Abstract: A device for suspending from the neck, immediately below the chin, and for minimizing dribbling, dropping, and spilling of food, without use of hands. The device includes a suspender that hooks the neck and a tray that is suspended from the suspender and holds the food. The suspender is tubular and made from a semi-rigid wire that is enclosed in a foam material. The suspender includes a first portion that extends horizontally to a second portion that extends horizontally forwardly from the first portion, to a third portion that extends horizontally from the second portion, to a fourth portion that extends horizontally from the third portion and which define an opening. A fifth portion is pivotally mounted to the fourth portion, by a pivot joint, and extends generally upwardly therefrom in a hook-like fashion for hooking the neck.

Abstract: A headwear includes a crown portion and a brim connected to the crown portion. The crown portion is formed as a one-piece molded body which is flexible while having a measure of rigidity to maintain the shape of the crown portion. The molded body is made of an elastomeric material, and has a looped marginal end. The brim is connected to the looped marginal end.

Abstract: A cap for permitting a wearer to use the cap as a device for catching falling objects, such as baseballs, therewith. The cap includes a cap with a bill outwardly extending therefrom. The bill has a plurality of spaced apart finger holes therethrough.

Abstract: A cap with protrusive effect that can effectively display letters or diagrams of logos, emblems, etc. in a three dimensional fashion. The headwear includes a multi-panel crown, and a crown front portion consisting of two fabric pieces or two fabric pieces and one piece of woven or non-woven material. A flexible molded material or a piece of sheet is used to create letters or diagrams to be used as logos, emblems, etc. and is attached to the crown front portion and upper bill portion. The fabric materials that can be used are any type of common textile fabric or stretchable fabric material. Through a washing process, a natural three dimensional visual effect is provided to maximize the advertising effect of the cap. In addition, a dyed fabric with black pigment coating is used so that when the cap is washed the black pigment is decolorized and a mixed color contrast is provided between the remaining black color and the original color of the dyed fabric to maximize the aesthetic value and effect of a cap.

Abstract: A revision to the standard fireproof garments currently worn by race car drivers and pit crew people that allows the wearer to remove the bottom section of the pants to cool off when not in the car or in an area where protection from possible fire is not required. The top and bottom sections of the pants secure through use of hook and loop fasteners designed to withstand extremely high temperatures. The top section features a stretchy material at the lower end that hugs the leg to prevent any extreme heat from going up the leg opening. The bottom section slides up over the stretchy portion and secures to the top section via the hook and loop fasteners. The bottom section features a cuff or fold that folds over the secured two sections to hide the seam. Also, cooperating snap button elements are located on the top and bottom sections to allow for quick alignment by the user.

Abstract: A novel "method" whereby an infant's over-sized pant legs, that may extend below the infant's feet, are secured above the bottom of the infant's feet to facilitate walking development.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle or boat toilet includes a bowl with a water ingress line to the bowl, and a flush mechanism for emptying the bowl after water from the ingress line has entered the bowl. The recreational vehicle or boat toilet also includes a ventilation apparatus including an odor vent line communicating with the water ingress line and with an exit line leading to the external environment. Additionally, a water overflow line communicates with the water ingress line, with the odor vent line and with the exit line. A vacuum apparatus communicates with the exit line such that the odor passes from the odor vent line, through the exit line and to the external environment, and such that overflow water passes through the water overflow line, through the exit line into the external environment.

Abstract: A foot actuated toilet seat lift comprises a lifting mechanism, a pedal assembly and mechanism for transmitting the force provided by toilet users' foot from the pedal assembly to the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism has a base adapted to be mounted on a toilet, a base cover resting on top of the base, a carriage mounted on one end of the base, a guiding roller rotatably mounted on the head of the carriage, a semicircle bar attached to one side of the carriage, a leaf spring mounted on one end of the base under the carriage, a pin roller movably resting on the leaf spring, a lifting arm rotatably resting in the carriage under the guiding roller, and a contact roller rotatably attached to the straight end of the lifting arm.

