Abstract: An improved glove that significantly enhances the ability of the user to grip and manipulate a variety of differently configured objects and particularly to grip and manipulate objects between the thumb and the index finger. The improved glove exhibits a multiplicity of elastomeric gripping dots on the palm side of the glove and on both sides of the thumb portion of the glove to enable the user to securely grip and manipulate various types of articles.

Abstract: The invention includes a neck and clothing protector and method of using same that are especially designed for use in the cosmetology industry. Embodiments of the protector may include a rectangular strip of textured, flexible waterproof material of preselected dimensions wherein the protector is integral and does not have any scoring or perforations passing through its rectangular surface.

Abstract: An article of adjustably fitted protective apparel includes a vest and an adjustable tensioning system for selective tensioning of the vest into a snug fit on a body of a wearer of the vest. The adjustable tensioning system includes a rotary tension adjuster disposed on the vest and including a housing and a first spool disposed within the housing, and a tensioning line extends from the housing. The tensioning line is attached directly or indirectly to the vest. A portion of the tensioning line is configured to be wound upon the first spool during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in a first rotational direction thereof. Winding of the portion of the first tensioning line draws together first portions of the vest for providing a snug fit of the first portions.

Abstract: The present invention is a softer belt typically used for garments and it can be altered to be used as a collar for animals, a strap for carrying bags and luggage, or as a work belt used for nail bags used in construction. The softer belt, softer strap, and softer animal collar comprises nylon tubular webbing and is filled with one or more of the following materials; polystyrene pellets, memory foam, shredded polyurethane foam, whole foam or any other conceivable material that could be stuffed into the tubular webbing, which makes the device of this invention softer, plusher, and more comfortable. The work belt is easily adjustable and also comprises nylon tubular webbing filled with one or more of the above materials, but the webbing is not limited to being tubular and can also be flat nylon webbing, flat polypropylene webbing, flat patterned polypropylene webbing, etc.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus including a storage element having a reservoir sized for holding a supply of surfactant and an outlet through which surfactant is drawn from the reservoir; a metering device operatively attached to the storage element outlet for measuring an amount of surfactant; and a siphoning tube operatively connected to the metering device. The siphoning tube is operatively connectible to a toilet overflow tube so that the amount of surfactant measured by the metering device is dispensed into the toilet bowl when water passes from the overflow tube to the toilet bowl to refill the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A device useful for the delivery of a treatment composition, and a fragrancing effect to a sanitary appliance, especially a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A noise and splash attenuation device for use in a standard toilet fixture with a liquid filled bowl, receiving falling debris along a generally vertical axis comprises a generally planar sheet having a transmission network for transmitting the debris to the liquid surface through the sheet. An incident angle is presented by the sheet in relation to the vertical axis of the falling liquid at the impact of the falling liquid on the sheet. An alternative embodiment of a foam producing agent formed as a result of a reaction between a surfactant, an alkaline metal carbonate, an organic acid and the liquid contained within the toilet fixture where the produced foam substantially covers the liquid surface. Another alternative embodiment may include placing a generally planar sheet within the toilet fixture, the foam producing agent applied to the planar sheet for reaction with the liquid surface.

Abstract: A potty training device for male and female toddlers that is adaptable to be used as a training urinal for male toddlers. The convertible potty and urinal training device can be used the same way as conventional training potties but, in addition and unlike conventional training potties, is easily converted to a training urinal to train male toddlers to urinate in the standing position. This invention is comprised of a front, back, and side walls on a base with legs having a opening in the floor center. A removable waste container is mounted beneath the base for collecting waste making it adaptable to be used as a urinal for male toddlers. A removable seat with a opening in its bottom section is mated on the top and side brims of the urinal section making it adaptable to be used the same way as a conventional training potty.

Abstract: A spa for an above-ground pool, the spa comprising a shell adapted to receive water therein and including a perimeter wall, an opening in the perimeter wall, a support structure adapted to support the shell so that the opening corresponds with a pool opening to define a passage providing fluid communication between the pool and the spa, and a removable partition for closing the passage. Also, a spa comprising a shell including an enclosure for receiving water therein, at least one bench defining a seating surface at an adequate height, a top coping defining a top end of the shell, and an outer wall extending downwardly from the top coping and having a bottom end which is lower than the seating surface, such that the shell is stackable onto a similar shell with the bottom end of the outer wall resting on the top coping of the similar shell.

