Abstract: The present invention provides a pillow with an insert and lobe of sufficient curvature to enable the user to obtain the intended firmness effects. The pillow includes a compressible and resilient body having a top portion and a bottom portion and a rounded lobe which upwardly protrudes from the bottom portion. Formed within the lobe is an opening which has an insert shaped and dimensioned for snug contact therein. The radius of curvature of the opening is at least 60% of the radius of curvature of the lobe. Inserts of varying compressibility, texture, and contour may be employed in single or multiple openings. Additionally, the pillow may be reversible, offering the user increased versatility.

Abstract: Cervical pillows with beautification properties for supporting the head and neck of a person are provided. Pillows have a resilient pillow body having an adjustable height head rest, a resilient pillow body having a resilient upper portion with a plurality of depressions on a top face of the resilient upper portion for receiving the person's ears, a top face with a planar portion with a downward angular planar declination, and a resilient lower portion with a bottom face.

Abstract: A combination carrying case and diaper changing table includes a pair of pivotally joined shell portions which mate in a clam shell fashion to form a hollow carrying case. Each portion includes a pair of side walls and outer and inner end walls therebetween defining a storage space. The shell portions may be opened to expose a cushion to form a diaper changing table. A first section has an outer barrier surrounding its side and outer end walls forming a substantially U-shaped receptacle therebetween. A canopy is collapsibly received within the storage receptacle which may be expanded to form a light or privacy screen. A side rail is secured to the inwardly facing side of each shell portion side wall which may be pivoted to a vertical position when the shell portions are in an open position providing a protective barrier about the diaper changing table.

Abstract: A fabrication assembly (10, 18, 24, 30, 38, 44, etc.) for the manufacture of prosthetic and orthotic devices allows various components of these devices to be aligned on a common mast with respect to height, distance, flexion/extension, abduction/adduction and rotation alignment criteria, and each of these criteria can be adjusted apart from the other criteria. There are planar translation components (62, 62') that permit true planar, medial-lateral movement relative to a mast (10) without imposing rotation or angular deflection to a component mounted thereon. Accordingly, the assembly of a prosthetic or orthotic device according to physiological alignment criteria is an efficient step-by-step process, whereas prior art devices required that at least two criteria be adjusted and checked simultaneously. Among the features of the fabricating system are an angular/rotational fixture (38) that allows for separate settings of angular and rotational orientations for a given component.

Abstract: The present invention details a pressurizable mattress. The mattress has at least one inflatable cushion having a pair of sides, and at least one set of an electromagnetic energy emitting device and an electromagnetic energy receiving device. The electromagnetic energy emitting device, when operating, illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion. The electromagnetic energy receiving device collects the illuminating energy. The operation of the mattress requires a means for measuring the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion. The measuring means determines the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion by measuring the quantity of illuminating energy collected by the electromagnetic energy receiving device when the electromagnetic energy emitting device illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: An air distribution device with a plurality of sheets is provided to prevent and treat decubitus ulcers. Air from an air source is provided between sheets of the coverlet which are air tight except for a plurality of very tiny apertures that are provided in the top sheet. The device is used between a support surface such as an alternating pressure mattress and a patient. The air escaping from the tiny apertures circulates around the patient to remove excess moisture from the patient's skin and wounds. The top sheet of the coverlet is made of a low friction nylon with an undercoating of a waterproof yet vapor permeable polyurethane. The top sheet has a plurality of apertures punched through the material. The central sheet is made out of the identical material of the top sheet, except there are no tiny apertures.

Abstract: A combination chisel and punch for using one tool as a handle while striking another tool is provided. The combination tool includes multiple tool members with a striking end for being struck by another object and a working end for engaging a work piece. The tool members are pivotally connected by a link. A locking mechanism secures one tool member, serving as a handle, in an orientation parallel to the link while the user strikes another tool member, serving as a tool. When not in use, each tool member folds into an unlocked position for compact storage.

Abstract: An improved installation system for a stacked washer and dryer appliance assembly having an exhaust vent and a gas system is provided. The exhaust vent system includes an exhaust bracket extending upwardly from the back of the washer. The exhaust bracket is adapted to be connected to a household exhaust duct, with the exhaust pipe of the dryer being automatically sealingly engaged with the exhaust bracket upon positioning of the dryer on the washer. The gas system includes a gas pipe in the washer, and having a rearward end extending out of the back of the washer for connection to a gas source. The forward end of the gas pipe has a shutoff valve, which is adapted to be connected to a gas line operatively mounted in the dryer. All of the connections for the power, water, exhaust, and gas for the stacked appliances can be quickly and easily made, without having to stand behind the appliance assembly after the dryer is mounted on the washer.

