Abstract: A hip protecting device for minimizing risk of hip breakage upon a fall having a belt from which one or two gas inflatable pockets are suspended substantially over the hip joint or hip joints of a wearer. The hip protecting device further has a means for detecting rate and degree of attitudinal changes of the wearer, a microprocessor and inflation means. Upon detection of both a rate and degree of change in attitude of the wearer outside certain preprogrammed limits, the microprocessor sends a signal to the inflation means thereby causing the pocket or pockets to inflate and cushion the hips from the fall.

Abstract: An upper body garment accommodates increased mobility by a wearer, particularly in upper back and shoulder areas. The upper body garment uses excess or oversized fabric on at least an upper back panel and preferably shoulder panels as well to allow the increased movement by the wearer. For example, the amount of fabric traditionally used to construct an extra-large garment can be used to construct a large garment of the present invention. One or more darts, preferably symmetrically arranged, are provided on the shoulder panels on an edge adjacent the collar and on the upper back panel on an edge adjacent the collar. This provides increased mobility, due to the enlarged chest and upper sleeve area, while retaining a proper fit around the neck and shoulder area due to the darts removing excess fabric. The upper body garment is particularly suited as an exercise jacket.

Abstract: A product and process involve providing customized pullover jackets, units of which are characterized by (1) pullover body construction units of a type having a fabric configuration that facilitates slipping over the head and shoulders; and (2) decorative band construction units of a type having distinguishable color and design for affixation to said pullover body construction. The process comprises acquiring a relatively small inventory of body construction units of different sizes, acquiring a relatively large inventory of band construction units of different colors or designs, and receiving and fulfilling orders for the customized pullover jackets from customers. The body construction units account for the major component of unit cost. The band construction units account for a minor component of unit cost. The customized jackets are assembled by joining mating fasteners on the upper and lower edges of selected band construction and corresponding upper and lower points on selected body constructions.

Abstract: A decorative visor assembly to be worn in shading relation on a user's forehead, the visor assembly including a first and a second, generally planar material panels, and a seal assembly structured to selectively and precisely couple the first material panel to the second material panel. The seal assembly itself includes a perimeter seal structured to define a primary chamber between the first and the second material panels, and which is substantially fluid impervious so as to contain a quantity of a fluid within the primary chamber for selective introduction and removal so as to define an inflated orientation and a deflated orientation of the primary chamber.

Abstract: I, Tammy Lorkovic, a citizen of the United States and a resident of Humble, Tex. declares/disclosures and describes “Sticky Paws” to be an adhesive glove in the shape of a combined hand/paw with a paw print decor surface on the top side, and an adhesive underside of the glove. The glove design allows persons to remove pet hair off their clothing in an easier and more rapid fashion as the glove allows the hand to reach all areas of the garment which would be more difficult for example with a roller adhevise. Crevices on garments, shoulders, sleeves, pleats, etc. would all be easier to remove pet hair with an adhesive glove vs. the roller type adhesive. When finished removing pet hair off of the garment, or even furniture, the glove may simply be removed and thrown away.

Abstract: A tool gripping assembly for making it easier and more comfortable for a user to hold a tool especially a dangerous tool such as a welding torch. The tool gripping assembly includes a glove having a wrist portion and a hand portion including a thumb member and finger members; and also includes a fastening member being securely attached to the glove; and further includes a tool fastening strip member being adapted to be attached about a tool and being fastenable to the fastening member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glove, in particular for housework, the glove being made integrally of silicone material and possessing an ambidextrous shape comprising a main pocket designed to receive four fingers of a user, and a secondary pocket designed to receive the thumb, said secondary pocket opening out into the main pocket.

Abstract: A device for allowing air to circulate is disclosed. An embodiment of the device has a base having an arcuate first side and a second side. The second side has a rib extending from the second side. The device also has a means for attaching the base to a hat. An alternative embodiment of the device is a vent having a first anchoring surface and a second anchoring surface. A truss extends from the first anchoring surface to the second anchoring surface. The devices described above may be used in a hat to allow air circulation. Another embodiment of the present invention is a vented hat having a corrugated head band. Finally, a method making a vented hat is disclosed.

