Abstract: The present invention is a face mask suitable for application to a person's skin. The mask comprises a mask segment of flexible sheet material and a screen element. The mask segment is conformable to at least a portion of the surface of the person's skin. The mask segment has a first surface, a second surface, and a shaped peripheral margin. The screen element also has a first surface. A decoration embellishes the first surface of the mask segment and the first surface of the screen element. A first fastener on the second surface of the mask segment attaches the segment to the person's skin. A second fastener attaches the screen element to the mask segment.

Abstract: The self-sizing sun visor fills the need for a visor that automatically adjusts to the wearer's head without causing undo compressive pressure on the wearer's head. The desired level of comfort and easy of use to the wearer is achieved by constructing the headband at least partially from stretchable material and incorporating a sweat absorbing foam inner layer. A bill of essentially a rigid nature is attached to the forward portion of the lower peripheral edge. The headband can also be constructed from two or more headband segments. A headband segment is a different color or the same color as the other headband segments. The visor comes in a small/medium size and a large/extra large size to accommodate a range of head sizes comfortably.

Abstract: A portable elbow cushion including a cushioning member positionable between a user's elbow and a hard surface to alleviate any stress on the elbow when normally positioned on the hard surface. The cushioning member is fabricated of foam padding.

Abstract: A closing mechanism for garments including a torso portion and a bottom portion wherein the bottom portion extends from the posterior of the torso portion through the wearer's legs and removably attaches to the anterior portion. The bottom portion, or tail panel or lever, contains one or more patches of hook and loop members, and the anterior portion contains one or more corresponding patches of hook and loop members. A further embodiment of the invention, which may be used separately or in conjunction with the closing mechanism, constitutes a resilient portion upon the tail panel.

Abstract: A convertible garment comprises an article of clothing originally intended to be worn on a person's legs, such as pants, shorts or the like, with a neck-sized portion of the crotch section removed so that such modified clothing article can also be worn on the upper body. Portions of the original clothing article may be further modified, manipulated or removed to vary the appearance and utility of the modified clothing article.

Abstract: The present invention involves a reversible jacket that converts into a tote bag. The back portion of the jacket consist of an oversized pocket which when turned inside out, the entire jacket is received into the pocket thus converting garment into a tote bag. If desired, the jacket can be worn in the reversible mode at which the pocket on the said back portion is then completely concealed.

Abstract: There is provided a toilet seat sanitary protector changer which may be provided in new public rest facilities or retrofitted to existing facilities. The changer generally includes a seat having a supply assembly positioned on one side and a takeup assembly provided on the opposite side. The seat includes mounting structure for movably mounting the seat to an existing toilet bowl. The changer is configured to receive a supply of a continuous strip of sanitary protective covers in supply assembly and feed the covers across the seat to the takeup assembly. The takeup assembly includes a slotted takeup rod configured to receive a leading end of the strip of covers and a prestressed constant torque spring motor affixed relative to the takeup rod so as to rotate the takeup rod a predetermined number of times. A multiplier gear may be provided to increase the number of turns of the takeup rod relative to the number of turns of the spring motor.

Abstract: A selectively positionable spa auxiliary device in the nature of an attachment to an outlet jet on a spa having air under pressure introduced into a body of water contained in the tub of the spa. While the conventional spa itself has jets capable of providing an outlet against the back of a user, there is nothing to effectively introduce air water combination to other parts of the body which are not directly facing the jet. The auxiliary device of the invention comprises a releasably attachable hose for releasable connection to the jet or air outlet in the spa and will carry a water and air stream to the exit end of the hose. That exit end could be provided with a nozzle or other device for ejecting the water onto a selected portion of the body of the user.

