Abstract: A hand-encircling band including a strap having a pad, for positioning in the palm of a hand, and a strip of webbing affixed to one end of the pad and extending therefrom. A ring is affixed to the end of the pad remote from the strip of webbing. A first fastening portion is secured to the top of the strip of webbing adjacent the pad. A second fastening portion, adapted to mate with, and releasably adhere to, the first fastening portion, is secured to the top of the strip of webbing adjacent the free end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to headwear including a cooling device formed using a woven or non-woven material. More particularly, the invention relates to headwear including a cooling device formed of an absorptive material such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) having high absorptive capacity. The headwear and the cooling device are designed to fit securely on the wearer's head or with a hat. When moistened, the cooling device provides sustained cooling via an evaporative cooling process.

Abstract: A wearable device to comfortably and ergonomically transfer substantially all of the weight of a heavy protective garment from a wearer's shoulders, neck and back to the wearer's waist, in a manner that does not interfere with the normal and necessary movement and range of motion of the wearer. The device transfers the weight of the protective garment from the shoulder area of the wearer to a belt at the waist/hip area of the wearer via a vertical support member(s) that incorporate(s) articulating and adjustable elements which permit the device to accommodate the natural movement of the wearer's body at the waist, back, neck and shoulders while transferring the weight of the protective garment to the waist/hip area of the wearer. The subject device may also be incorporated into or made part of a protective garment.

Abstract: Various articles of apparel having a cylindrical portion, such as an arm region or a leg region, for extending around a joint (such as an elbow or a knee) of a wearer are disclosed. The cylindrical portion includes a textile material, for example, and a pattern located on a surface of the textile material or knitted into the textile material. The pattern has a first density in at least one area of the cylindrical portion oriented substantially parallel to a plane of bending of the joint, and the pattern has a second density in at least one area of the cylindrical portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of bending of the joint. A purpose of the pattern may be to decrease the probability of an overuse syndrome or other injury occurring as a result of use of the joint.

Abstract: A reversible and water resistant garment includes a first side comprising a fabric layer and a second side comprising a polymeric layer. The garment resembles a cape and may comprise a hood, wherein the hood may be integral with at least one of the two layers. The garment may include one or more fasteners to secure the garment closed. The garment has one or more openings for the wearer to pass an arm through.

Abstract: A nursing garment for supporting the breasts of a user, and having an upper torso portion shaped to extend over the breasts and back of the user and a lower torso portion attached to said upper body portion and shaped to extend over the waist and at least a portion of said upper torso portion, wherein said lower torso portion has an openable flap to provide a nursing infant access to one or both breasts of the user. The openable flap has a first generally triangular portion and a second generally triangular portion which are foldable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the breasts of the user are concealed, and wherein in the open position one or both breasts of the user are exposed. Each of the first and second generally triangular portions may be releasably attached to the upper torso portion using fastening means.

Abstract: A glove has a palm portion for covering at least a portion of a wearer's palm and a front ring finger portion unitary therewith, the front ring finger portion being for covering a palm side of a ring finger and a first sidewall thereof, a back portion for covering at least a portion of a back of a hand and being fixed to the palm portion, a back pinky portion for covering a back of a pinky finger, a back ring finger portion for covering a back of a ring finger, a separate pinky portion formed of a separate material from the palm portion and back portion, and fixed to the palm portion and back pinky portion for covering at least a palm side of the pinky and an inner sidewall thereof which faces the first sidewall of the front ring finger portion, with the first sidewall of the ring finger portion facing the separate pinky portion.

Abstract: A protective glove system is disclosed wherein each glove has an articulated thumb skeleton disposed in the thumb member. The thumb skeleton comprises a plurality of sections pivotably joined together to enable the thumb to articulate between open and closed positions. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing the thumb skeleton sections from bending backwards, thereby preventing hyperextension of the wearer's thumb.

Abstract: Pants with a detachable frontal patch are described that facilitate access (including visibility) to under-garments and the pubic area of the wearer of the pants while allowing the waistband of the pant to remain fastened permitting the wearer to move about without fear of the pants falling down. When the detachable frontal patch is removed further manipulation of the pants is not required in order to maintain access to the under-garments and pubic area of the wearer of the pants.

