Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a moulded article comprising the steps of forming a stack by stacking (2) or more sheets comprising monolayers of unidirectional fibers and optionally a binder; providing isostatic pressurizing means; placing the stack in the isostatic pressurizing means; and consolidating the stack under temperature and isostatic pressure into a moulded article. The invention furthermore relates to products obtainable with said process, which are very suitable for use in anti-ballistic applications and include e.g. helmets, curved panels, cones and domes.

Abstract: A helmet for an aircraft pilot is provided including an inner shell and a liner attached to the inner shell configured to closely contact the pilot's head. The helmet also comprises adjustable tensioning means disposed at the rear of the helmet configured to tension the inner helmet and liner onto the pilot's head, to secure and locate the helmet in place on the pilot's head.

Abstract: A bib having an apron, a pocket, a waist strap, and a hip strap. The bib is especially useful for young children who may be uncomfortable wearing neck-type bibs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hood for an apparel for protecting a head of a user from weather elements, such as rain, snow, and wind. The hood comprises a cover member adapted to enclose and protect at least a portion of the head of the user, and a plurality of support members coupled to the cover member in a manner such that the plurality of support members is capable of being adjusted for allowing the cover member to attain one of a folded position and an unfolded position. The plurality of support members enables the cover member to configure in a spaced apart manner in the unfolded position for enclosing at least a portion of the head of the user. Further, the plurality of support members enables the cover member to be stowed in the folded position of the cover member.

Abstract: A negative ion generating hat is provided. The hat is configured in a way that a predetermined space portion is formed between an inner of the hat and a lower band of the inner surface and a negative ion generating fabric is inserted into the space portion, thereby preventing a negative ion generating coating from being easily stripped off in spite of a stretching or creasing of a band.

Abstract: A pants garment has a pant leg extending vertically from about a hip region to a bottom hem, a slit extending upward from the hem, the slit vertically dividing the pant leg into a pair of mating slit edges ending at a terminus, a zipper for releasably closing the slit along the pair of mating slit edges, a gusset formed of a vertically pleated fabric material having a peripheral length sized to match the pair of mating slit edges, and snaps, buttons, zippers or hook and loop fasteners for removably attaching the peripheral length of the gusset to an interior region of the pant leg adjacent the pair of mating slit edges of the pant leg.

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.

Abstract: Underwear, such as boxer shorts or long underwear, intended to be used by men. The underwear being provided at its upper end with a first elastic band or panel forming an integral part of the underwear and extending around the entire circumference of the waistband of the underwear. The underwear is provided with a second elastic band, string or panel.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective rib and lower back pads for protecting an individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads against impact to the ribs and/or lower back region of the human body. The improvement comprises protective rib and lower back pads with release mechanisms that allow the protective rib and lower back pads to be safely and easily detached from its corresponding pair of protective shoulder pads while the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of a secondary injury to the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads as the protective rib and lower back pads and associated protective shoulder pads are removed.

Abstract: A splash cover for a plunger, the plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging of a drainage site. The splash cover includes a collar member having a circumferential edge and having a central aperture for engaging the elongate handle, and a plurality of separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections at one end around the circumferential edge and extending lengthwise from the collar member. Each flap is pivotable at its hinge connection to a radially-outward position for providing coverage to the drainage site. The collar member has a sleeve section forming the aperture and an outwardly extending flange section forming the edge to which the flaps are connected. A handle member is also provided having a recess for engaging a top end of the elongate handle.

Abstract: A flush valve assembly structure of a water tank is provided, and includes a valve seat, a guide rod, and a canister flush valve. The canister flush valve seals a flow path from an internal of the water tank to a toilet bowl, and may be lifted up to be separated from the valve seat to form a valve port. A water passage part is mounted on the canister flush valve, and a water passage post is disposed on the water passage part. A water inlet is disposed on the water passage post, which may be appropriately blocked by a block wall correspondingly disposed on the bottom wall. Meanwhile, a position of the water passage post may be adjusted to change a degree that the water inlet is blocked, so as to change a flow volume of flush water entering the canister flush valve from the water inlet.

Abstract: A pool blanket reel assembly is provided that includes a motor base, an idler base, a roller bar, a motor bracket, a motor, an idler bracket, an idler hub, a power supply, a switch, a remote control, and a remote control timer.

Abstract: An apparatus for removably securing a cover to a hot tub including a slider bracket having a bracket body having two flanges, said flanges arranged substantially parallel to each other, a slot arranged in each of said flanges, and a rod engaged in both of said slots for enabling said rod to slidingly traverse said slots, wherein said cover includes a strap, and said strap is engaged with said rod of said slider bracket.