Abstract: An improved dome shaped trap for bathroom, kitchen or other sink comprising a dome shaped trap, threadably attached to a cover. The cover comprises a vertical conduit adapted to receive the existing vertical influent drain from the sink, a horizontal conduit adapted to be attached to the existing effluent exit drain, the vertical conduit extending down below the water line, providing an extension for the exisiting influent drain, making the trap easily adjustable to be installed any existing sink. The dome trap is easily removable by hand, by unscrewing it from the cover, to clean out any debris clogging the line or to retrieve any item inadvertently dropped into the sink and down the drain into the dome trap.

Abstract: Lift bed with a bed frame carried on at least two carriages, whereby each carriage is supported movably on a guide rail arranged vertically for moving the bed frame in the vertical direction and whereby each carriage consists of two parts which are supported in a mutually tiltable manner via a horizontal axle running parallel to the bed-frame width; the two carriage parts of each carriage are joined by an adjustment device clamping them together so that the bed frame mounted on the first carriage part is adjustable in the horizontal position; the adjustment device exhibits an overload device which gives way on reaching a predefined limit load and releases the connection and whereby also an end-stop is provided which holds the bed frame in a slightly angled position after release of the connection.

Abstract: A beach mat for maintaining a beach towel in a flat deployed position provides a barrier to the movement of sand onto the towel surface and comprises spaced side members interconnected at their ends by spaced end members and having an inner periphery defining a generally rectangular central opening. In one embodiment, the frame is filled with self-inflating resilient foam and has an air valve for allowing expulsion of air during compaction of the frame and maintenance of the frame in compacted condition for transportation and storage. In another embodiment the foam frame is folded for transportation and storage. Handles and a cup holder are provided. The frame provides a large upper surface for placement of advertising or other indicia for display.

Abstract: A mattress covering in the form of a fitted mattress pad or fitted sheet has an inelastic, generally rectangular top portion and a side skirt extending transversely, preferably perpendicularly from the outer periphery of the top portion in a closed loop entirely around the outer periphery of the top portion. The side skirt can be made of a single panel of a single layer of a textile material, or it can be made of multiple panels or lengths of other materials each of a single layer. A first elastic cord is attached to the inelastic material of the side skirt at its outer periphery remote from the top portion. A second, separate flat elastic strap is attached to the inelastic material of the side skirt at some place between and spaced apart from the top panel portion and the first elastic cord, preferably closer to the top portion outer periphery than to the first elastic cord. The top portion is dimensioned to fit a standard size mattress and the side skirt is dimensioned to fit a range of mattress heights.

Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion system for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably connected to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location. The propulsion device includes a traction device that is moveable between a storage position spaced apart from the floor and a use position in contact with the floor.

Abstract: A lying arrangement (10) comprises a lying means (12) with a frame (16), a framework (18) which bears the frame (16), and a base (20) which is connected to the frame (16). A mattress element (22) is located on the base (20). In order that the user does not have to leave his/her lying position in order to relieve himself/herself, and that relieving himself/herself is as comfortable as possible, the invention proposes to provide a cutout (58) in the mattress (22) and a cutout (56) in the base (20) in the region of the cutout (58) of the mattress (22). Also provided is a WC facility (14) with a WC (70), which can be arranged beneath the cutouts (56, 58), and a tubular and essentially vertical lead-in element (76), at least certain regions of which can be introduced into the cutouts (56, 58) in the mattress (22) and base (20).

Abstract: A pillow having a pivoting butterfly structure with two cushions pivotably interconnected by a hinge element to pivot between an open position and a closed position. Each cushion has a hinge end adjacent the hinge element, and a connecting end disposed at the end of the cushion opposite the hinge end. A middle portion is located between the hinge end and connecting end of each cushion. The cushions have a relatively flat inner surface and a curved contoured surface that extend the length of each cushion. The contoured surface projects away from the inner surface and forms two peaks near the hinge end and connecting end of each cushion. Between the peaks, the contoured surface curves inward back toward the inner surface and forms a concave groove near the middle portion of each cushion. A cover encases both cushions and contours the shapes of the cushions.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary support pillow and methods for its use. An exemplary method is provided for supporting an object in front of a person's torso. According to the method, a support pillow is provided having a resilient cushion body with a medial region and first and second opposing cantilever arms extending from the medial region. The cantilever arms are curved about a vertical axis to define a substantially toroidal configuration for the cushion body. The cantilever arms and medial region cooperate to define a generally circular open well. The support pillow is placed around the person's torso with first and second end portions of the cantilever arms being at the back of the person's torso, and with the medial region of the support pillow being at the front of the person's torso. The cantilever arms are biased around the person's torso to hold the support pillow vertically positioned relative to the person's torso.

