Abstract: A ball catching tool for baseball or softball includes a thumb-stall receiving the thumb, an index-finger-stall receiving the index finger, a middle-finger-stall receiving the middle finger, a ring-finger-stall receiving the ring finger and a little-finger-stall receiving the little finger; wherein a ball catching assisting portion of at least 6.15 mm and at most 26.6 mm in height is provided on a ball catching side surface of the thumb-stall or its root portion.

Abstract: A hybrid motorsport garment is provided. The garment includes at least one leg covering and a knee padding and protective assembly. The knee padding and protective assembly includes a knee frame and a cylindrical shaped object.

Abstract: A garment protector suitable for covering the head while trying on wearing apparel to prevent staining or soiling of the wearing apparel from dirt, facial oils, makeup, or the like, wherein the garment protector is comprised of two sheets of tissue paper substantially secured together about their periphery, leaving an opening for insertion of the wearer's head therethrough. Tabs extend downward from the open portion of the periphery, wherein the tabs are removably insertable in the wearer's clothing/undergarments to secure the garment protector in place prior to trying on the wearing apparel.

Abstract: The swimming cap with waterproof pouch is a cap that holds a digital music player within a resealable pouch disposed within the cap. A pair of audio cables is sheathed within the cap and extends from the pouch down through the cap. One end of each of the audio cables extends into the pouch and terminates in an audio plug adapted to connect to the music player. The other end of each of the audio cables terminates in an ear bud integrated into the cap. The user is able to listen to music coming from the digital music player without exposing any electronic elements to the water.

Abstract: Made from a lightweight, elastic and adaptable fabric (1), that comprises at least one first strip (2) with a polymer or copolymer in contact with the user's skin, that covers up at least part of the users body, at least a second strip (3) with a polymer or copolymer, in the area of the trunk or around the user's neck, in contact with at least one part of the sports garment (4), and at least one preformed portion (5) in at least one prominent or articulated area of the human body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an appropriately-sized protective hand cover for children that is made of a suitable barrier material and is used for reducing the potential adverse health impacts associated with dermal and ingestion exposures to infectious disease pathogens and environmental contaminants that are often found in areas where children frequent, such as public bathrooms, and during certain activities, such as painting and baking. The device is preferably mitten-shaped and includes a fastening device adapted to securely fasten the device around at least a portion of the child's hand.

Abstract: A heatproof mitten is essentially a bag and has an outer surface, an inner surface, an open end, a closed end, multiple nubs, multiple slots, multiple top ribs and multiple bottom ribs. The closed end has a finger end and a thumb end that allow a person's four fingers and a thumb to slide into the heatproof mitten. The nubs protrude from the outer surface at the closed end and reduce the surface area of the heatproof mitten in contact with a hot dish. The slots are formed in the outer surface of the bag between the closed end and the open end to make the heatproof mitten more flexible around a person's wrist. The ribs are formed longitudinally on the inner surface of the bag to form an air gap between a person's hand and the inner surface to make putting on and taking off the heatproof mitten easier.

Abstract: The invention is a garment which has the characteristic of supporting the male genitals in a cradle created by a suspension of cloth which does not pull towards the abdomen, but rather is itself supported by anchoring points at the waistline at the maximum width of the torso. This forms a sling-like platform which functions much like a hammock stretched between two trees, and the wearer's genitals rest on the hammock. The structure necessary to support the hammock is a form-fitting athletic short, with certain modifications to support the improvement of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved woman's stocking/stay up/thigh high stockings that has a utilitarian pocket, sewn, knitted or attached at the time of manufacturing, lasting the life of the stockings. The improved stocking with pocket can carry personal items, such as but not limited to condoms, monies, a single key, Identification, etc. It will not only cover the wearer's legs, but also provide the benefit of concealing and carrying personal items until their time of use. In cases where the stocking is made with a pocket which will carry prophylactic articles, the stocking will add the benefit of easy retrieval of said prophylactic item, thus promoting the practice of safe sex. The attached pocket can be made of any material and range in size and location.

Abstract: A screen for eye protection goggles is disclosed having a first and a second lens (5, 6) connected together; the screen (3) being characterized by including a seal (7) that extends along a closed ring-shaped path and is positioned along the rims (13, 15) of the first and the second lenses (5, 6) in such a way as to join the first and the second lens (5, 6) and form an airtight cavity (8) between the first and the second lens (5, 6).