Abstract: A shower curtain support system for a shower stall or tub enclosure is disclosed, comprising a support guide member having a center holding portion and two opposing ends, two holders, and an attached shower curtain. The support guide member is selectively adjustable in the middle. The two holders are fixedly attached to the two surrounding opposing end walls, directly abutting a shower stall or tub enclosure, and are usably adjoined, one on each end, to the support guide member. Each holder comprises a roller bracket having an appendage with rollers and spacers attached to the roller bracket by fasteners, and which appendage projects through the access opening into the shower stall or tub enclosure. The rollers and spacers contact and communicate with the hollow interior and slots on each of the two opposing ends of the support guide member. Retainers prevent the support guide member from disengaging the holder.

Abstract: A manufactured shower base assembly includes a thermoplastic honeycomb structure with a spun bond polyester fabric bonded to its base surface. The upper surface of the honeycomb structure is contoured to a desired slope and drain opening configuration, and includes a thermoplastic pre-formed thermoplastic waterproof membrane integrally bonded to its top surface, the membrane being contoured to conform to a shape of the honeycomb structure. A structural ring is utilized to provide added structure around the drain opening. The configuration allows for adjustment when placing/installing the shower base in relation to walls of the shower enclosure and to a floor drain in the shower enclosure, and further allows for attachment to any common clamping ring style drain, and provides for efficient and quick installation with minimization of skilled labor time.

Abstract: A transfer board with at least a pair of elongated elements interconnected by means of at least one hinge allowing the elongated members to fold on each other when not in use, wherein the said hinge forms a rigid joint between the said elongated members when the said members are unfolded for use; and wherein the location of the hinge is offset to one side of the joint centerline such that the rigid joint formed between the connecting parts is not primarily-dependent on the mating surfaces perpendicular to the long axis of the said elongated members and forming an alternative primary load path between the soffit of the first elongated member and the cooperating upper surface of the projecting connector of the second elongated member. In this respect the gap between the elongated members remains constant under normal use and eliminates a possible pinching point.

Abstract: A device for lifting and lowering a person in a confined space which comprises an inflatable cushion with a seating surface and an inflatable back rest attached thereto. The back rest is movable relative to the cushion and attached so that when the device is inflated the back rest is biased into an open position such that it extends in substantially the same plane as the seating surface of the cushion. The device is also provided with at least one aperture located between the back rest and the cushion.

Abstract: A quiet, non-binding collapsible spring mechanism for resiliently supporting a mattress includes a system of collapsible, sinuous springs, each having hooked ends for silencing the mechanism during use or collapse, as well as central offset portions for enabling the sinuous springs to compress to a greater extent than heretofore. Both rigid and yieldable support structures connect the spring mechanism to an item of furniture.

Abstract: A blanket is placed upon an infant in a car seat. The blanket has contoured sleeves and an open back construction of the blanket, as well as stabilization means for securing the base section of the blanket onto an outer, exterior bottom portion of the seat. With these features, the blanket can be readily donned upon an infant that is buckled within a car safety seat without the need to adjust safety straps. The travel blanket includes a base section constructed with a base periphery integrated with the base stabilization means. Lateral sections of the travel blanket further include lateral perimeters appointed for aiding in securing the lateral sections over the infant, without wrapping the torso of the infant. Contoured arm sleeves provide enhanced safety to infants. The sleeves snuggly fit over the infant's wrists and do not have loose flowing material about the arms and wrists, which could present a suffocation risk.

Abstract: A body support assembly (326A) for supporting the body of a user of a massage device (10) includes a frame (334), a pad assembly (336) and a cover assembly (338). The pad assembly (336) is supported by the frame (334). The cover assembly (338) secures the pad assembly (336) to the frame (334). The cover assembly (338) includes a top cover section (360), a bottom cover section (362), and a section connector (364). The section connector (364) selectively moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the section connector (364) is in the open configuration, the top cover section (360) is not directly connected to the bottom cover section (362). When the section connector (364) is in the closed configuration, the top cover section (360) is directly connected to the bottom cover section (362). The cover assembly (338) can further include a middle cover section (366) that is connected to the top cover section (360) and the bottom cover section (362).

