Abstract: A protective device (i.e. bib) for covering at least a portion of a wearer's person and/or clothing during procedures such as eating, application of make-up, hair cutting or the like. The protective device includes a neck attachment adjacent one end and a securing device adjacent the other end. The neck attachment secures one end of the protective device to the wearer and the securing device secures the other end of the protective device to the wearer, the wearer's attire or some other fixed point to inhibit removal of the protective device.

Abstract: A swimming apparel for providing more comfort and ease for women especially when going to a bathroom. The swimming apparel includes a one-piece suit having a tank top member, a skirt member, and a panty member which includes an upper front portion and a lower front portion which is detachably attached to the upper front portion; and also includes fastening members for fastening said upper and lower front portions together.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of a wearer includes a first inner layer that is adapted to reflect a portion of radar energy back toward its source. A second outer layer is disposed over the first inner layer and it provides a texture and visual appearance that is preferred. For some applications, an especially easy to spot brightly colored visual appearance is preferred for the second outer layer. For other applications, a more subdued visual appearance is preferred. For still other applications, a camouflage appearance is preferred. A space is provided intermediate the first inner layer and the second outer layer accordingly to a modification and an additional material is used to fill the space. The additional material must be substantially transparent to radar energy and it may provide additional floatation capability or additional insulating capability or both to the garment, as desired.

Abstract: An adjustment system having a configuration capable of adjusting a length of a section of a garment. The adjustment system advantageously includes at least one section of material upon which the adjustment system is incorporated. The section of material includes an attachment portion, a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion or flap. The flap is positioned between the first portion and the second portion and the attachment portion is positioned generally adjacent to the second portion and the flap. The adjustment system includes an extensible member that extends between the first portion and the second portion, and thereby forms the flap by generally biasing the first portion and the second portion towards one another and bulging the middle portion.

Abstract: A separable reusable or disposable personal care garment comprising a lower torso skirt having one or more panels and a upper torso bib panel which releasably attaches to the skirt at the waistline and covers private body areas giving dignity to the wearer. The skirt encircles the lower torso and is secured with releasable fasteners forming an overlap of skirt ends. The three-panel embodiment comprises a rectangular shaped center panel overlapping two rectangular panels on either side. An expandable mechanism is added such as elastic along the waistline for a comfortable fit. The upper torso bib panel has two shoulder extensions which attach to each other forming a tear-dropped shaped neck opening and overlaps the skirt at the waistline. The bib can be released for access to the breast area or for removal. All overlaps and panels allow entry for personal care out of view of others.

Abstract: An archer's glove comprising a finger back section and a plurality of finger protectors for protecting a plurality of fingers of a user's hand, the plurality of finger protectors extending from the finger back section. A finger fastening strap extends from the finger back section for releasably securing the finger back section to the plurality of fingers of the user's hand.

Abstract: A glove structure is fittable to the hand of a user, and includes an outer surface of which presents a series of tiny protrusions, or teeth, on the fingers and palm area of suitable profile to hold a piece of meat or other cooked food product in place, particularly while slicing it with the other hand. During use, the wearer of the glove simply places his/her gloved hand on top of a roast or another unsliced piece of meat or the like, and the teeth are inserted a minimal distance into the surface of the roast, securing it in place during the slicing process. As a result, slippage of the piece being sliced, which has heretofore been a major source of painful cuts and abrasions to the hands and fingers, is significantly inhibited. The glove advantageously includes an insulated inner layer, made of a material providing enhanced comfort, and protecting the wearer's hand from heat and burns.

Abstract: An adjustable hood system for simultaneously adjusting the shape of the hood on wearer's head in directions having longitudinal, lateral and vertical components with a single drawstring. Each side has a front passageway that extends from the temple area, along the face opening, and then curves backward. Each side also has a back passageway that extends backward from the top of the hood and then curves downward and then curves forward. The front passageway and the back passageway each have openings adjacent to each other in the lower region. On each side, one end of a drawstring is attached to the upper end of the front passageway, the other end is attached to the top end of the back passageway, and a portion of the drawstring is exposed between the openings in the lower region where it may be manipulated by the wearer for adjustment of the hood. Preferably, a cinch clamp is disposed on the exposed section of the drawstring to maintain an adjustment.

