Abstract: A shrub rose variety producing large, single, pink flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aster plant named Sunbird, characterized by its purple flower color, yellow tubular disc florets, relatively large leaves, tall flower stems, and a flower diameter of approximately 35 mm.

Abstract: The method of converting logs involves cutting each log longitudinally and diametrically at right angles into equal quarter-log segments, the rearranging the quarter-logs so that the arcuate surfaces of the segments face inwardly toward each other, while their cut flat surfaces are positioned to form a rectangle in cross-section. The segments so positioned may be joined together as such, rigid foam plastic insulation may be introduced into the space remaining between the segments, or support bracing and other insulation may take the place of the rigid foam. The resultant converted logs may be used as beams, joists or bearing-wall members; devices for aligning, registering and sealing the converted logs together are provided.

Abstract: An idling rotation mechanism used in a video tape recorder (VTR) to mount and dismount a video cassette tape (VCT) by using only a loading motor. The VCT is mounted and dismounted by moving a holding pin, connected to a VCT holder, along a slot in a support plate. The pin is connected to a idling rotation mechanism that is connected to the loading motor. To prevent the VCT from becoming jammed in the VTR because of excessive rotation of the loading motor, a timing gear in the idling rotation mechanism idles after the pin has been partially moved in the slot.

Abstract: The present invention entails a sun visor and eyeglasses case adapted to be attached to the temples of a pair of eyeglasses. In particular the sun visor is constructed of two plies of pliable material in an overlying relationship. Unattached ends of the sun visor in combination with an opening in the lower ply enables temple arms to be inserted between layers conveniently, thus forming a stable connection. The opening in the lower ply of material allows the lenses of eyeglasses to be inserted directly into the protective space between the plies without separating the eyeglass arms from sun visor. The sun visor may also serve as an eyeglasses float.

Abstract: A weighted exercising garment is formed in one piece of resilient flexible material so as to be a snug fit on the wearer's body. The garment comprises a central portion around the wearer's torso, an upper portion passing over the shoulders, and a lower portion extending downwardly from the central portion and including portions that pass around the thighs. Packs of weights are attached to the upper portion at the front over the chest and over the upper back, and further packs of weights are attached around the thighs. The weights, in the form of packs each having parallel pockets with a respective plurality of individual weights, are removably attached by a curly pile loop and hook material such as VELCRO (RTM). The garment forms part of a kit which includes two arm weight carriers worn around the wrists and two leg weight carriers worn around the calves.

Abstract: An upper garment for patients which includes a back panel for covering over the back of a patient, two front panels sewed up with the back panel and fastened together by a zipper and respectively fastened to either side of the back panel by a respective zipper for covering over the front side of the upper body of the patient, two opposite sleeve panels respectively sewn up with the back panel and fastened up into a sleeve by a respective zipper in the longitudinal direction for covering around the hands of the patient.

Abstract: A support aid permitting an individual with a weak wrist and hand to hold an object. The aid helps achieve a fist-like grasp about an object, without increasing pain. A sufficiently wide wrist band is provided to support a weakened wrist, wherein a hand strap extends therefrom to wrap about one's hand to form a fist and be secured to the opposing side of the hand strand. The aid can be implemented by one hand, which may also have reduced hand and wrist capabilities. Loops and rings are implemented to help one grasp and adjust the straps while adapting to one's hand. Utensils and equipment, such as pencils and golf clubs, can then be securely grasped and utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for partially shading the eyes of an intended user from excessive sunlight is disclosed. A dual visor hat has one generally stationary visor and a second visor that is detachably secured to the first visor. The hat has an air permeable, flexible, crescent-shaped member disposed between, and connected in hinged relation to, the first and second visors. Detaching the second visor from the first visor will extend the crescent shaped member downward, thereby positioning the second visor obliquely over the eyes of the intended user.

Abstract: A system for adapting a hat of the type which is originally provided with only a permanent sweat band, so that the hat can receive a removable, washable, and reusable sweat band. Hats may also be manufactured with the system in place.

Abstract: A hat is constructed from a cardboard product container, for example a 24-pack beer package including a product logo and other graphics thereon. The hat provides a new use for a previously wasted container material, and enables fans or collectors to display their loyalty and support of a particular brand.

Abstract: Device for rapidly and automatically deploying and retracting a combiner attached to a visored helmet. A combination of opposing springs, one made from conventional materials and the other from shape memory alloy (SMA), effects a detent mechanism and the retracting and deploying mechanism. The conventional spring normally exerts a greater force than the SMA spring, but the latter exerts the greater force upon being heated, preferably by means of an electric current passing through the spring. Alternative deployment and retraction means include a solenoid-conventional spring combination or an electrical motor which used in conjunction with a locking and unlocking means incorporating a SMA spring.