Abstract: The Invention is a swimming machine operated by a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor. A first and a second tubular rail support the swimming machine in a swimming pool and are configured to resemble a swimming pool ladder and thus disguise the swimming machine. The configuration of the tubular rails substantially prevents use of the swimming machine as a ladder. A radio-operated remote control proportional relief valve selectably bleeds hydraulic fluid from the high pressure side to the low pressure side of the hydraulic pump, allowing remote control of the velocity of water in the pool.

Abstract: Improvement in spa cover design to increase the weight carrying capacity of the cover by using internal reinforcements.

Abstract: A repair kit is provided for extending the use of inflatable pools. When the inflatable ring around the top of such a pool is deflated, flotation devices are placed under the flap of the inflatable ring. Any flotation devices may be used that are safe, provide buoyancy, and will not puncture the material of the ring, for example the foam flotation devices called “noodles.” The flotation devices are kept in place under the flap of the ring by a binding apparatus with sufficient weight to keep the flotation devices from floating loose. For example, a standard garden hose may be inserted through a small slit in the ring to serve as binding. The repair kit may be used on a pool with a ring without a leak, to avoid having subsequent leaks. The repair kit also allows a pool to be filled higher with water than when the pool's ring is inflated.

Abstract: A sump body for a swimming pool is manufactured by injection molding. The sump body consists of at least three inwardly tapered section created for stackability and as a reinforcement. An upper thickened wall section has a top recess therein for receiving a grating therein. At the bottom of this thick walled section is a radially extending disc surrounding said sump body. There are at least two upper and lower ridges on said disc to act as a water barrier when installed in concrete. There is a lateral pipe connection flange directed inwardly to create a smooth outer contour of the sump body and to enhance the stackability of the sump body. At the bottom of the sump body there is located a drainage flange which is also directed inwardly into the sump body.

Abstract: A float with a mesh over it floats on the surface of the water in a toilet bowl. The float is preferably toroidal and the mesh is held by the toroid by a distance above the water in the toilet. The toroidal float is preferably circular or tear drop shaped in cross section. The float and mesh arrangement reduces the noise created by a urine stream directed into the water in the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A lift for facilitating the raising and lowering of a user of a toilet, the lift includes a motor connected to a frame. The motor drives a screw or worm drive which raises and lowers support members connected to a seat. Handles can also be connected to the support members and seat for a user's convenience and safety. Typically the lift is positioned about and over a typical toilet, however a removable bowl could be attached under the seat to facilitate a portable lift to be used away from a toilet.

Abstract: A drain closure assembly for use with a bathtub, having a drain closure device with a stopper positioned above a lower drain and a plunger device attached to the stopper adapted to bias the stopper in a downward direction. An actuating mechanism received within a housing in communication with a conduit extending from the lower drain, the actuating member having a main body that contacts the drain closure device and moves the drain closure device to an open position when activated and a closed position when deactivated.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress foundation comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, and a plurality of movable supports attached to the lower frame or the upper frame. The movable supports are adapted to maintain the upper and lower frames in spaced apart relation and are further adapted to permit vertical movement of the upper frame into a plurality of spaced apart relations relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed.

Abstract: A system of interchangeable specialized tabletops for medical imaging, such as tomographic imaging, is constructed with features that permit improvements in patient imaging and treatment specific to a particular anatomy of interest. Such features include cutaways, holes and removable structures, ramps and integrated devices that allow access to tissues for intervention or imaging under multiple imaging modalities. Such features are also integrated, which aids in the positioning and immobilization of patient tissues and devices relative to those tissues. Structures and methods optimally use multiple tabletops with minimal space requirements, and of show medical imaging uses involving the storage of multiple tabletops.

Abstract: A lumbar support pillow for supporting the lumbar spine of a person. The support pillow includes a fillable elongate first chamber longitudinally configured to engage and support the person along the longitudinal axis of the person's lumbar spine in a manner substantially conforming to the natural curvature of the spine when filled. The pillow also includes a second chamber that extends downwardly and away from the first chamber on both sides of the first chamber; is independent of the first chamber, and is configured to engage and support the person in a region laterally adjacent to the person's lumbar spine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber or hair fiber conditioning treatment composition comprising a functionalised aminosilicone polymer and preferably in combination with a non functional aminosilicone polymer to provide improved conditioning without over conditioning negatives.