Abstract: A patient support is provided having an onboard storage location for a foot section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an improved foam mattress. In one embodiment, the mattress has a base layer coupled to rectangular side sections each having a top surface. The top surfaces of the side sections extend above the top surface of the base layer and define a periphery of a space. The base layer and side sections are made of a material having a first resiliency. A central core layer is configured to fit entirely within the space defined by the side sections and is made of a material having a second resiliency, where the second resiliency is lower than said first resiliency. A top layer rests on the top surface of the central core layer and the top surface of the side sections. The top layer is made of a material of having a resiliency equal to or less than the second resiliency.

Abstract: A sleep monitoring system includes a fluid bladder. A pump is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder, and the pump is operable to increase a fluid pressure within the fluid bladder. A sensor is packaged with the pump, and the sensor is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder and is operative to determine a pressure within the fluid bladder. A controller is configured to determine the at least one vital sign based on the pressure within the fluid bladder.

Abstract: An air mattress having one or more inflatable, air-tight chambers where the firmness is adjustable using a pumping system controlled by one or more remote control units. As an improvement over the prior art, the pumping system is installed within the confines of the mattress and outside of the inflatable chambers to increase overall efficiency, accuracy, reliability, and environment compatibility of the mattress while maintaining the ease of diagnostics and repair. This new art also makes the mattress more user friendly by reducing perceivable pumping noise and by relieving the hassle of dealing with hoses and external pump of the prior art. The air mattress may also include any and all features of the prior art such as mattress edge support foam and layers of comfort-providing foam.

Abstract: An alkaline laundry detergent for hand washing a fabric contains a sudsing surfactant, a polyethyleneimine suds collapser having the empirical formula (PEI)a(EO)b(PO)c where a is about 100-100,000, b is about 0-60, and c is about from 0-60, and a pH control system When diluted to form a laundry liquor and during washing the pH control system maintains the pH of the laundry liquor above about 8.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises at least one of a tub and drum defining a fabric treatment chamber, a steam generator having a steam generation chamber and configured to supply steam to the fabric treatment chamber, and a conduit fluidly coupling a water supply to the steam generation chamber. The fabric treatment appliance can also include a flow controller and/or a flow meter fluidly coupled to the conduit to facilitate controlling the supply of water to the steam generation chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the flow controller and/or the flow meter.

Abstract: An article for distress-washing fabric comprising a hollow float and at least one distressing feature projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the float, wherein the article is substantially wear resistant and does not produce residue as a result of impact with fabric, internal surfaces of a washing machine and additional articles for distress-washing fabric. A method for distress-washing fabric utilizing an article described herein.

Abstract: Provided are a one-part hair dye composition containing (A) a combination of 5,6-dihydroxyindole and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid, (B) either one of (b1) ascorbic acid or salt thereof or (b2) sulfurous acid or salt thereof, and (C) an alkali agent and having a pH of from 8 to 11; and a method of selecting the kind of Component (B), thereby controlling a hair color upon dyeing the hair.

Abstract: Customers obtain customized textile materials by selecting style, shape, size, pattern and color for an undyed textile product. Based on a selection made by the customer, the textile product is transformed by a dyeing operation performed on a single item to yield a product, such as a shirt, pants, or jacket which has a color and pattern of his or her own choosing, in the size and style he or she desires. The process can be performed in a retail setting using a dye machine which allows the process to be viewed by the customer. Preferably, the textile material is constructed from yarns which include cationic cotton alone or in combination with natural cotton or other natural or synthetic fibers, and using anionic dyes, such as a fiber reactive dye, such that the dye is exhausted during the process and effluent from the dye machine is environmentally friendly without excess dye, salts, and alkalis.

Abstract: A welded joint improved in fatigue strength, a steel deck using the welded joint, and a process of producing the steel deck are provided. A steel deck 3 includes a steel plate 10 having a paving surface 11 on which a pavement is placed, and stiffeners 20 welded to a lower surface 12 of the steel plate opposite the paving surface. Single bevel grooves 22 are formed at respective edges 21 of each stiffener brought into contact with the steel plate, and a weld metal 30 is deposited in each single bevel groove 22. The weld metal is a low transformation-temperature welding material whose martensitic transformation occurs in a predetermined low temperature range. The groove angle ? of the single bevel grooves 22 and welding conditions are set based on data acquired so as to obtain a fixed dilution ratio of the weld metal 30 through control of penetration rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric toothbrush. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the toothbrush handle part having a coupling device for coupling an attachment thereto, especially an attachable brush, and a drive train, especially a drive shaft, which can be driven by a drive motor, for driving the attachment. In another embodiment, the invention relates to the above attachment which especially may be an attachable brush, comprising a connecting piece that can be placed on the handle part neck of the toothbrush handle part. The toothbrush handle part comprises disengageable arresting means for arresting, blocking, and/or braking the drive train part. Advantageously, the arresting means are automatically released when the attachable brush is attached and are transferred to the arrested state when the attachable brush is removed. In the arrested state of the drive train part, the drive motor is automatically switched off.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device includes a personal hygiene implement and a first position member. The personal hygiene device is capable of providing the user with feedback which can assist the user in his/her personal hygiene routines.