Abstract: A pocket suitable for incorporation in garments, luggage items, personal accessories or the like is provided with an active mechanism and control apparatus to close the pocket. Such closing action may be triggered manually but can also be triggered automatically when the pocket is moved away from an upright orientation or experiences a jolting action. In one embodiment the closing action is performed by a length of shape memory material which contracts when heated to pull the pocket front panel top portion against the rear panel top portion and close the pocket opening.

Abstract: An undergarment with a front and rear panel and a crotch panel joining them, wherein the panels are so shaped that at the waistband, at the side of the wearer's body, the front and rear panels are spaced apart. A flexible strap attached to the top edge of each side of the rear panel extends to the front panel. Respective fastening devices on the end of the strap and on the front panel at the waistband enable separable attachment to complete the undergarment. The fastening devices are selected from a group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, belt and buckle fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, clasp fasteners, bow and tie fasteners and slide fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an infant that is placed in a front-worn type of infant carrier includes a flexible center panel that includes a pair of arcuate sides that curve inward proximate the vertical center of the center panel. A pair of flexible side panels each include a pair of opposite outwardly curved edges that are each attached on one side to one of the arcuate sides of the center panel. An adjustable neck strap that is attached to the center panel is placed around the neck of the person using the apparatus. The person attaches the front-worn infant carrier to the front of their person and then places the infant therein, either facing the infant rearward or facing forward. The apparatus is then secured about the neck of the person and is allowed to drape over the infant carrier and the infant therein, thereby protecting the infant from the sun and elements.

Abstract: A compact, portable, and disposable toilet seat cover is described which provides protection from a potentially unsanitary toilet seat by allowing the user to avoid contact with a toilet seat. Preferably the toilet seat cover is sturdy, stable, and easily assembled such that it can be easily transported and conveniently used in a variety of situations. More preferably, the toilet seat cover is specifically adapted for use by a child or small adult.

Abstract: A safety cover for swimming pool drains for dispersing suction pressure and preventing a person's hair or other body parts from becoming entangled and otherwise preventing injury or death. A generally dome-shaped drain cover is removably affixed to a new and/or existing suction drain using a universal mounting mechanism. The drain cover is preferably circular and includes a peripheral lip, a sidewall, and a segmented dome-shaped top portion. The peripheral lip functions to form a seal with the bottom surface of the pool surrounding the drain, while the sidewall defines a plurality of openings therein and the segmented dome-shaped top portion defines a plurality of segments each of which include a plurality of openings. Each opening incorporates screen mesh material for allowing water to flow therethrough. A universal mounting mechanism comprising a rigid bar member adapted for attachment to an existing drain and a generally cylindrical structure adapted for connecting the drain cover to the rigid bar member.

Abstract: A kitchen sink has at least one main basin and an additional basin, wherein both basins have their own drains. The additional basin is formed as a protrusion in a side wall of the main basin and projects into the main basin. The additional basin may be provided with accessories, such as a basin insert or sieve, and the sink may be provided with preparation board(s), which are adapted to the additional basin and/or the basin insert.

Abstract: A playyard system including a playyard structure and a canopy is provided. The canopy is detachably mounted onto a top frame of the playyard structure by directly connecting support members of the canopy with improved connecting end portions to corresponding corner blocks of the playyard with improved connecting grooves thereby the playyard system may be manufactured with fewer component number and lower cost.