Abstract: A sock contains built-in cushions or spacers to correct or protect the toes, or to provide the wearer better comfort. The cushions or spacers may be retained between the toes in a tube, formed integrally with the sock, which is everted to a position between adjacent toes. A strap may also be built in to the sock, or into a shoe, shoe insert, boot, sandal or slipper to maintain a corrective force on the great toe.

Abstract: Control device for positioning a visor (1) for protective helmets, of the kind wherein said visor (1) is rotatable from a configuration fully superimposed on the front opening of the protective helmet to at least a configuration of partial or total disengagement from said front opening. The device comprises means, manually operated, to reversibly lock the visor in at least one position thereof relative to the front opening. These means to lock the visor comprise a control element (10) anchored, with at least a degree of freedom, to the visor (1), coupled to which is at least one tooth, or pin, (11a, 11b) for engagement with at least one stop, or seat, (7b) integral with the cap of the helmet. Said control element is movable between at least a first stable position in which it controls engagement of the tooth with the relative stop, or seat, and at least a neutral position in which it controls disengagement of said tooth from the relative stop, or seat.

Abstract: A plumbing apparatus intended for unclogging a drain pipe. The apparatus includes a substantially rigid member and a compressible member, one of the substantially rigid member and the compressible member including a valve. The compressible member may seal a drain and the drain pipe and a fluid may be introduced into the drain pipe through the valve.

Abstract: An oil-based odor trap arrangement for a waterless urinal including (a) a bell trap tube received within a cavity situated in a lower portion of the waterless urinal, wherein one end of the tube is adapted to be removably attached to the cavity; and (b) a strainer having a body and defining a cap portion and an integrally attached ring portion extending axially away from the cap portion, wherein the strainer is adapted to be received onto an opposite end of the tube whereby the ring portion partially envelopes the tube thus forming a baffle configured to: 1) contain an oil-based substance between the ring portion and a wall of the cavity; 2) accommodate the flow of fluid from the urinal between the ring portion and the tube; and 3) direct the fluid into the tube.

Abstract: An infant high chair adapted for feeding, entertaining, cleaning, and attending to an infants waste evacuation needs within the safe confines of a bathtub. The chair has four telescoping legs for variable elevation of and supporting a seat with an orthogonal back disposed thereon and having an enlarged hole centered on the seat for passage of the infant's waste to a potty slidably disposed thereunder. A pair of telescoping arms depend orthogonally from the back to a distal cross member from which depend a pair of telescoping legs for support of the arms, thereby providing an enclosure for the infant while seated or standing therein. The arms of the enclosure concomitantly provide a structure to support a play and or eating table/tray.

Abstract: A basin for installation into an opening defined by a kitchen countertop, the countertop having a substantially uniform planar top surface, where the basin includes a wall defining a reservoir, a ledge disposed along at least a portion of the wall and a cover contacting the ledge within the reservoir such that the cover top side is level with the countertop surface. The basin cover underside receives and retains a cutting board which may be accessed by a user and removed for use anywhere in the kitchen.

Abstract: The disposable liner is a mechanism that is made from a waterproof-based material which purpose is to proportionately cover the bottom piece of the dish drain board (as shown in FIG. 2) and thus, protecting it from grime and mildew. Ultimately, the dish drain board's life will be extended and cleaning of the drain board will be less.

Abstract: The invented system controls hot and cold water flows to a conventional shower. It includes a soap dish; dish cover; fitting with interconnected lower and upper chambers having a through flow capable of interrupting by a ball, the lower chamber downwardly connected to the shower; a cross-shaped valve having a shaft with a fixed pusher lowered by said dish cover when opened by the user during lathering, thereby shutting the water by the ball, and said pusher lifted when the dish cover closed, thereby opening the water; a pressure balance mixer connected to the upper chamber, comprising left and right chambers, conical connectors, frame, balancer, divider, left and right balls, stabilizing the outlet mixed water temperature when the hot or cold water pressure fluctuates, keeping previous regulation settings of the hot and cold taps allowed to be constantly opened, while the cross-shaped valve shuts and opens the outlet mixed flow.

