Abstract: An article of clothing including a sound generating device is disclosed. The maternity wear includes a front panel for covering a user's womb, and the sound generating device includes at least one speaker associated with the front panel, whereby when worn sound is directed at the user's womb. In one embodiment, the wear comprises a vest having a front and back panel, an opening between the front and back panels through which the user may extend their head, a pair of open sides defined by opposing edges of the front and back panels, at least one member for connecting the open sides, and at least one sound generating element associated with the front panel.

Abstract: A goalkeeper's glove including a thumb and a forefinger limiting together a gusset space, with the thumb and the forefinger forming part of an inner hand surface of the glove, a gusset located in the gusset space, an edge seam associated with each of a thumb region and a forefinger region, a flexible gusset layer provided in the gusset space on the inner hand surface and secured with the edge seams associated with the thumb and the forefinger, with the gusset layer having a tear-resistant free edge extending between the two edge seams and spaced from the gusset along the thumb by at least one-forth of the thumb length.

Abstract: A golf glove which includes a glove portion having finger and thumb portions and dorsal and palm portions. The dorsal and palm portions meet along at least one conjoining lateral edge and define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand. The glove portion also includes a pad made from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel. The pad is selectively positioned and dimensioned adjacent the palm portion of the glove according to the golfer's hand dimensions and/or the golfer's hand position relative to a golf club shaft which is held by the golfer during play. The pad is selectively positioned and dimensioned to protect the various aspects of the golfer's hand from shock and the translation of detrimental shock-related forces due to ball-to-club impact.

Abstract: Invention provides a temperature regulating cap for heating or cooling the head of the user having a removable and replaceable heating or cooling insert with a releasable connector for fastening the insert to the cap in which the insert has two portions including a first portion in contact with the top of the user's head for heating or cooling the head and a second portion that depends downwardly from the first portion and is located generally in the forehead region of the person's head to cool the forehead and to absorb perspiration. The insert can be removed and replaced when required for washing or for immersion in water to absorb moisture which is then retained in the insert for the purpose of providing evaporative cooling.

Abstract: A detachable disposable sweatband, that can be readily manufactured from inexpensive readily-available component materials at low cost that makes it practically disposable and thus beneficial to personal hygiene, is easily attached to the sweatband or interior periphery of practically any existing headware. A composite central core of special highly-absorptive material, based on basic principles of feminine hygiene pads, accepts and retains more sweat than comparable sweatbands of prior art and thus provides better protection to the eyes and face of the wearer. The sweatband can be easily detached and discarded, and then replaced at low cost whenever desired, thus eliminating the usual inconvenience and cost of laundering or discarding and replacing the headwear.

Abstract: Apparel having one or more pocket locations along the midsagittal plane of the wearer. During exercise or other activities, items are more comfortably and securely stored in pockets along the center-line of the body than in pockets located elsewhere on the body. Pocket locations overlying major muscle groups are avoided, reducing movement of items in the pockets during movement, and thereby avoiding distraction of the wearer and damage to items stored in the pockets.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting the neck and spine of a user are provided. A neck and spinal protection apparatus is provided comprising a chest cover for fitting about a chest of a user. Moreover, a back cover fits about an upper back of the user and a shoulder cover fits about the user's shoulders and is connected to the chest and back cover. Furthermore, a head cover fits over a head of the user and is connected to the shoulder and back covers, wherein the head cover is operable to disperse a force associated with an impact to the head cover downward to the chest, back, and shoulder covers.

Abstract: A water treatment and recycling system is provided having an aeration chamber, a reaction chamber, a water tank, and a plurality of pumps. The water tank houses the treated water and is the supply source for supplying water to different water needs. The first pump receives waste water from a waste source, such as a toilet, and pumps it into the aeration chamber. The aeration chamber initially treats the water and passes the contents therein via a second pump to the reaction chamber. The water is secondarily treated by the reaction chamber and thereafter pumped into the water tank. The first pump also receives a continual supply of treated water from the water tank. The aeration chamber and reaction chamber contains therein a plurality of specially treated wood chips, and a bio-colony consisting of different microbes and bacteria introduced into the wood chips.

Abstract: A flush tank includes a water housing having an outlet port, a device for controlling the inward flow of the water into the housing, a valve received in the housing for selectively engaging with the outlet port, a link coupled to the valve for disengaging the valve from the outlet port by such as a lever, and a float attached to the link for controlling the disengagement of the valve from the outlet port. A stop is adjustably secured to the link for adjusting or limiting the upward movement of the float relative to the link and for adjusting the outward flow of the flush water.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation in a lavatory having a toilet with a bowl is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base; a panel coupled to the base, a cover coupled to the panel and movable between a first position and a second position, a first mechanism including a linkage coupled to the panel and the cover. Access to the bowl of the toilet is at least partially obstructed by movement of the cover. A method of protecting a hinge mechanism for a lavatory system is also disclosed. The method comprises placing a barrier to extend across at least a portion of the hinge mechanism.