Abstract: A washing machine with an improved mode shifter comprises a basket for holding an article to be washed, a basket collar coupled to the basket, an agitator disposed within the basket, an agitator collar coupled to the agitator, a brake for reducing a rotational velocity of the basket, a brake collar coupled to the brake, a first spring disposed around the basket collar and the agitator collar, and a second spring disposed around the first spring, the basket collar, and the brake collar. The mode shifter provides a mechanically simple, inexpensive, and reliable mechanism for shifting from the agitation mode to the spin mode to the brake mode in a wash cycle.

Abstract: A novel shoe cover for medical uses comprises a one piece unit of thin elastomeric material having a pair of side panels in substantially parallel relation to each other. Each of the side panels has a foot shaped portion, an ankle shaped portion and an outer perimetric edge. A bead shaped perimetric section joins the two side panels at their respective perimetric edges, except at an upper edge of the ankle portions. A traction enhancing embossed pattern is formed on a lower portion of the foot shaped portion of the side panels. A novel method for forming the shoe cover comprises providing a shoe cover form which has substantially parallel lateral sides and a peripheral edge thereabout, which comprises a foot forming portion and an ankle forming portion, which has recesses covering substantially all of the foot forming portion of the first and second sides, and which has a textured surface on a louver portion of the foot forming portion.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp construction to facilitate the loading and unloading of a vehicle bed such as the bed of a pick-up truck. The ramp may be deployed in conjunction with any raised surface to permit movement of a wheeled item from ground level to a raised platform. The ramp includes a ground engaging end and an upper end adapted to seat at the edge of the vehicle bed. A hinge assembly is provided to allow simple folding of the ramp for storage. The hinge assembly allows use of the folding ramp as a single unit held together by the hinge or as separated spaced apart ramps for each wheel set of the vehicle moved into the bed. The hinge assembly includes stop members which prevent separation of the ramp sections when deployed side-by-side but allow convenient separation when the ramp sections have been folded together.

Abstract: A dock leveler having a frame, a deck hingedly mounted at on end to the frame and a lip hingedly mounted to the deck at another thereof. The lip has a hinge tube affixed to the lip and a gusset joined to both the lip and the hinge tube. The gusset has an end joining the lip having a width greater than an end joining the hinge tube. The gusset may have a trapezoidal shape and the end of the gusset joining the lip is affixed by two welds each spanning the width of the end joining the hinge tube and disposed between the gusset and the hinge tube. The two welds are joined to each other by extending around edges of the gusset. A single gusset may span the lip and be joined to multiple hinge tubes.

Abstract: A multiple utility pool accessory, for attaching to a standard pool service pole and performing multiple pool maintenance duties. A handle, having a handle open end attaches onto the pool service pole. A main assembly cross bar attaches to the handle opposite the handle open end, and extends transverse to the handle. A pair of angle brackets each comprise a projecting leg having an outer surface, and a slotted leg. The slotted leg of each angle bracket is pivotably secured to the main assembly cross bar, so that the angle brackets are selectively pivotable between a narrow position wherein the outer surfaces face each other, and a wide position wherein the outer surfaces face away from each other. Variation between the wide position and narrow position allows a variety of attachments to be secured between the angle brackets, including a grinding wheel for scraping debris, chlorine tablet for concentrated application of chlorine, and a collector basket for removing loose debris.

Abstract: A heat exchanger washing apparatus comprises a hopper for accommodating a plurality of washing brushes, a first heat exchanger leading guide having a first guide passage for guiding the washing brushes, a first opening/closing member for opening and closing the first guide passage, a first stopper disposed to the first guide passage, a second stopper, an air introduction passage communicating with the connecting port of the first guide passage downstream of the portion thereof where the first opening/closing member is disposed, a second opening/closing member for opening and closing the air introduction passage, a second heat exchanger leading guide connected to the first guide passage downstream of the connecting port and having a second guide passage for guiding the washing brushes with the extreme end of the second guide passage serving as an inserting portion which will be inserted into the pipe of a heat exchanger, first stopper control means, second stopper control means, first opening/closing control m

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning internal surfaces of water closets ("WCs") and similar fixtures includes a container to be placed near the fixture to be cleaned. A brush is stored in a lower section of the container, and it is removed from the container to clean the WC. A water supply system in an upper section of the container includes water conduits and a flexible tube which is retractably mounted on a rolling up device. Water flows from the flexible tube through the brush handle to an impeller which rotates the brush, and the water sprays the bristles to keep the brush clean and to prevent the formation of deposits on the bristles. When the brush is inside the container, a cleaning rod protrudes into the bristles, and the brush is rotated to clean its bristles further.