Abstract: A check valve for bathrooms and toilets to improve air ventilation and prevent insects and viruses from entering the bathrooms and toilets includes an elbow duct which has an inlet end on one side communicating with a ventilation vent, and a cylinder extended outwards from the inlet end to couple with a padding on the inner rim. There is an outlet end on other end of the elbow duct positioned in a diagonal and upper manner relative to the cylinder. The elbow duct has an inclined side on the bottom. The inclined side has an upper end bent to form a conical cavity. The elbow duct houses a ball which may roll automatically on the inclined side to close the ventilation vent. When air is dispelled through the ventilation vent, airflow pushes the ball to the conical cavity to form a passage in the elbow duct.

Abstract: A system for extracting odors is disclosed. The system comprises a toilet having a bowl with an upper rim. The bowl can be configured to contain water in the bottom of the bowl. A flush opening in the bottom of the bowl can be configured to enable water to be evacuated from the bowl through the flush opening. The system further comprises a ventilation conduit extending between the bowl and drain. The ventilation conduit comprises an upper wall and a lower wall. The lower wall of the ventilation conduit can extend above the upper rim of the bowl. The system also comprises a negative pressure unit. The negative pressure unit can be configured to draw air from the bowl through the ventilation conduit and into the drain.

Abstract: A pressure toilet has a trapway providing “as needed” (bulk dependent) siphon assist. During normal liquid waste or low bulk flushing, no siphon is formed in the trapway, and the water and light waste in the bowl are evacuated solely under the force of the pressurized jet of water. A large volume near or just downstream from the dam is provided to accommodate the blow out from the water jet. Only upon reaching a threshold concentration of bulk waste material in the down leg does the trapway draw a siphon. A horizontal baffle at the lower part of the down leg assists in the accumulation of bulk material of sufficient concentration to establish a siphon in the trapway.

Abstract: A toilet overflow control system is provided including a secondary float chamber and secondary float. The secondary float chamber is located below the toilet water tank and behind the toilet bowl at the water level of the toilet bowl and extending upward to the bottom of the toilet water tank. A vertical rod extends upward from the secondary float and is attached to a lever on the toilet water supply valve. This allows the secondary float to turn off the water when the toilet bowl water rises above a normal level. The vertical rod is inside a tube that allows it to go through the water tank without any loss of water. The secondary float chamber is fluidically connected to the toilet bowl by a horizontal conduit located just above the toilet bowl normal water level. A rinse hose is connected to the water supply valve to allow rinse water to flow into the secondary float chamber to prevent a back flow of water into the secondary float chamber during the flush.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically providing covering and uncovering of a recessed area including a hot tub or the like. The system includes a cover assembly comprising a stationary section, and a movable cover section movable with respect to the stationary section between (i) a retracted, stowed position, out of the plane of the stationary section and in vertical registration with the stationary section, wherein the hot tub is uncovered, and (ii) an operative, extended position, in the plane of the stationary section and in end-to-end registration with the stationary section, wherein the hot tub is covered.

Abstract: A shower curtain for mounting over an outer rim of a bathtub includes a main shower curtain portion having a bottom portion, an inside surface that faces the interior of the bathtub and an outside surface opposite the inside surface. The bottom portion of the main shower curtain portion covers an outer surface of the outer rim of the bathtub. An inside flap is permanently attached to and extends from the bottom portion of the main shower curtain portion. The inside flap covers an inner surface of the outer rim of the bathtub.

Abstract: A portable shower apparatus for storing and dispensing water during an outdoor activity. The apparatus includes a container for storing water and an electrical pump within the container. The water is dispensed by a shower head actuated by a push button that regulates the flow of water dispensed by the shower head. The pump is powered through a 12-Volt DC adapter of a vehicle. The container is further provided with a bracket for mounting the shower head and a pouch for storing additional accessories.

Abstract: A faucet arrangement includes a sensing device for sensing a presence of a user of a spout. The sensing device includes an infrared emitter installed such that a direction of emission of the emitter is oriented an angle of approximately between 5 and 15 degrees relative to a vertical direction. A receiver receives a diffused infrared energy from the emitter. A control device is in communication with the receiver and controls a flow of liquid through the spout dependent upon an angle at which the diffused infrared energy is received by the receiver.