Abstract: A circular above-ground self-supporting pool, comprising a flexible and impervious pocket, the circular upper edge of which is provided with a buoyant inflatable annular hoop, wherein said inflatable hoop consists of several pneumatically independent inflatable annular chambers.

Abstract: A bath lifting system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially covering the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The guiding assembly guides the seat from a lowered position to a raised position facilitates ingress and egress to a bather. A composite bath embodiment and a retrofit embodiment, both with either straight up or laterally offset lifting, are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for disposing of human wastes in an efficient and environmentally or pathologically safe manner, a grindable container for collecting human wastes and a crushing machine for said containers. The container is made of a grindable, biodegradable material such as cellulose pulp and is designed to hold human wastes without any leaks or cracks. The container is formed by an upper portion and a lower portion, both comprising corresponding snap-in peripheral engaging flanges for engaging one to the other without the use of gluing products and comprising a anti-slipping surface finish for avoiding slippage of the container during usage and designed for comfortable human skin contact. The crushing machine is designed to be used at any health-care or rest-home center and is adequate for dumping the final product into a sewer system in an environmental caring manner.

Abstract: An infant rocking apparatus comprises an infant support and lifters that rock the infant support from side to side. In illustrative embodiments, the infant support has a trough in which an infant is received. A number of different types of lifters and orientations of the lifters are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible cot with wall members, which includes a base frame, having an open position for use and a collapsed position for storing and transporting, with a footprint to support base flexible sheet material of an area sufficient to support a reclining human at least the size of a young child, and being collapsible so as to reduce its footprint by at least one half. Legs are collapsibly connected to the base frame, and a flexible sheet material is attached to the base frame to support at least a young child. There are at least two collapsible side walls, one each on opposite sides of the base frame, which include flexible sheet material and collapsible wall support mechanism, either hingeably or removably connected to the base frame.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a base having a generally rectangular frame and a plurality of internal rails, a wire grid spaced above the base and a plurality of plastic modules connecting the wire frame and the base. Each of the plastic modules has four arms extending upwardly from a bottom portion and terminating in end portions. Each end portion has a pair of perpendicular grooves adapted to receive intersecting wires of the wire grid. The modules are nestably stackable to save space during shipping.

Abstract: Composite material springs with integrals spacers for located between a frame attachment fitting and a spring body provide springs with an increased vertical profile for support structures with greater height. Spring elements are formed with encapsulated fibers. Attachment fittings and other structural elements such as the spacers are integrally formed by molding about the spring elements, in any suitable form for integration and assembly with spring support structure assemblies, such as a support frame on which the composite material springs are mounted, and a support structure such as a grid or wire work to which the springs are attached by the various types of attachment fittings. Direct mounting of springs to surfaces of frame members is also disclosed.

Abstract: A knapsack-type sleeping bag includes a knapsack portion and a sleeping-bag portion having an edge integrally connected to a lining of the knapsack portion. The knapsack portion is provided with an opening openably closed with a zipper. The sleeping-bag portion, when it is not in use, is compressible and foldable into a compact body for receiving in the knapsack portion via the opening. To use the sleeping-bag portion, simply unzip the opening and pull the sleeping-bag portion out of the knapsack portion via the opening. The sleeping-bag portion pulled out of the knapsack portion can be unzipped and turned open to provide an expanded pad. A waterproof and/or insulating fabric can be detachably attached to a top of the turned open sleeping bag to protect the latter from getting dirt.

Abstract: A cooling cover apparatus including a top sheet, a bottom sheet secured to the top sheet, a plurality of tubular members positioned between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, a flexible hose interconnected to the plurality of tubular members, and a cooling air generator connected to the flexible hose so as to pass cooling air through the flexible hose and into the plurality of tubular members. A diverter is connected to the flexible hose so as to cause cooling air to selectively enter at least one of the plurality of tubular members. Each of the plurality of tubular members has opening formed therein so as to cause cooling air to pass downwardly through said bottom sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a material to impart wrinkle reduction and temporary crease resistance thereto, and improve feel. The method involves: applying to said material a solution of a treatment composition in an amount effective to impart temporary crease and stain resistance, said treatment composition contains a hydroxy urea or hydroxy amide compound; and allowing said treatment composition to dry at ambient temperature, wherein said hydroxy urea compound comprises one urea and at least one hydroxyl group and said hydroxy amide compound comprises at least one amide group and at least one hydroxyl group. The material treatment is useful in reducing wrinkles in clothing, improving the feel of fabrics, and increasing the moisture adsorbence and retention in natural and synthetic fabrics.

