabricating the raincoat includes the steps of partially perforating a first elongated plastic sheet material with at least a partially perforated face opening and at least two partially perforated openings disposed below the face opening, and aligning another elongated plastic sheet material with the partially perforated plastic sheet material so that their elongated edges generally coincide with each other.

Abstract: A device and method including the steps of placing a flexible restraint around the mother's neck, or secured to the inside of the mother's shirt, inserting a portion of the restraint under the shirt, pulling a portion of the restraint passed a bottom edge of the shirt and passed the exterior side of the shirt, and securing the restraint so that the shirt is raised above at least one breast to facilitate nursing.

Abstract: The control-enhancing material of the present invention includes a plurality of recesses, such as suction cups, positioned on the palm portion of the bowling glove. The areas covered by the control-enhancing material include the underside of the index finger, the underside of the thumb, the underside of the little finger, and the underside of the middle and ring fingers. Basically, the control-enhancing material is positioned at all or some of the areas on the glove that contact the bowling ball when the glove is worn on the hand of the user and the user is holding a bowling ball. The control-enhancing material works to grip the surface of the bowling ball by a suction force and a friction force. The additional grip is maintained even though the user moves his or her hand slightly either away from, towards, or laterally with respect to the bowling ball.

Abstract: A cap is provided that includes a crown that is substantially hemispherical in shape and configured to receive the head of a wearer and an unfolded sweatband connected to the inside bottom edge of the crown. The sweatband is preferably unfolded and constructed from the same material used to construct the crown. The sweatband can include a front portion and a back portion, which are connected by a seam cover.

Abstract: Ear defenders comprising an elastic head-band (1) and an ear muff (4) arranged on the inside of each leg (2) of the headband. The ear muffs (4) are arranged displaceably along the insides of the legs (2) from the end positions of the legs and so far along the legs that the free ends (7) of the latter can be bent towards and connected to one another, so that the legs completely surround the ear muffs (4). This means that the ear defenders can be compressed before storage in, for example, a pocket.

Abstract: A pair of goggles for swimming comprises a pair of frames encircling respective lenses and a head band. Each of the frames is formed on its rear end with upper and lower arms which are formed, in turn, on rear ends thereof with projections opposed to each other. Each of coupling members to couple the head band to the respective frames comprises a locking section adapted to be received between the upper and lower arms from the front of the goggles and, a belt-like section extending rearward from the rear end of the locking section and having a width or thickness smaller than a distance R between the projections and a head band insertion slot formed in the rear end of the belt-like section.

Abstract: A self-locking commode incorporating a base mounting plate being affixed to the flooring surface and having at least one interlocking mechanism attached thereon and a commode being received by the interlocking mechanism of the base mounting plate. Preferably, a base of the commode includes a foot recess and a lug recess capable of respectively accepting a foot and a locking lug attached to the base mounting plate.

Abstract: An aquatic hammock for attachment across a liquid containment structure such as a spa, a pool or the like. The liquid containment structure defines a basin for containing a liquid and a basin peripheral edge. The aquatic hammock includes a supporting sheet made of a generally deformable and liquid resistant material. The supporting sheet defining a sheet peripheral edge. The aquatic hammock also includes a releasable attachment means for releasably attaching the aquatic hammock to the liquid containment structure so that at least a section of the aquatic hammock extends generally across at least a section of the basin. The attachment means is positionable between the supporting sheet and the liquid containment structure generally adjacent the sheet peripheral edge and the basin peripheral edge. The supporting sheet is preferably made out of a generally soft, buoyant and resiliently deformable material.

Abstract: An Anti-chew Guard for Spa Covers is disclosed. The cover is made from a durable material that is attachable to the edges of a conventional spa cover to prevent an animal from chewing the edges. The guard is available as a retrofit add-on to existing spa covers, as well as being incorporated between the core and sheath of a new cover (i.e. integrated into the cover). If additional protection is desired, the guard might also be electrified with a low-voltage current to startle an animal attempting to chew the cover.

Abstract: A drain assembly for above ground flexible waterproof swimming pool covers compressed of rigid plastic material, thereby installed in the prescribed matter defining a clear passageway which will allow for the free flow of standing water and particulate matter from the exterior surface of the above ground flexible waterproof swimming pool cover to the exterior periphery of the above ground swimming pool.