Abstract: A novelty hat for providing headwear that may be decorated to resemble racing vehicles. The novelty hat includes a decorative hat shell resembling a vehicle. The shell is formed of a plastic and has a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first lateral side wall, a second lateral side wall such that an interior of the shell is defined. The shell has an open bottom side for access into the interior of the shell. A head engaging member is positioned in the interior of the shell and is attached to the first and second lateral side walls.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening a pair of clothing together, comprises two complementary securing elements to be secured to a said pair of clothing. One fastening element has at least one fastening projection in a center region, while the other one has at least one opening for receiving the fastening projection. The center region is connected to at least one elongated securing surface which protrudes away from it. Each securing surface includes at least one strip of textile material which extends beyond the respective center region. The strip of textile material has a cut-out for allowing the fastening projection(s) to penetrate.

Abstract: A safety pocket for trousers that is useful both against loss of small change and theft of paper currency therefrom. The pocket has a small, trapezoidally-shaped compartment that is sewn into a lower portion of the trouser pocket. The compartment is stitched three-fourths around, leaving a narrow opening that faces downwardly toward the lower edge of the pocket seam. Bills of large denomination can be tucked up into the compartment through the opening. Loose pocket change will roll along the pocket seam into the opening of the compartment when the trouser wearer assumes a supine or a seated position.

Abstract: A head guard for soccer players for protecting the forehead of a soccer player when the forehead is struck with a soccer ball. The head guard for soccer players includes a plate having a outer surface and an inner surface. The plate has a bottom edge, a pair of side edges and a top edge. The inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex. The bottom edge generally lies in a plane such that the plate generally arcs back from the bottom edge to the top edge. A head band is elongated and has a pair of ends. Each of the ends of the head band is attached to the plate and defines a loop for extending around a head such that the plate may be abutted against the forehead of the wearer. Each of the ends of the head band is positioned adjacent to the bottom edge and one of the side edges.

Abstract: A sports helmet with a full fabric brim. The helmet protects the skull from impact while the brim provides sun protection to the face, ears, neck, and upper shoulders. The helmet consists of a bowl-shaped, thin-walled, protective shell. The shell contains tear shaped vent holes in the crown and circular vent holes in the front and rear. The shell padding consists of closed cell foam pads in the front, rear, and crown. The helmet is secured by a four-point strap and is closed with a plastic snap buckle. A full fabric brim is attached to the inner edge of the shell with hook and loop strips. The shell padding is secured to the inner lining of the brim band with hook and loop strips. The brim band sandwiched between the shell and the padding provides a very secure attachment. The brim is constructed of heavy duty fabric that is pliable yet maintains its shape in extreme conditions. The material actually stiffens slightly when wet, making it ideal for water sports.

Abstract: A protective face mask with a concavo-convex shield of methyl methacrylate that covers the wearer's entire face. A nose piece at the concave face of the shield presents laterally spaced fingers to engage the wearer's nose on opposite sides for spacing the shield from the face. Temple sidepieces hinged to the shield on opposite sides are engageable over the wearer's ears to hold the nose piece against the wearer's nose, thus securely positioning the mask on the wearer's head.

Abstract: A durable, rotating, water-diverting, small animal and insect entry-prohibiting sewer system ventilation cap is that eliminates the influx of water into it.

Abstract: A dispenser for the dosage of sanitizing and/or deodorant liquids, particularly for cisterns of toilet bowls, comprising: a container for said liquid, which is adapted to float in the water of a cistern, at an upper level, and is provided, in a peripheral region thereof, with dosage means connected to the outside through at least one opening; supporting means, having one end thereof anchored to fixed parts of said cistern and allowing said container to move from a floating position, which corresponds to said upper level and where said opening is directed upwards, to an active position, where said opening is directed substantially downwards in order to allow to transfer a dose of said liquid when the water in said cistern is emptied.