Abstract: A crash helmet having a protective shell with a large front opening for visibility covered by a visor. A horizontal slot below the front opening defines a sliding and guide seat. A sliding element has a pin which is disposed within the slot for horizontally moving the sliding element. The sliding element has a restraining element which faces the element. The lower edge of the visor includes a step portion facing away from the helmet. The step portion is positively engaged by the restraining element in the lowered position. The sliding element is movable to release and raise the visor.

Abstract: A helmet that prevents catastrophic neck injuries; in the preferred embodiment, for hockey, a high-impact plastic casing is snugged on top of the player's head by cantilever supports from the inside sides of the casing; a flange at the bottom of the casing is formed so that a collision such as a head-on collision on top of the head will drive the helmet into contact with the torso, thus transmitting all collision force to the torso. The top of the helmet is high enough that the top of the head does not contact the underside of the top of the helmet under the peak collision force. Further, in the most dangerous high-incident-angle collisions, a tip projecting rearwards from the top of the helmet, in conjunction with rollers on the top surface, act to position the helmet for symmetrical transmission of force axially.

Abstract: This diverse face mask has a frontal and two optional side self sealing lenses in a pliable mask body. Two pocket hinges are located on the sides of the mask. The Teat portion of the mask contacts the head behind the concave surface of the temple. The mask body contacting the head is concave, to act as a suction cup. A floating strap attached at the rear of the pocket hinge is provided to pull the posterior of the hinge and a posterior flap toward the body in order to provide a universal fit and water tight seal.

Abstract: A toilet seat handle device for attachment to a toilet seat as an aid to raising and lowering the toilet seat without having to actually touch the seat. The handle is attached at one of its ends to the toilet seat and the other end projects outwardly beyond the periphery thereof wherein the outwardly extending portion is made from a flexible material.

Abstract: An apparatus for flushing a water closet bowl includes a pressurizable reservoir, within which is formed a primary and a secondary pressure zone. Formed at the bottom of the reservoir is an exit aperture through which the pressurized fluid is discharged into the bowl. Movably disposed within the reservoir is an elongate piston member. Formed at the top of the piston member is a hollow cup, which is movably disposed within a downwardly extending hollow cylinder within which is formed the secondary pressure zone. Formed at the bottom of the piston is a plug which seals the exit aperture. During a flushing action, pressure within the secondary pressure zone is released by operating a flushing lever, and the piston moves upwardly so as to release the plug from the exit aperture. In one embodiment, the flushing apparatus includes a fluid inlet regulator that controls the amount of fluid that is introduced into the reservoir from a fluid supply line.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved curved toilet bowl specifically adapted to protect a user's colon including a bowl having a first side, a second side, a forward portion, a rearward portion, and an oval upper opening having a forward extent and a rearward extent. The bowl further includes a lower base and a hollow interior. The oval upper opening slopes gradually upwardly from the rearward extent to forward extent. The upper opening also has a peripheral thickness which increases from the rearward extent to the forward extent. The forward extent of upper opening functions to support the knees and the underside of the upper legs of the user. The footrest has a top surface, an upwardly inclined forward portion, and a rearward portion. The rearward portion includes a recessed edge. The recessed edge is specifically adapted to be removably secured to the lower base of the bowl.

Abstract: A lifting device for sick or motion-handicapped persons is disclosed. In the lifting device (1), both ends of the lifting belt (7a,7b) are fixed onto the central shaft of a belt wheel (5), and thus when a lifting motor (3) rotates the belt reel (5) via a reduction gear, both ends of the belt (7a,7b) are spirally wound on the belt reel (5), and, respectively, when the belt reel (5) rotates in the opposite direction, the belt (7a,7b) is freed from the belt reel (5). Hence, as the lifting is carried out supported at two points by means of the belt, the lifting will take place very smoothly and the lifting device will not twist.

Abstract: A bassinet and playyard combination comprising a playyard and a bassinet, the playyard having a lower frame member and an upper frame member defining an opening therebetween. Vertically extending rails between the upper and lower frame members with corner pieces join the corners of the upper frame member with the upper ends of the vertical rails and with a cylindrical well formed vertically in each corner piece. Further provided is a bassinet. The bassinet has a plurality of vertically extending cylindrical posts with lower ends positionable within the wells and with rails defining a supplemental frame adjacent to the upper ends of the posts. The bassinet includes a fabric liner with a central area positioned within and supported by the supplemental frame with vertical panels extending upwardly and around the rails of the supplemental frame and with a rigid platform associated with the fabric member.

Abstract: An electric cradle including a crib, a main support disposed under the crib to support the crib and two swinging frames pivotally connecting the main support with two ends of the crib. A swinging mechanism is used to swing the swinging frames so as to swingingly drive the crib to form an electric cradle. The two swinging frames can be alternatively removed from the crib and the length of the main support can be adjusted in order to permit direct securing of the two ends of the crib to the main support. In addition, the height of the side fences of the cribs can be adjusted to meet the standing height of an infant, whereby the electric cradle can be transformed into a fixed crib.

