Abstract: A thigh protector for rodman comprised of a shield member which extends over the thigh from the groin to approximately the knee and a reinforcing member positioned underneath the shield member at a location where the rodman will position one or more rods. The reinforcing member is preferably comprised of a narrow piece of curved material that serves the function of keeping the shield member centered on the front of the rodman's thigh and also distributes the weight of the one or more rebars that are positioned on the rodman's thigh so as to reduce the likelihood of the one or more rebars injuring the rodman's thigh. In use, the rodman carries the bundle of rebar on their shoulders and then positions a front leg forward with the knees slightly bent so that the thigh, which is wearing the thigh protector, is at least partially horizontal. The bundle of rods are then dropped onto the thigh and the rodman holds them in place with at least one of their hands.

Abstract: A shirt cuff comprises a band of material having first and second opposing edges and first and second opposing ends. The first edge is attached to the sleeve of the shirt. A decorative fastener for the cuff connects the two ends of the band.

Abstract: A hair ring or hair strip with a doll mask is formed by a hair ring, a plastic mask, and two plastic ears. After assembling the three components, surface layers are adhered to the inner and outer surfaces of the mask. The nose bridge at the center of the mask and the edge of the ears are installed with a plurality of enhancing trenches, and a plurality of slender metal wires are embedded into the trenches. An edge of the ear is added with a bank of slots, thereby, as the ear is bent, no wrinkle generates to appear a bad appearance. An elastic cord can be further added to the hair ring or forehead of the mask so as to be more stable and prevent from fall down after being worn. The present invention can be worn for a longer time without feeling of pressure.

Abstract: An ear warmer comprises a set of membranes and a frame. The set of membranes collectively defines an outer perimeter. The set of membranes is attached along the outer perimeter to define an attachment portion. The attachment portion is entirely disposed within an interior of the set of membranes. The frame is disposed within the interior of the set of membranes.

Abstract: An interchangeable latch system for configuring a custom fitted inner helmet as a standard platform for mounting different outer helmets thereon. The latch system includes a pair of strikers mounted onto temple panels of the inner helmet and tracks or channel assemblies mounted onto facing inner surfaces of the outer helmet. A fitting fixture may be used to custom fit the inner helmet so that the strikers are located at a preset distance and orientation from the wearer's eyes. For outer helmets equipped with helmet mounted displays, the display may be distanced and oriented from the tracks based on the known striker-to-eye distance, to establish a desired viewing distance.

Abstract: Goggles include an eye-cup and a belt that are coupled by means of a coupling member. The eye-cup and the coupling member can be engaged and disengaged easier compared with conventional goggles. In the goggles, at a connecting end of the coupling member is provided an elastic bent piece with a V-shape section and a spring property. And a connection recess is provided on the eye-cup. The elastic bent piece of the coupling member and the connection recess of the eye-cup are fixed together in a mutual engaging state. The engaging state can be released by narrowing the gap distance in the V-shape of the elastic bent piece.

Abstract: A portable urinal device for potty training young boys made of lightweight and durable thermoplastic material that can easily be attached to a wall or some other stationary object using hook and loop fasteners. The device is proportionately sized for young boys of potty training age and introduces the concept of what a urinal is and how it is used. A second embodiment utilizes a removable bowl that can be conveniently used to empty accumulated urine from the device.

Abstract: A toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture including coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted within a sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper region and a lower region, the upper region including a planar ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a plurality of apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting surface with bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to permit secure coupling within the flexible seal.

Abstract: A portable spittoon is a sanitary, discrete method for disposing of tobacco juice or other secretions. The spittoon includes a container and a lid. The lid includes an opening into which the secretions are placed and a funnel portion for transferring the secretions into the container. A seal is actuated by means of a button on the lid opening the passageway into the container when actuated and sealing the funnel when not actuated. The seal and funnel design act to minimize the risk of spillage from the container. The container can further include a window such that the user can monitor the contents of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flush for toilets containing a container with an air vessel, a connection piece for the network, a connection piece for the flush, a valve housing comprising a control device and an injector tube. A suction device is joined to the injector tube. The flush is characterized in that an air-refilling opening (7) is arranged in the valve housing (6) underneath the control device (10) that is suitably accommodated in the valve housing (6). A jet tube (15) is arranged above the control device in order to deviate the flushing water. An air-introducing chamber (5) is arranged in and/or next to the jet tube (15).