Abstract: A faucet assembly including a mounting base and an upper faucet assembly. A coupler releasably couples the upper faucet assembly to the mounting base.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

Abstract: A pillow blanket comprises a blanket, foot pocket and a pair of sleeves. The foot pocket is made of a pocket panel secured at the side and bottom edges of the panel to the middle third portion of the blanket and the bottom edge of the blanket. A pair of sleeves is attached respectively to the perimeter of a pair of sleeve apertures in the blanket. The sleeve apertures have an oblong shape and oblique orientation. The blanket can be folded into the foot pocket to form a symmetrical pillow.

Abstract: A bed covering for use by one or more occupants includes an upper portion, a lower portion, an opening, and an overlap. The opening may be formed by the overlap of the upper portion and the lower portion so that through and between the overlap, an occupant's body part such as a foot, leg, hand or in any combination thereof may be extended out of the bed covering.

Abstract: A multipurpose pillow serving couple in a relaxed and comfortable when they face each other or when they are in a face-to-back position in bed. The pillow has a body with sides, ends, top and bottom with the bottom having passageways formed by the intersection of one longitudinal and two transverse channels. The channels have first and second end openings and the formed the passages are firm to prevent undue pressure on the arms when they inside the pillow. Multiple opens are available in the pillow to provide variations in positioning the arms inside the pillow.

Abstract: As stated in Paragraph [0001], the inventor, in thirty years of being in or around the construction business, has never seen a ready-made platform in use while workers are installing or repairing plumbing inside a cabinet. The inventor has never seen such an item in a home center, and he assumes that one does not exist until now. The Support is simple in design, but very effective in bridging the corner of the cabinet. The diagonal ramp starts at the floor in front of the cabinet; the support rests up against the bottom of the cabinet; and the horizontal surface enters the cabinet. The worker will lie on his back; he will have a comfortable, safe surface on which to lie while working, instead of having to improvise something like a pillow or a blanket upon which to lie. The Support is strong; it is secure; it is comfortable; and it is safe.

Abstract: A multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory that enables user-selective employ, either individually or in combination, of various articles of comfort, including a pillow, blanket, lumbar support, hand cozy, foot cozy, and/or seat cushion. The present invention is particularly characterized by its provision of a structurally compact or bundled arrangement of the foregoing listed articles; thereby, facilitating expeditious assembly, disassembly, and carriage of same.

Abstract: An air cell provided for a mattress has two independent air chambers that are manufactured by die-casting at a same time. One of the independent air chambers is an adjustable air chamber, in which air can be alternately inputted and outputted through a pneumatic member to have the effect of promoting blood circulation of a person. The other independent air chamber is a supporting air chamber, which can support the body of the person with permanent air therein whenever the adjustable air chamber loses its function.

Abstract: Tool implements are provided for use in manipulating of target substrates and materials, such as soil, plant or vegetable matter, and other materials. The tools include a body portion, a retaining strap and an aperture formed therebetween. All or a portion of one or more fingers of a human hand may be inserted through the aperture. When the user manipulates the tool implement, the retaining strap assists in retaining the users hand in close contact with the body member. The tool implements provide reinforcement and stability to the user's hand. The tool implements also provide one or more of a variety of tools that extend from the user's fingertips for manipulating target substrates. The tool implements also shield all or a portion of the user's hand from direct contact with the target substrates and materials, and in some embodiments, further protect the user's hand from being soiled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plier handle comprising a body member with two sides connected by a connecting member, and a through hole for fixing one end of a plier grip disposed near the front end on each of the two sides of the body member, wherein the rear end of the body member is pivotally connected to various knife blades, and each of the knife blades has a locking member; a control plate is disposed in between the two sides, and one end of the control plate engages with the locking member of a knife blade and the other end engages with the end of the plier grip. The knife blades are easier to be pulled out or folded up and are prevented from turning over. The plier grip is fixed in vertical position corresponding to the plier handle. It has a compact structure fulfilling various daily needs.