Abstract: Tubular knit goods including natural fibers and synthetic elastomeric fibers are steam treated and then circularly expanded and heat-fixed while being transported vertically downwardly over a circular spreader in a heat fixing chamber. The goods build up a buffer or excess material reserve on the conical feed section of the circular spreader, either by using a greater transport velocity into the feed section than that out of the feed section and along the spreader, or by starting to feed the goods into the feed section for a time before starting to draw the goods out of the feed section and then transporting the goods to and from the feed section at the same velocity. The goods relax in the buffer. Transporting the goods vertically downwardly over the circular spreader during the heat-fixing uses gravity advantageously, and reduces tension in the goods.

Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibres and in particular of human keratinous fibers, such as the hair.

Abstract: Couplers for hair coloring compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair are compounds of the formula (1): 1

Abstract: Couplers for hair coloring compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair are compounds of the formula (1): 1

Abstract: An engagement structure adapted for securement to the end of an aircraft boarding bridge includes a floor, a first floor panel rotatably associated with the floor, and a second floor panel displaceably associated with the floor. The second floor panel is preferably mechanically associated with a drive assembly adapted for displacing the second floor panel relative to the first floor panel to provide a dimensionally adjustable floor area of a boarding bridge proximate the interface of the bridge and an aircraft serviced by the bridge. The engagement structure is adapted to accommodate the docking of the boarding bridge with aircraft having varied entry door configurations.

Abstract: A power-driven toothbrush comprising a brush head 1 mounted on a brush handle 2 for vibratory movement relative thereto, a vibration transmitting arm 33 extending between said handle 2 and said head 1 and a vibration actuator 3 located within the handle 2, said vibration transmitting arm 33 including a magnet 34 located within said handle 2 and the actuator 2 including a solenoid 32 adjacent said magnet 34 and means for supplying AC current to the solenoid 32 a frequency which is the same as the resonant frequency of the vibration transmitting arm 33. The means for supplying AC current to said solenoid includes a printed circuit board 31. The frequency of the AC current delivered to the solenoid and the natural frequency of the vibration transmitting arm are in the range of 100-300 Hz.

Abstract: In order to facilitate emptying of the dirt collection container in a mobile sweeping machine with a rotationally driven rotary brush which is mounted in a housing, a dirt collection container which can be detachably connected to the housing and with a dirt inlet opening located adjacent to the rotary brush in the dirt collection container, it is proposed that the dirt collection container is configured as a drawer, which can be laterally inserted into a guide of the housing and can be fixed in its inserted position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A wafer scrubbing unit includes a mounting assembly for a scrubber brush. The mounting assembly has a rotary flow through tube through which cleaning liquid is delivered to the brush. A stationary tube may be mounted in the bore of the rotary tube. Spinning shields mounted on the rotary tube form labyrinth seals to protect a bearing housing from the cleaning liquid. Bearings for rotatably mounting the rotary tube are mounted within the housing.

Abstract: A device for treating surfaces of substrates utilized in electronics manufacturing includes a resilient skin encasing a porous polymeric interior. The resilient skin overlies the exterior surface of the brush, and is typically characterized by a higher density, a smaller pore size, and a lower porosity than the interior material of the brush. The skin may serve to distribute physical stress over a larger area, protecting raised or recessed brush features from abrasion and wear. The porosity of the skin may also influence the movement of liquids through the brush, ensuring the homogenous dispensing of cleaning fluids. The resilient skin may be formed during or subsequent to a brush fabrication process such as molding, extrusion, or milling, and can be accomplished through the application of heat, chemicals, or radiation.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle sized and provided with an outer shape and finish to be comfortably grabbed and manually turned, and a shank extending from one end of the handle coaxially therewith. The shank is formed with a chip-engaging free end portion in the form of self-threading or self-tapping threads that continue to and terminate in a point at the free end thereof. A pile of chips at the bottom of a blind tapped hole is removed by inserting the free end of the threaded shank into the hole until the chips are encountered, turning the tool while applying a slight pressure such that the free end of the tool threads into the pile of chips, and then pulling the free end of the tool from the hole to remove the chips threaded thereon.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a brush portion, a handle, a suction cup pedestal and a flexible transition portion connecting a lower end of the handle to the suction cup pedestal. The handle, suction cup pedestal and flexible transition portion are constructed and arranged so that the toothbrush will normally be oriented in a substantially upright position when the suction cup pedestal is affixed to a horizontal surface. Advantageously, though, the flexible transition portion is sufficiently flexible so as to permit the toothbrush to be deflected when the suction cup pedestal is affixed to a horizontal surface so that the central longitudinal axis of the handle is at least 20 degrees from vertical. A novel packaging assembly for such a toothbrush is also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a squeegee comprises a flexible blade having at least one cleaning edge and at least one handle edge, wherein at least one end of the blade is tapered outwardly from the handle edge to the cleaning edge. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a squeegee comprises a flexible blade having at least one cleaning edge and at least one handle edge, wherein at least one end of the blade is tapered outwardly from the handle edge to the cleaning edge, and the cleaning edge of the blade is curved so that the middle portion thereof is higher than at least one end portion thereof.