Abstract: A contour following tool for preparing the surface of a workpiece is disclosed. The tool has axially shiftable pins that are biased toward a position in which they are fully extended from a housing. As the tool is moved relative to the workpiece, changes in the contoured surface of the workpiece are accommodated by allowing the pins to shift back from their fully extended position against the biasing force. The pins may be biased by a fluid under pressure or by springs. The tool may be used with a wiping cloth or end caps that may apply a cleaning fluid that is applied either externally or internally through the tool through a bore formed in one or more of the pins. A method of cleaning a contoured workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a tool that may be used for cleaning hoses from vacuum cleaner machines. The tool comprises a brush or similar cleaning device attached to an end of a length a semi-rigid tube. In use, the cleaning tool is inserted into a vacuum cleaner hose after detachment of the hose from the vacuum cleaner; the inside surface of the hose is then cleaned of dust and other entrapped particles.

Abstract: A cleaning implement (1) wherein the plate-like carrier (2) for a mophead (6) has a centrally located plate-like support (7) which overlaps the upper surfaces of inner portions of two plate-like sections (9, 9a) having outer portions (5) with devices for releasably clamping flaps (33) at the ends of a mophead. Alternatively, the plate-like sections (9, 9a) may be used to secure a mophead (6) having pockets (100, 110a). The sections of the carrier (2) are held in a first position (in which their lower surfaces are substantially coplanar and the median portion of the mophead is stretched along the lower surfaces of the sections) by a single locking bolt (14) which is reciprocable in a guide (13) at the upper side of the support (7). The guide (13) defines a pivot axis for the lower end of a handle (4), and the sections (9, 9a) are pivotable about two neighboring axes which are normal to the pivot axis for the handle (4). The locking bolt (14) is selectively releasable into one of two configurations.

Abstract: A toothbrush which provides superior cleaning as well as gum and inter dental stimulation. The toothbrush has an elongated member extending between two ends. The elongate member has a head at one of its ends. The head has a plurality of tufts comprising a multiplicity of bristles. The tufts have proximal ends attached to the head, distal ends extending outwardly from the head and sides extending between the distal and proximal ends. The distal ends of the tufts are angled downwardly from a peak so that adjacent tufts form a V shaped profile when looking at the side of the tufts. The head further includes a number of additional bristles attached thereto and extending above the peaks of the tufts. Alternatively, the tufts of bristles may include a predetermined number of bristles that are stiffer than the rest.

Abstract: A toothbrush wherein the stiffness of the bristles varies along the length or across the width of the head of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A new toothbrush with a protective covering for the purpose of safely brushing one's teeth and reducing the risk of injury to the gums. The inventive device includes a handle, a brushing region, a bristle portion, a bristle cluster extending from the bristle portion, and a protective covering surrounding the brushing region. The protective covering reduces the risk of bleeding in the user's mouth that results from brushing one's teeth, which therefore reduces the transmittal of diseases carried in the blood.

Abstract: A unitarily molded toothbrush is provided including a head with bristles integrally molded therewith, the bristles being integrally anchored to a top surface of the head and having a polygonal cross-section defined by at least three faces, at least one of the faces gradually transitioning outward as a slope in an area near the head top surface to minimize breakage and deformation. Preferably the bristles have a triangular cross-section with slopes of two of the faces being different from one another.

Abstract: A finger-manipulated article (e.g., a pen) includes a foam grip. The foam preferably is made from a foamable polyurethane prepolymer and a filler, or a latex, or both. The preferred foam has a recovery rate of less than 5 cm per minute. The foam may include a surface coating on its outer surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to hairbrushes, combs, or other like hairdressing implements, that have a cleaning plate to remove debris, such as hair, dandruff, or other material, that collects between the bristles during use. The preferred embodiment of this invention provides for a hairbrush having a base and a plurality of bristles extending away from the base. A cleaning plate is provided having a cleaning element that can be slideably disposed near the base between adjacent pairs of bristles so that it can be displaced away from the base to remove hair, dandruff or other debris that collects between the bristles during use of the hairbrush. A releasable lock is also provided to releasably secure the cleaning plate to the base of the hairbrush. The releasable lock includes a first locking part on at least one of the plurality of bristles, and a complimentary second locking part to the first locking part on the cleaning plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a make-up brush which comprises a brushing head and a stem, wherein both of the brushing head and the stem are separably combined. The user of the make-up brush can select a stem and a brushing head from a group of various stems and brushing heads to assemble brush.