Abstract: A dry cleaning process for in-home dry cleaning comprising a non-aqueous dry cleaning step of contacting a laundry article with a non-aqueous dry cleaning composition whereby the liquor to cloth ratio (w/w) (LCR) is at most 20, and said composition comprises a) a non-flammable, non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent; b) from 0 to 0.1 wt. % water by weight of the composition; and c) less than 0.9 wt.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems for reducing the drying time of lipophilic fluid-containing fabric articles are provided.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems for reducing the drying time of lipophilic fluid-containing fabric articles are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a paint or coating composition comprising an organic pigment or dye complexed to the surface of a layered or fibrous inorganic clay. A wide variety of paint colors can be obtained by varying the pH during the preparation as well as by varying the synthesis conditions and changing particle size of the clay.

Abstract: A dye composition is provided and includes a non-aqueous dye and an ionic liquid. A dyeing method is provided and includes a process of applying the dye composition to an object, and a process of removing fluidity of the dye composition.

Abstract: A portable ramp assembly and method of construction provides a ramp assembly with a pair of side rails and a plurality of panels adapted for releasable attachment to the side rails. The panels have an upper support surface and a like lower support surface facing opposite the upper support surface. The panels are individually removable from the side rails to interchange the upper and lower support surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of constructing partially earth-anchored cable-stayed bridges using a thermal prestressing technique, in which, when a steel girder-type partially earth-anchored cable-stayed bridge is built using a cantilever construction technique, the center of an intermediate span of the bridge is closed with a final key segment using a thermal prestressing technique, thus applying an initial axial tensile force to reinforcing girders of the bridge. To apply the initial axial tensile force to the reinforcing girders while the center of the intermediate span is closed with the final key segment, an appropriate space length required for closure of the final key segment is determined, and both the heating region and the heating temperature of the reinforcing girders according to the initial axial tensile force to be applied to the reinforcing girders during a process of manufacturing the final key segment are determined.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a housing, a driving mechanism and a plurality of cleaning elements. The driving mechanism is disposed in the housing. The cleaning elements are connected to the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism rotates the cleaning elements to clean the emitters.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush is disclosed wherein portion of the toothbrush head is movable about a hinge. The movable portion of the head reciprocates about that hinge through the interaction of a flexible extension of that portion containing a slot. Movable within the slot is an offset end of a rotating drive shaft connected to the power source in the toothbrush. Translation of rotation movement of the drive shaft to reciprocating movement of the hinged head is achievable in a manner that the power source is not stalled or burned out if movement of the toothbrush head is prevented or limited.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pig scraper for cleaning the inside wall of a coating agent conduit. The pig scraper includes a body insertable in the conduit and at least one sealing lip that seals against the inside wall of the conduit and extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. A space is defined between the sealing lip and the body to form a pocket for enhancing the sealing of the sealing lip with respect to the conduit. The length of the sealing lip substantially prevents the lip from folding over on itself in response to a change in the direction of movement of the pig scraper in the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact cleaning device. The present invention allows for convenient and easy storage of a compact cleaning device.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods. Additional tooth cleaning elements extend from one or more central pods suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods to move from an initial position toward the head during use. The central pods, the bridge and outer portions of the fixed pods may be formed as a unitary structure. When a single central pod is employed, a flexible section may be disposed in the middle of the central pod so that cleaning elements extending from either end of the central pod can move toward one another during use.

Abstract: A fabric brush comprising a brush head having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the brush head has a plurality of projections extending downwardly therefrom. The plurality of projections comprise at least one row of aligned projections having a non-circular face extending opposite to the top portion of the brush head.

Abstract: Disposable cleaning sheets for removing debris from a surface comprise a substrate and a plurality of protrusions affixed to the substrate. The cleaning sheets of the present invention have one or more of the following characteristics: (a) “Protrusion Flexibility” of at least about 0.5 grams, preferably from about 1 to about 200 grams, and more preferably from about 5 to about 70 grams; (b) “Glide Resistance” of less than about 1200 grams, preferably from about 25 to about 950 grams, and more preferably from about 200 to about 750 grams; (c) “Hair Capture Efficiency” of at least about 10%, preferably at least about 30%, and more preferably at least about 60%; and/or (d) “Sheet Capacity” of from about 0.2 to about 20 grams, preferably from about 0.5 to about 10 grams, and more preferably from about 0.75 to about 5 grams.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet for removing particulate matter from a surface comprises a substrate comprising first fibers and second fibers having different denier to improve caliper of the cleaning sheet. The first and second fibers will typically have a denier of from about 0.5 to about 15, wherein the difference in denier between the first fibers and the second fibers is at least about 0.5. The cleaning sheet is preferably free of a scrim material and can further comprise an optional additive material. A method of removing particulate matter from a surface comprises contacting the surface with a cleaning sheet of the present invention.