Abstract: A co-sleeping apparatus which facilitates parents sleeping with infants and/or pets is devoid of ground contacting support members, thus eliminating obstacles to vacuuming, allowing for simpler construction, portability and transport, etc. Various embodiments of the present co-sleeper provide for one or more of the following: adjustable height sidewalls; adjustable angulation of mattress platform; suspended mattress platform in the absence of rigid vertical supports between a top supporting rail and a mattress platform; provision of pockets/hampers along the exterior and/or beneath the co-sleeping apparatus for storage of products; a retractable cover; provision of mechanical bouncing, heating, rocking and sound emitting apparatuses in association with the co-sleeper, etc. In a particular embodiment, the design relates to a co-sleeper for pets, the confines of such co-sleeper permits access of pets to food, water, kitty litter, etc.

Abstract: The pouch is combination of two ideas. That of a sleeping bag and a fitted sheet, by combining the two I achieved my goal of having a bed covering that stays tight and firm while sleeping and when the truck is moving.

Abstract: A fitted sheets combination includes a fitted bottom sheet and a top sheet. The bottom corners of the top sheet are formed of a widthwise cut edge and a lengthwise cut edge meeting at an angle of more than 90° and being attached to each other along respective lengths. The bottom corners of the top sheet are attached to the bottom corners of the bottom sheet to form a foot pocket at a bottom area of the combination.

Abstract: An equipment support for use with a patient assist apparatus having a signal source includes a receptacle adapted to mount to the patient assist apparatus having a plurality of contacts adapted to receive signals from the signal source and a cavity, and a support body or pole having an equipment mount on one end and a plug on the other end for being removably inserted into the cavity. The plug includes a plurality of contacts that are connected to conductors that extend through the support body to the equipment mount to provide the signals from the signal source to equipment mounted on the equipment mount. The plug contacts and receptacle contacts are arranged such that all of the plug contacts contact their corresponding receptacle contacts as the plug is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: A chin support pillow for supporting a person's head in an upright position while sitting. The pillow includes an elongate cushioning body with a cloth covered foam core and a zippered cloth outer cover. A flexible strap extends from one end of the body and is connectable to the other end of the body using interconnecting patches of hook and loop fastener material to bend the body at the center into a V-shaped configuration. The center of the body in such a V-shaped configuration fits between the chin and the upper chest region of the person with the first and second legs extending along and fitting between opposite lower edges of the jaw and the respective shoulder regions to support the person's head. The flexible member extends around the back of the person's neck and is of adjustable length to custom fit the person wearing the chin support pillow.

Abstract: A bed cushion providing a soft feeling without bottomed feeling and providing a cushionability even against a small load and a durability, and a bed using the cushion; a forming die for cushion capable of smoothly and neatly releasing a product by reducing a sticky feeling and a blocking produced when releasing the cushion formed by using elastomer; the cushion, comprising thin-walled partition walls erected parallel with each other generally in a lattice shape in plan view, whereby a soft contact feeling near a water bed can be provided while preventing air blow noise from being produced by a user.

Abstract: An inflation seat assembly is adapted for connecting an inflatable article to a motor-driven air pump. The air pump has air inlet and outlet ports, and is operable so as to draw and supply air via the air inlet and air outlet ports, respectively. The inflation seat assembly includes a casing, an inlet check valve, an air outlet, and a closure member. The casing has a base wall, a peripheral wall, and a skirt flange. The base and peripheral walls cooperate to form a receiving space for retaining the air pump removably therein. The inlet check valve can be coupled to the air outlet port of the air pump, and permits air flow into the inflatable article. The air outlet is in fluid communication with the inflatable article. The closure member is used to close selectively the air outlet.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion has a built-in carrying case. The carrying case is a zippered binder which lays flat when unzipped and serves as the bottom side of the inflated cushion. The cushion contains at least one baffle to stabilize and support the inflated cushion. The binder is covered in a rugged material. The cushion collapses into the interior space of the zippered binder for transport or storage between uses.

