Abstract: A side shield includes a front wall, an interior side wall, and an exterior side wall. The front wall generally overlaps with at least a portion of eyeglasses when in as worn orientation. The exterior side wall extends rearward from the front wall. The interior side wall is attached to the exterior side wall to define a channel between the exterior side wall and the interior side wall. The front wall, the exterior side wall and the interior side wall may be of a unitary construction.

Abstract: A core for a protective leg gear includes a rear pad and a front pad. The rear pad is integrally molded in a single mold from a semi-rigid lightweight material, and has a leg portion and a foot portion integrally connected to each other at an angle with respect to one another to define a rear surface of the rear pad. The rear surface includes an elongated groove configured to at least partially receive a lower part of the leg. The front pad is connected to at least part of a front surface of the rear pad. The upper portion of the front pad extends beyond the leg portion to cover the knee. The front pad is more flexible than the rear pad, such as to allow at least limited rearward folding of the upper portion of the front pad.

Abstract: The apparel is an athletic garment formed from textiles for use as a resistance training tool that works by increasing the fluid resistance such as aerodynamic drag or hydrodynamic drag on an athlete in a predetermined event. The athletic garment has a first fabric for covering at least a portion of a first body segment, and a second fabric, different from said first fabric, for covering at least a portion of a second body segment; wherein the second fabric is a turbulence-generating fabric.

Abstract: A shirt having a seamless shoulder construction is provided. The shirt comprises a body portion and two sleeves. The body portion comprises a sheet of generally rectangular fabric having opposed elongated arcuate cutouts formed in the opposed side edges of the sheet, and a neck opening. The fabric sheet is folded transverse its length to define overlying front and back shirt portions having seamless shoulders and arm openings. Seams join at least a portion of the adjacent edges of the opposed sides of the folded sheet Each of the sleeves is formed from a generally trapezoidally shaped sheet of fabric having a longer base with an arcuate shape. The arcuate shaped base is attached to one of the arm openings to form a seam, and side edges of the sleeves are joined to seam under the arm of the wearer. The shirt is without the conventional seam running across the shoulder from the neck to the shoulder edge.

Abstract: A bowling glove with which at least one supporting spacer for a bowling ball is associated or associable at the region interposed between the little finger, the index finger and the wrist.

Abstract: A batting glove includes a plurality of finger elements, a thumb element, a top portion, and a lower portion. The finger elements cover fingers, the thumb element covers a thumb, the top portion covers a back side of the hand, and the lower portion covers a palm of the hand. Expandable material is disposed at selected areas of the thumb stall and finger stalls to overlie or underlie the center axis of rotation of selected joints of a finger or a thumb of a human hand.

Abstract: A waistband assembly attachable to a garment. The waistband assembly includes an elastic strip. The elastic strip defines a strip proximal section, a substantially opposed strip distal section and a strip intermediate section extending therebetween. The strip proximal and distal sections define respectively substantially opposed strip proximal and distal lateral edges. The waistband assembly also includes a first band of fabric. The first band of fabric defines a backing section, a fold section extending from the backing section and a flap section extending from the fold section. The first band of fabric is folded over the elastic strip about the fold section so that the flap section is substantially parallel to the backing section. The flap section is attached to the strip distal section with the strip distal section located between the flap section and the backing section. A second band of fabric is also provided.

Abstract: A padded shoulder carrier for transferring a load to a carrying person's (T) shoulder has a carrier strap (4) and a padded part (5) which has a first lateral region (6) arranged between the carrier strap (4) and the shoulder and a second lateral region (7) arranged between the carrier strap (4) and the carrying person's (T) neck, at least part of the carrier strap (4) being connected to a part of the first lateral region (6) in such a manner that the carrier strap (4) and the padded part (5), in the parts which are connected to one another, together have an elasticity in the longitudinal direction of the carrier which is lower than the elasticity of the second lateral region (7) of the padded part (5) in the longitudinal direction of the carrier.

Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.

Abstract: A mobile bedside commode includes a wheeled frame structure, and a platform assembly attached to an uppermost portion of the frame structure. The platform assembly includes a toilet cutout and retaining arrangement for retaining a sanitary waste container in communication with the cutout. The platform assembly further includes a toilet seat which is provided with an opening that overlies the cutout. The toilet seat is pivotally mounted to the platform assembly and defines a support surface covering essentially the majority of the platform assembly. The platform assembly has a back end adapted to be positioned towards a user seated on a bed and a front end space from the seated user. A gripping arrangement is formed by the front end of the platform assembly itself. The frame structure is configured to be straddled by legs of the seated user when the back end of the platform assembly is positioned adjacent the bedside.

Abstract: A modular pool construction kit comprising a plurality of interlocking segments (24, 60) that may assembled to form a pool of any desired shape, with each segment being formed from a laminate material having a fibreglass backing layer (20) to which a composite mixture (21) of resin and stone fragments is bonded. The segments may have base portions (25) forming the bottom of a pool and wall portions (26, 27, 28) forming a side wall (29) of the pool. The segments may be moulded sheets with interconnecting edges. The present invention also provides a method of constructing a pool from multiple segments comprising arranging the segments adjacent each other and interlocking them in the desired shape to form a watertight pool.

Abstract: An existing barber or beauty salon chair, in which each of a chair and a shampoo bowl is formed to the base integrally, has a problem that an practitioner cannot stand behind a customer, thereby being forced to take an uncomfortable posture to prepare shampoo or the like or thereby making it impossible to perform operation other than the shampoo, such as a massage or a beauty operation. To solve the above problems, a barber or beauty salon chair is characterized in that a chair 4 with a backrest 42 allowing a recline angle to be adjustable is attached in a rotatable manner to a base 2 of an elevating device 1 while a shampoo bowl 3 is attached to the base in a position to which an upper surface of the backrest in a deeply reclined condition comes close.

Abstract: A shower bar assembly that includes a pair of mounting brackets configured and arranged to be mounted to a wall of a shower stall is disclosed. Each of the mounting brackets has a base portion with a first shelf and a second shelf projecting from the base portion. The first and second shelves each have a retaining peg projecting from each shelf, respectively. A tubular shower bar is included and has two opposing ends. Each of the ends of the tubular shower bar has a pair of surfaces in which each defines an aperture through the tubular shower bar. Each end of the tubular shower bar is configured and arranged to slide onto the first and second shelves of the mounting brackets, with the apertures interlocking with each of the retaining pegs, respectively, to suspend the shower bar between the mounting brackets and to prevent the shower bar from rotating between the brackets.

Abstract: An on-demand electronic faucet system for providing a faucet with a flow of water in response to a stimulus. A sensor unit is positioned remote from the faucet and in wireless communication with a wireless valve control unit. The wireless valve control unit controls a valve in the water supply line that feeds the faucet. In response to a stimulus, the sensor signals the wireless valve control unit to change the status of the valve in the water supply line from open to closed or closed to open and other states affecting flow and temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a lightweight rubber mat which can facilitate the cleaning of the kitchen sink area, and help eliminate the formation of mold around the sink from standing water. The mat is fitted on the exterior of a kitchen sink, covering the rims of the kitchen sink that connects the sink to the counter top. The mat would further cover the rim dividing the sink into two separate basins, and also cover the lower portion of the kitchen faucet. It would cover the top half of the kitchen sink, that is, the part which is closest to the faucet and kitchen wall. The mat would also have a section that fits onto the portion of the kitchen wall directly behind the sink. The mat would cover the upper portion of the sink basins, and would also extend onto the counter top next to the sink rim. Raised sections on the ends of the mat would cause it to slightly slope in the direction of the sink, allowing any water on the mat to drain into the sink.