Abstract: A device serving as a mezzanine fold-away bed includes a support structure (10) equipped with a frame (20). A fold-away mechanism (30) allows the frame (20) to be folded away from a first or use position (20b) to a second or stow-away position (20a). This mechanism (30) includes two shafts (31) situated on the frame (20), each of these shafts (31) being connected via a tie-rod (32) to a pivot (33) on the support structure (10) in order to tie the frame (20) to the support structure (10), as well as a mechanism synchronizing the movement that links these two shafts (31) and imposes a synchronized rotation on the two shafts (31).

Abstract: A system for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, or supporting a body during such translation with substantially no agitation of the body, is provided. A pad configured for use on a plurality of patient support surfaces, e.g., with the transfer system, can comprise a main portion dimensioned to substantially cover a first support surface, a supplemental portion configured to combine with the main portion to substantially cover a second support surface dimensioned larger than the first support surface, and at least one living hinge coupling the main portion to the supplemental portion and configured to adapt the pad for use between the first support surface and second support surface.

Abstract: A cross-rail support system for use with a bed frame to support a mattress having at least two adjustable support leg assemblies attached to two parallel and adjacent elongate beams. The overall width of the support system is adjustable by sliding the elongate beams relative to each other along their lengths. The placement of the two support leg assemblies is also adjustable by sliding the assemblies along the elongate beams and is independent from the total width of the support system. In addition, the leg assemblies maintain the parallel alignment of the elongate beams to each other and provide support to the mattress.

Abstract: A storage box for use with an L shaped bed frame and traditional box spring is disclosed. A storage container has an L shaped lip member that is designed to fit between a traditional L shaped bed frame and traditional box spring. An optional support leg may be fitted at the back side of the storage box. The optional support leg may be shortened by breaking the leg at designated and pre-cut points.

Abstract: A medical procedure fluid control apparatus includes a procedure bed, and at least one wing. The wing is along at least one longitudinal edge of the procedure bed, and is moveable to a plane non-parallel with a plane of the procedure bed. The apparatus has at least one absorbent portion being on a surface of the procedure bed or the wing. The at least one absorbent portion is disposed to face the patient. At least one adhesive portion of the fluid control apparatus is also on a surface of the procedure bed or said wing disposed to face patient.

Abstract: A radiation therapy patient couch top which provides optimal fields of treatment in a high-energy radiation therapy environment. In addition, the patient couch top provides superior imaging qualities when used in a diagnostic imaging x-ray environment. All metal is eliminated from the treatment/imaging area. This ensures that no metal will be in the way of the radiation treatment beam and that no artifacting will occur when used with diagnostic imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography. By employing moveable fiber reinforced support beams, the main patient support structure can be positioned so that a minimum of electron generation will occur through Compton scattering. By allowing for a removable insert, the top patient surface can be optimized for treatment, diagnostic imaging or the addition of other useful features.

Abstract: A device for lulling infants to sleep comprising a pillow with a receptacle and closure, wherein the middle portion of the sides of the pillow are curved inwards to form four corner sections, and wherein the corner sections of the pillow are puffed up compared to the rest of the pillow, so that the pillow can be easily used in conjunction with cradles, bassinets, strollers, and similar baby gear;. The device further comprises a battery-operated sound/vibration generating instrument received within the receptacle. The instrument can be operated to produce either sound or vibrations, or both. The sound comprises a simulated mother's heartbeat or a lullaby.