Abstract: An automatic attachable side-view mirror cleaning device is provided for cleaning the side-view mirrors on tractor-trailer rigs. Utilizing a rubber squeegee blade, similar to that used on windshield wipers, the blade travels up and down the long, thin mirror of a tractor-trailer rig. The squeegee scraper blade utilizes two vertical tracks which reside on the two exterior sides of the mirror and is powered by a small electric motor located under the dashboard. Additionally, washer solvent is directed at the mirror using a small pump, through jets at the top of the mirror. The solvent system would be tapped into the main solvent system of the truck using small diameter plastic tubing. The controls for both the electric drive motor and the solvent pump would be located in a dash-mounted panel inside the cab. The invention would be made available as a factory option on new trucks as well as be made available as an after-market attachment accessory for do-it-yourself installation.

Abstract: A first lever is rotatably supported by a first support shaft connected to a vehicle body. The first lever has a first connection spaced away from the first support shaft. The first lever is reciprocally swung about the first support shaft by a driving force transmitted from a motor. A second lever is rotatably supported by a second support shaft connected to the vehicle body. The second lever has a second connection. A third lever is rotatably connected to both the first connection and the second connection. The third lever has an arm support shaft arranged at an offset position offset from a line connecting between the first connection and the second connection. A wiper arm is secured to the arm support shaft. A wiper blade is connected to a distal end of the wiper arm.

Abstract: A permanent ink marker is provided for re-identifying insulated wire. The marker has a container for ink, and a nib that is disposed on the container and in communication with the interior thereof. The nib is provided with a slit that extends from an end of the nib that is remote from the container in a direction toward the container. The end of the slit remote from the end of the nib is preferably widened, and can have a circular cross-section. The end of the nib preferably has a notch where the slit starts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grommet having an essentially cylindrical core with an aperture essentially centrally disposed therein and a plurality of radially expanding flexible ribs emanating from the core, the ribs capable of radial deformation compression preferentially in one axial direction in contrast to an opposing axial direction. Alternatively, the radially expanding ribs are envisioned to mimic the geometry of a plurality of Christmas tree shaped or serrated ribs of increasing radial diameter emanating from the core. The grommet can be formed by overmolding of a flexible thermoplastic or a crosslinked polymer (thermoset) onto a plastic tube although the invention is not limited to such and separate insertable grommets onto essentially similarly dimensioned plastic tubes are also within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: There is now provided a swinging door with a door closer having a slide rail at the door frame with a suspension system for adjusting the height of the slide rail with respect to the door frame. The suspension system comprises a height adjustment device, which comprises a threaded sleeve (5) that has a first female thread (5d) and a threaded bush (4) that has a male thread (4c). The threaded bush (4) can be screwed into the first female thread (5d) of the threaded sleeve (5) to adjust the height of the slide rail, and the slide rail (2) is located on the exposed side of the threaded bush (4).

Abstract: A hinge for joining two adjacent panels. The hinge comprises a first piece adapted to receive a first panel, a second piece adapted to receive a second panel, and a middle piece. Each of the first and second pieces has an opening for receiving a panel and a socket defined between two spaced stopping surfaces. Portions of the middle piece are received within the sockets of the first and second hinge pieces. The configuration of the hinge pieces prevents the panels from folding in one direction while enabling the panels to fold together in the other direction.

Abstract: A clamping structure for foldable apparatus comprises an arc-shaped elastic wire; and two linear elastic wires bent vertically from two ends of the arc-shaped elastic wire. The two linear elastic wires are pivotally arranged within two rounded holes formed on the two separated main bodies of the foldable apparatus, respectively. Each rounded hole has a distance with the pivotal shaft such that the clamping structure provides a torque to the separated main bodies of the foldable apparatus. Therefore, the foldable apparatus can be unfolded to 0° and 180°.

