Abstract: A band-shaped upper waist outer cloth is sews to a band-shaped upper inner waist cloth and a lower waist inner cloth is sewn to a band-shaped lower waist outer cloth. A lower portion of the upper cloths are sewn to an upper portion of the lower cloths to form a waist band portion. A lower portion of this waist band portion is sewn to the article of clothing, such as slacks, jeans, skirts, winter wear, underwear, and the like. The material used for the waist band portion is chosen to be sweat-absorbing, quick drying, and warm. The resulting waist band portion absorbs a wearer's sweat, keeping the wearer dry and warm, even in a cold environment.

Abstract: A belt to be worn around the waist that contains microfilmed or reduced pages of the Bible on the surface of the belt. The reduced pages can be either applied to the surface of the belt or the microfilmed pages can be fitted into laminated grooves so that the film can be seen from the outside of the belt. The pages of the Bible can be photographically reduced onto paper, microfilm, plastic or metal and then can be adhered to the belt surface. A bracelet can also be fitted with the same reduced pages. A thick magnifying glass is fitted into the buckle in order to read the reduced pages.

Abstract: An cover for protecting a helmet, such as a motorcycle or sports helmet, including a substantially circular material portion having an outer periphery, a first open tube end positioned on the outer periphery, a second open tube end positioned on the outer periphery substantially adjacent the first open tube end and a hollow tube portion extending along the outer periphery from the first open tube end to the second open tube end. A first drawstring end extends from the first open tube end and a second drawstring end extending from the second open tube end with a drawstring extending through the hollow tube portion between the first drawstring end and the second drawstring end. The cover is adapted to wick moisture therethrough to minimize the risk of mildewing of an enclosed helmet. The drawstring and hollow tube portion defining an opening for insertion of the helmet into the cover, wherein the size of the opening is inversely related to the extension of the drawstring from the open ends.

Abstract: A full-face helmet having a fundamental structure of the full-face helmet as well as a function of protection and showing an identification of face, convenience in use of it and a high visibility in field of view as formed in a half type, three-quarters type, or an open face type helmet. There is provided a full-face helmet for a motorcycle in which a chin guard integrally formed with the helmet is provided and the helmet has a shield that can be opened or closed, wherein a window hole opened at a front surface of a shell made of fiber reinforced resin material or thermoplastic resin material or the like is opened in a range in which a substantial entire face ranging from brows to the chin of the wearing person can be confirmed when the window hole is seen from an outside part of the front surface of the helmet under a state in which the head part of a wearing person is kept upright.

Abstract: A body protection device in the form of an inflatable vest includes an inflation mechanism that is actuated in response to the separation or removal of the wearer from a vehicle such as a motorcycle, ski-mobile, or personal water craft. Attached to the outside of the vest is a compressed gas cartridge communicating with the interior of the vest through a cartridge actuation mechanism and an inflation tube. The cartridge actuation mechanism includes a triggering device that can be actuated to open the cartridge by means of an actuation lever. The actuation lever actuates the triggering device in response to a pulling force of predetermined magnitude, and in doing so detaches from the actuation mechanism. The actuation lever is connected to the vehicle by a lanyard.

Abstract: A portable urinal device is provided with an elongated body having a first section and a second section, the first section being releasable connected to the second section. The first section includes an open end coupled to the second section and a closed end having a top surface. A retractable flexible tube having a first end secured within the first section and a second end that is retractable away from the top surface is preferably disposed about a spindle located within the first section. The second end of the flexible tube is preferably disposed outside the first section. A device for creating suction at the first end of the retractable tube so as to draw fluid from the second end of the flexible tube to the first end of the flexible tube is coupled to the first end of the flexible tube. A motor is operatively engaged with the spindle to rotate the spindle and retract the flexible tube into the first section.

Abstract: A high flow valve assembly and a low flow valve assembly are in parallel flow relation between an inlet and an outlet of a flush controller housing. The valve assemblies are opened by solenoid operated pilot valves under the control of a microprocessor based flush control system. A turbine directly measures flow through the low flow valve assembly and the control system computes flow through the high flow valve assembly to perform a flushing operation including an initial siphon trap flushing high flow portion and a subsequent trap reseal low flow portion. A push button is pressed to one of two override positions either to provide a signal to the control system for a normal flush operation or to open the high flow valve assembly independently of the control system for an emergency flush operation. A user detection system includes a pair of emitters and a pair of detectors defining an array of intersecting detection points in a skewed plane in which the control system can locate the position of a user.