Abstract: A conduit for communication of a pressurized water or fluid supply to a counter top appliance above a sink having a faucet providing water to the sink. The device features an elongated rod having an axial passageway for communication of a fluid when engaged through the drain rod aperture of a faucet. The rod has an exterior circumference sized to translate in the aperture and operate the drain closure apparatus on the sink. A pulsating dental cleaning appliance or water dispenser or knob are engageable to the top end of the rod which is adapted on a bottom end under the sink to engage with a pressurized fluid supply. The device may be provided for retrofit through existing faucets by replacing the drain rod, or with new faucets to provide a route for pressurized fluid above a counter top without having to drill holes in the counter top.

Abstract: A sleep surface support includes a plurality of corner structures, at least four crossbars, and a reinforcement strut. The plurality of corner structures each include a respective leg portion extending therefrom and each is adapted to receive at least two crossbars. The crossbars are configured to be detachably engaged to at least two separate corner structures configured to form a substantially rectangular shape to support a sleep surface. The reinforcement strut is configured to be detachably provided between two of the at least four crossbars such that the reinforcement strut extends between the at least two crossbars at a substantial midpoint of the at least two crossbars. The corner structures include interfaces configured to attachably receive at least one bed rail, headboard legs, and a footboard of a bedding structure.

Abstract: An airbed (20) that is variable in size. The airbed includes a principal bladder (22) and one or more extension bladders (24, 26). The principal bladder (22) may be inflated and used as an airbed. The extension bladders (24, 26) may remain deflated, or one or more of the additional bladders may be inflated to increase the total size of the inflated portions of the airbed (20).

Abstract: A foldable hammock stand comprises a curved longitudinal base channel attached at each end to a support leg. A pair of curved longitudinal support arms pivotally attach inward from opposing ends of the base section to form a support construction for holding a two-point swing style hammock. A latching mechanism in each support arm engages with the base section to hold the support arm in the open or operative position. A latch release in each support arm disengages the latch from the base section to allow each support arm to pivot in an upward arc to the upright or stored position. A latching mechanism on each support arm engages a base section cross member to hold the support arm in the stored position until released back into the operative the position.

Abstract: Described herein is a cap for securing the interlocking members of a bed frame with flush rail support surfaces which includes a main body portion and a connection piece protruding from the main body portion of the cap. Also described herein is a method for securing the interlocking members of a bed frame with interlocking members and flush rail support surfaces.

Abstract: An integrated mattress and foundation according to the invention comprises a frame and resilient webbing support that forms a foundation and a spring-less padding element and a casing that forms a mattress. The casing covers that padding element and is mounted to the frame to integrate the mattress and the foundation. The integrated mattress and foundation preferably has a low profile.

Abstract: A segmented sleeping bag is provided that can be used as a sleeping bag or can be transversely separated into constituent parts for alternative uses. In one alternative, one or more of the constituent parts may be used with a host sleeping bag to provide enhanced performance properties. In another alternative, one or more of the constituent parts of the segmented sleeping bag may be used as an article of clothing, such as a parka or cagoule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible sheet to form the base sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes a movable frame member having an angled aperture for controlling the geometry of the gel layer when heated gel is dispensed into the aperture. In one embodiment, the frame assembly receives another flexible sheet disposed on the gel layer to form the support sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly may further include a cooling channel for convective or liquid cooling of liquid gel dispensed into a gel receiving cavity formed by the aperture.

