Abstract: A ball glove including front and back portions, at least one notch, and at least one elastic strip. The front and back portions have front and back lower edges, respectively. The back portion is coupled to the front portion to form a hand cavity. The front and back portions are separated along the front and back lower edges to define a hand-receiving opening. The notch is formed into the back portion and upwardly extends from the back lower edge. The at least one elastic strip extends across the notch generally parallel with the back lower edge. The strip at least partially fills the notch and is fixedly secured to the back portion. The at least one elastic strip enables the hand-receiving opening to resiliently expand to receive a user's hand and then to generally conform to the user's wrist.

Abstract: A glove apparatus for emitting light in area around the hand of the user. The glove apparatus includes a body member comprising a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines an interior space of the body member. The interior space of the body member is designed for selectively receiving the hand of the user. A plurality of light emitting assemblies are positioned in the perimeter wall of the body member. Each of the light emitting assemblies is designed for emitting light to illuminate an area around the hand of the user.

Abstract: Combination one-piece hand/forearm paddings and shin/foot paddings are disclosed, preferably, for use during martial arts events. The one-piece construction provides for a greater area of protection, and prevents the forearm and shin portions of the paddings from sliding up or down the wearer's arms and legs, respectively.

Abstract: A head gear apparatus (10) is provided that moves air to cool a caregiver's head. The head gear apparatus (10) includes a helmet (12) that has a shell (114) configured to rest upon a head of a user and a fan housing (120) movably coupled to shell (114), a fan (122) is positioned to lie within fan housing (120) and moves with fan housing (120) relative to shell (114), and a garment (14) selectively coupled to helmet (12). Garment (14) includes a face shield (20).

Abstract: An article of headwear having an integrated hairband and method for their construction is provided for cooperating with the headband for maintaining the headwear in a substantially fixed position on the wearer's head irrespective of the exercise or amount of activity of the wearer. In applications where the fixed position of the novel headwear dominates such as ski hats and exercise wear a substantially coplanar relationship is maintained to use the hair to anchor the headwear on the head. In applications where fashion vegarieties dictate an angular relationship can be provided between the headband and headwear in novel knitted articles of the invention. The invention integrates the hairband into the novel articles of headwear utilizing a plurality of loops to incorporate the hairband into the novel articles of headwear.

Abstract: An elastic textile belt for acupressure, includes securing elements at opposite ends of the belt for securing the belt around the waist of a user; an abdominal acupressure element having a plurality of metal protrusions on the inner surface of the belt and a pouch for holding heat generating elements on an outer surface of the belt; a movable lumbar acupressure element having a plurality of metal protrusions on the inner surface, a plurality of hooks on the outer surface and a pouch for holding heat generating elements between the surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helmet which includes a shell portion, a liner portion which is in the interior part of the helmet, and an insert portion which is embedded in the liner portion. The insert portion includes a mounting portion for one or more accessories, such as chin straps, side flaps, padding, and the like. The mounting liner provides structural integrity to the protective helmet, provides sufficient impact attenuation properties, and allows various items to be attached to the protective helmet, while still allowing the outer shell to be of lightweight construction. In one aspect, side portions about the ear are coupled to the insert portion. The side portions are rigid to provide support for side eyewear retaining portions that hold an eyewear elastic portion at the side of the helmet, thus preventing the eyewear from sliding off while resting atop the helmet.

Abstract: An cover for protecting a helmet, such as a motorcycle or sports helmet, including a substantially circular material portion having an outer periphery, a first open tube end positioned on the outer periphery, a second open tube end positioned on the outer periphery substantially adjacent the first open tube end and a hollow tube portion extending along the outer periphery from the first open tube end to the second open tube end. A first drawstring end extends from the first open tube end and a second drawstring end extending from the second open tube end with a drawstring extending through the hollow tube portion between the first drawstring end and the second drawstring end. The cover is adapted to wick moisture therethrough to minimize the risk of mildewing of an enclosed helmet. The drawstring and hollow tube portion defining an opening for insertion of the helmet into the cover, wherein the size of the opening is inversely related to the extension of the drawstring from the open ends.