Abstract: The drain plunger preferably is of one-piece preferably plastic construction, with an upstanding, preferably vertical, rigid upper handle, the lower end of which is connected integrally to a depending multi-pleated, flexible, resilient bellows having an elastic memory. The bellows includes a small diameter upper end and downwardly diverging, frusto-conical sidewalls, the latter incorporating generally horizontally extending generally vertically stacked pleats and an open lower end terminating in a sealing rim of greater diameter than the top of the bellows. The bellows defines a central space.

Abstract: A splash reducing panels for providing a toilet splash reducing product in a compact easy to carry size. The splash reducing panels includes a panel formed from a fibrous material and containing a germicide comprising n-Alkyl, dimethyl, benzyl ammonium chloride, dimethyl benzyl ethylbenzyl, ammonium chloride and inert ingredients. The panel is preferably adapted to expand from a relatively smaller first size to a relatively larger second size when the panel is brought into contact with water. The panel may be in a folded form and be adapted to unfold when brought into contact with water, and the panel may have a plurality of ridges formed therein that become relatively flat when moistened.

Abstract: An automatic flushing mechanism which has two sets of rollers mounted to the underside of a toilet seat by a series of levers and connecting brackets. A pull rod is connected at one end to the rollers and at the other end to a pull chain which is in turn connected to the flush handle on the toilet.

Abstract: Lavatory for connection to a composting container (1) or a sewage pipe forming part of a sewage system. The lavatory has a seat part (11), a lid (12) adapted to the seat part, and a hollow support body (13) supporting the seat part. The support body (13) surrounds or forms an inner duct through which fecal matter passes to the container or the sewage pipe. The rear wall of the duct slopes backwards from the seat part (11) in the downward direction so that it forms an angle (&agr;) with the vertical.

Abstract: A multi-position (e.g. three way) valve is operatively connected to a combined vacuum/holding tank for a vacuum toilet system, and to a pump capable of pumping both air and sewage. When the valve is in one position air is pulled from the tank through the pump to increase the vacuum level in the tank, e.g. to above 10 in/Hg. When the valve is moved to a second position by either a float or manual switch operation, the sewage is pumped out of the tank through the pump while surrounding air moves through the valve into the tank.

Abstract: A portable urinal includes a receiving container which is secured against accidental overturning. A hollow support member extends upwardly from the receiving container. A urine receiver is mounted on the hollow support member and connected in fluid communication therewith. A curtain support fixture is mounted at the upper end of the support member and in turn supports a privacy curtain which extends entirely around the receiving container, the support member, and the urine receiver.

Abstract: A moveable hot tub cover structure removably covers a hot tub and includes at least one rail structure mounted generally adjacent the hot tub and extending outwards therefrom and a rigid hot tub cover structure including at least two upright walls having bases and upper sections and a roof extending between and connecting the at least two upright walls adjacent upper sections thereof such that the roof is spaced from the bases of the upright walls to permit the rigid hot tub cover structure to enclose the hot tub and be used with the rigid hot tub cover structure thereon. At least two rail-engaging wheels are mounted on the rigid hot tub cover structure. The wheels are operative to rollably engage the rail structure.

Abstract: A therapeutic shower for the physically impaired comprises a shower enclosure unit mounted on wheels and size to fit trough the standard door opening of most rooms found in a home and a rolling chair. Multiple water jets and adjustable valves inside the enclosure provide a showering spray of either water or water combined with medical or cleansing solutions to every part of the body except the face or head. The water jets are arranged and directed in a surrounding pattern and spaced such that the spray patterns of the jets effectively spray the entire body of the user without the need for the user to move around within the enclosure. The floor of the enclosure includes a drain assisted by a drain pump.

Abstract: A manually-powered patient conveyor is disclosed in the form of a continuous belt which reduces friction beneath the patient to enable lateral patient transfer from one patient support surface to another. With the belt positioned beneath the patient, a caregiver can readily grip circumferencial handles on the belt to help pull the patient sideways from one surface to another, while borasilicate glass micro-bubbles or other lubricants are dispersed on the interior of the sleeve-like belt to further minimize friction during patient transfer.

Abstract: A hospital bed is provided for support of a patient. The hospital bed includes a base, a patient support coupled to the base, and a walker dockable to the patient support.