Abstract: A baby playpen-bassinet combination comprising a playpen and a bassinet detachably mounted to the playpen. The playpen comprises two outer fabric sides with connecting members and four corner blocks. Each corner block is provided with a vertical hole and a vertically extending rib. The bassinet comprises two extension portions with connecting members engageable with the connecting members of the playpen, two supporting rods and four coupling members. Each coupling member has a first portion to be inserted into a hollow end portion of the supporting rod and a second portion having a vertically extending groove. The second portion is adapted to be inserted into the vertical hole of the corner block with the groove engaging the rib so that each supporting rod is supported on two corner blocks.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the plane of a mattress for changing the orientation of a plane of a mattress in a semi-truck. The device for adjusting the plane of a mattress includes a housing. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall has a hole extending therethrough. The front wall has an opening extending therethrough. Each of a plurality of pistons is securely mounted in the housing. Each of the pistons is positioned in a different corner of the housing such that each of the corners of the housing has a piston located generally adjacent thereto. Each of a plurality of shafts is extendably positioned in one of the pistons. Each of the pistons is adapted to selectively extend the shafts upwardly through the top wall. Each of a plurality of air pumps is operationally coupled to a pair of the pistons respectively positioned adjacent to one of the side walls.

Abstract: A sleeping bag with a replaceable air mattress (10), where the sleeping bag (12) includes a top layer (20) and a bottom layer (22). The top layer (20) has a top layer opening edge (24) and a top layer sealed edge (26), and the bottom layer (22) has a bottom layer opening edge (28) and a bottom layer sealed edge (30). The top layer opening edge (24) and the bottom layer opening edge (28) are releasably fastened along some portion of their length by a first fastener (34) which is attached at a first attachment site (37). The bottom layer (22) further includes a second attachment site (38) for an upper portion (39) of a second fastener (40). The air mattress has a perimeter (15) and includes an inflatable portion (18) and a peripheral extension (16). The peripheral extension (16) includes a third attachment site (44) for a lower portion (41) of a second fastener (40). Upper (39) and lower portions (41) of the second fastener (40) releasably fasten the air mattress (14) to the sleeping bag (12).

Abstract: A portable bed railing for retrofitting bed railing to existing beds. The portable bed railing includes a first portion for defining a substantially vertical railing. The first portion includes a rod having a first end and a second end. Each of a pair of elongate members is integrally coupled to and extends away from one of the first and second ends of the rod. The elongate members extend in a generally parallel direction to each other and each is orientated generally perpendicular to the rod. A second portion for positioning between a mattress and box spring includes a bar having a first end and a second end. Each of a pair of pole members is integrally coupled to and extends away from one of the first and second ends of the bar. The pole members extend in a generally parallel direction to each other and each is orientated generally perpendicular to the bar. Each of the pole members has a free end hingedly coupled to one of the elongate members.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having a bed frame and a center support section supported by the bed frame. A second support section has one end pivotally attached to one end of the center support section, and the second support section has an opening therethrough. A massage motor assembly has a housing mounted to the second support section over the opening. A massage motor is disposed in the housing, and a resilient material is disposed in the housing between the massage motor and the housing. Enclosing the massage motor in the resilient material reduces its operational noise and permits the massage motor to move in its natural orbital motion.

Abstract: An operating table for surgical and angiographic applications has a table top and lateral fastening rails for the releasable fastening of equipment by means of a rail clamping device. The table top of the operating table is provided with guide rails onto which moveable modules can be pushed, which are provided with fastening rails for rail clamping devices on at least two sides.

Abstract: A bed frame includes a base frame, an articulated support decks, an intermediate frame positioned between the base frame and the articulated support deck, and an auto-contour mechanism. The articulated support deck includes head, seat and foot deck portions. When engaged, the auto-contour mechanism adjusts the elevation of the seat deck portion and the foot deck portion in response to an adjustment of the head deck portion. The auto-contour mechanism is easily engaged/disengaged by manipulating a control lever. The bed frame can include siderails which are provided with a latching mechanism. The bed frame can also include a caster assembly that allows casters to be pivoted in an engaged position in which the bed frame rests on the casters, and a disengaged position in which the bed frame rests on legs.

Abstract: A tote bag having an inflatable device such as a vinyl pillow integrally connected thereto is described. The inflatable is attached to a side of the tote bag so that the bag con be converted for a head rest when the pillow is inflated. The inflatable can be attached along selected sides leaving a side open to form a pocket between the inflatable and the tote bag.

