Abstract: A waterproof scouring glove comprising a glove-like sheath having an abrasive material disposed along the entire outer surface so that a user may scour a kitchen implement or similar item without the need to grasp a separate scouring pad or sponge.

Abstract: A glove comprising an elastomeric blend of chloroprene rubber and a carboxylated synthetic butadiene rubber. A preferred glove of the invention is a medical glove comprising an elastomeric blend of chloroprene rubber and one of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber or carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber. The glove not only reduces the risk associated with natural rubber gloves of causing allergenic reaction and shock to the wearer, but also better approximates the feel and stretch of natural rubber gloves than do other elastomeric gloves.

Abstract: Improved head protection for soccer players comprising a headband formed of resilient material which may be worn alone or inside a conventional soccer helmet to cushion the effects of impacts to the head, especially for children in their formative years.

Abstract: A sports insignia cap that includes a crown element forming a dome shape adapted to be worn atop a person's head, a spongy, flexible form having a configuration indicative of a sports team insignia, a fabric enveloping said flexible form and providing decoration in conformance with being indicative of the sports team insignia, and a fastener that fastens the crown element to at least one of the flexible form and the fabric.

Abstract: A garment pocket reinforcement including a trapezoidally shaped insert having a bottom edge, a substantially straight side edge, a sloped side edge, a first shoulder edge, a second shoulder edge and a semi circular transitional edge. The first shoulder edge and the second shoulder edge of the insert are respectively sewn to a right shoulder seam and a left shoulder seam of a shirt. The bottom edge of the insert is sewn to the back side of a pocket disposed on the shirt. The insert further includes a transitional band of material which is used to attach the semi-circular transitional edge of the insert to a collar of the shirt along the front half of the neck line. The shoulders of the shirt also include small arches which are taking up on both front and back sides of both the right and left shoulder seems.

Abstract: Then apparatus for assisting in the removal of a helmet from a wearer thereof, particularly when the wearer is unconscious or injured, comprises: a framework constructed, sized and arranged to fit around a conventional helmet; an engaging mechanism for engaging the inside of a jaw covering portion on each side of the helmet; and an actuating means for causing at least one of the engaging mechanism to be moved laterally outwardly to spread apart the jaw covering portions of the helmet to facilitate removal of the helmet from the head of the wearer.

Abstract: The exercise helmet of the present invention includes an outer shell which would preferably be constructed of a sturdy plastic, and an inner shell which would function as an impact absorbing liner. Support plates are provided at the sides of the helmet to support shafts which extend outwardly from the support plates. Weighted plates may be placed on the shafts to provide resistance for exercise when the helmet is worn. A yoke accessory is provided for attachment to a cable of a conventional weight machine, for providing resistance instead of the weighted plates. An adjustable chin strap is provided for securing the helmet more securely to a wearer's head, and for increasing the exercise effect on facial muscles.

Abstract: An adapter for automatically dispensing any aromatic, deodorizing, cleansing, sanitizing fluid directly into the bowl of a recreational vehicle toilet as a result of operating either the bowl rinse or the bowl flush control. An apparatus adapted to toilets installed in recreational vehicles, travel trailers, an marine craft. Because it passively senses the presence of toilet inlet rinse water flow, the apparatus achieves its objective without making modifications to, and is totally independent of, the RV plumbing system. The adapter utilizes an electronic control unit which employs the electrically conductive property of water to detect the flush and the refill operations of the RV toilet. Upon detecting fresh water entering the toilet, the electronic control unit energizes an electric solenoid valve which releases a metered amount of chemical additive fluid directly into the toilet bowl. The chemical additive flow rate is fully adjustable by the user, and the chemical fluid reservoir is refillable.

Abstract: A portable and removable commode seat, for a first embodiment, comprises a commode seat and a series of extendable and foldable legs secured to the commode seat and extending therefrom. When the legs are extended generally vertically from the commode seat, the commode seat can be placed over a conventional commode and utilized without the person ever coming in contact with the underlying fixed commode. After use, the legs can be folded to extend adjacent the underside of the commode seat for convenient handling or storage. A modification thereof is commode seat having plural J-shaped supports to rest on and be supported by the conventional commode. In each case, a preferred feature is the provision of plural, thin, peelable and removable sheets of paper, or other suitable material, overlying the seating surface to allow the user thereof to expose a fresh and germ free surface when desired.