Abstract: A bed comprises a lower frame (12) having at least one leg or support element (16) for support on a ground and an upper frame (14) connected with the lower frame (12) and having a head element (22) and a foot element (24), as well as at least one connecting element (26) connecting the same. Further, a lying surface (46) having two longitudinal edges (48) extending between the head element (22) and the foot element (24), and at least one safety side element (52; 54) are provided, the at least one safety side element (52; 54) being slidable, beneath the lying surface (46), in a pull-out plane between an insert position and a maximum pull-out position. The at least one safety side element (52; 54) remains extending in the pull-out plane in any intermediate position between insert position and the maximum pull-out position.

Abstract: A mobile patient stretcher is provided and particularly adapted for additional use as a pain clinic treatment table designed to accommodate a C-arm of a fluoroscopic or like imaging apparatus. The stretcher litter top or patient support surface is radiolucent and includes selectively removable lateral side rail sections so that the litter top can be selectively converted into an hourglass shape without side rails as required for treatment procedures and/or C-arm access and imaging. On the other hand, with the lateral side rail sections in place, the stretcher includes a full-width patient support surface, and also includes a radiolucent fowler back rest, selectively deployable side rails, and a hydraulically or otherwise controlled conventional wheeled stretcher base that is adapted to place the patient support surface in a raised, lowered, Trendelenburg, or reverse Trendelenburg orientation.

Abstract: A vacuum pad suitable for use with a head rest of a stretcher is configured to support the head of a patient supported on the stretcher. The vacuum pad has a non-rigid state wherein the vacuum pad is formable and a rigid state wherein the vacuum pad is non-formable. The vacuum pad includes side walls with top edges positioned to lie at an elevation above the head rest. The top edges of the vacuum pad provide a wrist rest surface that is formable when the pad is in the non-rigid state.

Abstract: A back support provides a generally vertical and rigid panel removably installable along one edge of a bed, against which a person may brace his or her back or other body part as desired while reclining on the bed. The present support comprises a frame with two opposed legs extending therefrom, with the legs each having a ninety degree bend therein. The legs may thus be inserted horizontally between the mattress and box spring or frame of a bed, with the frame being held generally vertically at the edge of the bed. The legs also telescope within the ends of the frame for height adjustment, and pivot to lie coplanar with the frame for carriage and storage of the device. The frame includes a rigid panel thereacross, with the panel having a cushion removably secured thereto and facing the center of the bed when the support is installed on the bed. The cushion includes a series of pockets on the outer surface thereof, for the removable insertion of therapeutic articles (e.g., hot and cold packs, etc.) therein.

Abstract: A headrest for a chiropractor's table for supporting the user's head by direct engagement with the user's face by supportive engagement with frontal sinus, maxillary sinus and facial bone (especially zygomatic bone) areas of the user's face. By using such facial contours, the headrest of the present invention increases the surface area of contact in specific areas of the face, while the patient is in a prone position. The wider surface area reduces the pressure to the frontal sinus and maxillary sinus regions and the facial bones, thereby increases patient comfort substantially over the prior art.

Abstract: A pocketed coil spring unit and associated method of assembly combines top and bottom sheets with bonding of the sidewalls of adjacent rows of pocketed coil springs. With this combination, a posturized spring unit is produced in a commercially efficient manufacturing process. The top and bottom sheets extend perpendicularly to the rows of pocketed coil springs and the adjacent rows of pocketed coil springs are bonded on the sidewalls of the fabric pockets in the absence of the top and bottom sheets. As such, the spring unit can be customized for posturization to provide a firmer supporting foundation at the locations of the top and bottom sheets and a more individualized flexible construction in the regions of the inter-row sidewall bonding.

Abstract: A combination electric can opener and kitchen organizer for utensils includes a container having front, rear and two side surfaces, a can opener assembly disposed at or near the front surface of the container for opening a can, indentations at the side surfaces for defining storage areas, and utensil holders disposed on the side surfaces to hold utensils within the defined storage areas. The container's two side surfaces are adjacent to and extend from the front surface at angles between 30 and 60 degrees, and the container includes an oval shaped top and an oval shaped base that extend over and below the storage areas to provide a single, compact device that performs the functions of both a can opener for opening cans and a kitchen organizer that stores kitchen utensils, gadgets and other items in a convenient and space efficient manner.

