Abstract: The invention concerns multiaxial fabrics comprising at least one layer of nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic film or thermoset film, a first layer comprising a plurality of first yarns being substantially parallel in a first direction, a second layer comprising a plurality of second yarns being substantially parallel in a second direction and skew or off-set with respect to the first yarns, and transverse yarn interlaced transversely within the layers wherein each layer may be arranged in any sequential order and optionally coated with a high viscosity polymer that has a Tg in the range of about ?40 to about 0° C., and a zero shear melt viscosity of about 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C.

Abstract: A headband device permits a user to rest, even sleep, snugly fastened to the headrest of the seat in which he or she is seated. A method of using the headband device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective glove, adapted to be worn by a user while using a hot glue gun, including a breathable main body portion, that closely approximates the size and shape of the palm and back portions of a hand; a breathable wrist portion that extends from the main body portion and is adapted to cover at least a portion of a user's wrist and hold comfortably against the wrist of the protective glove wearer, and non-stick, heat-resistant elements that extend along the underside finger tip and thumb areas of the protective glove and can also cover palm and backhand areas of the glove.

Abstract: A finger training apparatus comprising a glove with anchors attached to one or more fingertips and detachably fastened to keys, buttons, or valves of a musical instrument, controller, or handheld device to prevent slippage of the operator's fingers in order to train the operator to maintain proper finger positioning.

Abstract: A leg handle with preferably hollow cylindrical sections, is used to aid in lifting a jumping player, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. The handles are preferably made of one or more foam sausages attached to a thin stretch fabric sleeve which is placed the leg of the jumper and when jumping allow for secure grasp by lifters. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg handles provide a level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not provided by conventional methods. To use, leg handles are applied to one or more legs of a jumper and held in place with tape. When the jumper jumps, one or more lifters place there hands against the leg handle. The lifters lift the jumper higher, support the jumper in the jump while the jumper attempts to intercept a ball, and safely lower the jumper.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article at least one portion of which is made of chain mail fabric, namely made of interweaved metal rings, in particular a clothing or decorative article, the chain mail portion is associated with at least one resilient member arranged so as to tighten the chain mail fabric on a part of the user's body and/or to draw and tension a portion of the chain mail fabric so as to absorb a local excess of material. According to the invention, at least one of the resilient members is in the form of a flat spring (4), of pin type, consisting of a juxtaposition of elongated wire arms (5) connected by pairs by an elastic joint (6).

Abstract: An insulated bag for use by, but not limited to, spectators at outdoor events. The bag is comprised of insulated material designed into a body conforming shape which is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. It includes a variety of design elements to make the combination more useful for its intended purpose insofar as moisture protection, heat retention, and ventilation; and to facilitate its portability and deployment.

Abstract: An elastomeric glove molded in to a mitten type glove with a thumb section molded to fit all sizes. The glove may be constructed of any natural or synthetic rubber latex or blend or combination thereof and has a thickens between about 0.004 to 0.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for performing a cheer using a pair of gloves, including a first glove and a second glove which are not connected to one another, but which can be used together to form a depiction of the head of an animal having a pair of jaws which can be manipulated to perform the cheer by moving the gloved arms of a person toward and away from one another in a scissors-like fashion to emulate opening and closing of the jaws of the animal head. One or both of the gloves may include holes extending therethrough so that one or more fingers and the thumb of the hand of a person wearing the glove can be used to grasp an object such as a drink container while wearing the glove.

Abstract: The protective glove according to the invention is characterized in that it includes at least one resilient member (17) integral with the chain mail fabric, arranged to draw the chain mail fabric of at least one of the glove fingers (16) in the direction or substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof and toward the wrist portion (12). Preferably, the resilient member or members (17) are disposed on the portion (11) intended to cover the hand. These resilient member or members (17), preferably in the form of a flat spring, of pin type, enable the chain mail to fit at best the fingers of the hand and enable in particular to limit, or even eliminate, the presence of an excess of chain mail at the end of the glove user fingers.

Abstract: A glove with a support system is disclosed. The support system comprises a number of individual support sections, each of which is comprised of a number of arcuate support segments that encircle a portion of a finger and allow forward flexural movement while helping to reduce hyperextension of the finger. The support system is also designed to help reduce the possibility of the finger jamming.

Abstract: A new and improved garment includes support bands fabricated from an elastomeric adhesive and flocking with one end of the flocking fibers embedded within the elastomeric adhesive. In addition, a process for producing garments with flocking fibers manufactured using electrostatic or mechanical devices.