Abstract: A toilet seat cover assembly for use as a combination toilet seat cover and auxiliary bathroom seat with self-positioning, retractable backrest. The assembly includes a cover which is hinged to either the toilet or a housing structure positioned on either side of the toilet. A backrest having a base portion and an adjoining upright portion is hinged to the cover at the base portion such that when the cover is raised from a closed position to an open position, the backrest pivots with the cover until it contacts a stopper. At such point, and as the cover is continuously raised, the stopper urges the backrest to hinge separately from the cover and to retract in a compact manner.

Abstract: A sanitary toilet system with an integral water supply and manual flush assembly for a recreational vehicle in which a flush water supply tank is provided adjacent a recreational vehicle wall with an inlet extending through the wall, thus eliminating plumbing within the vehicle between a water inlet and the supply tank. A manually operated piston pump is provided in which a clearance exists between the piston and the pump cylinder allowing water to flow past the piston during operation of the pump. This reduces the forces necessary to operate the pump in comparison to a piston in sealing relation to the cylinder.

Abstract: An aboveground pool decking system that entails a platform that mounts to and over the conventional top rail of an aboveground pool, creating a smooth, level and gap-free transition from the deck to the edge of the pool. The platform includes an extension that fills the gap that is required between the top rail and deck to allow for maintenance and repairs to the pool and installation of a pool cover. With the extension, the pool deck is permitted to abut against the outer edge of the platform. The platform is configured to be securely attached to and stable on the top rail, yet easily removed to re-expose the gap between the rail and deck for repairs, maintenance and installation/removal of a pool cover. Various embodiments are possible for the platform that further promote the aesthetic and functional advantages of the invention.

Abstract: A spa cover lifting device for lifting a folding spa cover seated on a spa from a seated position to a vertical storage position, the spa cover lifting device having a frame apparatus with a horizontal cross member and a pair of side members with ends having pivotal mounts connectable with the spa, the horizontal cross member engaging the folding spa cover at the fold and transporting the cover when folded over the cross member from the seated position to the storage position when the frame apparatus is pivoted, the spa cover lifting device including a spring mechanism that assists raising the cover and cushions descent of the cover into its folded storage position.

Abstract: A water level adjustment device including a reservoir positioned within a hole formed adjacent to an in-ground swimming pool. The reservoir has an opening therein for coupling with a water supply line. An outlet pipe extends between the reservoir and the swimming pool. The outlet pipe is disposed below the water supply line. A water shut-off valve is coupled with the water supply line inwardly of the reservoir.

Abstract: A portable top-opening receptacle for holding water for a child bathing in standing position having a horizontal bottom and having a sufficient diameter to accommodate use by a child for standing. A round vertical wall keeps water inside of said receptacle, having a sufficient height to provide water at least to the waist level. The receptacle being laterally dimensioned so that the child can rest it's buttocks on a wall of the receptacle behind the child while holding onto a wall of the receptacle in front of the child providing an infant a facility to practice standing.

Abstract: An anti-rotation pipe locating and support device comprises a support and insert assembly that precisely locates and supports plumbing pipes relative to the structure of a building and prevents rotational movement of the pipes relative to the support. The support includes a support that can be fastened to the building structure and has one or more support openings for receiving the pipes. Inserts are used to receive and grip the pipes to secure them within the support openings with or without additional fastening techniques. Each support opening has at least one small tab which forms a lock with a slot provided in the insert, or is shaped to cooperate with a non-circular opening in the support to restrain the insert. The lock prevents the insert and pipe from rotating inside the support opening. The support and insert assembly also prevents lateral, vertical, and axial movement of the pipe relative to the support by constraints provided between the support and the insert.

Abstract: An improved crib structure includes a crib capable of swinging in a natural rhythm, comprising a supporting frame having an upper rectangle and lower crossbars, the upper rectangle and crossbar being connected through four vertical rails at four corresponding corners of the upper rectangle and four ends of the crossbars; a supporting block being provided on each of the four ends of the lower crossbars respectively, a receiving hole being provided on the bottom surface of the supporting blocks; a pair of swinging rail being provided between two corresponding supporting blocks, the swinging rail with both ends extending in the direction parallel to the vertical rails and the mid section extending in a shape of arch, each end of the swinging rail being detachably connected to the supporting block with a connecting device through said receiving hole.