Abstract: A shield fixing structure in which convenience in shield fixing or removing operation is further improved while superior effect in the fixing structure is being assured. This fixing structure is set such that when the stopper is oppositely faced against the passing notch at its full-opened upper limit position, the holding part holds the state to enable a turning of the shield over the full-opened upper limit position of the shield.

Abstract: A pair of swimming/diving goggles comprises two lenses, a protective frame, and a main frame. Each lens is made of rigid transparent material and includes a peripheral edge. The protective frame is made of a material that is slightly flexible and pull-resistant. The protective frame includes two rings each having a receiving groove for engaging with the peripheral edge of an associated one of the lenses. The main frame is made of soft material and securely engaged with the protective frame by means of molding injection. The main frame includes two padding portions for intimate contact with a user's eye sockets. The protective frame prevents disengagement of the lenses from the protective frame and the main frame when a pulling force is applied for wearing the pair of swimming/diving goggles.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a polyaryletherketone component with a wettable surface is disclosed. The surface of the polyaryletherketone component has a surface chemistry which enhances the ability of tissues to grow directly thereon. An associated method for enhancing the wettability of a prosthetic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A toilet seat cover that includes a sheet of impermeable material and at least one section of adhesive material. The section of adhesive material having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the section of adhesive material being attached to the sheet of impermeable material using an adhesive of a high peel strength that prevents the section of adhesive material from being easily removed from the sheet of impermeable material. The upper surface of the section of adhesive material having an adhesive of a low peel strength, so that the sheet may be folded upon itself to cover the upper surface of section of adhesive material, so that unfolding of the sheet of impermeable material exposes the upper surface of the section of adhesive material, so that the upper surface of the section of adhesive material may then be placed on the surface of a toilet seat to retain the toilet seat cover over the toilet seat.

Abstract: A portable fluid dispensing device suitable for convenient delivery of potable water. The portable fluid dispensing device includes a faucet and sink that can be conveniently located in close proximity to an individual located in a bed or chair. The sink is rotatable within a plane, and can be adjusted to a selected vertical height.

Abstract: A conventional, full-scale emergency shower and eyewash unit uniquely retrofitted for use in work areas where water is not easily provided. An emergency shower and eyewash unit can be retrofitted at piping located near its top to be in fluid communication with a large capacity container suitable for containing liquid and located above the top of the shower/eyewash unit so that fluid (i.e., water) contained therein can flow into the shower/eyewash unit using the benefit of gravity. Additionally, a liquid release valve can be located near the base/bottom of the shower/eyewash unit so that liquid contained in the container can periodically be released during routine maintenance and cleaning. Conditioning means are also described ensures that fluid/water contained in the container is not allowed to become harmful through bacterial or microorganism growth, which is common in stagnant liquids such as water, and to maintain liquid temperature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an invalid patient transport system from point A to point B. The system is suspended from a ceiling and can move relative thereto in a first movement The system has a second movement to be able to turn relative to the ceiling in different directions. The transport system further has a third movement and that is an up and down movement relative to the ceiling. The system further has a fourth movement and that is to move a seating assembly under a patient and between the location the patient is sitting or reclining on.

Abstract: The present application provides a self-lock hub unit of the lower frame of the playyard includes a body (10) having a plurality of slots formed at a periphery thereof for receiving tube legs of the playyard and a vertical cavity formed at the center thereof; an actuating member (20) which is vertically movably received in the cavity; two sliding engaging assemblies (30) movably mounted two oppositely positioned tube legs respectively, each sliding engaging assembly having a first member, a second member coupled to the first member for movably coupling the first member to one of the tube legs, and a biasing member disposed in the tube leg to bias the first and second members toward an open end of the tube leg, wherein the two oppositely positioned tube legs are rotatably received in two radially opposite slots of the body respectively; two locking means (16, 17) formed on the body at positions corresponding to the sliding engaging assemblies respectively and having a guiding portion (18, 18′) and an eng

Abstract: An inclining collapsible bed (200) including a mattress (214) and a support frame (218), including a number of frame members (32) where the upper ends of the frame members (32) are pivotally attached to upper connector assemblies (40), and the lower ends are pivotally attached to feet (38). The support frame (218) includes an inclining portion (206) having at least one inclining support member (208) and at least one angle retention mechanism (220), which is preferably an adjustable clip (222). The bed (200) is configured to optionally use an air mattress (14), which can be attached to the frame (214) so that the bed frame (218) is self-expanding in response to the inflation of the air mattress (14). Also an inclining collapsible bed frame (218).

Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.

Abstract: An ultra lightweight hammock for suspension between two trees includes a rectangular top panel joined along at least three side and end edges to a bottom panel. An elongate opening permits access between the top and bottom panels. Tubular sleeves form each end of the hammock and receive elongate webs which extend from the ends of the tubular sleeves around an adjacent tree to be secured by an adjustable buckle attachment. An option pocket may be formed in the bottom panel to receive a sleeping pad.

Abstract: A hammock stand includes faux bamboo nodes formed periodically along the tubular component, which a color highlighted for simulating a bamboo appearance.

Abstract: A bed frame section comprising a pair of telescoping members adapted to be connected or utilized within a bed frame structure. At least one adjustable leg connector is mounted on one of the members. The leg connector includes a generally inverted U-shaped strap that extends over the member and an extension that extends downwardly from the U-shaped strap and includes an opening for receiving an upper portion of a leg. The upper portion of a leg is inserted into the opening of the extension, and the leg and extension are secured together by a bolt and nut assembly. By tightening the bolt the inverted U-shaped strap is closed around the member. When the bolt assembly assumes a loosened state, the inverted U-shaped strap along with the attached leg can be moved along the length of the member.

Abstract: A plural-panel articulated (segmented) foldable/unfoldable (in a zigzag fashion) structure which can be unfolded and deployed in the form of a rectangular mat, and which can be folded to form plural other shapes, including a fully-folded shape which takes the form of a stack-cube of panels which is very compact in overall size. Each panel includes a central, anti-projectile barrier structure, and a cushioning foam structure, which offers features and advantages relating to fluid buoyancy, thermal insulation, and cushioning.

Abstract: A device is provided to heat bed covers prior to a person entering the bed on winter nights. This apparatus mounts on a side of the mattress being supported by adjustable elements that extend between the mattress and a box spring. A fan in the apparatus forces room air through an electric heating coil and then through an outlet which directs the air flow between the bed covers.

Abstract: A decorative pillow with all the individual proportions of the flower represented by the pillow. Each pillow consists of a center (a), individual petals that are fashioned in the shape of the petals of the flower being duplicated (b), leaves which correspond with each flower (c), a potpourri pouch (d), in which to add potpourri, and a bottom (e).

Abstract: A pillow with a retractable umbrella, comprising a pillow assembly with first and second ends. The first and second ends have a channel extending therebetween. Fixedly secured onto the first end of the pillow assembly is a supporting assembly with third and fourth ends. The supporting assembly has a cavity between the third and fourth ends to store items within, and has a removable end-cap to access the cavity. Extending from the supporting assembly is an umbrella assembly. The umbrella assembly lying within the channel in a stored position. The instant invention having rotating and swivel means for positioning the umbrella assembly while in an erect position. The invention may be stored in a case for easy carrying and in an open position, allows a user to lay his/her head on the pillow while covering their face from sunlight.

Abstract: A support pillow for supporting an infant during nursing, comprises a generally U-shaped base having two free ends, a top surface and a bottom surface, and an infant securing strap attached at at least one end to the base. The strap is adapted to be wrapped over an infant resting on the top surface of the base. The strap is removably securable to secure the infant on the base.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad including at least two sets of inflatable cells, each set being alternately inflated and deflated, wherein at least one cell in each cell set has for example, circumferential internal membranes or external straps, to accelerate the deflation of the at least one cell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a survival tool that can be used as a spear, a crutch, a walking stick, or in pairs as a stretcher. The present invention discloses an elongated rod like device being segmented with each segment having a specific purpose or use. Segments are provided to serve as a spear, a flare, a strobe light, and, for other purposes.

