Abstract: A dirt cup latching mechanism that secures a lid onto a dirt receptacle of vacuum cleaner and simultaneously secures the dirt cup in place on the vacuum cleaner. The latching mechanism presses the lid down onto an open top of the dirt receptacle and presses the dirt receptacle down into a dirt cup retaining recess provided in a generally horizontal wall of the vacuum cleaner housing. The latching mechanism may press down on the top of an open topped dirt receptacle, with or without a lid, while simultaneously pulling the dirt cup horizontally against a generally vertical wall of the vacuum cleaner housing. Thus, the latching mechanism simultaneously presses the dirt receptacle down against one of an inlet and outlet seal located on the horizontal wall of the housing and horizontally against the other one of inlet and outlet seal on the vertical wall of the housing, thereby sealing both the receptacle inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A tool storage door for a floor care appliance encloses a tool storage compartment formed on the floor care appliance for storing various floor care accessory tools. The tool storage door receives and supports at least one of the accessory tools. A cutout area is formed in the tool storage door for providing direct and unobstructed visibility to the accessory tool and for allowing a portion of the accessory tool to extend therethrough. A recess which is substantially complementary to the shape of the accessory tool is formed in an underside of the tool storage door for receiving the accessory tool on the tool storage door. A pair of latching tabs extends downwardly from the underside of the tool storage door for releasably retaining the accessory tool within the recess.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a dirt collecting system including a latch to seal a positively pressurized dirt cup. The latch also serves to secure the dirt cup to the cleaner housing when in the closed position. The dirt cup is formed with a first dirt collecting chamber and a second dirt collecting chamber separated by an apertured wall. An inlet opening is formed in the dirt cup and communicates with the first dirt collecting chamber for inputting a stream of dirt laden air into the first dirt collecting chamber. An exhaust opening is formed in the second dirt collecting chamber for allowing the filtered air stream to exit the dirt cup. The aperture wall includes a pre-filter for filtering coarse particles from a stream of dirt laden and depositing the coarse particles in the first dirt collecting chamber. A filter member is positioned within the second dirt collecting chamber and communicates with the exhaust port.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for a vacuum cleaner includes a wheel carriage pivotally mounted to a foot of the vacuum cleaner, a height adjustment cam which engages the wheel carriage, and a cam actuator which attaches to the height adjustment cam for camming the height adjustment cam against the wheel carriage. The height adjustment cam is formed with a stepped bottom camming surface. The camming surface is formed with a plurality of spaced parallel ribs having a rounded outer surface which minimizes the surface-to-surface contact between the height adjustment cam and the wheel carriage. This reduced surface-to-surface contact reduces the frictional resistance between the height adjustment cam and the wheel carriage allowing the cam actuator to be easily slid for height adjustment of the vacuum cleaner foot.

Abstract: The invention is an outdoorsmen style hunter's coat manufactured so that any one of four camouflage styles can be worn on the outer side. There is a spring, summer, fall, and winter camouflage style that can be worn as appropriate. Two nearly identical coat shells are stitched together on all sides. Each of the shells has one of the camouflage patterns printed on each side. The first two patterns are worn chosen by reversing the coat as with conventional reversible garments. The remaining two patterns can be worn by pulling the inner coat shell through a zippered slit formed in the back of the coat from beneath the shoulder to just above the waist. The coat is also provided with large, gusseted pockets with flaps secured by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having, a set of small drawers that hold a specific type of medication and can be pulled and the contents emptied when needed. Medications are placed within the drawers and labeled. When it is time to ingest the medication, one simply pulls out a drawer and takes out its content. The present embodiment provides as step-like arrangement and hold multiples of 7 days of medication. The device can have holes on the back for hanging or magnets for securing to a metallic surface. Additionally, a smaller unit can be made transportable with the addition of a carrying strap.

Abstract: The invention is an improved endodontic adapter for a sonic scaler consisting of a talon having a threaded end for insertion into the handle of the sonic scaler. A pair of downwardly pointed barbs protrude radially from the side of the adapter for receiving an elastic ligature which firmly holds the dental instrument such as file to the talon. The opposite end of the talon has a tapered shaft that receives an aperture drilled into the side of the dental instrument. The ligature is simply wrapped around the dental instrument on opposite sides of the talon and then the ends are wrapped around the downwardly pointing barbs.