Abstract: A sleeping bag formed with an outer case having an exposed surface and a coextensive tensive liner having an exposed surface, the case and liner being secured together along their edges to form a pad which may be folded in half and releasably secured along the bottom and side of the pad opposite the fold. The exposed surface of the liner bears indicia representing a selected game board or field and the exposed surface of the outer case carries a design whose motif is suggestive of the activity surface which becomes visible when the bag is unfolded.

Abstract: An arm rest adapted for use with a lounge chair, in which the arm rest comprises a five-sided tubular frame; a covering material which connects with each side of the tubular frame; an adjustable support for the arm rest; and means for connecting the arm rest to the lounge chair.

Abstract: A coverlet is disclosed for enclosing an air fluidizable section of a patient support surface. The air fluidizable section includes a diffuser board assembly for supporting a fluidizable medium, a side wall defining a boundary of the air fluidizable section and an air permeable top wall impervious to the fluidizable medium. The coverlet includes a sheet of material impervious to fluids and comprises a top portion configured to overlie the top wall of the air fluidizable section, and a side portion configured to overhang over the side wall of the air fluidizable section. The side portion of the coverlet includes at least one opening therein to permit air flowing through the air fluidizable section to escape.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a centrally located spring core, edge support means located around the perimeter of the spring core, filling material located above and below the spring core and an upholstered covering. The edge support may be either a string of springs, a pair of spiral edge supports or plastic edge reinforcements. The edge support means extends above and below the upper and lower surfaces of the spring core thus creating a higher peripheral edge than the central portion of the spring core. Layers of filling material are inserted over the central portion of the spring core in order to create a uniform upper and lower surface.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a load level in a washing machine include monitoring a rotational speed of a motor of the washing machine for a period of time after the motor has reached an operating speed. In a first method embodying the invention, the number of rotational speed peaks that occur in each of a plurality of speed bands are detected during the period of time. The detected number of speed peaks in each speed band are compared to reference count numbers corresponding to each of the speed bands, and a load level in the washer is determined based on the comparisons. In a second method embodying the invention, the number of times that the rotational speed of the motor exceeds a predetermined speed during a predetermined period of time is detected. The detected number is then compared to reference count numbers, and the load level in the washing machine is determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: A round brush apparatus is disclosed for brushing a person's hair. The apparatus includes an elongate brush body having a first and a second end. The brush body includes a first member, which extends from the first end of the body towards the second end of the body. A plurality of bristles extends radially outwardly from the first member. A second member extends from the first member to the second end of the brush body. A handle portion has a first and a second extremity with the first extremity of the handle portion being drivingly connected to the second member of the brush body. The handle portion includes a handle, which extends from the second extremity of the handle portion towards the first extremity of the handle portion. A motor is disposed within the handle the motor being electrically connected to a power source. A tubular extension extends from the handle to the first extremity of the handle portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior and exterior of a corroded pipe including a pipe shuttle for rotatable holding a pipe being cleaned, a stationary lance assembly for insertion into the interior of the pipe to scrape and clean the interior of the pipe, an external scraper for scraping the outer surface of the pipe, a wire brush assembly for cleaning the outer surface of the pipe, and a drive car for rotating the pipe and driving the rotating pipe onto the lance assembly and into contact with the external scraper and the wire brush assembly.

Abstract: A substrate washing apparatus, comprising a spin chuck for holding and rotating a substrate W, a brushing section including a scrubbing member which is brought into contact with a washing surface of the substrate held on the spin chuck and revolved on its own axis together with rotation of the spin chuck, a washing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a washing liquid through the brushing section onto the washing surface of the substrate, a pressure control mechanism for controlling a pressing force of the scrubbing member against the washing surface of the substrate, and a moving means for moving the scrubbing member relative to the substrate in a radial direction of the substrate, wherein the scrubbing member includes an abutting portion which is brought into contact with the washing surface of the substrate, and a non-contact peripheral portion positioned about the abutting portion and formed not to contact the washing surface of the substrate when the abutting portion is in contact with the washing surfa

Abstract: A hand held and hand operated drain cleaning tool including a drain cleaning cable coiled in a drum and having a support for holding the drum in one hand while rotating the drum with the other through a crank on the drum is provided with a cable feeding device operable by a feed actuator which is displaceable by the one hand of a user to feed the cable relative to the drum while the one hand supports the drum and the other hand rotates the drum.