Abstract: A manifold (116) supplies pressurized water through a pressurizer conduit (30) to a pressure chamber (24) by which the pressurized water thereby introduced into the pressure chamber (24) holds a flush valve (12) seated in a flush opening at the base of a toilet tank (18). The manifold (116) also supplies water through a fill tube (144) to the interior of the toilet tank (18). A flow restricter (146) mounted on the valve member (12) fits into the outlet of the fill tube so as to restrict its flow area when the flush valve (12) is unseated. This helps maintain the manifold pressure employed to close the flush valve (12). When that valve closes, it retracts the flow diverter (146) from the fill tube (114) to allow the tank to fill rapidly. A flow-rate controller (148) tends to reduce variations in the pressure applied to the flush-valve member (12) that would otherwise result from source-pressure variations.

Abstract: A faucet lock for use with a lavatory sink faucet having at least one water valve control handle, the faucet lock comprising a base, a bracket, having first and second ends thereof, wherein the first end is adjustably attached to the base such that the second end is positionable adjacent to the control handle preventing the control handle from opening the water valve, thus locking the water valve in a closed position, wherein the faucet lock prevents small children, disabled persons and others from unauthorized use of the water valve. The present invention faucet lock is a safety device to protect children and others especially special needs persons with spasticity or other disabilities from accidentally being exposed to hot water.

Abstract: A multi-angle hook fastened to an extension member, that is used to stop the extension from completely pulling out of the frame it sits in. When fully extended, the multi-angle hook allows at least three different holding positions, seen as three different angles that the extension sits at while using the multi-angle hook as its fixed point of pivot. The multi-angle hook is a metal, plastic, or wood plate bent along several parallel lines, across its width, at varying angles.

Abstract: A portable collapsible bassinet for suspension in a play yard is disclosed. The bassinet includes floor support bars disposed within fabric tunnels in the floor of the bassinet. The support bars each comprise at least two portions that are secured together by a spring element. The floor support bars provide even support for infants disposed in the bassinet. When not in use, the portions of the floor support bars can be disengaged to allow the bassinet to be folded into a compact position. The support bars and other components remain secured to the bassinet when erected and/or collapsed to eliminate the possibility of lost parts.

Abstract: A rope hammock, having a woven rope bed, a harness at each end of the bed and a stretcher at each end is described. The harness ropes are passed through respective holes in the stretcher and around loops at the ends of the bed. The harness ropes are then drawn back through the same holes and the free ends of the harness ropes are provided with stoppers to prevent them from pulling back through the holes when the hammock is in use.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.

Abstract: An orthotic pillow (10) is disclosed having an outer envelope (11) formed by a top wall (12) and a bottom wall (13), and a tubular, cylindrical interior wall (17) which in combination with the outer envelope (11) defines a central compartment (19) surrounded by a peripheral compartment (20). An unidirectional control valve (21) is coupled to the interior wall (17) to provide a controllable fluid channel between the central compartment (19) and the peripheral compartment (20). The central compartment (19) and peripheral compartment (20) are filled with a fluid which flows from the central compartment to the peripheral compartment to conform to a user's head and neck.

Abstract: One or more devices designed to decrease stress to the knee for use in activities requiring longstanding or repetitive squatting and/or kneeling positions. The devices include at least one cushion that increases the distance between the buttock and the calf during squatting, and may optionally include other cushions for the knee and ankle area. The devices may optionally comprise at least one weight-supporting layer and at least one pressure distribution layer.

Abstract: A mending tool (10) for drywall and plaster surfaces has a gouger (14). The gouger (14) has a member which is securely connected at a rear end to a handle front (12F). The gouger (14) has a gouger tip (14B) which is positioned at a front distal end of the member. The gouger tip (14B) has a gouger tip point (14BA) at a distal end and a gouger tip notch (14BB) positioned adjacent thereto. The gouger tip point (14BA) functions to extract and remove material from a surface. The gouger tip notch (14BB) functions to prevent attachment of the removed material to the gouger tip point (14BA).

Abstract: A temporary trench cover comprises a number of cover elements (1) which are of prefabricated or cast metal construction. Interlink means for interengaging like cover elements on assembly comprises a male head part (35) at one end and a female slot at an opposite end. The male part (35) engages with the female slot in such a way as to allow limited controlled relative movement between adjacent cover elements on assembly in both the horizontal and vertical planes. In this way the cover elements readily follow the contour of the ground in which the trench is dug providing an even surface over the trench and, on assembly, unauthorized removal of a cover element is prevented.