Abstract: A corkscrew tool and pipe combination including a first handle member having a bore that extends along a longitudinal axis and communicates with one end thereof and defines a mouthpiece. An access port is located on an outer surface of the first handle member and communicates with the bore. A second handle member has a bowl in one end for holding smoking material, a helical, cork-penetrating blade that extends outwardly from an opposing end, a hole that extends transversely through the second handle member, intermediate the blade and the bowl, of a size and shape to receive the first handle member therethrough, and a channel through the second handle member that connects the bowl with the hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suede-like sheet which is characterized in that, in a suede-like sheet comprising primarily ultrafine fiber of no more than 0.3 dtex and polyurethane, said polyurethane employs polymer diol containing 30 wt % to 90 wt % polycarbonate diol, said sheet contains from 20 wt % to 60 wt % of said polyurethane, the average nap length is 300 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m, and the percentage retention of the local fatigue resistance before and after an accelerated ageing treatment is at least 50%, and it also relates to a method for the preparation of a suede-like sheet which is characterized in that, in the production of a suede-like sheet comprising a nonwoven fabric of ultrafine fiber of no more than 0.3 dtex and a polyurethane which employs polymer diol containing 30 wt % to 90 wt % polycarbonate diol, a buffing treatment is carried out after applying an antistatic agent to the sheet.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided with a noise reduction and control system which can sense out of balance and pump starvation conditions. More specifically, a microphone is used in connection with an electronic controller to sense an unbalance or pump starvation condition and alter a washing operation of the machine to counteract the unbalance or pump starvation condition. Additionally, the microphone and controller can respond to voice commands to establish the washing operation for the washing machine.

Abstract: An appliance is provided with a display system for use in connection with leveling the appliance. The system includes an accelerometer used in connection with an electronic controller to sense the degree to which the appliance is not level. Signals from the accelerometer are sent to a CPU which regulates a visual depiction on a display provided on the appliance. Adjustments made to alter the leveling condition of the appliance are also relayed to CPU, thereby updating the display and conveying when the appliance is suitably level. The system components can also be used to regulate other appliance operations.

Abstract: Compositions, optionally heat-activated, methods and kits for lanthionizing keratinous fibers to achieve relaxation of the keratinous fibers comprising applying to keratinous fibers a composition comprising at least one hydroxide compound and at least one oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A hair colouring composition or kit of parts comprises: a compound which is capable of acting as a substrate for endogenous transglutaminase in and/or on hair and which comprises a chromophore that is capable of absorbing and/or emitting light in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum; and a reducing agent. The composition may be used to colour hair.

Abstract: An oxidation colorant composition and a method of coloring keratin fibers are provided. The oxidation colorant composition includes a) at least one m-phenylenediamine derivative as a secondary intermediate, and b) at least one other secondary intermediate selected from 2-amino-3-hydroxy-5-chloropyridine, 2,6-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethylpyridine, 2,6-bis-(&bgr;-hydroxyethylamino)-toluene, 2,4-dichloro-3-aminophenol, 3-amino-2-chloro-6-methylphenol, 5-amino-4-chloro-2-methylphenol, 5-(2′-hydroxyethyl)-amino-2-methylphenol, 5-amino-2-methylphenol, 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine, 3-amino-2-methylamino-6-methoxypyridine, 2-methylresorcinol, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol, 1,3-bis-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)-propane, resorcinol, m-aminophenol, 3,5-diamino-2,6-dimethoxypyridine, 1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,7-dihydroxy-naphthalene, 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, 4-hydroxyindole and/or 6-hydroxyindole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use for dyeing keratin fibres, in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair, of a dye precursor bearing at least one phosphate substituent of formula —O—PO(OH)2, in the presence of at least one acid or alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract: A turf maintenance machine and method of use thereof, said turf maintenance machine for traversing a turf surface having debris elements and turf fill material disposed thereupon, the machine including a main sweeper brush for engaging the debris elements and the turf fill material and transferring the debris elements and the turf fill material toward a debris hopper, and further including a filter device for receiving the transferred debris elements and the turf fill material, and for separating the debris elements from the turf fill material, wherein the debris elements are captured by the machine for subsequent disposal and the turf fill material is returned to the turf surface as the machine traverses the turf surface.