Abstract: A personal hygiene appliance extension handle for persons having limited hand reach or body mobility which has a grasping means for holding toilet tissue and functions as a hand extension to permit cleansing of the perineal area.

Abstract: A wiping device is proposed, which is used to clean windshields of motor vehicles. The wiping device has a driven wiper arm (12) to whose free end a wiper blade (14) is pivotably connected that is provided with an elongated, rubber-elastic wiper strip (32) and that can be placed against the window (20); the extending at least approximately in the wiping direction (24) of the wiper blade, the wiper strip is held, parallel to the longitudinal axis, on a striplike, elongated, spring-elastic support element (26), on whose middle portion one half (28) of a connection device (16) for the wiper arm (12) provided with the other device half (30) is contained. A wiping device of particularly low height is obtained if the wiper blade (14) is disposed next to the wart (12), viewed vertically to the window (20), and is pivotably connected to the wiper arm via the connection device (16).

Abstract: A wiper arm for driving a wiper blade to wipe a windshield of a vehicle. The wiper arm is composed of an arm head, a retainer, an arm piece and a coil spring for urging the wiper blade against the windshield. The retainer has an inclining front surface to prevent dynamic lift by air flow, and a coil spring is disposed to align with a common longitudinal center line of the retainer and the arm head to prevent an angular moment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in the operation and design of wall-mounted recessed vacuum cleaner systems. The invention advantageously incorporates an extremely compact motor design which enables the filtering debris receptacle to be arranged directly over the motor housing. The vacuum system of the instant invention is characterized by an upper containment compartment and a lower evacuation compartment. The containment compartment houses an air filtering and residue collecting receptacle, e.g. a vacuum bag assembly, which may incorporate HEPA filtration characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water extraction cleaning machine having a variable solution mixing valve adapted to create cleaning solution mixtures of variable constituent ratios. Clean water and detergent are provided from tanks supported on the water extraction cleaning machines. The size of the detergent inlet opening can be altered through rotation of a control knob provided on the outside of the water extraction cleaning machine. The knob is interconnected to at least one member which is adapted to vary the size of one of the detergent fluid inlet and the clean water inlet so that the ratio of constituent elements can be altered depending upon the cleaning application.

Abstract: The present invention provides for noise reduction during operation of a portable blower by reducing the noise or acoustic energy escaping from the housing outlet and blower tube. The noise reduction is achieved by placing sound absorbing material in the blower tube. The sound absorbing material may include flared upstream and downstream ends to reduce turbulence. The sound absorbing material may be held within the blower tube by an insert frame such that substantial portions of the sound absorbing material are exposed to air passing through the blower tube. Also disclosed is a sound absorbing insert that can be placed within an existing blower tube to retrofit portable blowers with noise reduction technology.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum appliance having enhanced air-handling performance and reduced operating noise is described. In one embodiment, the collector scroll in a wet/dry vacuum is configured so as to isolate the vacuum's impeller from geometries prone to increase operating noise at particular frequencies. Further, the overall geometry and configuration of the air flow path through the power head of the vacuum is such that air-handling performance is enhanced even as noise levels are reduced. In the disclosed embodiment, the wet/dry vacuum is of the detachable power head type, although non-detachable power head implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner is provided having an upper handle portion and a carriage pivotally mounted to a lower end of the handle portion for pivotal motion relative the handle portion about a horizontally extending carriage axis. A transmission drivingly connected to at least one drive wheel mounted on the carriage, whereby the at least one drive wheel propels the vacuum cleaner over a floor surface. A nozzle body pivotally mounted to the carriage for pivotal motion relative the carriage about a generally horizontally extending nozzle axis, the nozzle body having a downward facing suction opening. The nozzle axis being generally horizontally offset from the carriage axis.