Abstract: A dynamic scenery swim mask with a liquid filled lens having a plurality of decorative elements. The lens includes a rearward lens element and a forward lens element defining a sealed fluid-receiving compartment therebetween. The rearward lens element having a first viewing pane with a peripheral edge and a continuous sidewall extending forwardly from said peripheral edge. The forward lens element having a second viewing pane and being sealingly attached to the sidewall at a forwardly spaced distance from said first viewing pane. The fluid receiving compartment is filled with a flowable fluid and one or more decorative elements.

Abstract: A one piece athletic garment provides protection in a sport such as hockey and includes a unitary body enclosure having a torso section, legs, and sleeves and that includes protection for elbows, knees, shins, shoulders, and chest and protective pants.

Abstract: A force ventilated and heated garment including a garment body and a self-contained forced ventilator removably attachable to the garment body. A plurality of air flow channels are arranged along the garment body and are connected to an air inlet. The forced ventilator includes one or more blowers that draw ambient air into the ventilator and discharges into the air inlet connected to the air flow channels. A heating element is positioned in the ventilator to heat air passing through it before being discharged into the air inlet. A controller is provided for allowing a user to control the amount of heat generated by the heating element. A sealable vent extends through the garment for venting the interior of the garment should it become to warm.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a garment a device and a method for reducing the risk of bone fracture of a human or animal subject due to impact forces on a vulnerable region having a bone part, e.g. the greater trochanter near the skin surface, there being a soft tissue region proximate to the vulnerable region lacking a bone part near the skin surface. The garment comprises at least one protective device shaped in accordance with anatomical features of the vulnerable region and the soft tissue region so that the impact energy is shunted for the vulnerable region to the soft tissue region, where such energy may be safely dissipated and mounting means for removable mounting the at least one protective device on the subject in a manner permitting the shunting of impact energy from the vulnerable region to the soft tissue region.

Abstract: A method for preventing waste materials from clogging a household drain, the method comprising: a) receiving a quantity of waste material contained in a flow of liquid toward a drain receptacle; b) guiding the flow of liquid to a predetermined position adjacent a part of a manually operable device mounted within the drain receptacle and gathering the quantity of the waste material from the flow of liquid in a first location adjacent a member of the manually operable device located in the drain receptacle; c) maintaining the quantity of waste material generally perpendicular to the vertical motion of a manually moving size reduction assembly; d) manually moving the size reduction assembly portion of the device so as to subject the quantity of waste material to abrading action, thereby producing an abraded portion of waste material as a plurality of smaller pieces; and e) carrying the abraded pieces away from the drain receptacle and through a drain conduit in the flow of water.

Abstract: A coil or spring device in the shape of a cone or funnel with a decreasing radius and decreasing pitch that can be inserted in a drain to trap hair and other foreign matter that would otherwise cause a clogging condition in waste water drain pipes and plumbing systems. The device is preferably biodegradable and is designed to fit in a wide variety of drain pipe diameters and to be removably positionable to allow for easy inspection, replacement, and disposal.

Abstract: A user-system interface actuates a tub system associated with the tub comprising a tub wall with an opening in the tub wall above a maximum water level of the tub. A screen plate is mounted to the tub wall to cover the opening, the screen plate having keys representing functions of the tub system, and being made of a material allowing visible light/infrared radiations to pass therethrough. Sensors are associated with each one of the keys of the screen plate through the opening in the tub wall and concealed from a visible surface of the tub, the sensors being triggered by electromagnetic radiations of a user across a respective one of the keys. A controller receives actuation signals from the a triggered one of the sensors to actuate any selected function of the tub system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a disposable liner that is disposed in a cavity of a basin are disclosed. In one embodiment, a disposable liner that is disposed in a cavity of a basin includes sidewalls that are designed to adapt to the contours of the cavity of the basin and a bottom wall that is attached to the sidewalls and includes a drainage hole that is aligned with the drainage hole of the basin. The disposable liner further includes a cover that seals the drainage holes, preventing water from draining out of the disposable liner through the drainage hole. The cover includes an elongated tab that extends to a top edge of at least one of the side walls. The elongated tab is designed to facilitate peeling the cover off the disposable liner.

Abstract: An air mattress has a top chamber and a bottom chamber separated by a barrier. The patient rests on the top surface of the top chamber, which has a plurality of apertures discharging air through apertures that are not blocked by the patient. The top chamber is provided with temperature-controlled heated or cooled air at a regulated pressure. Heated or cooled air from the top chamber is delivered to an area substantially surrounding the patient. The bottom chamber has a bottom surface containing a plurality of apertures that remain closed due to the weight of the mattress and the patient when the pressure-regulated air is beneath a pre-selected value. When the air pressure is increased, the apertures at the bottom surface of the bottom chamber emit air, creating an air cushion underneath the air mattress that facilitates lateral movement of the mattress over a flat or irregular surface, such as from a hospital bed to a stretcher, or from a stretcher to an operating table.