Abstract: It is provided a swimming pool on the open sea effective for promoting health, and also surrounding facilities. The pool which floats on the sea is equipped with a deep-sea water collecting device which supplies the deep-sea water thereto. The pool may be equipped with a propulsion device such as a propeller, a large number of extensions on the bottom surface for avoiding sharks, facilities for fishing on its side, a means for generating fine air bubbles to be mixed into the deep-sea water, a solar power generation means, a wind power generation means and a deep-sea water desalination equipment. In addition, a pool using deep-sea water, accommodation facilities, dining facilities, facilities of a beauty shop/fitness gymnasium, fish breeding facilities and hydroponic facilities, which collect and use deep-sea water, are built on the beach.

Abstract: A portable containing structure comprising a series of interlocking panels that, when constricted form the containing structure. These panels may be used to form such structures as a pool (swimming or wading) and may also be used to form an ice rink, spa, sandbox, window box, etc. The structures so formed are strong and utile and are easy to construct and deconstruct.

Abstract: An above ground swimming pool support structure is made up a plurality of posts, wherein each post is a blow-moulded unit having a base portion and top portion with a planar shoulder. A plurality of universal coping members also blow-moulded are interconnected end to end at selective angles, one end abutting the other at the planar shoulder of each post. A plurality of holes are provided at the opposite ends of the coping members. The connection of the adjacent coping members at the selective angles is maintained by pins inserted into aligned holes at the respective interconnected ends of the adjacent coping members, such that an endless top rail supported by the posts can be formed using the universal coping members for coping a flexible pool panel end to end of an above ground swimming pool in a preselected size. The advantages include the reduced manufacturing cost resulted from the limited number of moulds for manufacturing the moulded components and reduced labour required for erecting the pool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hair washing unit moving up and down apparatus, which can be adjusted each height of a person for performing a hair washing and a person to be washed.

Abstract: A freeze control system for a spa for maintaining the temperature of the water inside the spa and the spa's associated piping above the freezing level. Elements include: 1) a heating element for heating the water, 2) at least one pump for pumping the heated water, 3) a first sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the spa tub, 4) a second sensor for detecting the temperature of the ambient air around the spa, and 5) a computer programmed to process signals generated by the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the computer selectively activates and deactivates the heating element and the at least one pump.

Abstract: A device includes a base providing an upwardly-directed cavity having a mouth at an upper end thereof and configured to receive a portion of a child and to hold water. A lid is movably coupled to the base and movable into a tub position and a stool position, the lid extending angularly upward and away from the cavity to provide a back rest when in the tub position and the lid being disposed at least partially over the mouth and providing a substantially horizontal top surface when in the stool position. The base and lid provide a bathtub capable of holding a portion of a child therein and water for bathing the child when the lid is in the tub position and provide a step stool adapted to support the weight of a person standing on the substantially horizontal surface when in the stool position.

Abstract: A urine capture and containment system comprises a receptacle and an absorbent material located within receptacle. The receptacle and absorbent material are positioned together as a unit proximate a urinal such that at least a portion of dripped urine is contained within an inside volume of the receptacle and absorbed by the absorbent material. The receptacle is configured, for example, to be secured to a floor surface, for example, proximate the urinal.

Abstract: Electric reciprocating system for baby carriage, which is combined with external power source and carriage locating guide rail to simulate manually back and forth pushing/pulling movement. The system includes a base board, locating guide rail, two wheel guide rail gauge adjustment mechanisms and locking mechanism to form a linear moving path of the baby carriage. The driving unit includes a DC servomotor, a belt driving mechanism and a controlling circuit board for controlling and adjusting and the travel and speed. In cooperation with the driving pin and the linking ring fixed on the baby carriage rear beam, the system provides a reciprocating power for the baby carriage without power.

Abstract: An epidural patient support includes an upper body support and a foot support. The upper body support extends outwardly to support a patient's upper body with the patient's back arched forwardly. The foot support extends outwardly to support the patient's feet. According to another illustrative embodiment, an epidural patient support is provided for placing a patient in a prone position for an epidural procedure with the patient's back arched upwardly.

Abstract: Dual purpose plush, three dimensional images in bed coverings, such as blankets or comforters are used as both a sleep enhancer toy and bed cover. The combined plush bed covering may include one or more openable pouches with pop-up movable recreational images, such as landscape trees, buildings, dolls or puppets, inserted therein. The plush toy recreational members and storybooks help a young child fall asleep comfortably. The comforter or blanket is already stuffed with soft supportive material, or it may be a hollow cover case, to be stuffed by material for the conventional blanket or comforter.