Abstract: A self releasing holddown mechanism for a dock leveler includes an elongated bar member adapted for connection to a dock leveler ramp and engageable with a roller lock member mounted on a body connected to an anchor rod which is connected at one end to the dock leveler frame. The anchor rod includes a release plate mounted thereon including adjustable stop members. The release plate is mounted for adjustment with respect to the rod. A coil spring is sleeved over the rod and engageable with the release plate and the body which includes an elongated tube journaling the spring. A release actuator is mounted for pivotal movement on the body and is connected to the roller lock member to move the lock member between positions for forcible engagement with the bar member and to release the bar member. The release actuator may also be operated at will.

Abstract: Cross traffic legs for a dock leveler having a ramp mounted for pivotal movement between inclined, declined and cross traffic positions include first leg members mounted for pivotal movement on the ramp and second leg members which are supported on and moveable with respect to the first leg members to allow positioning the ramp in a below dock position. Leg lock members are supported for pivotal movement on the first leg members between working positions engageable with the second leg members to support the ramp in a cross traffic position and retracted positions out of engagement with the second leg members to allow the dock leveler ramp to move to a below dock position. The leg lock members are connected to an extension lip pivotally mounted on the ramp so that, as the lip is extended, the lock members are moved out of engagement with the cross traffic legs. A lock pin is engageable with one of the lock members to prevent unwanted lifting of the lip when the ramp is in a stored, cross traffic position.

Abstract: A vacuum extension kit elements includes extensions, a flexible hose and an adapter or two, each having plural diameter male and female connectors for connection to different size vacuum cleaner elements and attachments and/or an elastic adapter. The conduit through the elements is essentially a uniform diameter, for uninterrupted flow, and is small enough to double the flow velocity through standard vacuum cleaner elements. A clog preventer, for filtering out large particles, and inserts, for optional further reduction of female connector inside diameters, are also provided.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having a detachable brush head assembly including a driven shaft that is driven by a driveshaft disposed with in a housing. The driveshaft is part of or secured to a torsion bar that supports an armature including a pair of magnets. An electric coil receives an alternating flow of current at a predetermined frequency that causes the magnets to be alternately attracted to the coil and causes the torsion bar to oscillate in an oscillatory rotary motion.

Abstract: A mop including a mop handle and a mop head located at one end of the handle and including a plurality of flexible strands defining a mop body. A sleeve is positioned on the mop handle and is supported for slidable movement in an axial direction parallel to the handle, and is further supported for rotatable movement relative to the handle. A lower end of the sleeve is provided with engagement portions defined by slots for engaging and gripping the strands of the mop body to facilitate twisting of the mop body by the sleeve. In addition, a ratchet and pawl mechanism is provided by cooperating portions of the mop body and sleeve to limit rotation of the sleeve to a single direction during a wringing operation.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a box having a hole for a board wiper inserted in the box and a plurality of plates are connected between two opposite inner walls of the box. An opening is defined through the box and communicates with an interior of the box. A collection drawer is slidably received in the box via the opening. The board wiper is hit on the plates and chalk powder drop in the collection drawer. Two brushes are connected to one of the inner sides of the box for further cleaning the wipers.

Abstract: A push broom having an extendable handle with an upper section slidably mounting a lower section with a compressible coil spring mounted therebetween for urging the lower section forward or away from the upper section. The lower section includes a bristle brush with an attachment fitting for threadably coupling with the lower section. Bushings carried on both the upper section and the lower section permit a smooth sliding relationship between the sections. A protective boot of the bellows type has opposite ends secured to the upper section and the lower section respectively and encloses the compressible coil spring.

Abstract: A brush has a handle having an elongated recess defined in a flat bottom face thereof, a connector configured to be securely received in the elongated recess and having an oval through hole, and a bundle of bristles extending through the oval through hole to securely engage a bottom face defining the oval through hole. With the elongated recess, adjustment to the length of the bundle of bristles and the retainer to secure the connector inside the recess are not required.

Abstract: An article of manufacture has elongated members connected to a base string. The articles can be used as bristle subassembly, carpet subassembly, and a variety of other products. Articles are made by wrapping a strand around a mandrel to form a plurality of wraps, and then base strings are bonded to the wraps. After cutting the wraps along one side of the base strings, a plurality of subassemblies are formed. These are fed to a second mandrel, which carries wraps formed by a second strand. The base strings of the subassemblies are then bonded to the wraps of the second mandrel. After cutting along the base strings, a plurality of modified subassemblies are formed with two rows of elongated members formed from the two sets of wraps. The apparatus for forming the subassemblies can include a conditioning device to further enhance the connection of the elongated members to the base strings, and also to smooth the ends of the elongated members where they were cut.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may be comprised of a material that has an inherent anti-slip capability when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning. A support and drainage structure for the floor mat is also described.