Abstract: A pillow that includes an inflatable bladder surrounded by a resilient layer. The bladder may be inflated to various levels to achieve a desired level of orthopedic support. In some embodiments of the invention, the pillow may include an outer comfort layer of softer material than the firm inner core. Optionally, an integral hand pump may be included on the pillow for inflation purposes.

Abstract: A frameless chair comprising: a flexible, substantially spherical outer liner, wherein the outer liner is at least partially gas permeable, and a plurality of polyurethane foam pieces retained within the outer liner.

Abstract: Conventional beds have a spring mattress and a sprung base for the comfort of the user, but on profiling beds, a sprung base cannot be used and, ordinarily, a mattress is laid on lifting and lowering mechanism, with a result that when pivoted or folded, folding or rucking of the surface of the mattress occurs to the discomfort of the user. A first object of the invention is to avoid the above disadvantage, and a second object is to provide a body support arrangement of greater comfort than conventional mattresses and separate bases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of use thereof for cleaning fabric, cloth or apparel. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of cleaning using small portable devices for cleaning that dissolve, dissociate or digest stains from fabric or cloth. The devices comprise at least one chamber. The cleaning solution flows through the fabric and removes the stain or soiling material.

Abstract: A system for operating and programming a laundry appliance includes a menu system giving a user extreme flexibility in operating the appliance. Through a series of menu screens, the user is presented with a variety of available options. Additionally, the laundry appliance of the invention gives the user access to databases, preferably already programmed into memory of the appliance, such as general tips for laundering and simple troubleshooting. Finally, the user has the ability to program the menu system.

Abstract: The present application relates to a cosmetic composition intended for treating keratin fibers, comprising, in a support which is suitable for keratin substances:

Abstract: A foldable ramp apparatus. The ramp apparatus comprises a first and second ramp member. The first ramp includes a channel insert, and the second ramp includes an arcuate insert. The arcuate insert is configured to pivotally engage the channel insert. The arcuate insert has a curved apex that is adapted to be received within an elongated channel of the channel insert. A slotted segment is formed on a pair of legs that extends from the arcuate insert. A corresponding slotted segment formed on a pair of legs that extends from the channel insert. A cross-member is placed within the slotted segment interconnecting the pair of legs. In the preferred embodiment, the ramp apparatus further comprises a first lip formed on the arcuate portion and configured to engage an underside of the first leg and the second leg of the first ramp as well as the slotted segment. A second lip may be formed on the grooved portion and configured to engage an underside of the first leg and the second leg of the second ramp.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning medical transport boards comprises a closed chamber having first and second oppositely facing ends and having a first opening in the first end for receiving a board and a second opening at the second end for passing the board out of the chamber, a first partition in the chamber spaced from the first end for defining a disinfectant spray section, the spray section including a spray delivery system for spraying disinfectant on all exposed surfaces of the board as the board passes through the spray section, a second partition in the chamber spaced from the second end for defining a rinse water section, the rinse water section including a water delivery system for flowing water over all exposed surfaces of the board as the board passes through the rinse water section and a pair of power driven brushes located in the chamber between the first and second sections for scrubbing exposed surfaces of the board during passage of the board through the chamber.

Abstract: A rotary brush assembly that is mounted to a traction vehicle, such as a skid steer type vehicle. The brush assembly is allowed to move relative to the traction vehicle within three degrees of freedom including yaw, roll, and up and down linear motion. The degrees of freedom reduce brush wear and facilitate more effective cleaning over uneven surfaces. Up and down linear motion is accommodated by a linear sliding joint. The sliding joint is further equipped with markings that indicate to the operator where, in the range of up and down motion, the brush is located. The brush assembly is also equipped with a mounting mechanism that translates motion of a skid steered vehicle implement arm joint into yaw motion of the brush. This eliminates the need for additional hydraulic cylinders or controls to actuate yaw motion.