Abstract: A method and appliance for determining the angular position of a laundry drum and a power consumption of an electric motor driving the drum to derive therefrom a laundry weight in the drum includes directly driving the drum with the motor from a lower laundry position to a raised position where a laundry center of gravity is offset from a rotation axis to produce a loading weight from the driving current of the electric motor measured when the raised position is reached. Alternatively or additionally, the drum is turned until the controller detects a power consumption of the electric motor corresponding to a stored maximum current value to derive a weight of the laundry from a signal corresponding to the angular distance. The controller stores a predetermined, defined maximum current value and measures a power consumption of the electric motor.

Abstract: Tension rod for use as a chord for bridges, having a middle part consisting of fiber composite material and having ends consisting of metallic material. The middle and end parts are connected by a glued tapered overlap.

Abstract: A personal cleaning device for cleaning and deburring the hands of a user. The personal cleaning device includes a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly has a housing. The housing has a first end and a second end. A peripheral wall is coupled to and extends between the first and second ends. A first shaft has a first end, a second end, a distal portion and proximal portion. The distal portion is located adjacent to the second end. The first shaft is generally positioned in the housing. The first end of the first shaft is in communication with a motor in the housing. The second end of the first shaft extends out of the second end of the housing such that the distal portion is outside of the housing. A brush extends from the distal portion of the first shaft. An actuating means for actuating the motor is mounted on the housing. The actuating means is operationally coupled to the motor. A power supply is operationally coupled to the motor.

Abstract: A hand manipulated cordless rechargeable powered washing system powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. The washing system includes an apparatus that is lightweight, self contained and submersible. The motor is a high speed motor having dual planetary reduction gear set to reduce the output to a low rpm high torque drive. The DC motor is powered by a rechargeable stick battery on the housing or on a handle attached to the housing. Interchangeable brushes can be used with different bristle arrangements. The handle is an elongated wand type handle having a U-shaped yoke at one end pivotally connected to the motor housing and includes a lock mechanism engaging a portion of the motor housing to lock the motor housing in rigid predetermined angular relation to the longitudinal axis of the wand type handle to enable a non-concentric, non-perpendicular bristle brush to be rigidly associated in a desired angular relation to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush, comprising a brush body carrying cleaning elements and a perforated plate through which the cleaning elements are projecting. A brush which is improved in terms of hygiene is created by the present invention in that the cleaning elements are arranged on a bristle carrier which is in threaded engagement with the brush body, and that the perforated plate is rotatably held on the brush body. Furthermore, the present invention suggests a bristle insert as a replacement part for said brush.

Abstract: An athletic shoe cleaner, adapted to be anchored in an earthen surface, for cleaning a shoe bottom, especially the bottom of a shoe having non-metal spikes. The athletic shoe cleaner includes a cleaning surface having a plurality of spaced apart rods, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart rods is formed from a semi-rigid material. In the preferred embodiment, the cleaner includes a base for supporting the rods and an anchor plate that permits the cleaner to be mounted to an earthen surface such as turf. The anchor plate preferably includes a plurality of downwardly projecting, curved prongs that penetrate the earthen surface. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the base is generally round and the plurality of spaced apart rods are arranged in concentric rows with respect to the center of the cleaner, with the rods being radially offset from rods in adjacent concentric rows. The height of each of the plurality of spaced apart rods increases from the outer edge of the cleaning surface to the center.

Abstract: A toothbrush which can be adjusted suitably depending on the detentition and the like of a user for individual use, the toothbrush consisting essentially of a grip handle and a head attached to a distal end of the handle, the head having a multiplicity of bristles implanted on a surface thereof; where the head is an assembly of head segments arranged in a row, each having a through hole defined substantially at the center; the handle has at the distal end thereof a support shaft to be inserted to the through holes of the head segments to support them; the support shaft and the through holes together constitute a locking mechanism that locks the head segments at selected angular positions respectively with respect to the support shaft so that orientations of the bristles in the head segments are changed.

