Abstract: A shin guard that includes a shell having a first surface and a second surface that face each other and define a concave interior volume of space that extends along a longitudinal dimension of the shell. A leg support includes a first end attached to the shell and a second free end that extends past the first surface and lies over the concave interior volume of space, wherein the leg support does not engage the second surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed rear gown for a patient to wear in the hospital that provides for modesty and for convenient access to the patient's body by the medical and nursing staff for patient care. The gown is provided with a front opening and closing by the patient and for opening and closing the sleeves at the top of the shoulder to provide for access to the shoulder, arms and back of the patient by the medical and nursing staff. A telemetry pocket may also be provided.

Abstract: A cold weather hat that covers the wearer's top, back, and sides of head, and has hair pull throughs (10) which allow the wearer's long hair to be kept and displayed outside of the hat's head enclosing area.

Abstract: A novelty hat includes a headband with first and second end. The headband generally defines an annular shape and includes velcro closure strips on the ends thereof. At least one of the velcro strips also secures to the headband. A liner and exterior shaped figure extend upwardly from the headband. Stuffing is disposed between the liner and the figure such that the figure forms the shape of an animal head, sports logo or mascot.

Abstract: A cap includes a crown defining an opening for receiving the head of a wearer, a brim joined to the crown defining the front thereof, and an aperture on the crown adjacent the brim for allowing an accumulation of hair to extend therethrough. The brim is positioned for providing shade for the wearer's face and the aperture is positioned adjacent the brim for allowing an accumulation of hair to extend therethrough and be deflected by the brim. A reinforced border region of the crown ensures that the cap will assume a desired position while worn by a wearer. The brim may be fastened to the crown rearward of the aperture in such a way to allow relative movement between the crown and the brim. The cap may also be constructed so that the brim is removably fastened to the crown.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a hat with an adjustable elastic band 20 for infants and small children having interchangeable decorative ornaments 14 and an elastic band 20 that may be adjusted accordingly to maintain the hat on a child's head 12 without increasing the stress applied thereto as the child grows. The elastic band 20 provides for air spaces 34 between the hat 10 and the baby's head 12 to provide ventilation 36 therethrough. A means 16 for removably securing decorative ornaments 14 such as flowers, butterflies, cartoon characters and the like is provided on an exterior portion of the hat. The present invention 10 provides a means for maintaining a hat that will not need to be replaced as often as hats shown in the prior art because the present invention could be adjusted accordingly as the child 12 grows and could also be accessorized to go with different outfits.

Abstract: A device for allowing air to circulate is disclosed. An embodiment of the device has a base having an arcuate first side and a second side. The second side has a rib extending from the second side. The device also has a surface adapted for attaching the base to a hat.

Abstract: A wide brim hat is vacuum formed from a thin sheet of specially formulated PVC plastic. The PVC effectively blocks transmission of both UVA and UVB radiation and thereby provides significant protection against the sun. A removable elastic headband centers a wearer's head within the hat and spaces the wearer's head from the crown of the hat. In this manner, cooling air passages are provided between the wearer's head and the interior of the hat crown.

Abstract: Lower body, upper body, and hood garments formed of a textile that inhibit the ability of insects or small animals to bite or sting the wearer. The textile of the garments have a base fabric and a cover fabric separated by a spacer layer. The base fabric is open to facilitate breathability. The cover fabric is sufficiently closed to inhibit insects, spiders, or other small animals from passing through the cover fabric, and sufficiently open so as not to inhibit the breathability of the textile. The spacer layer separates the base fabric from the cover fabric with sufficient distance to inhibit insects, spiders, or other small animals from probing through the textile to reach the wearer.

Abstract: A chest protector that includes a pouch assembly having an interior in communication with an opening, the pouch assembly having a hole in fluid communication with the interior and ambient air and a pad inserted into the interior, wherein the pad includes an opening that is in fluid communication with the hole of the pouch assembly.

Abstract: A water conservation system is provided as designed for a commode in public and domestic lavatories. The component system includes a distinctive flush mechanism of two features. One of these features entails a “treatment button” which, upon depression, will effect a fluid chemical compound into standing urinated water decolorizing and sanitizing it—in effect, bringing it back to its original, “clarified” state. The water is NOT flushed. It is “treated” and remains through subsequent “treatments” until such time when solid waste is a factor necessitating a conventional, (lever) flush. The immense savings in water volume is realized upon consideration of the number of times the “treatment button” is executed. The system is revolutionary in that it dispenses with a “necessary flush” each time the toilet is used. Moreover, this novelty system addresses the occasional local, and national, drought emergency situations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet seat assembly that can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools by aligning various components of the assembly at a predetermined angle with respect to one another. Another aspect of the invention includes a system composed of a plurality of toilet seat assemblies that communicate information onto and receive information from a computer network that can include the Internet in one embodiment. Another aspect of the invention includes a kit for servicing the assembly of the invention that includes a plurality of rolls of plastic sleeves.