Abstract: Mediation sitting cushions and mats allow the user to meditate in comfort for great lengths of time, avoiding stress and pain often caused by traditional meditation cushions and mats. The layered mediation sitting cushions and mats combine a slow recovery visco-elastic foam (“VEF”), having load deformation properties and densities, with one or more base layers of a batting support. The sitting cushions and mats enable a person seated in traditional meditative positions to achieve a comfortable posture, regardless of the meditator's size or weight. The sitting cushions and mats also allow people to meditate in traditional cross-legged or kneeling postures comfortably, without irritation or pain. The mediation sitting cushions and mats also maintain of the pelvis in a neutral or slightly anterior position, resulting in proper alignment of the pelvis and spine, which minimizes the muscular and ligamentous strain caused by sitting in stillness for long periods of time.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool comprising a screw sleeve for receiving a screw or wrench bit, and a drill bit sequentially composed of a bit section, a torque-transmitting section, and a bit shaft that is adapted to be received in a drill. The torque-transmitting section and the bit section are adapted to be received in the screw sleeve in a form-fitting and torque-fast manner. The bit shaft is provided with three rotational drive surfaces that are disposed at an angle of 120° relative to one another and are adapted for rotational entrainment in a three-jaw chuck of the drill.

Abstract: A compact multipurpose tool including a bit head, a hollow first cylinder that defines a plurality of open-end wrenches on one end, and a second cylinder that communicates with the bit head and can be at least partially housed within the hollow first cylinder. In further features the hollow first cylinder defines a socket on the end opposite the plurality of open-end wrenches and the second cylinder includes a plurality of sockets.

Abstract: In a grain leather (1) in whose grain layer (2) defects (3) formed by indentations are present, these defects are corrected by pressing an aqueous, if appropriate lightly foamed, plastics dispersion which comprises very small compact particles into these indentations by means of an application roll, as with a knife coater, and then drying the leather (1), whereupon the surface (4) of the grain layer (2) is subjected to a pressure and heat treatment at a temperature of at least 100° C. by means of a pressure roll rolling on the surface. During this procedure, a plastics compound in which hollow microspheres (5) formed from the compact particles are present and which completely fills the indentations forms in the indentations.

Abstract: An increased number of colors can be assorted in the down hair part of a step pile fabric more easily than before by carrying out dry heat treatment of a pile fabric comprising an acrylic shrinkable fiber that can be dyed in a specific low-temperature region. There is provided a step pile fabric obtained by treating a pile fabric comprising an acrylic shrinkable fiber, which comprises comprising an acrylic copolymer comprising 0.5 to 10 wt % of a sulfonic acid group-containing monomer, dyed at 55 to 85° C., with dry heat at 110 to 150° C. for 20 minutes or less, the acrylic shrinkable fiber having a shrinkage percentage of 18% or more calculated by the following formula (1): Shrinkage percentage (%)=100×(1?Sa/Sb)??(1) wherein Sb represents a pile length of the down hair component before the dry heat treatment, and Sa represents a pile length of the down hair part (component) after the dry heat treatment.

Abstract: In a method for uniform application of treatment agents to a textile rope in a dyeing machine, the endless rope is made to revolve in a closed tank by means of a Venturi feed nozzle subjected to a gaseous feeder medium, and is thus exposed to the action of a liquid treatment agent. The treatment agent is stored, without contact with the rope, in a chamber that is separate from the rope and is made to act on the rope, without mixing with treatment agent draining from the rope, with a quantity of treatment agent per unit of time that is controlled as a function of time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hair dyeing composition. The composition induces swelling of hair to expand the cortex by the use of arginine, which is a constituent ingredient of hair, and as a result, effectively allows a colorant to infiltrate into the cuticle, thereby increasing the dyeing rate. Therefore, the composition can markedly decrease the dyeing time to 1˜5 minutes from 20˜30 minutes required in conventional hair dyeing compositions. In addition, the combined effects of aloe vera gel, ceramide and hair keratin enables prevention of damage to the hair during dyeing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for treating keratin fibers artificially dyed by direct dyeing or by oxidation dyeing, such as human hair, which comprises the application to the keratin fibers of a composition not containing any oxidation dye or any oxidizing agent and comprising at least one protective agent with a log P of less than or equal to 6, and then the application to the fibers of a liquid water/steam mixture at a temperature of at least 35° C. The present disclosure also relates to the use of the process for protecting keratin fibers artificially dyed by direct dyeing or by oxidation dyeing, such as human hair, against the action of atmospheric agents, such as against the action of light.