Abstract: A foldable mop plate includes a first plate wing coupled to a second plate wing by an articulated coupling and at least one mopping cover. The at least one mopping cover is disposed on the first and second plate wings and configured to be squeezed out through a folding of the first and second plate wings toward one another. Further, a spacing between the first and second plate wings in a region of the articulated coupling is enlargeable upon a folding of the first and second plate wings toward one another.

Abstract: A vehicle wiper device including a wiper arm, a wiper blade, and a wiping range enlarging mechanism is disclosed. The wiper arm is driven by driving force of a drive source. The wiper blade is coupled to a distal portion of the wiper arm at a constant position relative to the wiper arm. The wiper blade moves back and forth between first and second reversing positions while wiping a wiping surface of a vehicle body when the wiper arm is driven. The wiping range enlarging mechanism drives the wiper arm while moving a basal portion of the wiper arm so that a wiping angle of a basal portion of the wiper arm becomes greater than a wiping angle of a distal portion of the wiper arm at the second reversing position.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the special feature that the longitudinal groove has a closed circumference, wherein the connecting device is connected to the wiper blade.

Abstract: A mop bucket assembly is disclosed which allows for moving a bucket from one position to another while reducing spillage from the bucket by using an integrated lid to keep liquid from splashing out of the bucket. The disclosed mop bucket assembly also discloses a mop bucket assembly having a caution or warning sign formed integral with the mop bucket assembly that can be deployed when mopping is in progress.

Abstract: Provided is a high-efficiency slim vacuum inhalation apparatus which cools heat generated from heat-generation sources without using particular heat radiation components, and a robot cleaner employing the same. The vacuum inhalation apparatus does not need particular heat radiation components since an impeller is closely adhered to a rotational shaft by a pair of washers and an impeller bushing, to thus avoid from sliding, and since an inhalation efficiency which is caused by a brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor increases, and thus power consumption decreases. Further, since a BLDC motor is incorporated in a vacuum inhalation apparatus so that the vacuum inhalation apparatus can be implemented into a slim type, a robot cleaner can be also compactly realized into a slim type.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a vacuum cleaner body, a suction fan and motor operatively associated with the vacuum cleaner body, and a wheel. The wheel has a wheel body having an axis of rotation, a tread surface, and a cushion layer radially interposed between the wheel body and the tread surface. The cushion layer includes a resilient shell having a plurality of resilient cells therein. The shell and the plurality of cells have one or more gasses in them, and are dimensioned to damp vibrations and impacts between the tread surface and a floor surface that the tread surface contacts as the wheel rotates about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment device may include a housing, a suction inlet on a bottom of the housing and a felt component on the bottom. This felt component may be positioned near the suction inlet to loosen hair and debris in a soft surface. An element may be attached to and extend below the housing. The element may be configured to support the housing at a predefined distance above a hard surface to be cleaned to prevent the felt component from contacting the hard surface. The element may be sufficiently narrow to sink into a soft surface to be cleaned to cause the felt component to be in direct contact with the soft surface.

Abstract: A flexible accessory tool for a vacuum appliance is described, comprising an elongated body with a body portion having an attachment end, a nozzle end spaced apart from the attachment end and having an opening formed therein, and a flexible intermediate region for imparting flexibility to the accessory tool during use. The flexible intermediate region is made up of a rigid skeleton portion having a one or more ribs and support struts, over which a layer of non air-permeable flexible material is applied. During use, the flexible accessory tool may be bent to extreme angles in order to reach and clean debris from hard to reach areas, while not suffering from a decrease in vacuum air flow through the tool as it flexes.