Abstract: A fitted mattress cover for enveloping the top, side and end surfaces of a mattress is constructed to accommodate a range of mattress peripheral sizes and thicknesses. The construction utilizes composite end panels which include stretch end panels covering lower partial portions of the mattress end surfaces and which impart recovery forces to effectively grip the mattress and thereby minimize the shifting of the cover relative to the mattress. At the same time, the look and feel of the mattress covering, which may be of importance especially in the case of a fitted sheet, is improved, by virtue of the fact that the side panels can be formed as uninterrupted unitary extensions of the material forming the top side panel, or other material based upon aesthetic considerations, as can upper partial portions (extension end panels) of the composite end panels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intelligent bed robot. The intelligent bed robot includes a pressure sensor-provided mattress, an intelligent robot arm, transfer rails, and at least one gripper. The pressure sensor-provided mattress monitors the position, posture and motion of a user on a bed in real time, and assists the user. The intelligent robot arm includes vertical bars disposed on two opposite sides of the bed and configured to have a predetermined length, a horizontal bar configured to connect the vertical bars to each other, and torque sensors disposed at lower ends of the vertical bar, and measures horizontal and vertical forces applied by the user. The transfer rails guide the intelligent robot arm along a path of movement. The gripper is coupled to the horizontal bar of the intelligent robot arm, and is provided with a finger unit capable of picking up an object.

Abstract: A device 50 for supporting and positioning a part of a patient's body includes at least two joints 62, 64, 66 each having a locked state and an unlocked state and a release system for allowing an operator to select between the locked state and the unlocked state. The release system has an operator interface remote from the joints and at a location that enables the operator to support the weight of the body part while at least one of the joints is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: An air mattress includes an inflatable compartment having a length and width, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body; and having a top, bottom, and non-vertical sides, said top and bottom being generally parallel to one another and being composed of at least two horizontal layers of vinyl, one layer of vinyl forming the top of the compartment and the second forming the bottom; at least one internal, generally vertical wall connected to and restraining the relative vertical movement of the top and bottom of the inflatable compartment; and the sides being connected at least at a first location to and horizontally restrained by the internal, generally vertical wall and forming an indentation in the sides of the mattress. Alternately, the mattress profile is formed by a connection between the sides and at least one internal horizontal layer.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of interconnected node groups, where each node group includes at least two nodes connected by a fluid passage. The plurality of interconnected node groups define a node array. A source of pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air is connected with the node array.

Abstract: A method for dyeing high density polyethelene fiber fabric, which includes applying an aliphatic stain on the fabric.

Abstract: A method for determining improved washing conditions for a process of laundering textiles includes the steps of preparing one or more test loads; selecting various wash cycle variables; inserting test materials into test loads; washing the loads and materials pursuant to selected the variables; comparing the materials washed pursuant to the selected variables to generate comparison data; and using the comparison data to develop parameters for determining improved washing conditions for one or more textiles. Consumers may be instructed on how to achieve improved overall care of their clothes or other textiles using the improved washing conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dye composition for keratin fibers, in particular for human keratin fibers such as the hair, this composition having, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least one cationic direct dye of given formula, and containing at least one specific cationic or amphoteric substantive polymer. The invention also relates to the dyeing processes and devices using it.

Abstract: A lens dyeing method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a print area to be formed on a dyeing base body based on information entered to dye a predetermined area of a surface of a lens to be dyed with desired hue and almost uniform color density so that the print area has a diameter larger than that of the lens surface area and the color density of the print area concentrically changes from a central portion to a peripheral portion in a stepwise or linear manner; (b) applying a dyeing ink containing a sublimable dye onto the base body to form the determined print area on one surface of the base body; and (c) placing the base body and the lens so that the print area formed surface and the lens surface area to be dyed face each other in noncontact relation under substantially a vacuum condition, and heating the base body to deposit the dye onto the lens.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite panel is described. One use of the panel is to construct bridge decks although the panel may have several other uses. It comprises two flat plates formed of commingled glass fiber reinforced polypropylene secured in spaced parallel relationship to a core. The core is formed by either two corrugated sheets interconnected together along connecting ridge sections or else by a plurality of elongated FRP channel members disposed transversely between the flat plates. The corrugated sheets or channel members form hollow core spaces between the two flat plates and the core material and these hollow spaces are filled with a filler material to add stability to the panel. Both the flat plates and the core material are formed of commingled glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (FRP).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for removing undesired twists and loops in a power supply cable attached to a robotic swimming pool cleaner during the cleaner's pre-programmed movement over the bottom and/or side walls of the pool. An on-board electronic compass determines an initial reference directional heading of the pool cleaner and the subsequent true or actual directional heading of the pool cleaner is determined intermittently or continuously as the pool cleaner moves through the program cycle. The subsequent directional headings of the moving pool cleaner are compared to the reference directional heading to provide a cumulative positive or negative value. When the cumulative value indicates that one or more complete 360° turns have been made from the reference directional heading, a correction signal is generated for immediate or delayed transmission to the directional control means to turn the pool cleaner in a direction to remove any twists or loops that have formed in the power cable.