Abstract: A bag provides an exterior fabric wall enclosing an interior space for carrying goods. The exterior wall provides an aperture for receiving the goods to the bag's interior and also a first attachment element. A cushion comprises a second attachment element, with the first and second attachment elements removably joining the cushion to the exterior wall of the bag so that the bag and the cushion may be jointly carried and the cushion may be fully removed from the bag for use alone.

Abstract: A folding combination tool includes a jaw mechanism with a first jaw piece having a first lug attachment, a second jaw piece having a second lug attachment, and a jaw pivot that joins the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece so that the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece may pivot with respect to each other in a pivot plane. A first handle is pivotably attached to the first lug attachment by a first handle pivot lying perpendicular to the pivot plane, so that the first handle is pivotable about the jaw mechanism in the pivot plane. A second handle is pivotably attached to the second lug attachment by a second handle pivot lying perpendicular to the pivot plane, so that the second handle is pivotable about the jaw mechanism in the pivot plane. A first lug attachment spacing of the first lug attachment from the jaw pivot is greater than a second lug attachment spacing of the second lug attachment from the jaw pivot, so that the handles asymmetrically fold around the jaw mechanism.

Abstract: A washing machine having improved cleaning efficiency by adding a generator of functional water such as ozone water or electrolyzed water to a full-automatic washing machine, and a washing method thereof, are provided. The washing machine includes a water supplier for supplying washing water, a washing tub containing the washing water supplied from the water supplier and a laundry, a functional water generator installed inside the washing tub, and an agitator for agitating the washing water and the laundry contained in the washing tub. When the washing water supplied to the washing tub reaches a predetermined level, the functional water generator is operated to generate ozone water or electrolyzed water, which is then mixed by the agitator. Thus, partial decolorization or damage of the laundry can be prevented.

Abstract: Hair coloring compositions comprising: (i) one or more developers selected from amino aromatic systems capable of being oxidized and thereafter undergoing a single nucleophilic attack, and (ii) one or more couplers selected from (A) (1) naphthols having an active leaving group in the para-position relative to the —OH group, or (2) phenols with an active leaving group which is hydrogen which is para to the —OH group, (B) 1,3-diketones, or (C) pyrazolones, such that in the presence of an oxidizing agent the or each developer reacts with the or each coupler substantially only at the position having the active leaving group.

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 after storage.

Abstract: An infrared dye, characterised in that the dye comprises a compound that can be described by molecule 1.

Abstract: A loading ramp structure is provided which is constructed out of a plurality of relatively small and rectangular links that are joined end to end to form a span of any desired length. Moreover, the manner in which these links are joined together allows the span to be rolled up for storage when it is not in use and to be easily unrolled to form a ridged span when it is to be employed in the loading or unloading of wheeled load materials such as small supplementary vehicles.

Abstract: In a method for forming a block having a core, the core is formed in a vertical orientation, providing for increased control of wall thickness. The block has a projection on one surface and a groove on an opposing surface. The block core is disposed parallel to the projection and the groove. The block may be used in a step assembly, a ramp assembly, or a wall. Assemblies made from the block are easy to construct and can be assembled with or without adhesive.

Abstract: A transition support for flooring extending between a floor area of a high height and a floor area of a low height, said support being in the shape of a wedge which is generally unnoticeable by persons walking across the support and which does not jostle wheeled vehicles crossing the support.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush having an indicator which changes in response to vibration is arranged to provide an indication directly related to the cumulative duration of the vibrations.