Abstract: A buffing pad assembly having a right pad, a left pad, a disk securing the two pads together, and an elongated member for releasably attaching the buffing pad to the drive shaft of a buffing motor is disclosed. Each pad has a central aperture. The disk has a connector located in the center thereof. The connector has an opening therethrough. The right and left pads are secured to first and second faces, respectively, of the disk so that the apertures and opening are aligned when the buffing pad is assembled. The elongated member has a body, a head, and an indented area separating the head and the body. The head fits through either of the apertures and through the opening of the connector. The elongated member also has an open end which may be secured to the spindle of a buffing motor.

Abstract: A wheel cleaning device formed with an elongated handle and projecting stem. A resilient pad on such stem formed with segments stepped down in transverse cross section toward the distal end of such stem.

Abstract: A latch to secure a detachable sponge to a sponge mop head comprises a pair of opposed tabs separated by a void. The upper and lower portions of each pair are spaced to fit closely within corresponding apertures in the mop head, while the central portion ramps outward such that the dimension between the opposed tab ramps is larger than the aperture opening. Each tab is centrally locate on a beam, the beam extending a short distance beyond either end of the tab until it interconnects with a sponge backing plate. This short section of beam beyond each end of each tab twists or rotates torsionally when the tabs are squeezed together to secure or detach the sponge to the mop head. A latch is located near each end of the sponge.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade attachment with pressurized inflatable scrubbing member. The scrubbing member includes a sustained fluid release delivery system for dispersing a solvent through a polymer matrix or mixed fiber composite material. The scrubbing member further includes a polymeric abrasive textured surface element that aids in effectively scrubbing the windshield. Pressurization of the scrubber is achieved with fluid from the vehicle pressure washer system. System fluid pressure inflates the member in a manner whereby, when it contacts the windshield, the wiper blade is displaced until such time as the scrubbing member loses sufficient fluid by seepage to allow the wiper blade to again make contact with the windshield.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a solution distributor, such as a spray bar 90, which delivers cleaning solution to a floor surface. A housing 10 selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning solution from the floor. A first tank 14 for concentrated cleaning fluid and a second tank 15 for clean water supply cleaning fluid and water to a reciprocating pump 420 through first and second fluid lines 412, 410. The pump includes a piston 428, which reciprocates between first and second ends of a cylindrical bore 430. A fluid line 432 interconnects the first and second fluid lines. As the pump reciprocates, a portion of the water is drawn into the interconnecting line during a downward stroke, where it mixes with the entering cleaning solution. As the pump moves on its upward stroke, the mixture is drawn back into the water line and is pushed onward by the pump toward the spray bar with each successive downward stroke.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a base assembly 1 including a housing 10 which selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning fluid. A first supply tank 14 for concentrated cleaning fluid and a second supply tank 15 for clean water are mounted on an inverted Y-shaped handle assembly 12. The handle assembly includes a central member 334 with a hand grip 336 at its upper end and two splayed leg members 338, 342, 340, 344, which define a triangular shaped gap therebetween. The two tanks are removably mounted in the gap. The cleaning fluid tank is supported on a shelf 346, which spans the gap between the leg members. The water tank is pivotally mounted on two projections 374 on the leg members to allow for easy removal and replacement on the handle. The arrangement of tanks in the gap allows for large capacity tanks, a well-balanced handle, ease of removal of the recovery tank without the need for removing either of the two supply tanks, and ease of refill of the supply tanks.