Abstract: A compound torque hinge comprising a first rotating shaft to be mounted on the toilet bowl is rotatably mounted in the case body; the first rotation control mechanism comprising a cam mechanism with a compression spring on one side portion housed in the case body of the first rotating shaft is provided; a second rotation control mechanism comprising a rotation damper is juxtaposed in two stages within the case body in the upper or lower section of the first rotation control mechanism; a driving power transmitting means is mounted between the second rotation control mechanism and the first rotation control mechanism; and on the rotating shaft one of mounting sections of the toilet seat or seat cover is rotatably supported on a bearing, while the other is fixed so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A toilet provides a traditional water filled bowl with flushing action as well as a bidet in one unit. Heated air is forced into the toilet bowl interior and directed onto bidet washed surfaces for drying. Water is directed into the bowl under pressure for flushing and for operating the bidet. The upper rim of the toilet bowl contains a channel which dispenses flush water downwardly for cleaning the interior of the toilet during flushing. Flush water is also directed from two additional outlets to provide flushing action. The toilet is fixtured for wall mounting at an adjustable height which may be changed by merely repositioning mounting bolts on a pair of vertical supports. Sewage pipes are telescoping or extendable for accommodating a vertical positioning range.

Abstract: Apparatus for aiding removal and replacement of a spa cover. The apparatus includes at least one lifting assembly secured relative to the spa tub, each having a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to the spa tub and including a cover-engaging end coupled to the spa cover and a pivot end mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The lifting arm is rotatable through a range of motion about the pivot axis between a covering position and an uncovering position. A lifting system is provided for exerting a lifting force on the arm tending to lift the arm as the arm moves from the covering position toward the uncovering position, and for exerting a resistance force on the arm tending to resist movement of the arm from the uncovering position toward the covering position. The lifting system includes a link lever having a pivot end pivotally mounted to the lift arm at a link pivot location disposed between the arm pivot end and the cover-engaging end.

Abstract: A spa cover remover has a pair of parallel side bars pivotably connected to opposite sides of a spa, and a cross-bar in the form of a roller extending between upper ends of the side bars. In use, a spa cover is folded over the cross-bar during removal from a spa, and the side bars and the cross-bar are then pivoted to lift the cover into an offset position. During such pivotation, rotation of the roller prevents stretching and consequential damage of the covering of the spa cover.

Abstract: A system for distributing water flow between jet stations in a bathing system, such as a spa, is disclosed. The outlets of two pumps are connected together by a water supply line looped around the water containment. Jet stations are disposed along the supply line and water controllers that selectively block or allow water to flow are placed between the jet stations. By blocking the flow with a water controller, the flow to the jet stations is divided between the two pumps. The distribution of water supply of the jet stations can thereby be adjusted by selecting a water controller where the pump supply line is to be divided between the pumps.

Abstract: A portable shower stall is disclosed. The present invention is designed to utilize a conventional trailer receiving hitch by providing a portable bathing apparatus, otherwise similar in nature to those commonly suspended from overhanging objects, designed to be secured directly to a standard receiver hitch. A main frame, of a generally linearly elongated, rectangular, upstanding, L-shaped configuration slidably engage and fittingly secures inside of the square channel of a conventional receiver hitch typically found on a motor vehicle, such as a truck or camper, via a frictional fit. A trailer receiving hitch connecting means connects the present invention to the trailer hitch via locking means. A water container holding hook or similar device is located on the end of the vertical member, opposite the horizontal member. The water container holding hook is used to releasably secure a water container above the user's head. A valve is used to facilitate controlled release of the water from the water container.

Abstract: A section of a bed has a mattress support grid comprising a plurality of intersecting wire segments. The intersecting were segments define an opening. A handle is engageable with the opening.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a first actuator coupled to a head section and a second actuator coupled to a thigh section. A set of buttons accessible to a patient carried by the stretcher are coupled to motors that drive the respective first and second actuators. The buttons are pressed to move the thigh section through a full range of motion and to move the head section through a limited range of motion. A switch inaccessible to the patient is pressed to move the head section through a full range of motion. Lockout switches are provided for disabling the buttons and the switch. A first hand crank is coupled to the first actuator and is manually rotated to move the head section through the full range of motion. A second hand crank is coupled to the second actuator and is manually rotated to move the thigh section through the full range of motion. A CPR release handle is provided for quickly lowering the head section to the lowered position without the use of the buttons, switch, or first hand crank.