Abstract: A system for the controlled addition of detergent formulations and the like to a carbon dioxide cleaning apparatus comprises: (a) a high pressure wash vessel; (b) an auxiliary vessel; (c) a drain line connecting the auxiliary vessel to the wash vessel; (d) optionally but preferably, a separate vent line connecting the auxiliary vessel to the wash vessel; (e) a detergent reservoir; and (f) a detergent supply line connecting the detergent reservoir to the auxiliary vessel. An advantage of this apparatus is that, because the detergent formulation can be pumped into the auxiliary vessel in a predetermined aliquot or amount, which predetermined aliquot or amount can then be transferred into the wash vessel where it combines with the liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution, the detergent formulation can be added to the cleaning solution in a more controlled or accurate manner.

Abstract: A dock leveler for use in a loading dock. The dock leveler includes a ramp, an inflatable assembly, and a gas moving device. The ramp includes an undersurface and is pivotal between a generally horizontal lowered position and an upwardly-inclined, raised position. The inflatable assembly is positioned under the ramp. The gas-moving device is mounted adjacent to the undersurface and fluidly connected to the inflatable assembly. A conduit fluidly connects the top of the inflatable assembly and the gas-moving device to provide gas to the top of the inflatable assembly. A support is positioned under and supports the inflatable assembly. The support is supported by a pit floor and is unsecured to the pit floor. The support can be manually lifted completely out of engagement with the pit floor when the ramp is in the raised position.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for cleaning a surface of a wafer. The method starts by scrubbing the surface of the wafer with a cleaning brush that applies a chemical solution to the surface of the wafer. In one example, the cleaning brush implements a through the brush (TTB) technique to apply the chemicals. The scrubbing is generally performed in a brush box, with a top cleaning brush and a bottom cleaning brush. The top cleaning brush is then removed from contact with the surface of the wafer. The chemical concentration in the top brush may be maintained at substantially the same concentration that was in the brush during the scrubbing operation. Next, a flow of water (preferably de-ionized water) is delivered to the surface of the wafer. The delivery of water is preferably configured to remove substantially all of the chemical solution from the surface of the wafer before proceeding to a next cleaning operation.

Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a reservoir for holding windshield washer fluid, and an applicator system for furnishing washer fluid from the reservoir to an exterior surface of the vehicle. A heat transfer system recovers heat from a braking system of the vehicle and conveys the recovered heat to the washer fluid contained within the reservoir.

Abstract: A suction cleaner nozzle has a nozzle body enclosing an agitator chamber, which has an elongated suction inlet opening. An agitator is disposed in the agitator chamber such that the agitator extends partially through the suction inlet opening for agitating a surface to be cleaned. A duct is connected to the nozzle body and located adjacent the agitator chamber. The duct extends parallel to the rotative axis of the agitator.

Abstract: Door stop apparatus includes a block secured to a vehicle and a bar extending through a generally horizontal bore in the block. The bar is secured to a vehicle door and includes stop recesses spaced apart from each other. The bar extends through a cylinder a generally vertical bore in the block and the cylinder includes a biased roller which extends sequentially into the stop recesses on the bar to provide intermediate stops for the vehicle door. The cylinder pivots or rotates in the bore as the door moves.

Abstract: A hinge for spectacles comprising a joint body (5) used as a hinge axle, which body forms a coaxial circumferential groove (7) for receiving an eye (9) of a side jaw (8) and is rotationally rigidly held between two legs (4) of an end (2) of a side, which legs are mutually connected at least at one end and extend on either side of the circumferential groove (7). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the joint body (5) consists of two preferably disk-like parts (6) whose abutting surfaces (s) extend transversally to the hinge axle in the zone of the circumferential groove (7).