Abstract: An abrading tool or brush is formed with an open center low density tuft. The tufts are laterally slightly compressed and encapsulated in a medium density elastomeric foam reinforcement having a density of from about 20 to about 50 lbs/cu/ft (320-800.90 Kg/cu. meter). When the tufts are formed, preferably of wire, they are twisted about a core extending axially of the tufts. The core includes angled facets which form corners around which the wire is bent to form closely spaced bends to promote short fracture of the wire in use.

Abstract: A rumble strip for removing snow and ice from a windshield wiper blade having an elongated body positioned at an edge of a windshield over which a windshield wiper blade will pass when activated, the elongated body having at least one surface sufficiently raised from the outer surface plane of the windshield as will cause the windshield wiper blade to be flexed and/or bumped as it passes thereover, whereby the flexing and/or bumping action will be sufficient to dislodge at least some of the snow and ice which has adhered to the windshield wiper blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind deflector for fastening to the main bracket of a wiper blade with openings in its spine, whereby fastening is accomplished with first fastening sections for screwing and additional second fastening sections for locking at the side wall of the main bracket that is in front in the direction of travel. Second fastening sections are in each case made from two surfaces that face one another a short distance apart and are connected to one another at the upper edge, one surface of which has a catching projection at the lower edge which can engage under the lower edge of the side wall of the main bracket. To increase the strength or stability of second fastening section or the connection of wind deflector and the wiper blade, one of the two walls of fastening section is wider, at least at its lower edge, than the other and in each case has a catching projection in the laterally projecting areas.

Abstract: A replacement assembly for a wiper blade for cleaning the windshield of a motor vehicle includes an elastic wiper blade assembly that has a top part and a wiper lip, with one respective elastic rail inserted into two lateral longitudinal grooves in the top part and retained therein by a retaining clip. An end piece on the end and the retaining clip both hold the elastic rails in the longitudinal grooves. The end piece is attached to one end of the wiper blade assembly, with said end piece securing the wiper blade assembly on the wiper blade frame in the longitudinal direction with the end to insure simple and safe handling of the replacement assembly.

Abstract: A wireless acoustic communicator is disclosed which permits a remotely-located operator to monitor and control a central vacuum cleaner. The acoustic communicator does not need problematic batteries, airflow blockers, or special wiring networks but uses only low-frequency acoustic signals that are transmitted through the pipe system of the vacuum cleaner. Command signals are effectively transmitted, even while air is flowing through the pipe system, by using a continuous multi-frequency signal, a resonant physical structure, and an adaptive signal detector. A preferred embodiment uses a powerful reed to generate a continuous acoustic signal. The reed is manually plucked by a slide switch to start vibration, which is then continued by the airflow through the pipe system caused by the running vacuum motor. The vacuum motor runs only if the signal is present. The acoustic communicator includes a resonant detection tube that filters the signal before it reaches a microphone.

Abstract: A hand-held remote control device sending signals for speed and direction to a remote control vacuum cleaner vehicle system enhancing an axle motor or motors for action of vehicle and separate motor or motors for vacuuming to suck up debris. The assembly also includes a hard plastic re-charge housing unit system co-operable with the hand-held remote controller unit system and the remote control vacuum cleaner vehicle unit system for charging the battery of the remote controller system and remote control vacuum cleaner vehicle system. The remote control vacuum cleaner vehicle system outer casing is a hard plastic housing where remote control vacuum cleaner vehicle system rechargeable battery operated axle motor is mounted for action of vehicle and when other mounted rechargeable battery operated motor or motors is activated suction from opening sucks up debris into housing and into removable debris canister.

Abstract: A blower pipe is disclosed which is substantially prevented from being damaged, which is easily applicable even to a varied operation site to thereby attain improved operating characteristics, and which can be produced at a reduced cost. The blower pipe (31) is utilized in a power blower, and has its upstream end formed into proximal connecting means (33) and its downstream end formed into a blow-off opening (32), and has its bottom portion (36) provided with an arc-shaped expanded portion (34) in the vicinity of the blow-off opening (32).