Abstract: An attract-molded bed, including a bed head, a bed afterbody, a bed board, both ends of the bed board being removably connected to the bed head and the bed afterbody respectively; wherein the bed head and the bed afterbody are formed of a front cover, a rear cover, a filler and an inner liner, the front cover and the rear cover are formed by attract-molding or hot compressing, the filler and inner liner are positioned between the front cover and the rear cover, the edges of the front and rear covers overlap each other, wherein the position overlap is dead jointed.

Abstract: A modular bed frame has ladder-like side frames with upper and lower side rails, and ladder-like end frames with upper and lower rails. The side and end frames telescopingly attach to the ends of upper and lower rounded corner rails. The insides of the side frames carry tubular upright fittings for increasing vertical rigidity. These fittings also provide upwardly opening tubular sleeves that receive right angle corner connectors on the ends of spaced apart and parallel horizontal slats that traverse the bed frame from end to end when assembled by a user. Separate upright rigid legs with feet on the bottom are slidably attached to downwardly opening tubular sleeves on the underside of the assembled frame structure to elevate the assembled bed foundation above the floor.

Abstract: A mattress encasement made of bug impervious fabric provides a zipper opening for removal of the mattress. A foam pad is stitched at an end of the zipper closure such that when the zipper is located at or near the end, a channel is provided to prevent or obstruct the escapement of bed bugs via the channel and out from a mattress encased by the mattress encasement.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a pillow case having a top and a bottom, the top opposite from the bottom. The pillow case may include a first pocket attached to the top, and a second pocket attached to the bottom. The pillow case may have a main inner chamber located within the pillow case, such that a pillow cushion can be located within the pillow case. The first pocket may run substantially along an entire width of the pillow case, and the second pocket may run substantially along an entire length of the pillow case. The pillow case and cushion can be inserted into the first or second pockets. A variety of pillow configurations can be created from this apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating an infant that comprises a member adapted to receive the infant's hips and lateral edges that are adapted to prevent the infant from turning. The lateral edges are provided with flange adapted to uphold at least one of a plurality of diapers strips in a cartridge manner. The lateral edges are foldable and therefore, the apparatus can be portable.

Abstract: A multi-function tool having a handle portion and a plurality of structures operable therewith for the performance of a plurality of functions. The multi-function tool allows fast and convenient transition between any of the plurality of functions in order to enable completion of jobs or tasks requiring such functions without acquisition, storage, and/or maintenance of a plurality of specialized tools.

Abstract: A method for controlling a course of a washing machine is disclosed, to remove bacilli as well as protein contaminants from a washing tub and the laundry, which includes (a) selecting an anti-yellow course of a washing stroke, so as to set washing conditions which is suitable for activating deposition of protein in the laundry; and (b) performing the washing stroke based on the washing conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing colored gluelam bamboo articles includes splitting bamboo stalks into strips and removing the tabasheer and bamboo rind from the strips. The strips are steamed and then dyed under a high-pressure. The dyed bamboo strips are then dried and planed into a finish plane form. The dyed and finished plane strips are then laminated together with an adhesive to form bamboo timber boards or panels of various sizes. The colored gluelam bamboo timber articles produced exhibit a beautiful, natural dyed appearance in which the natural texture of the bamboo is brought forth and fully preserved after the dyeing, and gluelam bamboo timber products produced from the boards or panels will not warp in the presence of high humidity. The method results in low equipment and manufacturing costs and a high production efficiency.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, a process is provided for the preparation of amorphous particles comprising a homogeneous distribution of one or more dyes encapsulated by an amorphous, siliceous encapsulating agent, the process comprising: (a) providing a precursor of the encapsulating agent in liquid form; (b) providing the one or more dyes in liquid form; (c) mixing the liquid forms; (d) aerosolizing the mixture to form droplets comprising the one or more dyes and encapsulating agent; and (e) heating the droplets to form the particles comprising the one or more dyes encapsulated by the siliceous encapsulating agent; wherein at least one of the liquid forms provided is aqueous and the or each aqueous liquid form is acidic. According to a second aspect of the invention, encapsulated dyes made by the process of the first aspect of the invention are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations thereof for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The décor product is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface, and may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, methods such as heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemicals may be used. The décor product may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the décor product to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.