Abstract: In order to provide a closing device for an original cover in which a spring case is not cracked or broken during use even if zircon by which the spring case can be cheaply manufactured and which has excellent mechanical characteristics is especially used, the closing device has the spring case made of a synthetic resin provided for either an attaching member attached to a machine body or a supporting member for holding the original cover rotatably connected to the attaching member via a hinge pin and the rotation moment of the original cover attached to the supporting member is controlled by using a compression force of a compression coil spring housed in the spring case, wherein a reinforcing frame member made of a metal for reinforcing the spring case is attached to the spring case.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first hinge leaf for attachment to a door, a second hinge leaf hingedly coupled to the first hinge leaf, and a mounting plate for adjustably positioning and attaching the second hinge leaf to a cabinet frame, casing, door jamb, or the like. The mounting plate includes an elongate slot for receipt of a mounting screw therethrough, permitting movement of the mounting plate relative to the cabinet frame and mounting screw until the screw is tightened against the mounting plate. A window opening in the second hinge leaf exposes the elongate slot and mounting screw when the second hinge leaf is attached to the mounting plate, thereby permitting adjustable positioning of the door on the cabinet frame or other mounting structure.

Abstract: A hinge system is provided to connect a first structure and a second structure. The first structure has a first pad eye extending from a connecting wall, with a tapered hole extending through the first pad eye. The second structure has a second pad eye extending from a connecting wall of the second structure, with a hole extending through the second pad eye. The hinge system further includes a pin having a first end and a second end, with the diameter of the first end smaller than the diameter of the second end. The first and second pad eyes are positioned such that the holes in the first and second pad eyes are aligned with each other, and the pin is inserted into the holes in the first and second pad eyes.

Abstract: The invention is a deployable hinge assembly. In detail the hinge assembly includes first and second hinge members, and a pivot system for pivotally connecting the first and second hinge members together such that the second hinge member is rotatable from an over lapping position with the first hinge member to an inline position therewith. An over center latch mechanism is coupled to the first and second hinge members for moving the second hinge member from the over lapping position to the inline position and locking the second hinge member in the inline position upon activation. A spring is used for activating the over center latch mechanism. Finally, an attenuation device is incorporated for absorbing forces generated by the spring the second hinge member approaches the said position.

Abstract: A telescoping handle which is useful for a variety of broom, mop and shovel applications includes a first tubular handle portion having a first end and an inner open surface extending axially inwardly therein from the first end having a predetermined diameter and having at least one aperture surface which extends radially through the first handle portion into communication with the open surface. The telescoping handle includes an annular connector which is fixably disposed on the first end of the first tubular handle portion and includes an inner open surface axially positioned and having a smaller diameter with respect to the open surface of the first tubular portion, wherein the inner open surface of the connector includes at least one guide surface formed therein. A second handle portion is provided which includes an outer extruded surface coating configured in a complementary manner to the inner open surface and guide surface of the connector to be sidably received therethrough.

Abstract: Method and device for collection of the web, and drawing of the latter into the output unit of a carder, in which the drawing is subdivided for a first part between the compactor unit for the web and the first pair of drawing rollers for the strip, and a second drawing part between the rollers of the drawing unit for the strip.

Abstract: A drafting frame is provided with at least one compaction unit in which a belt with a perforation under suction serves to draw together the fibers of a drafted roving. The belt is juxtaposed with a stripper spaced from the belt to remove fiber accommodations thereon. The gap between the stripper edge and the belt is adjustable.

Abstract: A buckle device includes a main body, a rotational retaining member rotatably mounted to the main body, and a buckle having an end connected to the rotational retaining member to pivot therewith. The other end of the buckle further includes an engaging plate for releasably engaging with an engaging member of the main body. The rotational retaining member includes two shaft halves having a slit therebetween through which a free end of a strap extends. The free end of the strap wraps around the shaft halves and extends through the slit between the shaft halves when the engaging plate on the buckle engages with the engaging member of the main body.

Abstract: A wire socket connector having an open throated basket type body that incorporates a load supporting connection at the upper portion thereof for connection with a lifting device in the form of a chain, wire line, lifting hook or the like. The body defines a tapered internal socket receptacle for receiving a tapered wire socket that is affixed to a wire line to which force, such as a lifting force, is to be applied. The body also defines a laterally opening slot through which the socket bearing wire line moves to gain registering access with the socket receptacle and is structured to permit relatively linear movement of the wire socket into the socket receptacle as a wire line connection is being made or when the wire line is being released from the wire socket connector.