Abstract: A tube about the size of an index finger with attached bristles for brushing teeth, gums, and tongue. The tube has one closed end to fit over the finger. The bristles are short, densely placed, and cover at least one-half of the outer surface of the tube. They are saturated with toothpaste, anti-plaque agent, or mouthwash. Optionally, a flexible loop is attached to the open end of the tube.

Abstract: A portable window/windshield cleaning device is self contained with washing liquid and a squeegee.

Abstract: The invention relates to saucer-type handle components (5, 6) that pertain to a hollow handle and are produced in several steps. Said handle is used for a toothbrush. Said components are joined together and are inserted into an injection mould (25). A synthetic material, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer, is injection-moulded around the mould-parting line between the handle components (5, 6) in said injection mould (25). The connection seam (22) thus produced holds the two handle components (5, 6) together in a nondetachable manner and seals the hollow space (13) which is formed by the handle components (5, 6).

Abstract: This is a jaws type mop head closure means and method in which a collar slides against inclined arms on mop head jaws in such manner that the jaws are brought together to grip a yarn type mop by sliding the collar in one direction and are allowed to open to release the mop by sliding in a different direction.

Abstract: This invention is a quick release mop head of the jaws type. The invention has two significant advances in the art. The most important advance is the provision of an elastic closure which consists of a cord of elastic material secured to one of two hanged jaws at one end. The second end of the cord has an enlarged portion with a handle which slips into a socket on the other jaw for closure allowing enough flexing to prevent breaking the jaws under difficult conditions. This also allows for easy changing of the mop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bath mitt for use in personal hygiene which has an opening on one side for inserting a hand to guide the bath mitt. The edge of the introduction opening is provided with a fixation device, preferably in the form of an elastic loop, so that the bath mitt cannot slide off the user's hand. The fixation device is configured so as to allow the bath mitt to keep its flat shape when being fixated to the user's wrist.

Abstract: A foot scrubbing device comprising a pedestal with a rough surface pad to step on and four vertical scrubbing posts for scrubbing in between the toes. Beneath the surface pad is a pressurized soap compartment having several channels through which liquid soap may be pumped to the surface of the surface pad via a foot pump. A person may clean his or her foot by placing it on the scrubbing surface so that the toes are placed in between the scrubbing posts. The person then uses his or her other foot to step on the pump pedal, thereby causing liquid soap to move to the surface of the pad where the foot is resting.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surface contacting disc for location around the inlet of a suction operated pool cleaner wherein at least one concentric groove is provided in the surface engaging face of the disc which provides flexibility for the outer part of the disc to fold progressively along the grooves.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member reaches a predetermined load as a result of a fatigue condition, such as snow or ice build up on the windshield.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper arm (10), with a pivotably connected wiper blade (16), which includes at least one bracket (18, 20, 22) and a wiper strip (26) and which is guided laterally in relation to the wiper arm (10) by a device (32, 44, 58); a first part (34, 48, 62) of the device (32, 44, 58) associated with the wiper arm (10) is connected to a second part (36, 46) associated with the wiper blade (16) by means of a link (38, 50, 60), which flexes approximately perpendicular to the windshield (30).

Abstract: This is a lobby dustpan handle which has a plurality of arcuate and straight segments resulting in a more effective and versatile utility of the dustpan and a broom used with the dustpan.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a processing system for removing contaminant particles from substrates. The processing system generally includes at least one processing enclosure having a particle removal assembly positioned therein. The particle removal assembly generally includes a substrate support member, a broadband actuator in communication with the substrate support member, and an air knife assembly positioned proximate the substrate support member. The air knife assembly is generally configured to generate a high pressure laminar flow of gas across the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaning system and more particularly pertains to a direct port vacuum cleaning system for use in a motor vehicle anytime or anywhere. The system comprises a vacuum generating unit and a vacuum cleaner hose. The vacuum generating unit comprises an electric motor, an impeller and a removable debris canister. The removable debris canister contains a vacuum cleaner hose attachment end and is directly connected to the vacuum cleaner hose. The vacuum generating unit also contains a vacuum exhaust port, located at the opposite end of the vacuum generating unit from the vacuum cleaner hose attachment end. The vacuum generating unit is powered by the vehicle's battery. The battery's power is converted from DC to AC by power inversion means.

Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including a belt storage compartment located in the bottom cover of the housing. The belt storage compartment is shaped so as to allow for storage of the belt in its relaxed state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a potable vacuum cleaner with charging and discharging functions, which comprises a housing being composed of front housing and rear housing, a electric fan, a dust deposit casing with a dust filter formed in the front housing therein, an air inlet provided at the head of the front housing, characterized in that a vent of the cleaner is positioned at the rear end of the rear housing, and the size and profile of the air inlet and vent are matched with the interface of a connecting tube. The potable vacuum cleaner of the invention can be used for charging and discharging an air cushion bed, a pneumatic raft, and a large balloon etc., when a connecting tube is connected with the vent or the inlet of the cleaner, in addition to be used as a cleaner.

Abstract: An electronic blackboard eraser consists of an erasing unit, a control unit having a driving element and an air fan set, and a filter unit located between the erasing unit and the control unit. The erasing unit has an erasing surface mounted with a plurality of erasing elements formed in strips for erasing blackboards. In addition to erasing the blackboards, this invention can also collect dust and powder.

Abstract: The invention is a floor care appliance such as vacuum cleaner having several embodiments of a dirt particle separating and collecting system removably inserted and sidewardly disposed into a recess in the floor care appliance's housing. One embodiment of the dirt particle separating and collecting system includes a translucent dirt cup having an apertured wall between a dirt particle collecting chamber and a second chamber housing a primary filter. One other embodiment is a translucent bag container for housing a filtration bag. The filtration bag may or may not be disposable and may or may not have a HEPA rating. Other embodiments include utilizing a single dirt container for housing the apertured wall and primary filter combination, a filtration bag only, or a combination of a filtration bag and the apertured wall and primary filter combination. Portions of the various embodiments of the dirt collecting systems may be seen through cutaway portions of the cleaner housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: A blower head, comprising a frame, a brush rotatably supported by the frame, a sweeper drive adapted for rotating said brush to sweep a surface, and a blower unit adapted for removing swept-up particles away from the surface. The frame includes a mouth portion and a throat portion. The brush is rotatably supported by the frame within the mouth portion. The sweeper drive rotates the brush to sweep particles such as snow or ice on a surface toward the frame. The mouth portion and the throat portion are constructed and arranged to funnel swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion and the blower unit positioned therein. The blower head further includes an exit chute. The blower unit creates a pressure differential between the mouth portion and the exit chute sufficient to draw the swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion, and to blow the swept-up particles out through the exit chute.

Abstract: A suction head of a vacuum cleaner with a power brush is provided. In the suction head of the vacuum cleaner with the power brush, the power brush rotatively contacts objects to be cleaned and separates alien substances from the objects to be cleaned, to thus let the vacuum cleaner suck up the alien substances.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner brush having a case and a rotary element on which a floor cloth is attached. The rotary element is rotatably disposed on a lower portion of the case. A housing is disposed in the case, having a motor disposed therein, the motor rotatably driving the rotary element. A first and second bushing into which the driven shaft of the rotary element is provided with a blocking element protruding from a bottom surface of the case in the shape of a cylinder along a circumference of the first bushing for preventing dust and dirt from flowing into the first bushing. A ring element protrudes from an upper and inner circumference of the first bushing toward an outer circumference of the driven shaft, the ring element prevents dust and dirt from flowing into the housing. Dust and dirt are thereby prevented from flowing into the housing and damaging various components such as the motor and gears in the housing.

Abstract: Problems in a conventional wheel of a traveling structure are solved, which in a traveling toy, the lateral movement cannot be performed reducing a game fascinating aspect and it is difficult to differentiate the toy from other traveling toys, and when a field is furrowed with a cultivator, upon completion of the furrowing at the field end, the cultivator has to be revolved at the field end to form the next furrow, so that an additional field area is required or when the additional area is not available, a field portion is generated where the furrow cannot be formed. A wheel for a traveling structure comprises an auxiliary-wheel carrier that rotates when the traveling structure proceeds straight and revolves, and a plurality of auxiliary wheels attached to the auxiliary-wheel carrier rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the auxiliary-wheel carrier, part of the auxiliary wheels being exposed from the external peripheral surface of the auxiliary-wheel carrier.