Abstract: A shock absorbing handle grip includes a sleeve-like rubber grip body sleeved onto the coupling shaft of the handle of a hand tool, a substantially U-shaped flat packing bar inserted from a rear end opening on the grip body and clamped on the coupling shaft of the handle of the hand tool and an end cap fastened to the rear end opening of the grip body, the end cap, the grip body and the packing bar forming an air bag around the coupling shaft of the handle of the hand tool.

Abstract: An attachable hand grip device and glove kit wherein the attachable hand grip device is removably attachable to a handle, such as, without limitation, kitchen utensils or other implements such as tools, for increasing the circumferential outer perimeter of the handle to significantly minimize the amount of bending of the knuckle joints of the hand when gripping the attachable hand grip device; and a glove having a plurality of finger contouring members which limit the bending of the finger knuckle joints when gripping the hand around the circumferential outer perimeter of the attachable hand grip device.

Abstract: An extension for use with different pneumatically powered tools is provided. The extension comprises an elongated body for coupling the extension to a pneumatic source and a sleeve for coupling a pneumatic tool to the extension, coupling the tool to the source. The extension has a small diameter to enable the extension to be disposed in substantially small workspaces, for enabling facile operation of a pneumatic tool coupled to the extension in such workspaces. The extension is sufficiently long, to enable a tool coupled to the extension to access fasteners located in deep and narrow workspaces. The body has a handle that includes a control switch for controlling activation of a tool coupled thereto, thus remotely controlling activation of the tool. A passageway extends through the body to provide an air flow path therethrough pneumatic air source to the pneumatic tool coupled to the extension.

Abstract: A locking/unlocking mechanism is provided for use on the extendable handle of a hand-trailable luggage case, which is smooth in operation and reliable for use for a long period of time. The locking/unlocking mechanism of the invention is for use on an extendable handle on a hand-trailable luggage case for the purpose of locking the extendable handle at a retracted position and allowing a user to unlock the extendable handle from the retracted and locked position so that the extendable handle can be freely extended out for use by the user. The locking/unlocking mechanism includes a casing having a receptacle; an actuating device allowing the user to unlock and release the extendable handle from the retracted position by pressing thereon; a pair of slidable devices, each being formed with a locking bolt on an outer side thereof for locking the elongated bars of the extendable handle at the retracted position and a toothed bar on an inner side thereof which is meshed to a gear.

Abstract: A retractable drawbar device is disposed in a suitcase. The retractable drawbar device has a hollow positioning seat, a grip disposed in the hollow positioning seat, a pair of outer pipes connected to the hollow positioning seat, a pair of first tubes inserted in the outer pipes, a pair of second tubes inserted in the outer pipes and connected to the first tubes, and a pair of base seats disposed on the outer pipes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a computer having a door being opened/closed at either side having a case for protecting internal circuits of a computer from an external impact, a face which is attached to the front of the case; and a door, installed in an open area of the face, which can be opened/closed from either side.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for the door of a motor vehicle is disclosed, the hinge assembly having a body half strap having a top flange and a bottom flange, with the top flange having at least one slot, a door half strap pivotable with respect to the body half strap and having a top flange and a bottom flange, the top flange having an external profile having at least a pair of detents. A linearly slidable profile follower assembly is biased by a compression spring and can travel along the slot toward and away from the door half strap in response to pivoting of the door half strap. The linearly slidable profile follower assembly comprises a spring retainer clip, a roller retainer clip and a roller. The roller is mounted on the roller retainer clip, and is in continuous direct engagement with the external profile of the door half strap as the door half strap pivots with respect to the body half strap.

Abstract: A driven opening roll (A) covered with card clothing receives a web (W) over a feed plate (B) which carries a pair of serially arranged feed rolls (C) and (D) for separating fibrous material from the web and removing the fibrous material in a passageway (E) providing air flow progressively increasing in velocity.

Abstract: A carding machine for treating a fibrous feedstock and having an adjustable cleaning device arranged at any position on the machine where removal of waste from the feedstock is required while undergoing treatment, and a machine management device for monitoring the waste removal by the cleaning device and for providing a compensatory feedback adjustment of the cleaning device when the monitored waste deviates from a desired state, in which the monitoring of the waste removed can comprise a weighing device, an optical device, or a filter device which acts on a stream of air-borne waste.