Abstract: A ramp assembly is suitable for use with a vehicle having a floor. The ramp assembly includes a ramp rotatably coupled within the vehicle, and a moving floor having an inboard panel and an outboard panel. The outboard panel has an outboard end hingedly coupled to the inboard end of the ramp to define an outboard hinge line that moves between a raised position when the ramp is in a stowed position and a lowered position when the ramp is in a deployed position. An outboard end of the inboard panel is hingedly coupled to an inboard end of the outboard panel. A reciprocating mechanism reciprocates an inboard end of the inboard panel between a lowered position and a raised position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning floor is disclosed, which is capable of maximizing a user's convenience by an automatic operation, minimizing jolt or vibration generated for its operation, and realizing enhanced endurance and safety, wherein the apparatus includes first and second movable members rectilinearly reciprocating along the same straight line in opposite directions with each other.

Abstract: An oral hygiene implement may include a body having a handle region and a head region, the head having cleaning elements extending therefrom, an energy source disposed in the head region, wherein the energy source is capable of providing visible light having a wavelength of between about 380 nm to about 700 nm, and a device for filtering visible light of predetermined wavelengths reflected from portions of an oral cavity and for transmission of energy resulting from the fluorescence from a disclosing agent. An oral hygiene kit may include a fluorescent agent capable of highlighting a condition within an oral cavity and one or more of oral hygiene devices and/or implements having an energy source capable of providing electromagnetic energy and a device for filtering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning mop, including a handle fixed onto a cylindrical coupler having rotational capability; a joint fixed to the cylindrical coupler; a retainer for retaining a cleaning element; and a scrubber formed with projections on one part and fins on the other part, the fins extending side to side along the scrubber. The scrubber can be formed to have a circular cross-section. It also can be formed to have a polygonal cross-section. Each surface of the polygon is formed alternatively with either irregularly spaced projections or regularly spaced fins, such that the projections and fins alternate on every other face of the polygon.

Abstract: A window-screen-cleaning fabric comprises a base cloth and a plurality of fibers comprising (A) a crimped fiber and (B) a flat fiber. In the fabric, the crimped fibers and the flat fibers are raised from a first surface of the base cloth, and the height of the flat fibers from the first surface of the base cloth is greater than that of the crimped fibers from the first surface of the base cloth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiping device (10), particularly for a motor vehicle, having a support (12) which is particularly constructed in a substantially tubular shape. A drive unit (34) with a housing (36) is arranged on the support (12), said housing having a holder (38). According to the invention, the support (12) has a section (42) which is substantially H-shaped in cross section for fastening to the holder (38).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning robot system of a satellite type. The present invention provides a cleaning robot system of a satellite type that includes a flat autonomous cleaning head, a hose assembly, and a cleaning main body. The flat autonomous cleaning head includes a suction inlet formed in a bottom thereof, a side connector communicating with the suction inlet, travel wheels provided on both side thereof, and variable speed drive motors for driving the travel wheels. The hose assembly is connected to the cleaning head and is at least partially flexible. The cleaning main body is connected to the hose assembly and includes a vacuum pump, a dust collector, a discharge air separator, a power supply, and a controller. Since the cleaning head of the cleaning robot system according to the present invention has a simple structure, it is possible to make the cleaning head thin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an upright vacuum cleaner (10) having an elongate body (12) and comprising a floorhead (14) on which the elongate body is mounted, the floorhead (14) having a first inlet (140) for dirty air, a wand having a second inlet for dirty air, a changeover valve (22) for selecting between a flow of dirty air from the first or second inlet, a dust collection chamber (18) also having a dirty air inlet (180), a duct (28) for conveying said flow of dirty air from the changeover valve (22) to the dust collection chamber inlet (180), and a source of suction power for drawing the dirty air from the first or second inlet through said changeover valve (22) and said duct (28) to the dust collection chamber inlet (180).

Abstract: A vacuum device for collecting pet waste includes a housing coupled to a vacuum source. The housing is a clam-shell configuration and is configured to receive a disposable liner bag. When closed, the housing holds the liner bag securely therein. A method of using the device provides for placing the liner bag within the housing, feeding a portion of the liner through an inlet tube to the housing, such that the inlet of the housing is insulated from contact with the waste being picked up.

