Abstract: A modular water proof switch which can be easily assembled, having a housing and cover secured together with complementary interfitting latches, a slide switch in the cover and containing a rocker switch actuator, a sealed flexible diaphragm between the cover and housing, a rocker switch within the housing beneath the diaphragm controlling a pair of connecting plates, the switch being controlled by the actuator and being connected to a pair of input terminals leading to the exterior of the housing, a pair of output terminals associated with the rocker switch and leading to the exterior of the housing, an external extension of the housing defining an interconnect chamber for receiving a line cord and connecting it with the input terminals, and sealing means providing a waterproof seal within the interconnect chamber. The inner ends of the input terminals provide both a fulcrum and a connection for the rocker switch and, for ease of assembly, the inner ends pass through slots in the connecting plates.

Abstract: An image bearing template adapted for use with an exposure window of an instant film pack and being made up of a thin sheet and a pair of rigid strips. The thin sheet has a lateral dimension substantially the same as or less than the width of the exposure window, and a longitudinal dimension greater than the length of the exposure window. Each of the rigid strips has a length equal to or slightly less than the lateral dimensions of the window and extends laterally across the sheet so that upon insertion of the template within the film pack, the strips preclude movement of the template and stiffen the template so as to keep the sheet flat. The strips also serve to facilitate insertion and removal of the template by providing upstanding edges for grasping.

Abstract: A travel iron with a plastic housing defining a hot water reservoir, with a plastic sole plate as its lower surface. An immersible PTC resistor is used to heat the water and to protect the iron from overheating. The heated water heats the sole plate and serves to control the temperature of the sole plate. The handle is reversible and is secured to the forward end of the housing. When reversed the handle provides a winding area about which the electrical cord may be wound for storage.

Abstract: A hair roller is provided having a central cylindrical barrel of uniform diameter and flanged ends. The barrel is covered with a sleeve of elastomeric material. In order to fit the sleeve around the barrel, the roller structure is made of two inter-engageable, snap-fit sections. Each section has one end flange and, together, the sections form the barrel. The elastomeric sleeve is placed over the barrel and the sections are joined by snap-fit inter-engagement.

Abstract: A slideable control is provided for use in retractable bristle brushes. It operates by co-action with a rotatable, cylindrical mandrel carrying pivoted bristles and having an angular cam slot. The control includes a longitudinally slideable button in the handle which has a control pin operatively extending through a control slot in the handle and then into the cam slot to cause rotation of the mandrel. The angular cam slot includes an axial portion at each end to receive the control pin and to lock the mandrel in a position with the bristles either fully retracted or fully extended. The control button includes a pair of parallel guide blades, one on each side of the control pin, slideable within slotted guides in the handle, to reduce torque between the control pin and the cam slot. The control slot may include detents proximate to its ends to receive and hold the control pin against longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A hot air hair curler includes a cylindrical hollow handle having an air inlet at one end and a cylindrical hollow barrel having air outlet openings in its sidewall extending from the other end. An electric heating element and a motor driven fan are enclosed within the handle, together with a switch to which is connected an electrical supply cord. The switch, being relatively large, is positioned in the handle near the air inlet and is connected to a slide button positioned forwardly on the handle by a rigid actuating arm positioned within a longitudinal channel within the handle. The actuating arm defines a wireway providing convenient routing for wires from the switch to the motor and heating element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a readily assemblable, inexpensively manufactured table top air filter of the type having a circulating fan. A unitary housing has sides and a top which defines air outlet openings. The bottom of the housing is open. A fan support assembly mounts readily within the housing where it is retained by stops and latch members which are integral with the housing sides. A replaceable filter is also mountable within the housing in line with the fan-induced air flow.

Abstract: A timer controlled heat emission device for modifying the operation of a wall mounted thermostat includes a housing slidably mounted on the wall adjacent the thermostat, an electrical heating element disposed in the housing in heat emission relation with the thermostat, switching means movable between a first position in which the heating element is connected to a source of electricity and a second position in which the heating element is disconnected from the source, a timer activatable for a preselected time period, and control means operatively connected to the timer for moving the switching means between the two positions upon the activation and deactivation of the timer.

Abstract: A portable combination moisturizer and dryer which includes a base, a head supporting assembly, and a head assembly into which the rest of the unit can nest for carrying and for storage. The head assembly includes a generally annular air distribution plenum for receiving moisture-laden or drying air and directing it radially inwardly. In a preferred embodiment, a squirrel-cage blower is contained in an impeller housing disposed in the lower portion of the head supporting assembly, which lower portion is mounted for adjustable pivotal movement with respect to the base. The upper portion of the head supporting assembly terminates in a horizontally disposed manifold constituting a portion of the plenum, to provide for passage of either moisture-laden air or drying air through the head mounting assembly and into the interior of the plenum, while also permitting adjustment of the position of the head assembly with respect to the head mounting assembly.

Abstract: A portable hair dryer comprises a flexible bonnet, a combined blower and heater power module for supplying heated air under pressure to the bonnet, and a control module for selecting the operating mode of the dryer. The power module is suspended against the back of the user by means of a pair of support straps which extend over the user's shoulders to the control module. By balancing the weights of the power and control modules, a stable condition is obtained which enables the user to perform other activities during the drying operation. The power cord of the dryer depends from the control module to assist in balancing the weights, and flexible electrical conductors in one of the support straps convey electrical power to the power module. The other support strap is removably attached to the control module to facilitate setting up and taking down the appliance.

Abstract: A positive vignetting accessory having a simple, lightweight snap-on plastic construction and adapted for use with a camera having a flash unit. The positive vignetting accessory diverts a portion of the flash illumination produced during a normal flash exposure cycle and directs this diverted illumination in a selected pattern toward the camera lens to effect positive vignetting.