Abstract: Power toothbrushes are provided having toothbrush heads that move in a substantially random manner when in use and in contact with a user's teeth.

Abstract: Vibration dampening elements that are made of rubber and/or an elastomer may fail when subjected to vertical and/or horizontal stresses caused by repeated lifting of the cleaning head assembly and/or unintentional bumping of the cleaning head assembly into door frames, walls or other non-movable objects. The present invention includes, among other things, at least one stabilizer element and preferably two stabilizer elements to reduce damage to certain vibration dampening elements caused by vertical and/or horizontal stress. Alternative embodiments of the stabilizer element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floor scrubbing apparatus that is particularly well suited to scrubbing carpet materials is disclosed. The floor scrubbing apparatus is manually operated and includes a drive roller coupled to a scrub roller. In one embodiment, the drive roller is coupled to the scrub roller using a gear arrangement that causes the scrub roller to rotate faster than the drive roller. If desired, the apparatus can include a cleaning fluid dispensing system. For instance, the apparatus can include one or more nozzles that dispense a cleaning fluid onto a carpet material as the material is being cleaned.

Abstract: A brush for hygienic purposes includes a handle with a lower and an upper portion and a head. The upper portion is sized and shaped to capture the head. Preferably the head is a removable cartridge and includes a flexible base with a plurality bristles and a pad with holes disposed over the bristles. The pad could be a foam or sponge matrix or could be a stack of sheets removable one at a time. Upper portion of the handle is curved to provide a predetermined shape to the head. Optionally, a vibrating device is incorporated in the brush so that the brush can be used as to massage the skin or scalp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using said apparatus are disclosed. Said apparatus is a tool having the advantage of being able to regulate the amount of force exerted through said tool on to a work surface. In a preferred embodiment, said tool is a tooth brush and the force threshold is 150 grams.

Abstract: An eyeglasses cleaning device includes: a holding body defining an inner space therein and adapted to receive a cleaning cloth in the inner space, the holding body having a connecting end; and at least one cleaning unit including a mounting member that is coupled detachable to the connecting end of the holding body, and a soft porous block that is mounted on the mounting member and that is adapted to absorb a liquid cleaner therein.

Abstract: A mitt applicator, such as a mitt, for distributing a substance onto a target surface in the preferred form of a mitt. The mitt is composed of two panels, each panel consisting of at least one layer. The mitt's panels are in face-to-face contact with each other. At least one panel is configured to form an external pocket to be used as a product-dispensing reservoir. The inner layer of each panel can form the inside layer of the mitt and can be impervious to liquid or gel substances in order to protect the user's hand. The outer layer of the two panels can be made from materials with different properties. Also included, is a method for construction and method for using the above applicator. Additionally, a mitt with an optional reservoir is disclosed with a radial end shape and an elongated body to protect the user against substances applied to said mitt.

Abstract: A rotary buffer for buffing and polishing concave surfaces. The rotary buffer includes a malleable cone, a cone shaft, and a mounting shaft. The mounting shaft is configured to be received in a chuck of a rotary power tool. The cone and cone shaft work in conjunction with one another to absorb impact from a surface being buffed and polished and to prevent the rotary buffer from bouncing.