Abstract: A wafer cleaning apparatus includes a wafer supporting device for supporting a wafer to be cleaned, and sponges for cleaning the wafer. The sponges are arranged in contact with either surface of the wafer and are rotated along rotational axes that are parallel to the wafer. A sponge positioning device pushes the sponges against the wafer. A wafer rotation drive is adapted to rotate the wafer at a constant speed, and a sponge rotation drive system is adapted to rotate the sponges at a constant speed. A closed loop controller receives motor current signals from the wafer rotation drive and/or the sponge rotation drive system, and the closed loop controller provides an adjustment signal to the sponge positioning device.

Abstract: A rotatable cleaning assembly comprising an elongated adjustable frame structure having a handle member on one end and a rotatable structure on the opposite end. An adhesive roll comprised of a tubular core having a wound length of flexible material with an outer adhesive surface is mounted on the rotatable structure. The length of flexible material is serially segmented portions by tear lines. Non adhesive areas are positioned covering the tear lines for segment identification and removal.

Abstract: A paintbrush handle is claimed which is made of a durable material which can be reused for long periods of time allowing artisans using the paintbrush handles to avoid the problems associated with relearning a paintbrush handle after having had to discard a paintbrush of conventional manufacture. Also claimed is a process for striping cars.

Abstract: A broom with a broom head has flared out bristles projecting therefrom so as to form a leading edge for reaching into confined spaces. The broom head has an opening therethrough to define an integral handle to better control the leading edge and the broomstick is angled away from the leading edge to facilitate entry into confined spaces.

Abstract: An electro-static dissipating swab has an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and defining a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The cleaning head end defines a securing region. The handle is formed from an electro-static dissipative material. A cleaning tip is formed from an electro-static dissipative material and is secured to the handle cleaning head end. The handle and cleaning tip define a longitudinal axis. The swab, in a dry state, dissipates a static electrical charge from a charge plate having a 20 picofarad capacitance at a charge of 1000 volts to a charge of less than 10 volts in less than about 500 milliseconds, and in a wetted state dissipates a static electrical charge from a charge plate having a 20 picofarad capacitance at a charge of 1000 volts to a charge of less than 10 volts in less than about 100 milliseconds.

Abstract: A mat assembly is provided for absorbing liquid, such as oil, that may be spilled near a machine or automotive vehicle. The mat assembly includes a mat with at least an upper layer formed from a woven or non-woven array of fibers. The mat assembly further includes a frame formed from strips that can be cut to match the periphery of the mat. Each strip has a bottom surface with an attachment tape that can be engaged releasably with the woven or non-woven fibers of the mat. The restraining strip may include an array of resilient hooked filaments that can engage the fibers of the mat. The strips hold the mat in a planar orientation. However, the strips can be separated from the mat easily when the mat has become saturated. The mat then can be discarded and replaced with a new mat, and the same strips can be fixed to the upper surface of the new mat.

Abstract: An improved dustpan includes an elongated receptacle with a lip at one edge of the perimeter of the receptacle and a handle or grip attached to the opposite edge. The handle is perpendicular to the lip. The elongated receptacle extends beneath the handle at least as far as the end of the handle, and can extend further. The elongated receptacle has a flat end wall that permits the dustpan to be stored upright without emptying or spilling its contents. In its upright storage position the dustpan lip is upward and the handle is downward. The end of the handle can stabilize the dustpan in its upright storage position. Several of the dustpans can be nested.

Abstract: A support system for cleaning mini blinds includes a pair of end supports and an intermediate support, each support having a back portion and a lower portion extending at right angles for supporting the spline of the mini blind. A pair of suction cups is affixed to each back portion for securing the back portion to a smooth surface. An alignment indicia is provided on the back portions for aiding in horizontal alignment of the supports. The two end supports each include a side portion and a front portion for restricting movement of the spline of the supported mini blind.