Abstract: A snow remover for the roofs of trucks and tractor trailers in which a structure of two vertical supports and a cross piece spanning them in supporting a plow rests upon a connected base plate provided with pairs of pockets on each side of the structure to allow for its lifting by a pair of forklifts operating in tandem and moving to a truck terminal access lane when snow build-up removal is warranted, and thereafter moved into storage.

Abstract: A motorized broom includes a handle, a universal connector, and a cleaning portion. The universal connector is used for connecting the handle and the cleaning portion. Thus, the universal connector together with the handle is rotatable relative to the cleaning portion universally, so that the cleaning portion is angle adjustable so as to clean the corner of the house exactly. In addition, the dust collector is removably mounted on the main base, so that the dust collector can be removed from the main base easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating a user removing the dust collector.

Abstract: A toothbrush for setting and communicating brushing time and for providing instructional and encouragement messages during brushing includes a handle with a hollow interior, a controller capable, upon activation, of generating such messages, a power source electrically connected to the controller, a speaker for emitting such messages and a switch for activating the controller and enabling the speaker to emit the messages. A timer is provided to terminate operation of the speaker after a predetermined amount of time. A digital or a conventional clock is disposed on the surface of the handle and cooperates with the timer for visual communication of the elapsed brushing time.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning mobile electronic devices includes a base member which is manufactured from a first predetermined material and which has a cleaning portion and an elongated handle portion which is attached to and extends from the cleaning portion. A cleaning member is manufactured from a second predetermined material and is attached to the cleaning portion. As second cleaning member may be attached to a free end of the handle portion which is preferably tapered.

Abstract: A device with a squeegee configuration and an absorbent material positioned between protruding squeegee walls for treating a working surface with wiping edges of the squeegee configuration and the absorbent material is disclosed. A device, in accordance with the invention, comprises a curved squeegee and means for coupling the curved squeegee to a spray nozzle for wiping the working surface with edges of the curved squeegee and spray the working surface with the spray nozzle. A system, in accordance with the invention, comprises a vacuum source, a liquid source and an applicator head with squeegees and apertures wherein a portion the apertures are configured to couple the vacuum source and draw a vacuum on a working surface and a second portion of the apertures are configured to couple to the liquid source and deliver a liquid to the working surface.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An extension applicator has an elongate handle (1, 19, 30) with an applicator end (3) having an attachment section (4, 48) to which an applicator attachment (5) and a mirror attachment (6) separately are attached detachably. An applicator base (7) is attached to the applicator attachment. A mirror base (8) is attached to the mirror attachment. The applicator base is structured for attachment of one of a class of attachable applicators (9). The mirror base is structured for attachment of a class of mirrors (10). The elongate handle can have a fixed shape or an adjustable shape. The attachment section is structured to receive either or both the applicator attachment and the mirror attachment.

Abstract: A surface cleaning pad comprising a pad body and an attachment surface associated with the pad body and positioned to face a cleaning implement is provided. The attachment surface comprises a substantially hydrophilic portion and a substantially hydrophobic portion.

Abstract: A surface cleaning pad is provided with a pad body configured for attachment to a cleaning implement. The surface cleaning pad also has a cuff coupled to the pad body and extending along a longitudinal extent of the pad body. The cuff has an edge portion having a length dimension that is greater than the longitudinal extent of the pad body.

Abstract: A surface cleaning pad is provided having a pad body configured for attachment to a cleaning implement and a tab coupled to the pad body and extending beyond an edge of the pad body. The tab is configured to be grasped by a user of the cleaning implement to facilitate detachment of the pad body from the cleaning implement.

Abstract: A vacuum bag mounting assembly for housing a vacuum bag within a vacuum cleaner, where the vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum intake nozzle having an outlet end portion through which sucked in dirt is delivered to the vacuum bag housing assembly, including a vacuum bag storage compartment 1, a vacuum bag collar receiver disposed within the vacuum bag storage compartment that engages a collar of the vacuum bag, and a telescopic nozzle end attached to the outlet end portion of the vacuum intake nozzle, the telescopic nozzle end being moveable along the outlet end portion towards and away from the collar of the vacuum bag. The vacuum bag mounting assembly also includes a housing cover that covers the vacuum bag storage compartment, the housing cover including a nozzle engagement member that engages the telescopic nozzle.