Abstract: A hinge for collapsible ladders, includes an external frame including a center aperture and a pair of locking apertures; an inner frame rotatable with the external frame and including a center aperture and pairs of locking apertures; a rotary plate rotatably disposed between the frames and having locking apertures; a substantially flat rotary spring having one end mounted to the inner frame and an opposite end mounted to the rotary plate; a hub member rotatably connecting the frames about the center apertures, and including a locking end at one side; a locking part for extension into the locking apertures to fix an angle of the frames relative to each other; a press axle connected with the locking part, passing through the hub member, and including a bearing end; and a spring positioned between the hub member locking end and the press axle bearing end.

Abstract: An automatic releasing hinge. The hinge enables a device to be turned under an external force, and to be automatically released when a turning angle exceeds a selected limit so that the device may be prevented from becoming damaged when being turned by a force beyond a normal range.

Abstract: A duplex opposite friction hinge adopted for extending a notebook computer or an article which has a lid as desired includes an axle member, a first rotary member which has a first rotary section to couple with the axle member, and a second rotary member which has a second rotary section encasing the first rotary section. The first rotary section and the second rotary section are extended to form a first fastening section and a second fastening section. The first fastening section and the second fastening section correspond to each other and are located transversely on the center of the axle member.

Abstract: An articulating strut capable of assuming an extended in-line and a folded configuration with rigid cylindrical tubing having proximate ends configured to fixably receive an offset hinged insert that provides for folding and unfolding of said strut. When fully unfolded the strut acts as a single rigid structural support member held in the locked position by a bidirectional slidable locking sleeve. The hinged insert has shapes and curved surfaces which together with offset hinge pins tends to expel the sleeve from a pinch possibility at the folding joint. Convex and concave linkage shapes together with rounded surfaces which bear against a rounded sleeve end avoids sleeve pinch.

Abstract: A handle conversion device for facilitating movement of a wheeled object which includes a preexisting handle with a grip member having a longitudinal axis positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to a desired direction of movement. The handle conversion device includes a hand grip, a neck and an attachment portion. The hand grip includes a longitudinal axis orientated substantially perpendicular to the plane occupied by the grip member of the preexisting handle, and substantially within the plane defined by the forward and rearward movement of the wheeled object. The attachment portion includes a hook member and a retention member which, in combination, act to releasably retain the grip member of the preexisting handle, to controllably maintain the substantially perpendicular relationship of the hand grip for the handle conversion device to the preexisting handle.

Abstract: A lanyard system conveniently suspends entry badges, keys or other objects about the neck. The system comprises a connector having a male buckle portion and a female buckle portion. The male buckle portion has an attachment coupling thereon such that the male buckle portion can be selectively mounted within a female buckle portion and can selectively receive an attachment thereon. Knobs on the sides of the connector provide a convenient gripping surface.

Abstract: A ratcheted lashing strap assembly is described. The assembly is formed of a lashing strap and a tightening device. The tightening device has a frame and a winding drum, rotatable in the frame, for winding up the lashing strap. A fixation end of the lashing strap, in the form of a loop, grips a retention strut that is parallel to the winding drum and is firmly attached to the frame. An eye of the loop is penetrated by a support strut, extending approximately parallel to the retention strut, that as a separate component from the tightening device protrudes by both ends from the loop eyelet and on the side opposite the winding drum from the cinching side is braced on the frame on the retention strut and assumes a variable distance from the retention strut. An end run, adjoining a loop foot, of the lashing strap is fixed in clamping fashion by the support strut between the loop and the lashing strap to be cinched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turn-lock fastener (2) for detachably adjusting and varying the effective length of at least one tensioning element (6) with a winding device which can be Actuated at least in a closing direction via a turning grip (13) that can be actuated around a central axis (2.1). The invenitve turn-lock fastener should be designed in such a way that it can be easily inserted into a base plate (1) and can be easily removed therefrom. To this end, the turn-lock fastener (2) and the base plate (1) are interconnected in an articulated manner via a turning joint (1.3, 1.4) in such a way that the turn-lock fastener (2) can be pivotally folded down like a flap to the base plate (1) and can thereby locked with the same or the turn-lock fastener can be foleded away from the base plate and can thereby be unlocked from the same.