Abstract: Pillows for use by patients to help ease the pain in the thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, and flank areas originating from a variety of causes including for example, surgical incisions and stitches; internal and external injuries or bruises, such as bruised or fractured ribs; and natural body aches, such as menstrual cramps. The pillow is preferably made from resilient closed cell foam and has a handle to assist in placement of the pillow over a region of pain. The pillows can be washed and reused. Disposable or washable covers and heating or cooling packs can be used in conjunction with the pillows of the invention.

Abstract: An infant prop comprises a cylindrical core covered with a flannel sheath. The core is approximately two inches in diameter and sufficiently long to form a U-shaped arch reaching around a sleeping infant. It comprises a flexible shell filled with plastic prills or other beads sufficient to maintain its shape but with enough space inside to allow folding and flexibility. The flannel sheath includes an opening for inserting the shell at one end and attachment means for a pacifier disposed facing the infant's mouth, while the other end of the prop reaches around the infant's legs and extends along its back to keep the infant lying on its side. In an alternate embodiment, the prop is shortened to approximately the length of an infant and placed on one side of the infant, while a second, unconnected props is used on the infant's other side. The shells of the alternate embodiment are filled to compaction with prills and thereby relatively inflexible.

Abstract: A mattress system constructed of synthetic foam is described especially for use as a maternity mattress. The mattress system has a main mattress portion with a specifically shaped central opening through the center thereof. At least two modular plugs have both a top and bottom that is generally flat but are in some embodiments textured and the curved peripheries thereof are smooth with a curvature to mate with the central opening of the main mattress portion. The modular plugs may be of different thicknesses and can be selectively removed and positioned to increase the depth of the opening for receipt of a woman's growing abdomen during pregnancy.

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: Tanned leather is dry dressed by plasma deposition at atmospheric pressure of a matrix material such as ITO, a silicone, or polyurethane, upon the protein fibers of the surface of the leather and the collagen fiber skeleton below the surface protein fibers. The leather retains its toughness, elasticity, breathability and softness or hand.

Abstract: Phosphinato-substituted propane- and butanepolycarboxylic acids and derivatives thereof are useful as crosslinking agents for cellulosic materials to render them wrinkle resistant and/or iron free in a durable press process.

Abstract: A fiber-forming polyamide composition contains a fiber forming polyamide and a sulfonated polyester concentrate, the concentrate disabling and dye sites in the polyamide so that fibers formed from the composition will have enhanced stain and soil resistance. The sulfonated polyester concentrate contains a reagent, preferably an alkali metal salt of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid, and thermoplastic polyester, preferably one or more of PET, PTT, PBT, PETG and polytethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate).

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and processes for removing particulate soil from fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery.

Abstract: A manually operated washing device which functions by a hydropneumatic principle involving compression of a volume of air and water trapped in the interior of the device. The device includes an inner and an outer housing which are slidable relative to one another, the inner housing being positioned at least partially within the interior of the outer housing. A spring is positioned inside the outer housing between an upper end of the inner housing and an upper end of the outer housing. The spring is compressible so that the outer housing is slidable over the inner housing. A pressurized jet is created through compression and expansion and the pressurized jet is expelled through a perforated portion of the device against a mass of submerged clothing in order to effect washing of the clothing.

Abstract: Compositions for oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibers, for example, human keratinous fibers such as hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least one enzymatic oxidizing system and at least one oxidation dye precursor chosen from the 1-(4-aminophenyl)pyrrolidine compounds and acid addition salts, of formula (I) and processes comprising such compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a hair dye composition containing a direct dye (1). This hair dye composition has markedly high hair dyeing power, has less color fade over time and undergoes a small change in the color tone of the dye even after storage.

Abstract: A shoe cover application device having a holding member for holding a shoe cover open in a receiving position to accommodate the insertion of a user shoe. The shoe cover application device also includes a separation member that separates the shoe cover from the holding member allowing the shoe cover to constrict around the user's shoe inserted into the shoe cover while the shoe cover was in the receiving position. Shoe covers of various materials, shapes and sizes may be used with the shoe cover application device of the present invention.