Abstract: A drive unit for adjustable beds of the type which have movable head and leg sections, and adjustable height, comprises a unidirectional, rotary motor, and a drive shaft for each adjustable bed function. The driveshafts are selectively rotated in opposite directions by the motor. A pair of solenoids operably couple the motor with the driveshafts, interchangeably, or alternatively with a linear tracking gear, and thereby adjust the configuration of the bed.

Abstract: A disposable bedpan system for use with a patient underlayment that has a cavity in registry with the buttocks of a supine patient lying thereon is provided wherein the disposable bedpan is supported in said cavity by a laterally-collapsible hoop-like support. In the best mode, the hoop-like support has fulcrum extensions to provide support therefor from a horizontal support upon which said underlayment rest and markings on the disposable bedpan provide a tool to measure the volume of waste from the patient. A padded plug that fills the space between the hoop-like support and the top of the underlayment provides comfort for the patient while the bedpan is installed but not in use.

Abstract: A container element for a furniture item, including at least one thin-walled closeable support element being fillable with air or the like from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the element forming support structure and/or a cushion for a piece of furniture as an arm-chair, a sofa, a bed or the like.

Abstract: An adaptor to mate with a hand tool such as a folding multipurpose tool to make use of the multipurpose tool as a handle to turn tool bits of various sizes, such as screwdrivers or small socket wrenches. The adaptor includes a drive plate which mates with the hand tool, and a tool bit-engaging member attached to the drive plate and movable angularly between various positions, with a latch to keep the tool bit-engaging member in a selected position. A pair of arms of the drive plate engage the sides of the jaws of one type of multipurpose tool to locate the adaptor as required with respect to the multipurpose tool.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a last for a first article of footwear. The last comprising a cast shaped and dimensioned to customize, in use, one end of the first article of footwear for one end of an individual's foot, and an end piece adapted to engage, in use, the opposite end of the first article of footwear. The method comprising the steps of customizing the cast and fixing the cast.

Abstract: A method for making a customized orthotic device utilizing a pre-made sole having a plurality of elongated members extending from the bottom of the sole and inserting each of the elongated members into apertures of a cutting device. Once inserted through the apertures, the distal tips of the elongated members contact a resistance layer which resists the downward movement of the elongated members. A person's foot is then rested on the topside surface of the insert; thereby depressing the insert and elongated member tips into the resistance layer. The compressive force of the foot against the resistance layer tends to conform the insert about the plantar aspect of the foot. A cutting mechanism is then used to cut the elongated members. The finished product, is customized to the foot of the person and is ready to be inserted into a shoe.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprising an elongated body portion and a head including a static portion and a circular portion, a handle, and an angled shaft between the head and the handle. The circular portion rotates or oscillates about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the head. The circular portion includes stiff bristles and the static portion includes soft bristles. The stiff bristles are recessed with respect to the soft bristles. The elongated body portion is hollow and further includes a motor in the hollow portion, which is operatively connected to the circular portion for rotating or oscillating the circular portion. A switch is operatively connected to the motor to provide momentary and continuous operation of the toothbrush. A worm gear and a pair of step gears are located in the hollow portion. The motor is operatively connected to the worm gear and the step gears are operatively connected to the worm gear and to each other.

Abstract: A combined floor scrubbing/floor burnishing apparatus comprises a machine frame (16) supporting a motor-driven surface-working head arrangement (27), a device (10) for selectively varying the pressure exerted by the head arrangement on the surface, and a unit means (40) for selectively varying the speed at which the head arrangement is driven by the motor so that the higher operational speeds required of the surface-working head arrangement can be readily achieved at the reburied lower application pressures and vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact disc cleaner which includes a box base having a cover and a seat, a turntable that is rotated on the cover, a cleaning device moveably attached at the near end of the turntable that includes a knob and a wheel body on the exterior and interior of the turntable, a cleaning element attached underneath the wheel body and gear teeth on the external wall of the wheel body that engage with the gear teeth on the internal wall of the box base. The cover is pivoted, at one end, with the seat in which the compact disc is held. When the user rotates the knob of the cleaning device, the turntable will revolve as the same time and the internal gear of the box base will bring the wheel body on the cleaning device to rotate within the radius of the compact disc so to effectively clean the compact disc with the cleaning element underneath the wheel body.