Abstract: An air plunger is described. The air plunger comprises an upper barrel and a lower barrel slidably received by the upper barrel. An air seal is fixed to the lower barrel and slidably engages with the upper barrel. A nozzle is attached to the lower barrel opposite to the upper barrel. A stop mechanism prohibits the upper barrel from disassociating with the lower barrel.

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. 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 by providing pulses to the microprocessor, and the control system counts pulses and 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. Corrections are made to the pulse count to correct for partial valve open conditions and other variables. An override switch provides a signal to the control system for a 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: An automatic pool cover box assembly includes a plurality of vertical walls and a lid. Each vertical wall has a top surface, including a rear wall and a front wall, the top surface of the rear wall defining a horizontal plane. The top surface of the front wall is disposed below and substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. The lid has a rear edge and an opposite front edge, the lid being substantially coplanar with the horizontal plane, the rear edge being connected to the rear wall.

Abstract: An acoustically active hot tub has audio transducers affixed to the underside of the shell forming the hot tub. The hot tub reproduces sound from a sound source such as a radio or compact disc player. Effective transducers will generally have a frequency response somewhere in the range of 20 Hz-20,000 Hz. The transducers are affixed to the underside of the shell of the hot tub by means of blocks of marine grade plywood embedded into the material forming the underside of the shell, with the transducers mounted onto the blocks. Also provided is a new method for manufacturing the hot tub of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention includes an overflow stopper apparatus for reversably blocking the cut-outs in the overflow opening cover, thereby allowing a bathtub to be filled beyond the level of the overflow opening cover. The overflow stopper is formed from a laminar sheet of resilient material, such as closed-pore foam rubber. For additional strength, the overflow stopper may have a facing of stretchable cloth made of a water-impervious synthetic material, such as nylon or polyester, which is unaffected by mildew. The overflow stopper may be stamped or cut from a larger sheet of the resilient material, or it may be molded. The overflow stopper includes a laminar body having a circular aperture which has a diameter less than that of a typical overflow opening cover plate. The overflow stopper is stretched to fit around the periphery of the overflow opening cover plate.

Abstract: Motor-driven, adjustable supporting device for the upholstery of seating and/or reclining furniture, e.g. a mattress or a bed, has a first supporting part and at least a second supporting part for the support of a mattress over its surface. The first supporting part and the second supporting part are jointedly connected to one another and are pivotable relative to one another by a drive. The drive may have at least one electromotive drive which is disposed on the first supporting part in such a way that an output element of the drive is disposed between an upper limiting plane and a lower limiting plane of the first supporting part.

Abstract: A patient transport device is disclosed which includes a seat member, a back member, a leg supporting member, and a head supporting member. The device may be unfolded to a position wherein the patient may be transferred thereon in a supine position. The back member may be selectively adjustably positioned with respect to the seat member so that the patient may be transferred thereon in a sitting position with either the patient's legs hanging downwardly from the seat member or extending outwardly therefrom in a horizontal position. Various carrying straps are provided on the device to enable the patient to be easily transported in either the supine position or in a seated position. Restraining straps are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 22″×72″ air cushion levitation apparatus that is used when a medical patient is required to be moved from a hospital bed to a gurney and ten to examination tables. The apparatus is placed under the patient on the bed, a pressurized air supply is then applied, causing the apparatus to vent air from the bottom of the apparatus which causes the apparatus to lift in the air on a cushion of air. An attendant can then glide the apparatus and the patient from the bed to the gurney without physical exertion. The air supply is then terminated and the patient is gently lowered onto the gurney and taken to an examination table. The same procedure is employed to return the patient to their bed.

Abstract: It is proposed a new construction system for mattress made of latex including sacked springs, that allows an assembly without glueings or fastenings of mechanical type and allows to supply different bearing surfaces for the human body with different support densities, suitable for the different zones of human body in the rest position and related manufacturing method.