Abstract: A dirt cup latching arrangement includes a cleaner housing portion and a dirt cup mounted on the housing portion to define a mounted position. A latch assembly is pivotally mounted to the housing portion. A catch frame is pivotally mounted to the housing portion in spaced relation to the latch assembly. The latch assembly and the catch frame cooperate to selectively secure the dirt cup to the housing portion. A tool storage arrangement can include a cap pivotally mounted to the housing with the cap having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one indentation is located on the cap upper surface and is shaped for accommodating an associated cleaning tool of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone body and a separately removable contaminant receptacle. The cyclone body, which is fixed to a fan motor portion of a cleaner body, separates contaminants from the air that is drawn into the cleaner body. The cyclone body having a contaminant outlet, through which the contaminants are discharged. The contaminant receptacle is removably coupled to a lower side of the cyclone body and receiving the contaminants through a contaminant inlet that is aligned with the contaminant outlet of the cyclone body. Since the contaminant receptacle is removable independent of the cyclone body, it is smaller, lighter and easier for a user to handle.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner has a separately removable dust barrel. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction brush and a cleaner body having a dust chamber, a motor driving chamber housing a motor, an air inflow path, and an air outflow path for interconnecting the upper dust chamber and the lower motor driving chamber. A cyclone body is mounted in the dust chamber, and a dust barrel removably mounted to a lower side of the cyclone body. The vacuum cleaner further includes a fine dust filtering portion removably disposed in the air outflow path. The vacuum cleaner also includes a locking/unlocking portion that detaches the dust barrel from the cyclone body. Accordingly, a user can dispose of collected contaminants and dust without having to remove the entire cyclone dust collecting apparatus, but rather by removing only the dust barrel from the dust chamber.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance and a mounting disc include an ostomy pouch having a stoma receiving portal. The mounting disc is sealed about the portal and includes a flexible plastic disc having a convex central body portion and a surrounding annular rim. A first foam disc having an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the rim is adhesively adhered to the plastic disc. A second foam disc is adhered to an adhesive face of the first foam disc and has an outer diameter greater than the plastic disc. A hydrocolloid skin shield disc having an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the second foam disc is adhesively adhered to an adhesive face of the second disc.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base assembly includes a housing and a motor having a driveshaft. The motor is mounted in the housing and a brush is rotatably mounted in the housing in a spaced manner from the motor. An endless belt is looped over the driveshaft and the brush, and extends therebetween. A motor holding bracket is mounted to the housing. The motor holding bracket has a finger which resiliently urges the motor away from the brush, increasing a distance between the driveshaft and the brush, thereby tensioning the belt.

Abstract: A furniture glide including a ferrule having a circular bottom wall and an upstanding cylindrical side wall. A support platform composed of polymeric material is positioned in the ferrule. The support platform has a platform base in contact with the bottom wall and a support column extending upward from the platform base to a support shoulder. A clip has a clip hub in contact with the support shoulder and multiple clip arms which extend radially outward and longitudinally downward from the clip hub to engage a furniture leg inserted into the ferrule. A glide base is mounted to the ferrule.

Abstract: When a solid such as a utensil or a structure thing moves, stability is high, it is suitable for the indoor use, furthermore to provide the caster which can use the foot part of robot walking by the two pairs. A caster is comprised of a rocking shaft which sets up a wheel, a stably supporting leg, a slidably stabilizing plate and wheel, a drive device which rocks a rocking shaft and change an angle of a slidably stabilizing plate, the detection device which detects a change in the angle and the detection devices which detect a change in the increased weight. And stability is higher than the existent caster, the caster with sled for getting over obstacles which can brake without controlling the movement of the wheel of the existent caster and the axle which holds a wheel by the mechanism such as the brake for braking, in other words, a caster for the robot can be made.