Abstract: A bridge joint for use with a railroad track having standard rail sections with flanges. The bridge joint includes a fixed point section having an integral accepting portion with a point and laterally spaced side walls, and a standard rail abutting portion. The joint also has a moveable point section having a yoke portion with a point and laterally spaced side walls, and a standard rail abutting portion. A rocker arm has a moveable interface portion adapted to be pivotally attached to said yoke portion and a fixed interface portion adapted to be received in said accepting portion. Clamping lugs are positioned on the side walls of the accepting portion and the yoke portion. The fixed point section and the moveable point section are clamped to base plates with clamping members that engage the clamping lugs.

Abstract: An innovative composite decking concept employing a wooden core surrounded by a fiber-reinforced plastic material is described. The invention is low-cost, durable, and performs well structurally.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm is provided with a multi-frequency broadband receiving antenna function so as to reduce the count of antennas to be attached to motor vehicles, aircraft, ship and the like, to thereby reduce the cost related to design and manufacture of antenna and improve operational safety. The combined antenna and windshield wiper arm includes an arm head; a retainer coupled to be rotatable to the arm head and which has a sleeve portion with a closed cross section; an arm piece coupled to an end of the retainer through an electric insulator as a medium; and an elastic member one end of which is coupled to be electrically conductible to the arm piece and the other end of which is coupled to the arm head through an electric insulator as a medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved vacuum cleaning apparatus that utilize a toroidal vortex within the apparatus housing in order to establish a pressure differential between outside the device and inside. These systems differ significantly from prior vacuum cleaners in that they are essentially closed systems there is no constant intake and exhaust of fluid. Disclosed herein are toroidal vortex vacuum cleaner nozzles that function with a fluid delivery system, which, in combination, yield a toroidal vortex that is split between the extreme ends of the nozzle. Also disclosed is a complete toroidal vortex vacuum system employing a centrifugal dirt separator. The present invention excels in being more efficient, lighter weight and quieter than the prior art.

Abstract: A multi-use floor tool, with which the same nozzle can be used in both dry and wet vacuum operation, and which allows for both wet and dry cleaning attachments to be easily attached and removed is disclosed. One such cleaning attachment for dry operation is a bristle brush which, when attached to the nozzle, is able to rotate, such that debris is collected with both the push and pull cleaning motions and such that for each motion, air flows primarily through the side of the nozzle at which debris is being gathered. The attachment for wet operation is a squeegee, which is rigidly attached to the nozzle having an insert which reduces the area of air flow into the nozzle and thereby increases the effectiveness of wet cleaning. This design increases the effectiveness of both wet and dry operation, and allows the operator to effectively clean in both wet and dry conditions while using the same nozzle.

Abstract: Hinge, particularly for a vehicle flap, having two hinge parts and an axle bolt which, axially inserted into aligned openings in the hinge parts, forms a swivelling axis for the hinge parts. One hinge part is in areas axially arranged either between two legs of the other hinge part or in each case between an axial supporting shoulder of the axle bolt and of the other hinge part. At least two axially adjacent surfaces of the two hinge parts or of one hinge part and of the axle bolt, which are mutually adjusted during the swivelling of at least one hinge part, are sloped in the same direction with respect to an ideal plane perpendicular to the swivelling axis of the axle bolt, whereby, in one angular position, the two hinge parts have an axial distance from one another and, in another angular position, the two hinge parts have no distance from one another or have a smaller axial distance from one another.

Abstract: A lever handle including a lever (11) rotatably mounted with an escutcheon (10) arranged for quick adjustment of the handing (e.g. for use with either a left or right swinging door). The handle includes a stop element (24) sliding between limiting positions (23) to be engaged with a mover (18).

Abstract: A handle arrangement, including a handle and an element, the handle having a first, second and third position, the handle being biased towards the second position when in the first position, the element being arranged such that when the handle is released from the first position, the element acts to prevent the handle from achieving the third position, the element being arranged such that when the handle is positioned stationary in the second position the element does not act to prevent movement of the handle from the second position to the third position.

Abstract: A removable grip for a five-gallon bucket that includes a prying tool for removing a lid of the bucket. The grip includes an elongated body in which a channel is formed. The channel includes a centrally disposed widened portion that is configured to accept an existing grip formed on a bail of the bucket handle. The channel also includes narrow portions at each end of the widened portion that accept the bail. Flexible tabs within each narrow portion lock the grip onto the bail. The prying tool includes a flat end and a hooked end. The flat end can be used to pry open the lid of a paint bucket and can be a screwdriver end. The hooked end can be used to pry up the tangs of the lid of the five-gallon bucket to remove the lid.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.