Abstract: A lying support such as a bed comprising upper and lower layers of mutually parallel spaced-apart wooden slats and an additional layer of slats positioned between the upper and lower layers. The upper and lower layers of slats are fastened to at least two spaced elastic bodies, which may each comprise upper and lower fabric covered cushion bodies, by straps. Each slat of the additional layer may pass through apertures in the elastic bodies or may be held by straps connected to one or more cushion bodies on one side of the slat only. Selective dimensioning and positioning of the slats in the additional layer permits the lying support to conform in an optimum manner to different parts of a human body and to a light or heavy body.

Abstract: A sleeping bag for supporting and insulating an individual during sleep. The inventive device includes a sleeping bag having a pneumatic support assembly for supporting the sleeping bag in a spaced relationship relative to a ground surface. The pneumatic support assembly includes a plurality of elongated flexible air tubes which can be individually pressurized to a desired pneumatic pressure to support the sleeping bag at a desired height and firmness.

Abstract: A power chain saw utility tool provides an apparatus for effecting mechanical repairs and/or adjustments to a power chain saw having a chain bar. In one presently preferred embodiment, the power chain saw utility tool comprises a first elongated cylindrical case member that defines an elongated interior compartment having a transverse cross section with a non-circular shape into which a slide member is received. The slide member in this embodiment includes a plurality of interleaved members pivotally attached at one end thereof and comprising tools adaptable for making minor repairs and/or adjustments to the power chain saw. The slide member is selectively pivotable about the open end of the elongated cylindrical case member. When fully retracted, however, the slide member is received entirely within the elongated cylindrical case member.

Abstract: A roller carriage for portable bridges or bridge parts have a rocker carrier connected by a support stud to the bridge structure while the rocker bodies are connected to the rocker carrier by pins which are formed in one piece and inseparably with the rocker bodies. A pair of rollers are journaled on each of the rocker bodies.

Abstract: A bridge structure comprises at least two piers, a deck structure between each pair of adjacent piers supported to allow for relative movement longitudinally of the deck between at least one pier and the deck, a connecting bar and a shock transmission unit in series connected between each pair of adjacent piers, the bar being supported for longitudinal movement independently of the deck. This arrangement allows free relative movement due to thermal expansion, and can accommodate flexing of the deck structure due to live loads. The shock transmission unit forms a longitudinal lock along the piers in the event of a sudden shock such as an earthquake, so that all the piers are combined to resist the shock.

Abstract: A dock leveler has a frame mounted at a dock, a deck pivoted at one end to said frame and a lip pivotally attached to said deck at the other end thereof. The deck is movable between a first operable position where the deck is substantially horizontal and the lip extended, a second operative position where the lip hangs pendant and the deck is declined and an inoperative position where the deck is substantially horizontal and the lip hangs pendant. A barrier is mounted to have a raised operative position protruding above the deck and an inoperative position flush with the deck. A mechanical linkage automatically raises the barrier when the deck is in the inoperative position and permits the barrier to be lowered to its inoperative position when the deck is in either operative position. The linkage is responsive to both movement of the deck and the position of the lip.

Abstract: The pick-up device includes a support platform having a first side and second side. An elongated handle is connected to the first side. A plurality of sheets of adhesive material are attached to the second side. The sheets are arranged in a sandwich type fashion. Each sheet has an outwardly facing tacky adhesive surface and is adapted to be exposed when a preceding outermost sheet is removed. The tacky adhesive surface serves to pick up lint and other light substances when placed against it.

Abstract: A clip-on towel is disclosed for use in sports and other activities where a readily accessible towel is advantageous. A first embodiment of the clip-on towel includes a clip portion that fits through an aperture in a towel portion and is adapted to engage the waistband of a user. The clip portion is attached to the towel by way of a restricted aperture thus eliminating the need for employing fasteners to attach the clip to the towel. A second embodiment includes a clip that is sewn to the towel and features a break away finger portion. If excessive force is applied to the clip, the towel breaks away from the user. The clip can be reassembled after breaking away inasmuch as it is designed to non-destructively separate.

Abstract: A blower system (10) for use in a car wash includes a support plenum (12) comprising two side supports (14, 16) and an overhead support (18), each supporting a blower bag (24, 26, 28). The blower bags (24, 26, 28) are comprised of flexible material. Long and short gussets (46, 48) are spaced across the width of the bags (24, 26, 28) to maintain the bags in a substantially rectangular cross section shape throughout the length of the bag (24, 26, 28). The bags (24, 26, 28) taper to a nozzle (32) to supply the pressurized air to the vehicle.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a floating function for lifting the upright vacuum cleaner in a cleaning operation by spouting discharge air flow to a floor to be cleaned, and at least a suction-air inlet port for sucking air with dusts is arranged at an outer portion of a bottom face of a floor nozzle unit of the upright vacuum cleaner.