Abstract: A method for sensing a type of an unbalance of a washing machine, comprises: detecting a vibration amount of a tub with using a multi-axis acceleration sensor; detecting a variation amount of an rpm of a motor; and judging a type of an unbalance based on the vibration amount and the rpm variation amount. According to another embodiment, the method for sensing a type of an unbalance of a washing machine, comprises: detecting a vibration amount of a tub fat plural positions of the tub with using plural multi-axis acceleration sensors; detecting a time difference of vibration occurrence at the plural positions, and thereby calculating a vibration phase difference; and judging a type of an unbalance based on the vibration amount detected at the plural positions and the vibration phase difference.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing vibration of a washing machine capable of precisely detecting a vibration amount of a tub at each rpm bandwidth by dividing an rpm of a motor into a plurality of bandwidths and by using a multi-axis inertia sensor, and a method thereof. The method comprises: detecting an rpm of a motor; dividing the detected rpm into a plurality of bandwidths; and detecting a vibration amount of a tub at the divided bandwidths.

Abstract: An off-balance detection method comprises a plurality of off-balance detection schemes that utilize wash basket speed to detect an off-balance load condition at speed ranges that span the entire spin cycle and include speeds corresponding to natural frequencies of a mass comprising a wash tub and a wash basket. The schemes can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other schemes. The off-balance detection method can further comprise a power limiting method to prevent motor overload when an off-balance condition is present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for dyeing fibers such as the hair, comprising at least one cationic direct dye of given formula, and which also contains at least one thickening polymer chosen from the group comprising:—nonionic amphiphilic polymers comprising at least one hydrophilic unit and at least one unit containing a fatty chain, —anionic amphiphilic polymers comprising at least one hydrophilic unit and at least one unit containing a fatty chain, —cationic amphiphilic polymers comprising at least one hydrophilic unit and at least one unit containing a fatty chain. The invention also relates to the dyeing processes and dyeing kits therefor.

Abstract: An electrostatic dust-sticky cleaning device comprises a handle; a driving element being a hollow rectangular box body; a pull rod being slidable in a slot of the box body; an interior of the box body being installed with a unidirectional gear; a driving belt winding around the unidirectional gear; a spindle of the unidirectional gear rotatably installed to the driving belt; a cleaning unit including a cylinder roller, a friction pad, and a semi-round cover; a second spindle of the roller being assembled to a third lateral side of the box body of the driving element. When the roller rotates, it will rub the surface of the friction pad so that the surface of the roller will generate static electrons. Thereby the accumulate dusts can be assembled to the gap between the semi-round cover and the roller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are toothbrushes. The toothbrushes are self-standing and are oriented in an upright position when resting on a support surface. In some arrangements, the toothbrush can have a stamp. A closure of the toothbrush can be removed to expose the stamp. The toothbrush has an ink source that deposits ink on the stamp. A receiving stand configured to receive the lower portion of the toothbrush can maintain the toothbrush in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: A flexible conductive static control brush assembly includes first and second brushes disposed on a common backing strip. Each brush includes a plurality of filaments disposed inwardly from opposite edges of the backing strip. Bands overlie outer end portions of the filaments adjacent edges of the backing strip, with the bands covering only a portion of each filament length. The backing strip includes parting lines for tearing to remove an intermediate portion of the backing strip between the brushes to expose the filaments.

Abstract: A golf equipment cleaning apparatus having: a shell member, wherein the shell member includes an outer liner, an inner liner, and a cavity, and wherein the shell member is configured for retaining a bladder member at least partially within the cavity; a bladder member, wherein the bladder member includes an outer liner, an inner liner, and a golf equipment cleaning chamber, and wherein the bladder member is at least partially retained within the cavity of the shell member; and a towel member, wherein the towel member is associated with the shell member.

Abstract: A brush head and a toothbrush with the brush head are provided. The brush head includes a body having a front end, a back end opposing the front end, and two opposite sides; and a brush member mounted on a surface of the body and being formed with a plurality of bristles, wherein the plurality of bristles define a brush surface that slopes in relation to the surface of the body. The brush surface of the bristles can closely abut against the teeth and the gingival sulcus, and the cleaning effect of tooth brushing is efficiently enhanced using the toothbrush with the brush head, thereby overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

Abstract: A toothbrush tufted with needle-shaped bristles. The bristles are formed of polyester resin. The bristles are 0.1 to 0.2 mm thick before tapering, 13 to 18 mm long, tapered 4 to 8 mm only on one end with a tapered tip thickness of 0.01 to 0.08 mm, and planted to be 7 to 13 mm high in the toothbrush.