Abstract: A damping structure is formed of a base including at least one projecting portion having a shaft or a hole, and a first engaging portion; a rotating member including a first wall portion having the other of the hole or the shaft engaging the shaft or hole, a second wall portion facing the first wall portion to receive the projection therebetween so that when the first wall portion is supported by the projecting portion, a space is formed between the projecting portion and the second wall portion, and a second engaging portion; and a damper disposed in the space. The damper includes an inner shaft having a third engaging portion engaging the first or second engaging portion, and an outer shaft rotatably situated around the inner shaft to generate a damping force against a rotation of the inner shaft. The outer shaft has a fourth engaging portion engaging the first or second engaging portion to thereby provide a damping force to the rotating member.

Abstract: A coiler can for accommodating sliver includes a vertical wall defining an inner can space and a can top through which sliver may be deposited into and withdrawn from the can space; a vertically shiftable bottom disposed in the inner can space; and a tension device connected to the shiftable bottom and exerting a pulling force thereto toward the can top.

Abstract: A clothing protective device which is particularly adapted to be worn by a man, woman or child, and which in particular will assist in the protection of clothing while dining or engaging in other activities which may stain clothes. In essence, the device is essentially in the form of a so-called napkin holder which can be readily transported in a clothing pocket or a purse.

Abstract: A cord clip for fastening a cord attached to e.g. an earphone to an object such as a clothes is disclosed. The cord clip includes a clipping portion for clamping the object and a cord holding portion for holding the cord. The clipping portion is formed by a first annular portion having a discontinuity at a part thereof. The clipping portion is capable of clamping the object at a clamping portion thereof provided by a narrow gap formed by the discontinuity of the first annular portion by means of an elastic resilient force of the first annular portion. The cord holding portion is formed by a second annular portion having a discontinuity at a part thereof. The cord holding portion is capable of holding the cord therein by means of an elastic resilient force of the second annular portion. This elastic resilient force of the second annular portion is independent of that of the first annular portion. The first annular portion and the second annular portion are formed integrally in a single member.

Abstract: A unique system comprises opposite lace-receivers of a footwear, lacing device, the footwear's tongue, lace-end coupling, and lace-section coupling. To assemble the unique system, the lacing device is threaded through the opposite lace-receivers to define opposite lace sections, each of which extends between two lace-receivers on the same side. The lacing device's ends are threaded into the tongue and coupled by the lace-end coupling, to be hidden and guarded inside the tongue, and to preset predetermined fastening and unfastening tensions of the lacing device. After the assemblage, the lace-section coupling couples or uncouples the opposite lace sections, to fasten the footwear onto a foot after the foot was inserted into the footwear or to unfasten the footwear from a foot before the foot will be pulled out of the footwear, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric including, between spinning nozzles and a top surface of an air-permeable endless belt running in one direction, air blow means spaced apart from the nozzles, a duct directly connected to the air blow means and a hood directly connected to the duct so as to cover the vicinity of the top surface of the endless belt so that the interior of the hood may be subjected to a suction effect exerted through the endless belt from below the endless belt.

Abstract: A method and machine for the production of metallic frames for innerspring mattresses with the simultaneous clipping of the two free ends are revealed. The method is characterized by the principle that the one free end is secured in a gripper, which is sliding on an arm and thus can follow the straight development of the wire as well as the bends of the frames. On completion of the last side and angle the free end of the frame is guided from the gripper and the arm in the clipping mechanism where automatically all the clipping phases are taking place.

Abstract: A tool (10) for installing an anti-flashover ring (140) onto a cylindrical device includes a housing (12) with an inner wall (24) with an extending edge (26). A plunger assembly (50) is slidably coupled to the housing (12) and carries the ring (140). The cylindrical device or bushing insert is received in the housing and the plunger assembly positions the ring onto the cylindrical device and the extending edge presses the ring onto the cylindrical device. A rod axially disposed in the housing and fixed to the plunger assembly is received in a bore (119) of the bushing insert (110) and assists in the positioning of the ring. The plunger assembly (50) includes a plunger (52) having a closed end (54) opposite an open end, the plunger has an interior plunger wall (60) with a spring lip (66). A holding collar (90) is slidably received in the plunger and a collar spring (100) is disposed between the plunger and the holding collar for biasing the holding collar.