Abstract: An engine block cylinder groove cleaner for cleaning the grooves in the cylinder of a diesel engine. The engine block cylinder groove cleaner includes a main housing comprising a lower portion. A plurality of groove cleaning members each being outwardly extendable from the lower portion. The groove cleaning member scrapes out debris from a circumferential groove when the main housing is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning brush structure including an operation rod, a snow shovel, an angle adjuster, and a cleaning body. The angle adjuster includes a socket, two operation rings, a main base, two compression springs, and two press members. The angle adjuster can be used to adjust the usage angle of the operation rod. The cleaning body includes an elongated plate, a glass scraper, and a brush. The elongated plate has a first side formed with a scraper clipping groove for securing the glass scraper and a second side formed with a brush clipping groove for securing the brush.

Abstract: A low profile combination brush and scrubbing device used to clean tight fitting, narrow, hard to reach windows on a motor vehicle. The device comprises a low profile body with a cleaning surface, such as a sponge or cleaning pad attached on its top surface, and a rubber blade attached along its front surface that extends downward in a direction opposite the cleaning surface. Connected to the body is an articulating elongated pole. Disposed between the body and the elongated pole is a rotating joint that enables the user to rotate the body 180 degrees around the central axis of the elongated pole. Disposed between the body and the elongated pole are first and second pivoting joints that allow the user to selectively adjust the angular position of the pole and body so that the body may be placed against the surface of both windows.

Abstract: A frame (2) for a wipe mop cover (3) comprises a substantially flat profile element (13) having two faces, two side ends, a leading end and a trailing end; two end caps (7) for application in the vicinity of the side end on the profile element (13), a universal joint (14) for connecting a handle for application in the vicinity of the trailing end substantially in the middle thereof on the profile element (13) and permitting rotation of the profile element about a spindle (12) substantially parallel to the trailing end.

Abstract: A cleaning device (1) is provided which has a squeegee (3) in a mount (2) and a stemlike handle (4) joined rotatably to the mount (2) via a pivot axis (14). The pivot axis (14) forms an acute angle (&agr;) with a longitudinal direction of the handle (4) that deviates substantially from a right angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper system for an automobile and more particularly, to an active wiper system which secures a good front visual range by changing the track of the wiper blade of a passenger's side and positioning pertinently the wiper blade in each range of the track, thus preventing rainwater wiped by the wiper blade of a passenger's side from dropping down to the front of a driver's side while driving in the rain.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning vehicular floor mats and the like includes a support member in a container having an opening for receiving dirt and other matter that is removed from a floor mat. A generally horizontal screen is positioned above the container such that the dirt and other matter falls into the container. At least one resilient member connects the screen to the support member, such that the screen shifts when a floor mat positioned on the screen is impacted by a user to thereby dislodge dirt and other matter from the floor mat.

Abstract: A method for emptying a dirt-filled container that is disposed in or on a transportable mobile vacuum cleaner includes the steps of coupling the transportable mobile vacuum cleaner via an emptying orifice of the container to a filling orifice of a structure that defines a receiving space and then emptying dirt accumulated in the container into the receiving space. A container, a vacuum cleaner and a dust collecting system are also provided.

Abstract: An improved hinge assembly and related process using a plurality of hinge elements for mounting a door to an enclosure body. The hinge assembly comprises a first hinge; a second hinge; and a hinge body having a first and second edge wherein the first hinge is connected to the hinge body proximate to the first edge and the second hinge is connected to the hinge body proximate to the second edge and wherein a single force operating upon the door sequentially moves the first hinge and then the second hinge. A preferred embodiment is to make the hinge and hinge body out of a single piece of semi-rigid material such as a plastic and to configure the hinge assembly such that the door rests tightly against the enclosure body when the hinges are in their closed position.