Abstract: The espresso tip cleaning brush has a permanent handle and a removable and replaceable brush body. The brush body can be of different brush stiffness and different sizes for different brushing needs. The brush body is a throw-away part while the brush handle is retained for use with other brush bodies. Each brush body is a hollow tube with the bristles pointed inwardly.

Abstract: A roller sponge mop which is used for routine floor surface or similar surface cleaning and moisture absorbing mopping is combined with an integral mop attachment with an outer abrasive surface, designed and formed to be positioned within a wall surface of the lower frame of the mop, to be used for cleaning more difficult and ingrained soiled surfaces. The attachment is removable and interchangeable for use on similarly configured roller mops. The sponge mop roller squeeze feature is actuated by a cammed lever which is rotatably connected to the mop's handle and is positioned adjacent to a sleeve slidable mounted on the handle. At its lower end, the sleeve comprises the frame which carries the mop attachment and connects to the mop's rollers. The bias action of a spring at the lower end of the handle maintains the sponge element of the mop in the cleaning position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.

Abstract: The squeegee has a sponge washer which is attached to a support and covered by a mesh protector. Replacement apparatus provides for rapid replacement of the mesh. The replacement apparatus includes a length of mesh wrapped around a reel. The wrapped end of the mesh is secured by locking the reel against rotation, and the free end of the mesh is secured by a plastic strip with a serrated edge which engages the mesh. The strip is wedged within a recess in the support. To replace mesh which extends over the washer, the free and wrapped ends are released, a length of mesh is pulled from the reel and stretched over the washer. Both ends of the mesh are then resecured. The reel is removable to permit providing a new mesh supply. A cellulose cleaning disk for cleaning insects and similar difficult spots can be removably attached at one end of the washer.

Abstract: A pair of paint rollers are respectively rotatably mounted to a pair of parallel, spaced apart axle members that form a part of a rigid frame. A rigid clip rod at the center of the frame is releasably engaged by a clip member that is pivotally secured to a handle-receiving socket member at the leading end of an elongate handle which is held by a painter when paint is applied to a preselected surface. The pivotal attachment allows pivotal movement between the clip member and hence the frame and the longitudinal axis of the elongate handle in a first plane. The clip rod is cylindrical and is captured by the clip member when the clip member is in a position of repose, but the cylindrical surface allows the frame member to pivot with respect to the clip member and hence the elongate handle in a second plane that is normal to the first plane. A lock member is slideably mounted on the leading end of the socket member.

Abstract: An ice scraper for use in removing ice from vehicle windows is disclosed which includes a partially transparent, darkly-tinted body having a tapered distal scraping end. The distal scraping end may be inserted between a vehicle window and its molding to provide a shade or sunscreen for blocking bright light from a driver's eyes. Additionally, the dark tint of the body of the ice scraper helps the body absorb thermal radiation to maintain the body at higher-than-ambient temperatures. When the tapered distal scraping end of the scraper is run over an ice-covered surface, this thermal energy combines with the mechanical removal of ice to more effectively remove ice from the surface.

Abstract: A wiper device for a vehicle which, when abnormal load is applied, absorbs the abnormal load so that wiping operation by a wiper blade can be carried out continuously. The wiper device is compact, and dimensional management thereof is easy. One end of a first crank lever forming a portion of a crank arm is attached to an output shaft, whereas a cylindrical portion is fixed by caulking to another end of the first crank lever by a pin. An annular portion is formed at one end of a second crank lever. An elastic rubber bush is interposed between the cylindrical portion and the annular portion. The first crank lever and the second crank lever are supported by the elastic rubber bush so as to be freely rotatable.