Abstract: Dirt collection system for a vacuum cleaner includes a container defining an interior receivable of dirt and having an inlet opening situated below an upper edge thereof, a first deflector plate arranged in the container at least partially over the opening, and a filter arranged above the first deflector plate. A second deflector plate is spaced apart from the first deflector plate. The first deflector plate deflects air entering the container through the opening toward the second deflector plate which then deflects the air toward the filter. The first and second deflector plates are independent of one another and each is removable from the container for cleaning and replacement when needed. A latch is arranged on a coupling section of the dirt collection system to enable it to be securely attached to a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: In combination, a removable tool may be selectively attached to the cleaning wand of a carpet extractor to alternatively clean hard surfaced floors, such as grouted tile and when not attached, clean carpeted floors. The removable tool may be sold as an aftermarket item for existing carpet extractors. A method of using the carpet extractor with the removable tool allows the apparatus to fulfill dual purposes, e.g., cleaning hard surfaced floors and when the tool is attached to the cleaning wand, and when the tool is removed from the wand to clean carpeted floors.

Abstract: A suction brush that includes a body in communication with a dust collection apparatus of a vacuum cleaner and having a main suction port formed through a bottom of the body, and a cover for covering the top of the body, the cover having auxiliary suction ports. A pair of floorcloth support plates are rotatably mounted on the bottom of the body, with floorcloths that are detachably attached to the bottom surfaces of the floorcloth support plates, respectively. A floorcloth rotation unit is mounted in the body so as to rotate the pair of floorcloth support plates. The suction brush also includes a first air suction flow path for guiding air, which is introduced through the main suction port, to the rear side of the body, and a second air suction flow path for guiding air, which is introduced through the auxiliary suction ports to the rear side of the body.

Abstract: A suction brush for a vacuum cleaner including a body, the bottom side of which is formed with a suction port; a cover for covering the top side of the body; and an air jetting path for absorbing ambient air from the bottom side of the body and jetting the air toward a surface to be cleaned, to space the bottom side from the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A caster and leg assembly for supporting a piece of furniture on a floor. The assembly includes a caster affixed within a recessed area formed in the bottom of a wooden or plastic furniture leg to create a strong support for the furniture as well as create a good appearance. The caster has at least one spherical roller supported within the housing to allow the furniture to be readily movable omnidirectionally. With one spherical roller, the weight of the furniture acts at the center of the spherical roller. In one embodiment, there are three spherical rollers located equidistant from the vertical center line of the assembly to support the furniture weight equally by the spherical rollers. A glide can be readily attached and detached from the bottom of the caster and, when attached, the glide cup covers the spherical rollers and presents a flat, planar bottom surface.

Abstract: A low overhead hinge assembly comprising a stationary hinge plate and a rotating hinge plate. The stationary hinge plate having a stationary hinge plate body portion and a plurality of stationary hinge plate digits coupled to the stationary hinge plate body portion, each of the stationary hinge plate digits having an opening therein. The rotating hinge plate having a rotating hinge plate body portion and a plurality of pins coupled to the rotating hinge plate body portion, wherein the stationary hinge plate digits are configured to be engaged with the rotating hinge plate pins so that each of a plurality of the rotating hinge plate pins is inserted into an opening in one of the stationary hinge plate digits so as to pivotally couple the rotating hinge plate to the stationary hinge plate.

Abstract: A pliable handle includes a core member, an outer sheath, and gel disposed between the core member and the outer sheath. There is an outer annular flange around its top. The outer sheath has an opening on its top and a closed bottom, an inner annular flange on its top; and the outer sheath is disposed about the core member. Below the inner annular flange of the outer sheath and the outer annular flange of the core member define the gap portion, which is filled with gel. There is an annular flange which corresponds with the annular groove on the core member below the inner annular flange of the outer sheath. The present pliable handle can be secured to walking sticks, golf clubs, ski poles, tennis rackets, battledores, and umbrellas.