Abstract: Disclosed is a furniture hinge with an improved fastening object. In the furniture hinge, an offset fastening peg has a sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the through holes and protrudes from an underside of the fastening flanges. A fastening element includes a head having a tool inserting recess formed at an upper surface thereof, a shaft downwardly extending from an underside of the head to become one body with the head, and anchoring ribs laterally protruding from a lower end portion of an outer periphery surface of the shaft to become one body with the shaft. From this structure, the furniture hinge is capable of easily being mounted to and released from the door body.

Abstract: A zipper strip has a base member from which first and second profiles extend upwardly. Each of the profiles includes an arm having one of a set of interlocking member attached. The base member including a first web extending between the arms; a second web, outboard of the first arm; and a third web, outboard of said second arm. One or both surface of the webs may be coated with a sealant and/or peel seal material to imparted desired characteristics to the package formed with the zipper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckle of the belt which is equipped with saw-toothed coupling means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clip for mounting an article, comprising a base member being of a plate shape and having a through hole thereon; a pair of flanges extended from opposite ends of the base member in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the base member; a pair of insertion parts extended from opposite sides of the base member and bent upwardly to be in contact with each other; and a pair of anchoring plates which are downwardly cut from the center area of each insertion part, are projected outwardly, are elastically deformable, and have a stepped part formed with inward and outward bent parts at a free end of each anchoring plate. With this configuration, the present invention provides a clip for firmly and easily mounting article on a support structure and for easily separating the article from the support structure.

Abstract: An equipment mounting strap is disclosed for securing equipment in a rack having side frames. The equipment mounting strap includes two angled brackets, each bracket including a first leg defining a slot for receiving a strap and a second leg having means for fastening the angled bracket to one of the side frames of the rack, a bumper mounted on each angled bracket adjacent the slot, and a composite strap having one end fixedly fastened through the slot of one of the angled brackets and the other end detachably fastened through the slot of the other of the angled brackets.

Abstract: Both sides of a fastener chain may be reinforced and an attachment object such as a bag or a case may be mounted in a stabilized condition. A reinforcement member, which is molded of thermoplastic resin, thermoplastic elastomer or synthetic rubber in the form of a turned-down U shape in its cross section and has an appropriate plasticity and flexibility, is bonded along both outer sides of a fastener chain with a thermal welding resin film. The reinforcement member has a mounting groove which enables a cloth of the attachment object such as the bag or the case to be mounted and further contains a concave groove for a sewing thread, provided in the surface thereof. The cloth of the attachment object is inserted into the mounting groove and sewed along the concave groove with a sewing thread. Consequently, the reinforcement member can be mounted simply in a stabilized condition and can ensure a long term use.

Abstract: A zipper closure system is disclosed comprising one or more slider bodies with a reinforced bracing integrated with a lock eyelet, a closed bail, slider body top and bottom platforms and a slider body diamond. A releasing pull tab assembly comprised of a pull tab channeled to receive a pull tab connector attaches to the slider body. The connector's head portion encompasses the slider body's bail and the connector's lower portion is mated with the pull tab securely attaching connector to the pull tab. At a predetermined force, the connector will release from the pull tab, releasing the slider body with no loss of functionality. The other components are designed to withstand a force in excess of the predetermined force. This release prevents damage to other components. The predetermined release force ranges from 25 to 200 pounds in alternate embodiments. A consumer can easily repair the unit by mating the original or replacement connector piece with the pull tab.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inhibiting the loosening of knotted ties, e.g., shoelaces, by applying to the ties a waxy composition comprising a waxy ingredient effective to inhibit the ties from becoming untied. Applicators suitable for applying compositions to ties are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus continuously monitor the functional condition of the successive bearings of the tenter clips or claws of a tenter chain as the bearings roll along a contact surface of the endless guide rail of a tentering machine. A sensing arrangement is integrated into the guide rail in the area of the contact surface thereof. The sensing arrangement senses a physical value indicative of the presence and condition of the respective bearing passing by the sensing arrangement. The sensing arrangement may include a pressurized air outlet and an adjacent pressure measuring channel connected to a pressure sensor to sense the back pressure created by a passing bearing. The sensing arrangement may alternatively include an electromagnetic eddy current sensor, or an optoelectronic light beam sensor.

Abstract: An urn for pets including a container adapted for holding remains of a cremated animal therein. A figure resembling a deceased pet is provided. The figure has an internal cavity dimensioned for receiving the container therein.