Abstract: The invention seeks to provide an improved wiper blade assembly, and in a broad aspect provides a windscreen wiper blade assembly comprising at least a primary yoke and a pair of secondary yokes articulated thereto, the primary yoke and/or the secondary yokes being provided with at least one wind-deflecting surface, oriented in relation to the direction of motion of the vehicle so that when said vehicle is moving to create air flow over the windscreen, air is deflected by said surface or surfaces to produce a force tending to urge the wiper blade assembly towards the windscreen of the vehicle. And end cap is provided for accommodating the ends of the secondary yokes and the of the backing member and wiper blade rubber. A connector disposed within the primary yoke accommodates different size diameter pins of different sized wiper arms.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable filter and filter holder is mounted within a mop cleaning bucket to receive dirt settling under gravity from the contained liquid with the dirt collecting in, and passing through so as to be trapped below, the filter and its holder. The holder is a rigid or substantially rigid perforated support structure spaced above and below the dirt receiving filter. In one embodiment, the holder is supported in the bucket in spaced relationship to the bottom of the bucket and protects the filter. The filter is a thin, sturdy, semi-rigid and floatable member with many holes so soiled water passes through and collects in the bottom of the bucket. The construction of the filter can be selected depending upon the material (grease sludge, dirt, oil, soot, or food particles) to be mopped up. The combination of the filter and filter holder blocks or dampens turbulence and prevents sediment from being stirred up in the bottom portion of the bucket.

Abstract: A dual port blowing device for drying a vehicle includes a centrifugal fan powered by a blower motor. The centrifugal fan is rotated upon the motor shaft and surrounded by a housing having a first outlet nozzle for discharging air toward the rear end of the vehicle, and including a second outlet nozzle for discharging air toward the front end of the vehicle. A pivoting damper moves between a first position for sending discharged air through the first outlet nozzle, and a second position for sending discharged air through the second outlet nozzle. An actuator selectively pivots the damper between its first and second positions. The actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder and piston for pivoting the damper. Control circuitry determines when the rear of the vehicle is proximate to the dual port blowing device, and operates the hydraulic cylinder to move the damper from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: Parallel tube type, gasoline powered, blower/vacuums with improved versatility are provided. In one possible feature, a flapper throttle adjacent to the housing for controlling the engine is pivotable from side-to-side with respect to an elongate handle. The elongate handle is sufficiently long to allow a plurality of gripping positions, while the flapper throttle is sufficiently long to allow the operator to access the flapper throttle from different gripping positions on the handle. In another possible feature, a pivotable lever throttle is provided at an interface of the handle forward portion and a transverse grip portion at the handle forward portion end. The lever throttle has a first end accessible to the operator when gripping the transverse grip portion, and a second end accessible to the operator when gripping the handle forward portion.

Abstract: An elongated bail handle for an electronic instrument housing with opposed ends providing handle mounts. The handle has an elongated intermediate portion extending the width of the instrument, and a pair terminal arm portions each connected to the intermediate portion and having a free end for connection to a respective end surface of the housing. The intermediate portion defines an elongated bore, and a reinforcing bar laterally spans the bore to connect opposed walls of the intermediate portion. The arm and bore may have an oblong cross section, with the bar spanning the short span. The bar may define a passage, and an overmolded handle grip encompassing the reinforcing bar may have material filling the passage to secure it to the handle.

Abstract: A door lock for a motor vehicle door formed integrally with a detachable door hinge and including a plurality of braking and locking bodies, a support for supporting the braking and locking bodies and connected with the hinge pin for joint rotation therewith, a locking device having at least partially curved running track concentrically arranged with respect to the hinge pin axis and fixedly connected with the one of the two hinge halves of the hinge, and a spring supported against the hinge pin and at least partially congruent with the locking device for biasing the support toward the locking device, with the support including a guide member for partially receiving the braking and locking bodies and connected with the hinge pin, the guide member having a central bore through which the hinge pin extends and a recess concentric with the hinge pin axis for receiving the biasing spring, and with the guide member being formed as a monolithic shaped body of a plastic material.

Abstract: A hinge part for attachment of a motor vehicle door and including a hinge part body formed of a thin-walled hollow extruded section having at least three chambers, and two pairs of hinge gudgeon provided on opposite sides of the hinge part body for mounting the hinge part on the motor vehicle body for rotation about two, spaced from each other, pivot axes.