Abstract: A tool having a combined synergistic function for users of sealed plastic bags in order to quickly and safely open and reseal them, wherein a cutting tool for cutting the bag open is connected with a clipping tool for clipping closed the opening.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system is disclosed which utilizes liquid carbon dioxide as the cleaning medium. Two storage tanks are employed in conjunction with a cleaning vessel. One of the storage tanks is employed for pressure equalization with the cleaning vessel, while the other storage tank is employed for bulk solvent transfer to and from the cleaning vessel. The temperature drop associated with pressure equalization is limited to residual liquid solvent in the pressure equalization tank. At the completion of substrate agitation in the cleaning vessel, liquid solvent is transferred back into the bulk transfer tank, while gaseous solvent is extracted into the pressure equalization tank. The temperature of the cleaning vessel and substrates drops during vapor recovery, while the temperature in the recovered vapor is elevated. The return line from the cleaning vessel is routed back into the cleaning vessel where it forms a heat exchange coil.

Abstract: A process by which dithering techniques and in situ blending techniques may be used to reproduce a desired multi-colored dyed pattern on a substrate using precisely delivered quantities of liquid colorants that are available in only a relatively few colors. Specific preferred process colors, as well as procedures for expanding the range of reproduced colors using such process colors, are presented Optionally, specific actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.

Abstract: An economically viable process and system for centrally processing multiple loads of laundry with minimum environmental impact. A system and method of laundering whereby successive loads of laundry may be washed while continuously providing effective soil removal comprising at least partially recycled wash water from at least one previous wash cycle. The system and the method of using the same comprises filtering wash water with at least one filter to form wash retentate and wash permeate. The use of wash permeate in successive washes provides for reuse of chemicals and water recovery. A similar arrangement may be used with regard to the rinse water. Advantageously, one embodiment of the invention provides for the use of rinse retentate as make up water in the wash loop which increases water recovery and chemical recovery. Ultimately, the invention can reduce the production of gray water and recover chemicals used in the laundering process.

Abstract: Reactive dye mixtures comprising a black or navy reactive dye and a reactive disazo dye. The reactive dye mixtures of the present invention are suitable for exhaust dyeing, printing, continuous dyeing or discharge printing of a blended or interwoven fabric of cellulose fibres or cellulose nylon blends. The compounds of the present invention display good level dyeing properties, good build up and excellent low nylon cross-dyeing.

Abstract: A dock leveler system includes a pivotal deck whose movement provides the impetus for moving a bumper between an operative position and a retracted position. The bumper is movable relative to the deck, so that after a truck bumps up against the bumper, the bumper can move below the deck to avoid creating an obstacle to a forklift or the like traveling on the deck. The moveable bumper can be disposed within the width of a dock leveler deck that encompasses the full-width of a truck bed. Of the various embodiments, some bumpers pivot underneath the deck, and others move straight up and down. In the operative position, some bumpers are flush with the top of the deck, and others protrude above the deck.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprising an elongated body portion and a head including a static portion and a moving portion, a handle, and an angled shaft between the head and the handle. The portion of the toothbrush containing the head is detachably connected to the portion of the toothbrush containing the handle. A shaft within the head is selectively connectable to a mating shaft within the handle by a cooperating notch and peg assembly biased into a locking position by a spring member disposed to bias the head shaft into the desired position.

Abstract: A multiple wafer cleaning apparatus comprising a first module (12), having a first spaced-apart brush assembly having an inner brush (21a) and an outer brush (22a), each brush having a brush pad (102) and a platen (103), and a second module (14) having a second spaced-apart brush assembly (22) having an inner brush (22a) and an outer brush (22b), each brush having a brush pad (102) and a platen (103), each pair of spaced-apart, opposing, vertically disposed brushes (21) and (22) for scrubbing vertically disposed semiconductor wafers (25), in tanks (28). The two modularized sets of motorized, rotating, opposed, pancake shaped brushes (12) and (14), grip the freely rotating wafers (25) causing the wafers (25) to rotate in the same direction as the brushes.

Abstract: An adjustable cleaning tool adapted to clean facing surfaces of closely spaced parallel surfaces is made of thin rigidly flexible inner mount and removable fabric outer sleeve cover having scrubber material associated therewith. When the device is inserted between closely spaced parallel surfaces sliding movement of the device between the surfaces makes this cleaning tool easy to contact and clean surfaces neglected due to inaccessibility.

Abstract: A toothbrush having an elongated resilient handle has a brush head containing a plurality of tufts of bristles fabricated of polybutylene terephthalate. Each tuft has a multiplicity of short primary bristles and longer secondary bristles having tapered and pointed distal extremities. The effect of the secondary bristles is to function in a manner similar to dental floss to clean the spaces between the teeth.