Abstract: A car wash brush comprises an axial core structure and a plurality of foam plastic media sheets attached to the core structure in angularly spaced relationship to one another. The media sheets are preferably made of closed cell, low absorbtivity foam plastic material between about ? and ½ inch thick and thermoformed into a pleated configuration with a surface pattern of raised and recessed geometric figures. The media sheets are split at least partially into individual pliant fingers.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing liquid waste in a container is provided. The liquid may be paint. The apparatus comprises an elongate rigid metallic body having first and second ends and first and second long edges, with the first end furnished with projections and concavities shaped to mate with the upper rim of a lidded paint can, and the second end being flat and formed with a generally right angle abutment with said first edge, and also abutting with said second edge in a similar manner, and said first and second ends, and said first and second edges further comprising a nonmetallic resilient ridge extending therefrom for sweeping paint from the inside of a ridged paint container.

Abstract: The subject invention is a new and novel cleaning device for removing dust or dirt from the surface of a floor. The cleaning device comprises a base into which a handle is inserted in the upper side of the base. A cleaning surface is attached to the underside of the base. An apparatus is provided for reducing the amount of effort necessary to push the cleaning device across the surface of a floor comprising a block having a rolling device and means for mounting the apparatus to the handle such that during operation said apparatus is supported by the handle and the rolling device rolls along the surface of the floor.

Abstract: A central connecting device (36) for a flat blade style wiper blade assembly (20) includes a plastic intermediate base (38) that is fixed, such as by ultrasonic welding, to a pair of flexors (26) extending the length of the wiper blade assembly (20). The intermediate base (38) includes a recessed deck section (42) for receiving a metallic housing (54). The housing (54) is heat-staked in position to the intermediate base (38) to secure the two elements together as an integral unit. A rivet (78) extends transversely across the sidewalls (58) of the housing (54) for adjoining to a universal connector (82) or other suitable adaptor or by direction connection to the end of a wiper arm.

Abstract: A door closer to adapt a storage device having a body and a swinging door for automatic closing includes a hinge having first and second hinge elements. Each of the hinge elements include a length dimension and a height dimension parallel the axis of the hinge and are configured to rotate about the axis. A biasing device is coupled with each of the first and second hinge elements and configured to rotationally bias the first and second hinge elements in opposing directions about the axis, the biasing device having a spring force. A panel is provided which is coupled with the second hinge element and has a length dimension greater than a length dimension of the first hinge element.

Abstract: A retractable pull handle for a luggage includes an outer pipe, an inner pipe, a fixing seat, a positioning block, a first elastic member, two locking blocks, two second elastic members, and a push member. Thus, the locking posts of the locking blocks are locked in the lower locking holes of the outer pipe, and the positioning post of the positioning block is locked in the positioning hole of the outer pipe to provide a double locking effect, so that the inner pipe is locked in the outer pipe exactly and stably to prevent the inner pipe from detaching from the outer pipe, thereby facilitating packaging, transportation and storage of the luggage.

Abstract: A knob structure includes a holder, a steel ball, an elastic metallic piece, a swiveling element and a connecting element. The holder has at least one through hole. The steel ball is slidably placed inside the through hole. The elastic metallic piece and the swiveling element reside at either sides of the holder. The elastic metallic piece slidably lies against the steel ball. The swiveling element has a sliding portion which has a plurality of notches spaced at intervals. The sliding portion slidably lies against the steel ball so that the steel ball slides into or out of the notches by turning the swiveling element. The steel ball has a smooth surface and is in point-to-point contact with the sliding portion and with the elastic metallic piece. Therefore, frictions therebetween are so small that no scraps generate due to the frictional operation.

Abstract: A foldable electronic equipment comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3) that are interconnected through a hinge (4). The hinge (4) comprises at least one leaf spring (17) that is connected to the first part (2) and the second part (3) and is arranged to force the first part (2) and the second part (3) away from each other. Additionally, a camera is provided on the hinge, the camera being aligned with an opening on the hinge when the first part and the second part are forced away from each other.