Abstract: This invention is a method and device for protecting steel gas lines and the like from environments which it may have to pass through, such as masonry and brick walls where the corrosive effects of chemicals in the cement could be disastrous. The device is composed of a an adjustable length of threaded PVC piping, a vinyl compression ring and a plastic sealing nut on each end for securing the vinyl compression ring and PVC piping around the steel piping.

Abstract: This invention is an automatic shut-off valve and gauge for tires during inflation. Configured as a double stem valve joined either on the outside or inside the rim of the tire. One stem serves as an air valve for inflating tires with a metal or plastic line attached to it extending into the second stem, which is a valve that regulates the air pressure in the tire. Air supplied during inflation of the tire causes a linkage to move and open a vent to the atmosphere which was otherwise closed. A spring loaded valve is designed to open when the air pressure in the tire exceeds the correct operating pressure and to allow excess air to escape to the atmosphere. A retracting and extending indicia is provided on the top of a spring loaded valve to indicate when the tire is properly inflated to a preset pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that combines the functions of a battery powered light and a water or beverage dispenser into one item. A large liquid container is located on the top and has a removable lid for cleaning and filling. A handle, suitable for hanging, is provided at the top of the container as well. A pouring spout is located on the circumference of the container toward the lower edge and functions in the customary manner. A base is provided for the container which houses a fluorescent or incandescent lamp, batteries, a switch and associated electrical components to allow the lamp to illuminate. The lamp is located such that it provides light directly into the liquid container.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise treadmill with included weighted plates. The treadmill is essentially a manual treadmill in which the user pushes or pulls on the treadmill to activate it. To operate it, one pushes against a stationary and adjustable hand rail or platform or pulls on a bar or body harness connected to a cable. The walking surface is a belt track similar to conventional treadmills but wider and longer. In such a manner, the user is provided with a system to transfer force from arms or torso (by pushing or pulling) to the feet, to the belt track, to the spindle and shaft, and thereon to the weights and rollers.

Abstract: The invention is a grill cleaning brush to aid in the cleaning of table top grill surfaces. Resembling a foam type paint brush, it allows the user to quickly and easily swipe clean the grilling surface on table top type grilling machines. The foam rubber sponge section is provided with cut in grooves or valleys with embedded scouring tips that align with and match the upper contact points or tips of the grill surface.

Abstract: A portable dispenser of paper towels or other paper roll products. This device effectively dispenses paper towels in the work area at any place the user wishes to place the device. The device is made of PVC or similar tubing and suction cups to enable the base of the holder to be secured on any work surface. The paper towel roll is inserted and used as needed.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable aerosol can holder attachment kit for a conventional tree pruner. The addition of the device to a conventional tree pruner gives the user the ability to hold and operate an aerosol can of spray paint at the end of the tree pruner. After the user saws off a tree branch using the saw on the end of the pole, a rope attached to the branch cutting lever arm is pulled. This in turn depresses the nozzle on the spray can, which is attached to the conventional tree pruner. When the rope is pulled and the nozzle depressed, the spray can sprays its contents in the area designated by the user. The attachment kit consists of a receiving sleeve for holding the aerosol spray can and a wedge-shaped plate which attaches to the conventional tree pruner.

Abstract: A baby changing and washing station is disclosed, designed as an apparatus to aid in the washing and/or cleansing of an infant. The present invention comprises a frame that is attached to a wall and provides for a fold down table portion, similar in design to a conventional diaper changing station. A padded vinyl area for the infant is provided along with restraining straps to hold the infant. A water bottle is provided in a heated container to allow the water to be slightly warmed. Tubing is designed to carry the water through a release device at the end of the tube to allow cleansing of the infant after a diaper change or may be used to wash the entire infant. A drain system in the fold down table collects the waste water in a catch basin which may be removed and emptied after bathing duties are complete.

Abstract: The invention is a canister support device for a ladder. Specifically, it is designed to hold a paint can on the ladder providing access to the paint while standing on the ladder. The support is made of heavy aluminum or stainless steel and comprises two rung-engaging hooks and a hook for the paint can. The rung-engaging hooks are adjustable for any size rung.

Abstract: This invention is a comb that is attachable to a faucet to allow water to run through the comb's hollow-shaped inner body. The water travels through the faucet, plastic or rubbertubing, the comb's inner body, and exits through the comb's hollow-shaped teeth with an exit portal at the tip. The comb's two assemblies are a shower adapter, essentially tubing for the shower arm and connector on the comb, and the water holes, allowing water to flow through the comb. The shower adapter also has a bi-directional valve on it to direct water either to the comb or the shower head.