Abstract: A portable cleaning assembly includes a vacuum unit for vacuuming debris and a waste container for collecting waste separate from the vacuumed debris. The assembly also includes one or more batteries electrically connected to the vacuum unit for providing electric power. A transport mechanism supports the waste container, the vacuum unit, and the batteries to allow the free movement of the assembly about an area. The at least one battery is balanced in opposition with the vacuum unit to prevent tip-over of the cleaning assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner control system comprising a first user-operable control for switching a suction source of the vacuum cleaner between an on condition and an off condition, a second user-operable control for switching a rotatable brush in a floorhead of the vacuum cleaner between an on condition and an off condition, a third user-operable control for switching a filter cleaning mechanism for cleaning a filter of the vacuum cleaner between an on condition and an off condition, a detector for detecting when a handle of the vacuum cleaner is tilted between a substantially vertical, storage position and an angled, use position, and an electronic circuit for receiving input signals from the first, second and third user-operable controls and from the detector. The electronic circuit has a first output for switching the suction source on and off, a second output for switching the floorhead brush on and off and a third output for switching the filter cleaning mechanism on and off.

Abstract: An air blower has a motor drivably connected to an impeller operable to move air through a spout and into a nozzle releasably mounted on the spout. A heater assembly located with the nozzle operates to heat air flowing in the nozzle and discharge hot air from the nozzle.

Abstract: A fluid damper for use in applications such as furniture is provided. The fluid damper includes a cylinder (10) having an open end (13) and a closed end (14) with a piston disposed within the cylinder. The piston has a piston rod (2) for moving the piston between the open and closed end of the cylinder with the piston rod extending out of the cylinder open end through a seal (4). A guide bushing (100, 200) having a central hollow shaft (110, 210) for guiding the piston rod is disposed within the cylinder. The guide bushing allows damping fluid to flow in the space (17) between the central shaft and cylinder wall.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge assembly for a vehicle deck lid includes an adjustment pin received in a hinge pin that is adjustable to cause the deck lid to become flush with adjacent vehicle body structure. The adjustment pin includes a tool engagement feature that allows for adjustment of the hinge assembly from within the trunk. A second tool engagement feature allows for adjustment of the hinge from outside of the trunk.

Abstract: A hinge with less noise pivotally connects to a cover and a base of an electrical appliance and has a stationary-positioning element, a rotating-positioning element and a noise-eliminated spacer. The stationary-positioning element is mounted securely in the base and has at least one positioning protrusion. The rotating-positioning element is mounted securely in the cover and has at least one positioning detent corresponding to the positioning protrusion when the cover is closed. The noise-eliminated spacer is attached to the rotating-positioning element to let the stationary-positioning element and the rotating-positioning element in constant contact, which results in friction between the stationary-positioning element and the rotating-positioning element being uniform. The noise-eliminated spacer is made by metal stamping process to well form the size of the through hole for tightly engage the deformed portion of the shaft to eliminate noise.

Abstract: A vehicle door hinge includes a base, a main link having first and second arms, a first end of the main link being pivotally mounted to the base at a first pivot, a drive link pivotally connected to an end of a control link, the drive link passing through a slot in the main link, a mounting plate having open ended slots opening at a first end of the plate, at least one closed end slot wherein an end of the drive link is pivotally secured in one of the open ended slots, an idle link pivotally secured in a closed end slot of the main link and an open ended slot of the door mounting plate, a kicker link having a first end thereof pivotally secured in the open ended slot of the main link and a second end pivotally secured in a closed end slot of the door mounting plate wherein the kicker link is longer than the idle link.

Abstract: A handle structure with locking unit includes a handle having a hollow fitting section provided at a predetermined position, a locking unit movably coupled with the handle, and an elastic element fitted around the rod section and restricted within the fitting section. The locking unit includes a rod section fitted in the fitting section of the handle, an operating section located at an end of the rod section to outward protrude from a first end of the fitting section, and a threaded section located at another end of the rod section to outward protrude from a second end of the fitting section. An annular stop section is formed around the rod section to interfere with the fitting section. When a slidable carrier unit with the handle structure mounted thereto is in a fully inward pushed position, the operating section may be turned to lock or unlock the carrier unit.

Abstract: Hand grip for hand tools and the like contains a plurality of elastomeric compositions to protect the users hand during use. As proposed a plurality of gel inserts are provided with varying degrees of hardness and density to provide an improved ergonomic design while insuring the integrity of the handle.

Abstract: A system for controlling the feed rate of seed cotton to a roller gin utilizes a plurality of sensors to measure gin roll temperature, power requirements, seed cotton accumulation on the gin roll and/or ginned seed reflectance to dynamically vary feed rate, rotary knife speed and gin roll speed, force and position against stationary knife to increase ginning efficiency.