Abstract: A quick install dummy doorknob or lever comprises an exterior knob subassembly, an interior rose liner coupled to the exterior knob assembly, a knob catch, a retainer spring, and an interior knob. The knob catch is disposed inside the interior rose liner and includes a tooth for engaging the interior knob. The interior rose liner engages a pair of screws extending from the exterior knob subassembly. Rotation of the interior rose liner relative to the screws places the screws into retaining apertures in the interior liner, whereupon the screws can be tightened to hold the interior rose liner in position. The interior knob is inserted into a recess formed in the interior rose liner and engages the tooth on the knob catch through a slot formed in the recess.

Abstract: A material is used to form a lump at the end of a lashing string. The material is made of a plastic material and takes the form of a long strap, which is rolled up and is provided in two long sides with a plurality of ridges and grooves. The ridges and the grooves are alternately arranged to form a plurality of lashing portions, with each being adhered to the end of the lashing string to form the lump serving to prevent the lashing string from slipping out of a string hole of the paper bag and the like.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for joining a door to a vessel is disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a housing having a first end and a second end, and a rod reciprocally disposed in the housing, with the rod having a first end adapted to pivotally engage the door and further having a second end. A spring is disposed within the housing. A first coupling slidably connects a first end of the spring to the first end of the rod, and a second coupling slidably connects a second end of the spring to the second end of the rod. The spring, the housing, and the first and second couplings cooperate to permit movement of the rod between an outward position, an inward position, and a neutral position between the outward position and the inward position. The spring is arranged to bias the rod toward the neutral position.

Abstract: A device and method for engaging a rounded knob so that the knob can be turned in a more rapid and ergonomically efficient manner. The claimed invention includes an auxiliary handle device. The auxiliary handle device includes a hub and a handle that extends radially away from the hub. The hub is configured to pass over the exterior of the rounded knob. Once the hub envelopes the rounded knob, the handle is rotated. As the handle is rotated, an interference fit is created between the interior of the hub and the knob. The interference fit transfers the rotational energy from the handle to the rounded knob, thereby rotating the rounded knob.

Abstract: A hand tool with a detachable working piece includes a handle having a stud extending out from one end of the handle and a working piece detachably attached to the end of the handle. A locking pin extends through the working piece and the stub of the handle to prevent the working piece from inadvertently detaching from the handle. The locking pin has two steel balls movably mounted in the locking pin and partially extending out from the locking pin to prevent the locking pin from inadvertently detaching from the handle and the working piece. The user can change the working pieces rapidly and easily to deal with changing requirements. Furthermore, the hand tool will save money and storage space because only one handle is needed.

Abstract: A sterile, disposable, plastic handle for use in manipulating a lamp above an operating table. The light handle has a threaded end upon which a flexible shield is threaded. The handle has a threaded end and a closed end. The handle and shield come fully assembled, and the shield is of such flexibility that it can be folded down around the handle during packaging as a way to save space and to prevent breaking or cracking of the shield. Two assembled handle and shield units are packaged together with the shields folded down.

Abstract: An auxiliary handle assemble includes a cross member having end members with fasteners for seated engagement with the ends of a permanent handle of a hand tool. The cross member receives the tool handle for secure attachment purposes and is provided with an ear which receives an auxiliary handle in a pivotal manner.

Abstract: An extension pole for tools provides nearly universal attachment of a wide variety of different tool heads or components thereto, for painting, cleaning, and other tasks which may require a long reach to access otherwise inaccessible areas. The present extension essentially comprises a tubular base or handle component and a tubular extension component. The extension tube telescopes within the base tube and may be locked at the desired extended length by a pull release pin which extends through a selected one of several holes in a keyway in the extension tube. The distal end of the handle tube includes a folded down tab which engages the extension tube keyway, to preclude axial rotation of the extension tube within the base tube. The distal end of the extension tube includes a threaded attachment, preferably having an Acme threaded configuration to provide nearly universal attachment of a wide variety of devices thereto.

Abstract: An elongated handle for a broom or mop having an offset portion defined by two wide radius curves of specified differing radii which blend smoothly into each other near the attachment point for the broom or mop.