Abstract: A cover for temporarily covering a hinge, the hinge having a first portion for mounting on a fixed surface and a second portion for mounting on a door, the second portion hingedly attached to the first portion, the hinge having a first position wherein the first and second portions are perpendicular to one another, and a second position wherein the first and second portions are parallel to one another. The hinge cover includes a first member having a raised central channel, first left and right flanges, and a first vertical flange for resiliently engaging at least one vertical surface of the first hinge portion. A second member includes a raised channel, second left and right flanges, and a second vertical flange for resiliently engaging at least one vertical surface of the second hinge portion, the second body portion raised channel adapted for receiving a portion of the first member raised central channel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cabinet hinge with an adjusting device that is directly or indirectly on the cabinet side, single or multi-part mounting plate stored hinge arm, that is connected jointed with a door-side stop part, so that the adjusting device has a side adjusting screw by means of which the hinge arm's position perpendicular to the mounting plate can be changed to the door's side adjustment. The side adjusting device has a side adjusting screw with at least one eccentric- or cam disks so that by turning the side adjusting screw, a side adjustment and, at the same time, a parallel shifting of the hinge arm relative to the mounting plate occurs, resulting in a correction of the door's depth adjustment for an amount.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for casement windows is shown and described. The hinge assembly includes a slide block for connection to the sash arm that includes a reinforcing plate that extends downward before extending upward and around the flange of the track overhang. A larger undercut portion is provided beneath the reinforcing plate for added clearance between the slide block and fasteners used to secure the track to the window sill. The hinge assembly also includes a pivot base which is pivotally connected to the shorter tie bar or toggle link. The position of the pivot base with respect to the track can be adjusted as a means for compensating for sash sag. An additional hole is also provided to provide new anchorage in the case of a sash sag adjustment or additional anchorage for use in high wind areas. The pivot base also includes a quick disconnect retainer disposed beneath the pivot base and between the pivot base and the track and thereby hidden from plain view.

Abstract: Hinge having a fixed hinge leaf and a moving hinge leaf, each leaf being provided with at least one pivot bearing and a hinge pivot common to the hinge leafs. The hinge pivot is in the form of a hollow pivot. The hollow pivot is connected non-turnably with the moving hinge leaf and is located turnably in the pivot bearing of the fixed hinge leaf. A torsion spring is located in the hollow pivot, whose torsional force acts in one direction of hinge movement, the hollow pivot and the torsion spring being adapted to be inserted as a single component into the pivot bearings of both hinge leafs. The torsion spring is located in the hollow pivot in a pre-tensioned state so as to constitute a force-actuated connection with an inner wall of the hollow pivot.

Abstract: A door handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle. First posts are rotatably secured to the handles, and second posts are non-rotatably secured to the handles. A threaded rod is threadably engageable with internally threaded bores formed in each first post and second post. A door panel includes bores for receiving the threaded rods so that the first handle and second handle are secured to opposite sides of the door panel when the first and second posts are engaged with the threaded rods. A door assembly includes the aforementioned door handle assembly.

Abstract: A tool handle comprises an end for engaging with a tool. The tool handle comprises an upper side, an underside, and two lateral sides. The underside includes several recessed portions and several ridges. Each ridge is formed between two adjacent recessed portions. The upper side is preferably convex and includes several longitudinally spaced grooves defined therein. The grooves are preferably defined in an end of the upper side. Each lateral side of the handle and the upper side of the handle has an arcuate, smooth transition area therebetween.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine includes a clothed roll having a surface for entraining fiber material thereon; a housing at least partially surrounding the clothed roll and conforming to the roll surface; a separating opening provided in the housing and extending along and adjacent a circumferential portion of the roll for receiving waste material thrown from the roll; a waste conduit leading from the separating opening for carrying waste material away from the roll; a camera adjoining the conduit for capturing pictures of the waste material flowing therein; and an electronic image processing device connected to the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a ball throwing device includes a main body and an arcuate portion that extends from the main body. The apparatus is adapted to be attached to a shaft of the ball throwing device and the arcuate portion is adapted to be placed over an article of clothing, the article of clothing being disposed intermediate the arcuate portion and the shaft of the device. The main body is adapted for placement over the shaft at a lower portion of the shaft and to be urged up the shaft toward the handle until it reaches the beginning of the handle where the apparatus is retained in position to the device by a pair of dimples that are formed in the main body.