Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying protective material (48, 58) having a stand (12) and at least one support arm (14) moveably connected to the stand (12). At least a pair of counter-rotatable shafts (16 and 18) are connected with the support arm (14) and endless moveable belts (20) for moving objects (54) so that an upper and lower surface (38 and 40) are formed by the belts (20) and each surface moves together at the same time, in the same direction. The protective material insertion apparatus (32) includes pivotal moveable upper support tray (42) and stationary lower support platform (44). After moveable upper support tray (42) is open and sheet-like protective material (48) is inserted with an end (50) protruding therefrom, the moveable upper support tray (42) is closed. Once closed, end (50) is wrapped on top of moveable upper support tray (42).

Abstract: A means and method for moving objects (10) having a stand (12) and at least one support arm (14) movably connected to the stand (12). At least a pair of counter rotatable shafts (16 and 18) are connected with the support arm (14) and movable belts (20) for moving objects (64, 68) surrounds each counter rotatable shaft (16 and 18) so that an upper and lower surface (38 and 40) are formed by the belt (20) and each surface moves together in the same direction. The moveable belts (20) are movable by means of friction, or by a handle (22), or by some other suitable mechanical or electrical-mechanical means, in a direction that causes the device (10) to gently lift up and incrementally crawl under the object (64, 68) to be moved in one direction and to move out from under the object (64, 68) being deposited when moved in the other direction.

Abstract: A retainer for a mattress cover such as a sheet has a central band made of a stiff, smooth material and elastic straps attached to opposite ends of the band. Openable and lockable fasteners are attached to the ends of the straps, each fastener having a pair of jaws. One end of a short length of cord is attached to the fastener, the other end being free. In use, the band extends under the mattress and the fasteners are clamped to opposite sides of the cover with the cord inside a bight or fold of the cover to provide an enlargement which can be securely gripped by the fastener.

Abstract: Ironing apparatus provides supporting of a hand iron above the ironing surface of an ironing board. It includes a base for supportive disposition upon a supporting surface, upright post members extending upwardly from the base, and apparatus for securing an ironing board in a use position to one post member and proximate the other post member with the ironing surface horizontally disposed for ironing. An articulated linkage is swingably interengaged at one end with one of the post members, being extendable by articulation to positions over the ironing surface during ironing. A securement unit pivotally interconnects the other, post-remote end of the linkage with the iron for permitting its movement between first and second orientations respectively in and out of contact with the ironing board surface.

Abstract: Compact, collapsible ironing apparatus is disclosed having a base providing supportive disposition upon a supporting surface for carrying an ironing board and for supporting a hand iron above the ironing surface of the ironing board. A first upright member extends upwardly from the base and is pivotally secured at its upper end to the ironing board for swingable movement upon a pivot axis between storage and use positions. A second upright member extends upwardly from the base and an iron support linkage is swingably interconnected at one end to the upper end of this second upright member. The linkage comprises articulated arms which are extendable to positions over the ironing surface. An iron securement unit pivotally interconnects the distal end of the support linkage with the iron for permitting movement of the iron between first and second orientations respectively in and out of contact with the ironing surface.