Abstract: A double-pedal double-wheel truckle with independent braking and releasing functions is a truckle for a precision instrument and comprises a body, a rotating & locking device, a truckle body device, a braking device and a bottom cover body. The body is provided for disposing a rotating & locking device, a truckle body device, a braking device and a bottom cover body. With the independent braking and releasing functions of the braking device of the body, the user can easily operate and stably block the rotating & locking device and the truckle body device. The bottom cover body is provided for preventing foreign matters from entering the truckle body device, so that the truckle can be locked from rotation. By such arrangements, it can achieve the objectives, such as easy operation, easy to distinguish braking state, stable braking, reducing noises, strengthening structure and safe usage, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door damper, in which a safety check valve is installed in consideration of the case in which an impact exceeding a design pressure will be applied, thereby absorbing the impact to enable a door to be closed safely and smoothly. In the door damper, a safety check valve is installed in a piston, and thus is opened in cooperation with another check valve installed between a spring holder and the piston when the pressure exceeding a design pressure is applied. Thereby, when the impact exceeding the design pressure occurs, the safety check valve can absorb the impact to prevent damage. A channel can be adjusted by only ridges formed on an outer circumference of the check valve, so that productivity can be improved thanks to easy tolerance management. Further, an oil seal is not contracted or deformed in spite of long-term use.

Abstract: A hinge has a main frame, a pivoting bracket and a limiting assembly The main frame is attached to a base of an electronic device. The pivoting bracket is attached to a cover of the electronic device and has a rotating rod being mounted through the main frame. The limiting assembly has a first actuator, a second actuator and a guiding pin. The first and second actuators are rotated relative to each other. The guiding pin is mounted between the first and second actuators and is moved relative to the actuators to allow the cover to be rotated clockwise and anticlockwise by 180 degrees, relative to the base. Therefore, a screen on the cover can be adjusted at wishes.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first rotation member and a second rotation member. The first rotation member includes an elastic coiled support portion. The second rotation member includes an elastic rotation portion. The rotation portion defines a cavity. The support portion is rotatably received in the cavity of the rotation portion.

Abstract: A strap adjuster has a quadrangular frame; a plurality of slots defined in the frame to extend in a transverse direction such that a strap can be fitted through the slots; and at least one support bar formed between the slots, wherein recessions are formed on both widthwise side surfaces, respectively, of the frame such that the frame can be easily grasped using fingers.

Abstract: A headset cord holder comprises a body and a first groove built into the body configured to receive and releasably hold a headset cord. In some embodiments, the first groove has a diameter less than or equal to approximately 2 mm. In further embodiments, the body is integrally formed within the teeth of a zipper. In some embodiments the body comprises one or more of rubber, plastic and metal. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more of stamped metal and molded metal. In further embodiments, the body comprises molded plastic. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more additional grooves configured to receive and releasably secure the headset cord.

Abstract: There is provided a thin slider for a slide fastener with an automatic locking mechanism with a locking pawl while having an excellent design property and operability. The thin slider according to the present invention includes a locking pawl journaled by a slider body and a resilient member accommodated in a connecting post. The locking pawl is urged in such a first rotation direction that its pawl portion is inserted into an element guide passage of the slider body by the resilient member. The upper blade of the slider body includes a first upper blade connected to the connecting post and a second upper blade which is attached slidably onto the first upper blade. The second upper blade has a thin second upper blade main body and an operating piece drooping from the front end portion of the second upper blade main body.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism comprises a dial comprising an inner wall defining a hole passing through the dial, the inner wall comprising a ledge having one or more cutouts. The mechanism further comprises a base comprising a first set of teeth and an actuator comprising a second, the second set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth and allow the actuator to be rotated in a first direction but not in a second opposite direction. The actuator further comprises one or more drive-dogs configured to engage a cutout on the inner wall of the dial, each drive-dog comprising a ramped edge configured to disengage the drive-dog from the cutout and lift the second set of teeth from the first set of teeth when the dial is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an absorbent article includes a holding tool, a female tool disposed along a machine axis, and a male tool disposed along the machine axis. The holding tool has an aperture aligned along the machine axis and means for holding a flexible sheet across the aperture. The female tool has at least one folding element extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis, and the male tool has means for holding a fluid storage element and at least one pleating blade extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis. At least two of the holding tool, female tool, and male tool are capable of relative motion along the machine axis. Further the at least one pleating blade and of the male tool and the at least one folding element of the female tool are aligned to permit manipulation of the flexible sheet about the fluid storage element.

Abstract: As to each of a capacitor element employing an anode foil having a matrix made of a metal and a film, provided on the surface of the matrix, made of an oxide of a metal different from the metal of the matrix and a capacitor element employing an anode foil having a matrix made of a prescribed metal and a film of an oxide of the metal and a cathode foil having a matrix made of another metal different from the metal, formation treatment is performed on an end face of the anode foil exposing the surface of the metal forming the matrix by applying a positive voltage to an anode lead wire and applying a negative voltage to a cathode lead wire. Thus, an electrolytic capacitor resistant against corrosion or the like is obtained.