Abstract: A mechanical clamp used to secure hoses includes an elongated band. The band surrounds a central region and has a sequence of slots along its length. An adjustment screw has a hexagonal head that rotates about a longitudinal axis and has a thread that extends into the slots. Rotation of the screw adjusts the area of the central region. The head of the screw allows a driver to transfer torque to the head of the screw at an angle from the axis of rotation. The head is either curved or angled to allow a driver to efficiently engage the head of the screw during rotation when placed at an angle to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A clip for retaining power or extension cords for transport and to prevent damage to the cord. The cord has two sleeves that are created when an upper and a lower member are fastened together or formed in a body member. One sleeve is closed and the other has an opening for the insertion of a power cord. A lever is attached at the top of the clip to aid in the opening of the open end of the clip for the insertion of a cord. Within the closed sleeve is a retaining mechanism that aids in the retention and positioning of a power cord. Integrally molded within the open sleeve may be ribs that increase the frictional engagement between the clip and the cord. The clip can be constructed in one or two pieces and can be used with a variety of different tools and applications.

Abstract: An assembly for use in connection with lace-type shoes to secure the tongues of such shoes in a stationary position, and to provide a base or foundation for mounting of ornamental displays on the upper surface of shoe tongues. A rigid upper member having one or more bores is attached to the upper surface of a shoe tongue using tacks which are pushed through the shoe tongue and received within such bores. Shoelaces are wrapped around the rigid upper member and thereafter secured. The rigid upper member provides a base or foundation for attaching easily interchangeable ornamental designs.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for needling a fiber fleece, the needles are rotated around their own axes at least during their stitching-in motion into the fiber fleece, in order to produce a mutual twisting of fibers within the fiber fleece. In an embodiment of the invention, the needles are moreover moved in parallel to the fiber fleece in two directions orthogonal with respect to one another by drive means which are controllable independently from one another. Thereby, various variation alternatives are provided to influence the formation of stitches.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element prevents the development of a short circuit between separate electrodes and provides a high level of connection reliability. The piezoelectric element utilizing a longitudinal oscillation mode includes a piezoelectric substrate which has on one main surface thereof a first electrode and a second electrode separated by longitudinally extending linear grooves and, on the other main surface, a third electrode. Conductive support members are secured to node sections of the first and second electrodes so as to be spaced apart from each other with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the piezoelectric substrate.

Abstract: An extraction tool for extracting a head rest retainer sleeve from a vehicle seat assembly comprising a tubular member seated within an opening in the vehicle seat assembly. The tubular member has a first end adjacent the opening and a second end disposed in the seat. A cylindrical, elongated retainer sleeve is received in the tubular member for slidably receiving a mounting post of a head rest. The retainer sleeve has a head portion covering the first end of the tubular member, a plurality of flexible locking wedges for engaging the second end of the tubular member to retain the sleeve in the tubular member and seat, and an inner wall defining an aperture extending between the head portion and the locking wedges for receiving the mounting post of the head rest. The extraction tool includes an cylindrical, elongated body member having upper and lower ends.

Abstract: A tool for opening a sealed telephone cable splice box. The tool has a fulcrum adapted to bear against various points on the ends of the splice box. The tool also has a lever adapted to cooperate with the fulcrum and a sliding member that slides longitudinally along the lever and is adapted to bear against the box top. The top of the box is separated from the bottom and ends of the splice box by transferring force between sliding member and the fulcrum through the lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling air turning vane and rail structures of the type having a plurality of turning vanes consisting of longitudinally spaced apart curved airfoil plates disposed between a pair of parallel upper and lower plate-like rails, and used to promote laminar air flow in heating, ventilating and air conditioning ducts, compresses an array of vanes between a pair of rails to interlock upper and lower transverse edges of the vanes with the upper and lower rails. The apparatus includes a work table for holding the lower rail of a vane and rail structure to be assembled, and lower and upper laterally disposed comb-like vane guides disposed above the work table provided with laterally spaced apart, vertically aligned pairs of slots, each adapted to receive a vane in an upstanding position above an intended fastening location in the lower rail.