Abstract: A snap-in adapter system including an interior piece having a circular interior face and a short cylindrical side wall forming a cylindrical recess, the recess having an interior diameter. The system also includes an exterior piece. The exterior piece has a circular exterior face with a diameter essentially equal to that of the diameter of the recess of the interior piece. The exterior piece also has a cylindrical projection. Also provided is an attachment means.

Abstract: A one-piece cable tie for securing a cable to a mounting surface having a threaded stud attached thereto, the cable having an outer sheath of convoluted tubing. The cable tie comprises an elongated strap and a locking head on one end of the strap. The locking head is adapted to cooperate with the strap to form a loop around the cable. The cable tie further includes a fastener coupled to the locking head for securing the cable to the threaded stud. The fastener includes a boss having a central bore to enable the boss to be mounted over the threaded stud. The fastener also includes a first set of flexible fingers formed on the boss which are disposed to project into the bore. Each finger comprises an arm pivotally connected to the boss and an engagement head formed on the arm for engaging the threaded stud. The fastener further includes a cover connected to the boss.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for use with band heaters for heating nozzles of plastic extruding and injection molding machines to maintain intimate contacts between the heater and the cylindrical surface being heated as well as a clamping apparatus of general application for maintaining intimate contact between the apparatus and the cylindrical object to be clamped. The clamping apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical strap incorporating a heater mechanism, or without a heater mechanism therein, which includes end portions, at least one of which has an upstanding tab with one or more openings therein for receiving a ratchet clip which upon movement thereof, causes the interior of the cylindrical strap to tightly engage the generally cylindrical object to be clamped.

Abstract: A tie retaining device according to the present invention includes a fastener part having a front side and a back side, the front side supporting a pair of opposed, laterally projecting barbs, and the back side including an eyelet. The retaining device also includes a retainer clip having an opening for receiving a button of a shirt to secure the retainer clip to the shirt, and a prong for removably coupling with the eyelet of the fastener part. The fastener part barbs are inserted into the rear, folded back flaps of a tie body to attach the fastener part to the tie. The narrow tie tail is then inserted through an elongated opening in the fastener part. The eyelet on the back side of the fastener part is then threaded onto the prong of the retainer clip. In an alternate embodiment, the retainer clip is replaced by a retainer chain which is attached at one end to the center of a rod, and at the other end to a clasp.

Abstract: A handle sheath fastened to one end of a twisted handle and adapted to secure it in a face panel of a paper bag, having a cylindrical body mounted around the twisted handle, a longitudinal opening, two longitudinal rows of downward teeth arranged along two longitudinal side edges at two opposite sides of the longitudinal opening and engaged into the twisted handle, a serrated axial front projection longitudinally extended from one end thereof and stopped against the face panel of the paper bag.

Abstract: A device for attaching a pair of socks together during handling and laundering thereof has first and second magnetic couplers, each of which has a first attachment member and a second attachment member. At least one of the first and second attachment members comprises a magnet. The other of the first and second attachment members comprises either a magnet or a metal which is attracted to a magnet. The first and second attachment members are configured so as to capture a portion of a sock therebetween such that the first attachment member is disposed within the sock and the second attachment member is disposed outside thereof. The fist and second attachment members are attached to the sock and the magnet is attached to the second attachment member of at least one of the first and second magnetic couplers such that the first and second magnetic couplers are magnetically attachable to one another.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a hook or loop fastener comprising panels of loop material on the front section of the diaper, and panels of hook material on the rear section of the diaper. To hold the panels in a closed position when the diaper is packed, a panel of loop materials is attached to the rear section of the diaper.

Abstract: Adjustable slider buckle means for bracing clothing upon the body of a user includes at least one of ratchet biased closure means and the like selectively adjustable mechanisms in complement with a variable width coupling means. Ready adjustability of, for example, a cinch dimension of the waist band of surf shorts is provided--and a process is likewise taught for adjustin the same simply, irrespective of extreme conditions or externalities such as timing or durational constraints or the fact that a user may be partially or fully submerged in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A side release buckle having a female member with a receptacle for receiving a tongue portion of a male member. One or more openings through the male member are alignable at least partially with corresponding openings through the female member when the tongue portion of the male member is disposed in the receptacle of the female member, whereby the at least partially aligned openings of the male and female members form corresponding apertures through the side release buckle. The openings may include one or more rib members for strength. The side release buckles have, among other advantages, reduced weight without compromising strength, and are suitable for applications where it is desirable to vent the buckle, or permit underlying fabric or structure to be at least partially visible therethrough, or to accept a locking member to prevent or deter casual release of the male and female members.