Abstract: A removable holding device for containers includes two clamp members mounted on a holding body, one of the members being mobile in translation relative to the holding body. A lever mounted on the holding body pivots between a deployed position and a position retracted inside the holding body. A link blade between the lever and the mobile member displaces the mobile member in translation when the lever pivots. The lever has at least one lateral wing portion forming an unlocking button projecting on one side of the holding body when the lever is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A fiber processing system includes a fiber processing machine having a sliver guiding element through which a sliver runs; and a separate device which generates a low pneumatic pressure and which supplies a pneumatic stream to the sliver guiding element.

Abstract: An apparatus for air-laying of a material in the form of fibers or granules onto a running band. The apparatus includes at least one delimited space arranged at a first surface on an at least partially air-permeable endless running band. A vacuum exists in the space during operation and the band runs successively over the space. This takes place concurrently with air being sucked through the band into the space. At least two rotatable support elements are placed in the space in order to counteract down-bending of the running band. The support elements have a rotational direction generally coinciding with the running direction of the band.

Abstract: A portable pencil pocket 10 has one or more compartments for holding pencils 40,42. The pocket is made of plastic webbing that is folded at one end to form a pocket 20 and at the other end to form a loop 22. A shower clip 50 holds the pocket 10 to an article of clothing, such as a belt loop or button hole.

Abstract: A clip for clamping an article, such as a hose, includes an annular clip band and a plurality of annular insert bands. Each of the insert bands has a first end section and a second end section. The end sections extend in the circumferential direction and overlap one another. One of the insert bands selectively surrounds a radial inside surface of the clip band. Each of the insert bands has a resistance to a relative displacement occurring in the circumferential direction of their mutually overlapping end sections. The resistances for each of the insert bands differs in such a manner that, when a predetermined clamping force is exerted on the clip band in the circumferential direction, a different predetermined radial clamping force on the clamped article results with the use of each respective insert band.

Abstract: A hook for fixing a decorative band to a hat has needles in the form of a fishing needle. For safety, a hole 11 is formed at the center of an elastic iron plate 10 which is bent toward one side. A sharp needle 11 is formed at one inner side of the hole 11, and needles 13 and 14, each in the form of an arrowhead are formed symmetrically outside of the elastic iron plate. A cleave 11a may alternatively be formed at the center of a flat elastic iron plate 10a with a sharp needle 12a formed at the opposite side of the open side of the cleave 11a. A needle 14a, in the form of an arrowhead, is formed outside of the open side of the cleave 11a, with knobs 15 which are inclined downwardly formed symmetrically outside of the open side of the cleave 11a.

Abstract: There is provided a method of capping mechanical fasteners from a web having an array of upstanding stems. A heated surface member is positioned opposite a support forming a nip into which the web is fed. The heated surface member has a series of laterally spaced elongated peak and valley structures such that more than one peak and valley structure contacts and deforms each stem structure. The peak and valley groove structures provided asymmetric elongation and deformation of top portion of the stem structures forming hook heads.

Abstract: An improved fastening device is flush-mountable and provides a means for flush-mount fastening a sheeted material to a surface. The flush-mounted fastening device minimizes distraction from an attractive exterior surface. A flush-mounted receiving means embedded in the surface receives a plunger pin which is attached to and extends through the sheeted material so that the sheeted material may be fastened by a means which is flush with the surface.

Abstract: An improved towing hook structure including a hook body having a surface provided with reinforcing ribs. The exterior of the hook body is wrapped in a layer of tough and wear-resistant rubber or plastic material using hot pressing to reduce possible damage to or scratching of the surface of a car to be towed. A rubber or plastic stop element and a rubber of plastic projection are integrally formed in the process of hot pressing to extend respectively from both ends of an opening of the hook body. The stop element is pushed into the projection prior to being completely cured so that it can elastically press upon and be retained in the opening of the hook body.

Abstract: A plug and socket-type buckle assembly in which the plug portion comprises a base and a flexible plate integrally formed therewith. There is at least one aperture in the plate. A locking lug extends across the free end of the bottom of the plate and protrudes below the flat surfaces of the plate. The socket portion comprises a top part and a bottom part integrally formed therewith to define a cavity for receiving the plug portion. The top part has a flexible release button integrally formed therewith, with a downwardly projecting tip. There is at least one projecting ledge disposed on the inside surface of the top part for engaging the aperture when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. A flexible tongue is integrally formed with the bottom part and has means for engaging the locking lug when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. Downward pressure on the release button when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion disengages the aperture from the projecting ledge.