Abstract: A cleaning swab has an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a diameter. The handle has a cleaning head end. A cleaning head is formed from a sheet of non-linting material having a predetermined thickness so as to form a predetermined cleaning head diameter. The material forms a seal-less tip and a pair of longitudinal side seals extending along longitudinal sides of the cleaning head. Excess material forms a cleaning surface suitable for standard polish and angle physical connector polished end faces. A sleeve has a central opening for receiving the handle such that the cleaning head extends beyond an open end of the sleeve. Use of a first predetermined thickness of material forms a first swab having a cleaning head having a first diameter cleaning head and use of a second different predetermined thickness of material forms a second swab having a second different diameter. The sleeve is configured to interchangeably receive the first swab and the second swab.

Abstract: A surface wiper having a swivel and swivel lock.

Abstract: A body scrubbing device (1) having a plurality of scrubbing elements joined together to form a predetermined shape, preferably a ball-shape. The scrubbing elements are preferably a mesh (2) and cloth (3). A rope (4) may be secured to the body scrubbing device (1) so as to easily permit a user to hang the device for drying and storage purposes after use. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is a body scrubbing device (1) having a plurality of scrubbing elements joined in the form of a mitt (5) or glove (7).

Abstract: A mopping system and methods of its use are disclosed. A mop assembly includes a mop head that is adapted to be spun around a generally vertical rotational axis thereof when the mop head is fixed within a mop head spinning means of a bucket assembly. When the mop head is spun at a relatively high rate of rotational speed, water retained in the mop is forcefully dispelled from the mop by centrifugal force. The water leaves the mop and is retained within a spin chamber of the bucket assembly. A drain plunger is included to allow the collected water to be drained from the bucket assembly. An ozone generator may be included for introducing ozone gas into the collected fouled water in the spin chamber. A clean water tank with a pump and spraying means, mounted within the spin chamber just below the mop head when the mop head is engaged with the mop head spinning means, is preferably included to allow introduction of clean water to the moping surface of the mop head.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a suction hose supporting structure of an upright type vacuum cleaner capable of being converted to a canister type. The vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening, an extension pipe and a handle detachably installed to the main body, a suction hose connected at one end with the suction port and selectively connected at the other end with the discharge opening or the handle, a bending prevention member installed at one side of the suction port to support the suction hose in a round state, and a fixing ring installed to one side of the suction hose and having a hook. When the vacuum cleaner is used as the upright type, the suction hose is prevented from being bent, thereby minimizing resistance in a flow passage.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a base having an electric motor. A cleaning head is configured to be removably attached to and fully supported by the base and moved with the head along a surface to clean the surface. The cleaning head has a headlamp for illuminating the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a main body mounting structure of an upright type vacuum cleaner capable of being converted to a canister type. The mounting structure comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port formed thereon and including a suction device inside the suction port, a connection panel on which the main body is detachably installed, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening and on which the connection panel is rotatably installed, an attaching mechanism disposed between the main body and the connection panel, an extension pipe and a handle detachably installed to the main body and having a hollow inner space to define a flow passage along which foreign substances are induced, and a suction hose connected at one end with the suction port and selectively connected at the other end with the discharge opening or the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an upright type vacuum cleaner capable of being converted to a canister type. The vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening, and on which the main body is rotatably installed, a handle installed to the main body, an extension pipe disposed between the handle and the main body and having a hollow inner space to define a flow passage for foreign substances, a securing mechanism between the extension pipe and the main body to restrict a circumference of the extension pipe, a cover installed at a portion of the main body where the securing mechanism and a lower end of the extension pipe are disposed, and an attaching mechanism between the securing mechanism and the cover to allow the extension pipe to be detached from the securing mechanism.

Abstract: A base has wheels, including a drive wheel, for wheeling the base over a floor. A handle, including a handgrip, is connected to the base for propelling the base by manually applying a force to the handgrip. A motor has an output shaft coupled to the drive wheel. A controller has different operative modes. They include a driving mode in which the controller powers the motor to rotate the drive wheel in a direction corresponding to a direction of the force applied to the handle, and a non-driving mode in which the controller refrains from powering the motor to rotate the drive wheel while a user grasps and applies force to the handgrip to propel the base.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a cleaning apparatus including a housing, at least one fan contained within the housing, a suction inlet in communication with a low pressure side of the fan and defining a suction flow path extending into the suction inlet, and a gas outlet proximate the suction inlet, the gas outlet defining a gas outlet flow path extending in or near the suction flow path. An example method includes blowing a gas from an apparatus toward a particulate matter and lifting the particulate matter off a surface, drawing the particulate matter into the apparatus, and collecting the particulate matter in the apparatus.