Abstract: A flexible cleaning tool for use in wet, damp or dry cleaning is disclosed. The cleaning tool (222), (322) includes a handle (224) defining a fluid reservoir receiving cradle (231) pivotally connected to an elongated flexible support member (226) (326). A cleaning pad (228) (328) encloses the support rod (226) (326).

Abstract: A duster comprises a wiping assembly; a wiping brush being installed below the wiping assembly; and a clamping cover for clamping the wiping assembly. In assembly state, a middle section of the cover is folded to clamp the wiping assembly and the wiping brush so that the middle section of the cover is formed with a clamp portion for clamping the wiping assembly and the wiping brush which being thermally combined. Each of two sides of one end is formed with a respective cambered portion, where a hollow space being formed between the cambered portion and an outer side of the wiping assembly; the hollow space being sealed at another end of the cover. In use, a handle with a biforked portion can be inserted into the two hollow spaces so that user can hold the handle to control the duster.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a mopping cover (1) for a mop (2) comprising a support (3) and the mopping cover (1) which at least partly encloses the support (3). Said support (3) is provided with triangular faces (6, 7) that extend away from each other like arrows on two opposite sides (4, 5) and are disposed in congruent, triangular insertion pockets (8, 9) of the mopping cover when properly using the mop (2). The imaginary extensions of the lateral lines (10, 11; 12, 13) of the faces (6, 7) and the insertion pockets (8, 9) are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other while angularly intersecting each other, respectively. The insertion pockets (8, 9) are formed by the mopping cover (1), are embodied as a single piece, and are made of the same material as the mopping cover (1).

Abstract: A hand-held scraper device containing a stowable multi blade pivoting head. The pivoting head is comprised of at least two scraping elements which remain at a fixed angle relative to each other while still allowing a pivoting action of the head assembly independently from the handle. The angle of the scraping elements relative to each other is set such that as the two scraping elements are jointly presented against the work surface they will be maintained at an angular attitude conducive to a scraping action in both a push and pull direction. The pivoting head can be collapsed for more efficient stowage or as an alternate configuration for specific scraping applications.

Abstract: A cleaning tool cover configured for removable application to a cleaning tool in order to provide a microfiber cleaning surface on the cleaning tool. The cleaning tool may include, for example, a sponge mop or a dust mop and the cleaning tool cover may be used wet or dry and may be attached to the cleaning tool using a variety of attachment structures. In one embodiment, the cleaning tool cover is configured as a bonnet having a recess and an elastic opening that may be enlarged temporarily to allow a mop head to be inserted into the recess and then allowed to retract to secure the cleaning tool cover to the mop. In another embodiment, the cleaning tool cover may include a plurality of flaps for attaching the tool cover to the cleaning tool.

Abstract: A dust collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust collecting unit includes a dust separating chamber with an air inlet formed on an outer surface thereof and an air outlet formed on one side thereof, a main dust collecting chamber formed in the dust separating chamber for separating dust and dirt in a cyclonic fashion, an auxiliary dust collecting chamber formed at one side of the main dust collecting chamber, and a partition plate for partitioning the main dust collecting chamber. The dust collecting unit allows an amount of air sucked and the efficiency of collecting dust and dirt to be greatly increased.

Abstract: A turbine brush for a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a turbine brush body connected to a cleaner body in which a suction force is generated and having a suction path therein, a brush member rotatably mounted to the turbine brush body, a driving unit rotatably mounted in the turbine brush body to drive the brush member, and an inertia member for adding inertia to a driving force of the driving unit. Accordingly, a rotative force is not deteriorated even by small particles such as fine dust and hair, owing to the inertia added to the turbine, thereby improving a cleaning efficiency.