Abstract: A hand-held nozzle is attached to the end of a vacuum and fluid delivery hose of an upright deep cleaner. The nozzle includes a reservoir to contain a solution to be applied to a surface. When a solution delivery system of the deep cleaner is pressurized, water from the upright cleaner clean water tank is routed through the hose to the handheld nozzle. The water is routed through a venturi valve connected to the reservoir, which draws the solution to the valve to mix with the water stream. The resultant mixture flows from the hand-held nozzle for application to a surface being treated. One embodiment of the solution reservoir includes a retainer cap bonded to the reservoir and utilizing a bayonet-type mounting arrangement for mounting the reservoir to a nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction fan and a first motor assembly located in the housing and a dirt container detachably mounted on the housing. A suction nozzle is selectively mounted on the housing and is usable both in an attached position and in a detached position for cleaning. A brushroll and a second motor are mounted within the suction nozzle. An electrified hose is connected to the housing and to the suction nozzle. The dirt container includes an inlet in fluid communication with the electrified hose, and an outlet in fluid communication with the suction fan and first motor assembly. A filter assembly is releasably positioned for form an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container has a latching mechanism for securing the dirt container to the housing. The housing further includes a hollow section formed above the suction fan and first motor assembly for storing a cleaning attachment.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle having a brushroll chamber with an outlet aperture. An upper assembly is secured to the floor nozzle and is adapted to pivot relative to the floor nozzle about a generally horizontal pivot axis. A dirt cup is removably secured to the upper assembly. The dirt cup includes a dirt collection chamber, a forward inlet duct, and a rear inlet duct spaced from the first inlet duct. A brushroll shut-off mechanism selectively blocks the outlet aperture. The airflow shut-off mechanism includes a housing with a dirty air passage in communication with the outlet aperture and a dirt passage door that pivots within the dirty air passage to block airflow through the dirty air passage when the upper assembly is moved to a fully upright position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle having a brushroll chamber with an outlet aperture. An upper assembly is secured to the floor nozzle and is adapted to pivot relative to the floor nozzle about a generally horizontal pivot axis. A dirt cup is removably secured to the upper assembly. The dirt cup includes a dirt collection chamber, a forward inlet duct, and a rear inlet duct spaced from the first inlet duct. A brushroll shut-off mechanism selectively blocks the outlet aperture. The brushroll shut-off mechanism includes a dirt passage cavity in communication with the outlet aperture and a dirt passage door that pivots forward about an approximately upright axis within the dirt passage cavity to block the outlet aperture when the upper assembly is moved to a fully upright position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dry cleaning technology in which the particles left on the surface of the ultra-fine structure such as a semiconductor device and the like can be cleaned and removed totally in a vacuum environment without being dependent on a wet cleaning method performed in the surrounding atmosphere. In the dry cleaning device of the present invention, the pad is approached to the surface of the wafer such as a semiconductor wafer and the like, cleaning gas is injected into a fine clearance formed between both members to generate a high-speed gas flow along the surface of the wafer and the particles left on the surface of the wafer are physically cleaned and removed with the high-speed gas flow. In addition, in order to assist this physical cleaning action, either a chemical or an electrical cleaning method such as a plasma or the like can be used together.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a base assembly 1 including a housing 10 which selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning fluid. A nozzle assembly 67 is mounted to the base housing and provides a fluid flowpath 182 for dirty cleaning fluid from the floor surface to the recovery tank. The nozzle assembly is pivotable from a first position, in which the fluid flowpath communicates with the recovery tank, to a second position, in which the nozzle assembly is spaced from the recovery tank to allow the recovery tank to be removed from the base housing. A second flowpath 138 is formed on the recovery tank between the tank and a nozzle plate 136. The flowpaths have openings 218, 140, respectively, at their lower ends, which are located either side of two longitudinally spaced brushrolls 60, 62. A flap valve 474 selectively closes both flowpaths during above floor cleaning.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cyclonic airflow chamber that facilitates the separation of contaminants from a suction airstream. The airflow chamber includes a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, with the chamber inlet being fluidically connected with at least one of a suction nozzle and an above-the-floor cleaning tool. An exhaust filter housing includes a suction duct and an exhaust plenum, with the suction duct communicating with the chamber outlet. A suction source housing includes an open end communicating with the exhaust plenum and a closed end. A suction source is positioned within the suction source housing to define an annular exhaust flow passageway surrounding the suction source from the housing closed end to the housing open end. The suction source includes a suction inlet communicating with the suction duct and an exhaust outlet communicating with the housing closed end.

Abstract: Suction nozzle (10, 110) for cleaning apparatuses such as vacuum cleaners, electric brushes or similar, comprising a central body (11, 111) provided with a suction chamber (30, 130), and at least two suction arms (12, 112) pivoting on the central body (11, 111) on opposite sides with respect to a median longitudinal axis (10a, 110a) of the central body (11, 111) itself, and each having a corresponding lower suction aperture (16, 116) with a determinate suction surface. Each suction arm (12, 112) can be directed with respect to the central body (11, 111) from an open position, of maximum transverse bulk, to at least a closed position of minimum transverse bulk. The overall suction surface, which comprises the sum of the suction surfaces of the suction arms (12, 112), remains unchanged for any position whatsoever of the suction arms (12, 112) with respect to the central body (11, 111).