Abstract: An exhaust structure of a vacuum cleaner prevents reduction in vacuum force by air leakage resulting from inclination of a dust container towards one side, and permits reduction in use of a sealing material. The exhaust structure comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port formed thereon, a suction fan positioned inside the discharge port, a dust container mounted at one side of a flow passage between the suction port and the discharge port and having a suction opening and an exhaust opening formed at one side thereof, and an exhaust conduit extending between the exhaust opening and the discharge port.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a filter mounting structure of a vacuum cleaner. The filter mounting structure comprises a main body of the vacuum cleaner having a suction port and a discharge port, a suction fan at an air passage extending from the suction port to the discharge port, a dust collection container detachably mounted to the air passage, a filter installed inside the discharge port, a mounting part recessed into a portion of the main body such that the dust collection container is detachably mounted therein, and an insertion hole formed at a portion of the mounting part corresponding to an interior of the discharge port such that the filter is slidably and detachably installed thereto. The filter mounting structure allows the filter to be inserted into or separated from the discharge port without dissembling the main body of the vacuum cleaner, thereby allowing easy cleaning and replacement of the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an angle control apparatus for an upright type vacuum cleaner. The angle control apparatus comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port formed thereon and including a suctioning device inside the suction port, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening and on which the main body is rotatably installed, a suction hose made of an elastic material and positioned between the suction port and the discharge opening, and a locking assembly installed to the suction unit to restrict rotation of the main body. With the angle control apparatus, the main body of the vacuum cleaner is rotatably coupled to the suction unit such that the main body is rotated at a suitable angle with respect to the suction unit sliding on a floor according to a location of a user during the cleaning operation, thereby enabling a convenient cleaning operation.

Abstract: A dust container of an upright type vacuum cleaner, and a supporting structure for a cover of the dust container are disclosed. The dust container comprises a circular cover having a suction port and an exhaust port, a guide member attached to a lower surface of the cover to guide an air flow, a filter attached to a lower surface of the guide member, and a cylindrical container body provided to the lower surface of the cover to receive the guide member and the filter. The supporting structure for the cover comprises a supporting member positioned within the container body to support the filter such that the filter supports the cover. The cover has the suction port and the exhaust port, respectively, enhancing a suction force of the vacuum cleaner, and preventing deformation of the cover even when a vacuum degree is increased by operation of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum-cleaner nozzle for vacuuming an underlying surface, having a suction channel which opens out into a suction mouth. In order to form the vacuum-cleaner nozzle such that it has a relatively pronounced suction action for a sustained period of time, it is proposed according to the invention that the vacuum-cleaner nozzle comprises a lifting mechanism which interacts with the underlying surface and by means of which it is possible to change the distance of the suction mouth from the underlying surface on a periodic basis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight caster assembly and modular shelf system for use on an existing collapsible foldable cart with four wheels.

Abstract: The apparatus for closing the door slowly and automatically can directly get the door closed by the piston rod without passing through a gear, so that the energy loss is little, and a small amount of air is contained in the hydraulic oil in order for the piston and the piston rod to be moved to the left and right hand side. The closing speed of the door can be adjustable by turning a speed adjustment bolt and for the installation, it is very easy to install the present invention since the function of the invention works with a force adjustment by turning the force adjustment nut when the invention is fixed to the door and doorframe.

Abstract: A hinge that provides an inexpensive way for achieving a large and controllable pop-up for a case (e.g., those used for laptop computers, automotive center consoles, briefcases, and the like) and that does not lead to distortion of the case or failure from the gradual relief of stresses stored in the materials of the case or the hinge. The hinge employs a spring comprised of a beam. The design allows different spring forces for the different phases of motion. A first phase, the pop-up phase, is accomplished by the leaf spring formed from the hinge material itself. A second phase, in which continued upward force of a reduced magnitude is sufficient during the further opening of the lid, may be provided by an optional helper spring which can be one of the many types that have traditionally been used with hinges.

Abstract: A hinge device for a portable terminal rotatably couples a first housing to a second housing of a portable terminal. The hinge device includes a first hinge cam fixed to one of the housings of the portable terminal and a second hinge cam fixed to the other one of the housings of the portable terminal. The first hinge came has a cam groove on a surface, and the second hinge cam is rotatably received in the cam groove to generate friction with an inner wall of the cam groove. The hinge device has a reduced length and can occupy a smaller area in the portable terminal. Further, the hinge device allows the separate housing to be installed to the portable terminal while maintaining the shape of the portable terminal so that the separate housing slidably moves, thereby allowing increased design flexibility for the portable terminal. Furthermore, since the hinge device requires a small space in the portable terminal, the design specifications of the portable terminal may be easily changed.