Abstract: A system for wiping windshields including a wiper arm system and a blade carrier for at least one wiper blade connected with the wiper arm system. The wiper arm system includes two individual wiper arms constructed such that, in at least one position, the individual wiper arms are, in a substantial area of their longitudinal dimension, parallel to one another in a plane essentially perpendicular to the windshield plane.

Abstract: A tool storage door for a floor care appliance encloses a tool storage compartment formed on the floor care appliance for storing various floor care accessory tools. The tool storage door receives and supports at least one of the accessory tools. A cutout area is formed in the tool storage door for providing direct and unobstructed visibility to the accessory tool and for allowing a portion of the accessory tool to extend therethrough. A recess which is substantially complementary to the shape of the accessory tool is formed in an underside of the tool storage door for receiving the accessory tool on the tool storage door. A pair of latching tabs extends downwardly from the underside of the tool storage door for releasably retaining the accessory tool within the recess.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner of the type which includes a canister which when upright the vacuum cleaner is operated as an upright vacuum cleaner, or, when tilted down, the vacuum cleaner is operated as a canister-type vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Device to clean air ducts which, as it includes a header connected to a compressed air generator by means of a supply hose, is characterised because the header has a front part (5) which can be connected in an adjustable fashion, to a back part (4) provided with many compressed air outlets formed by flexible bands (6) which make random movements owing to the reaction forces originated by the compressed air outlet through them, and which lash the walls of the duct.

Abstract: A fastener grommet assembly has a combining function of a fastener and a grommet. The fastener grommet includes two flange members each having an axial opening, a fastening mechanism formed on an outer surface thereof, the fastening mechanism being an axially extended portion that compressibly interlocks with one or more grommets or similar devices.

Abstract: A track and trolley system for an operable wall panel which provides for linear motion. The track is mountable to a ceiling of a room and includes first and second surfaces. The trolley is attachable to the operable wall panel and includes first and second rotatable wheels that respectively engage the first and second track surfaces. The outer radial peripheries of the rotatable wheels and the engaged track surfaces are complementarily structured and arranged to limit movement of the first and second rotatable wheels relative to the surfaces of the track in the direction in which the axis of rotation of the track extends, while allowing the wheels to rotate about their axes of rotation and roll along the track surfaces.

Abstract: A handle of a trunk comprises a cover and a seat, in which a telescopic pull rod is connected to a handle at an upper hand thereof. Each of two sides of the seat and cover are installed with a lower through hole and an upper through hole. The lower through hole is connected to the push rod. The left lever is disposed with a pressing piece. A driving means is connected between the seat and the cover. The driving means is formed by a left and a right levers. A linkage is connected between the two left levers. Two ends of the driving means are connected to the pressing piece and further connected to a driven means. A lower end of the driven means passes through the push rod to a retaining piece. If pressing piece is pressed, the driving means will drive the driven means at two sides so that the push rod is released to be moved telescopically. In another type of the driving means, two ends thereof are connected with a respective lever type rack. A rack portion is installed therein.

Abstract: An anti-sag hinge is disclosed that provides an adjustment plate to facilitate alignment of a commercial refrigerator or freezer door to an associated cabinet. The invention includes a strap assembly and a mounting flange that cooperate to effect opening and closing of the door. The adjustment plate of the preferred hinge cooperates with either of strap assembly or the mounting flange to permit internal adjustment of the door relative to the cabinet.

Abstract: A snap hinge for supporting closure sheet-like elements, comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral which have a first lever and a second lever in common, at least two elastic springs in parallel being further provided.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-function, single-piece handle and modular electronic component incorporating same, and a method of inserting and removing the handle from the modular electronic component. The unitary structure of the handle includes insertion and extraction claws that aid in the insertion and extraction of the modular component from a rack mount upon rotation of the handle to an upward, and vertically extended position respectively. The handle also includes a stowage locking mechanism that maintains the handle in a stowed position on the front of the modular component. A rack locking mechanism is also provided integral with the handle to secure the modular component in its rack mount position. Affirmative user actuation is then required to allow the modular component to be removed therefrom. Outrigging mounting and support legs are also included to add rigidity and strength to the handle to allow it to be used to carry the modular component.