Abstract: A modified structure of a telescopic belt buckle includes a spring compartment in the belt buckle body, and a latch located at the end of the spring to link the head of the belt, which is allowed to slide along the compartment and reach the belt fastening the human body with specific length for extension. As both the thickness of the belt equals the space taken by the spring, the compartment is thus provided with enough space for telescopic movement of the most slim and simple buckle.

Abstract: A clamp having first and second handle assemblies with each handle assembly having a jaw, a hand grip and an intermediate portion. The handle assemblies are pivotally mounted to each other at their intermediate portions for movement between an open position and a predetermined closed position. A spring is provided for biasing the hand grips and jaws to an open position. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the jaws in the predetermined closed position. The locking mechanism comprises a rack mounted on one of the hand grips and a pawl mounted on the other hand grip, each of which have teeth adapted to mesh with each other to hold the jaws in the predetermined closed position. Mechanism is also provided to release the pawl teeth from the rack teeth to permit the jaws and hand grips to move to an open position.

Abstract: A buckle device is disclosed for releasably fastening together a first, second and third strap. The device includes a first plug attached to the first strap and a second plug attached to the second strap. A socket is attached to the third strap and a release button is molded separately from the socket and cooperates with the socket such that when the button is disposed in a first disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are secured relative to the socket and when the button is disposed in a second disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are released from the socket. The socket defines a catch which engages an opening when the tongue is inserted into a first hole such that the first plug is secured relative to the socket. Also, the socket defines a further catch which engages a further opening when the further tongue is inserted into a second hole such that the second plug is secured relative to the socket.

Abstract: A slide hammer tool is particularly useful for replacing worn teeth of a trenching machine. The teeth are retained in chain links of the trenching machine by respective open keeper rings. The tool has a rod with stops proximate both ends. A hammer is slidable on the rod between the stops. On one rod end is a wedge with converging surfaces that match radial surfaces on the keeper rings. The other end of the rod has a concave surface that matches the keeper ring outer diameter. To remove the keeper ring from a worn tooth, the wedge converging surfaces are abutted against the keeper ring radial surfaces. The hammer is rapidly struck against the corresponding stop. The impact of the hammer on the stop is transmitted to the wedge converging surfaces and to the keeper ring radial surfaces. The impact is sufficient to cause the keeper ring opening to expand, and the keeper ring is pushed off the tooth.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator is constructed to be vibrated in a square type vibration mode and to minimize the variations in the resonant frequency caused by the manufacturing process. The resonator includes a piezoelectric substrate having a pair of main surfaces, electrodes disposed on the pair of main surfaces and grooves provided on one of the main surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate. The grooves divide at least one of the electrodes into a plurality of divided electrodes. One of the plurality of divided electrodes defines an input/output electrode. A maximum distance between the outer edges of two of the grooves disposed opposite to each other across the input/output electrode is about 0.5 to about 0.55 times the length of one side edge of the piezoelectric substrate.

Abstract: A method to produce a piezoelectric device having one or more piezoelectric thin film layers and two or more electrode layers. The method comprises forming an amorphous electrode layer, forming a least one amorphous piezoelectric thin film layer over the amorphous electrode layer and forming a second electrode layer over at least one piezoelectric thin film layer. Then, the amorphous piezoelectric thin film layers and the amorphous electrode layers are crystallized by hydrothermal synthesis. The hydrothermal synthesis is not performed until all of the amorphous layers are deposited.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a roof seaming machine on a roof has a frame formed by a pair of spaced support members. Each support member includes an arm having a slotted transverse channel member affixed to one end thereof, and a vertical column is connected to the opposite end of the arm. A platform for supporting the seaming machine is connected to the frame by a pair of hinge knuckles which allow the platform to be folded upward when the machine is not resting on it. The frame is secured to the roof by applying clamps to roof seams where the seams protrude through slots in the channel members, thus enabling the platform to support the machine beyond the edge of the roof.