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed, comprising an upright section (12) and a base (14) with primary nozzle (18), and further including an edge cleaner (40). The edge cleaner includes a main body (46) and brushes (50). The edge cleaner is rotatably mounted to the vacuum cleaner base (14) through hole (41) by fastener (42) and receptacle (44), and preferably includes a vacuum inlet (48). The edge cleaner (40) has an operational position in which the edge cleaner extends beyond an edge of base (14) and is engaged with the floor; and a stowed position in which the brushes are lifted off the floor, the vacuum inlet is disconnected from the vacuum suction, and the edge cleaner resides in a recess (57) of the base (14).

Abstract: A damper for a pivot door has a piston movably received inside the damper and having a first channel and a second channel respectively and selectively communicating with a space full of hydraulic oil, such that the movement of the piston is able to be slowed by the interchange of the communication of the first channel and the space and the second channel and the space. Thus, the movement of the pivot door is slowed.

Abstract: A hinge clip apparatus for selectively engaging/disengaging a cover includes a base, a hinge defining a hinge axis, and a plate. The plate is pivotally moveable relative to the base along the hinge which connects the base to the plate. The plate includes a hole and a spring member extending through the hole. The spring member has an extension tab capable of engaging the cover and disengaging from the cover when the spring member is compressed.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a storage enclosure is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes a base and a pair of pivot mounts. The base includes a pivot member, and the pair of pivot mounts include a male/female interface. The male/female interface is configured to connect the pair of pivot mounts and to couple the pair of pivot mounts to the retaining member. The male/female interface may be provided by a hook member inserted through a slot and pivoted to engage the wall that defines the slot. One pivot mounts includes a groove, and the other pivot mount includes a ramped lug that engages the groove in a snap-in engagement to provide resistance to movement when the pivot mounts are aligned.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism of the type for interconnecting two members in a manner such that the two members may be moved and placed in various positions in relation to one another. The tilt mechanism comprising: an outer mandrel connected to a first member; an intermediate mandrel connected to a second member, the intermediate mandrel being movably disposed about a portion of the outer mandrel; an inner mandrel in functional connection with the outer and intermediate mandrel; a first spring functionally connected about a portion of the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the first spring resists movement when moved in a first direction and releases tension when moved in a second direction; and a second spring functionally connected about a portion of the intermediate mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the second spring resists movement when moved in a second direction and releases tension when moved in a first direction.

Abstract: A hinge structure of an adjustable arm used in a document camera is provided, and the adjustable arm is capable of performing a pivotal movement on a base. The hinge structure includes a hinge device for articulating the adjustable arm and having an extended portion, a spacer mounted on the extended portion of the hinge device for providing a cushioning effect, a fastening device mounted on the hinge device for fastening the hinge device, and an elastic device mounted between the spacer and the fastening device for adjusting the hinge device, thereby compensating the pivotal movement of the adjustable arm.

Abstract: A new and improved hinge for use with a refrigerator door. The inventive hinge is a drawn hinge, created by the drawing process. The inventive hinge includes first and second flanges, a pin, and a pin arm. The flanges on each side allow use of a thinner piece of metal in creating a hinge, while retaining the strength of a thicker piece of metal. The pin arm is extended in order to prevent pinching when opening and closing a refrigerator door.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a semi-rigid protective sleeve for a substantially cylindrical handle of a shopping cart. The sleeve is made up of a thin sheet of material, preferably anti-bacterial polypropylene, of sufficient size to surround the handle. The sleeve has a first and second longitudinal edge to releasably conform to the handle. The edges are preferably notched to accommodate any protrusions of the handle. The sleeve is suitable for use as an advertising vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for stripping petals from cotton balls. In one embodiment, the cotton stripper includes an impacter for at least partially opening the cotton balls, a first cleaning mechanism to discard petals removed by the impacter, and a cotton separator for removing the remaining petals from the cotton balls. In one embodiment, the cotton separator includes a first large roller, which receives and traps the at least partially opened cotton balls from the first cleaning mechanism. The at least partially opened cotton balls rotate with the first large roller toward a first net. Petals on the cotton balls are stripped off by the first net. Petals removed by the first net fall toward the bottom of the cotton separator. A first small roller then removes the first stripped cotton balls from the first large roller. Processed cotton balls are then stored in an output area.