Abstract: A wiper device has a pair of pivot holders each of which supports a pivot shaft and a pipe frame that connects the pivot holders to each other. When each pivot holder is fitted in an end of the pipe frame, the pipe frame is subjected to caulking to engage the pipe frame with recesses that are formed in the surfaces of the pivot holders. Each recess is shaped and located such that the open angle of the recess is constantly greater than zero and equal to or greater than the shaft angle of the corresponding pivot shaft, as viewed along any cross-sectional plane that includes a normal line corresponding to a maximum depth portion of the recess. As a result, the pivot holders are secured to the pipe frame easily and reliably, and the pivot holders are manufactured with a reduced cost.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) with a wiper strip (12), which is surrounded by a guard profile (14) that with extensions (26, 28) formed onto its side cheeks (22, 24) engages longitudinal grooves (50, 52) of the wiper strip (12) and is fixed axially on the wiper strip (12) by inward protruding protrusions (30, 32) in the region of its face ends (18, 20).

Abstract: A brush reforming apparatus for reforming a toothbrush includes a toothbrush supporting body 2 having a supporting portion 2a for supporting at least a bottom surface of a distal end of a toothbrush T, and one or two guiding groove portion(s) or one or two guiding elongated slot portion(s) 2e, 2f formed above the distal end of the toothbrush T supported by the supporting portion 2a, and a belt-like binding body having a middle portion bent in a shape of a letter “U”, a letter “V” or a rectangular shaped letter “C” for being inserted into the one or two guiding groove portion(s) or the one or two guiding elongated slot portion(s) 2e, 2f. The brush reforming apparatus for reforming a toothbrush enables reform in correspondence with shapes of brush portions of various toothbrushes at an inexpensive manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning and/or drying systems having heaters which provide drying air to aid in drying or combined cleaning and drying. The system is particularly adapted and beneficial for use on carpets, but can also be used to clean other surfaces such as smooth floors or upholstery. The heaters are on a portable cleaning unit used within the room being cleaned. A support unit is preferably provided outside the room or building to generate vacuum and remove moisture from the room. The support unit is typically mounted on a vehicle and can provide compressed air or other gases and cleaning fluids. Compressed lair can be used to agitate and facilitate both cleaning and drying. Compressed air can also be used to apply one or more additives, such as deodorizers and fragrances. The portable unit can also be used for drying flooded carpets and the like.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a clam shell construction is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner has a main casing to which a canister body containing the dust separation apparatus and dust collection apparatus is removably mounted. The canister is separable from the main casing to facilitate emptying of the contents of the dust collection apparatus. A latching mechanism is provided to facilitate easy removal and re-attachment of the canister.

Abstract: Guide rollers for upward-acting track guided doors are formed of dual durometer plastic materials wherein a hub portion of the guide roller is formed of a relatively hard moldable plastic material having a durometer of about Rockwell R 120. A tire or tread is preferably molded over the hub and is characterized by a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as urethane, having a durometer of about 70 to 90 Shore A. A circumferential recess may be formed in the rim of the roller hub to receive a tread which is not molded over the full extent of the rim. The tire or tread may have an arcuate thin-walled, a somewhat elliptical or a circular segment shape in cross section. The improved guide roller provides for quiet long-lasting operation in guiding upward-acting sectional and one-piece garage doors and the like.

Abstract: A carrier hinge assembly is used to suspend adjacent hinged panels from a track. The assembly has a carriage (30) which travels along the track, and a hinge (34) dependent from the carriage (30). The hinge is formed by a hinge pin (35) having an upper portion (39) threaded into a boss (32) on the carriage (30), and hinge leaves (36, 37) which are pivotable about the hinge pin (35). The hinge leaves (36, 37) are fixed, in use, to opposing edge faces of the panels. The height of the panels may be adjusted by rotation of the hinge pin (35). A locking mechanism includes a retractable lock tongue (40) located in an axial slot (42) in a stop (38) at the bottom of the hinge pin (35). The lock tongue (40) is biased by spring (50) to engage an axial slot (58) in hinge leaf (37), to key the hinge pin (35) to the hinge leaf (37) and prevent relative rotation.

Abstract: A compound dual unidirectional friction hinge comprises a pivot pin and two rotary members fastened toward the same direction and being pivotally engaged with the pivot pin. The rotary members have respectively a fastening section and a pivot barrel connecting to the fastening section and pivotally engaging with the pivot pin. The pivot barrel has an edge at one end thereof to form an action gap with the juncture of the fastening section and pivot barrel. When either one of the rotary members is turned, the action gap of the rotary member becomes an open state while the action gap of the non-turning rotary member becomes a closed state and grips the pivot pin thereby to form the unidirectional friction hinge fastened toward the same direction.

Abstract: A clip-type friction hinge device comprises a hinge body having insertion grooves on both insides thereof, a shaft being inserted to the each insertion groove of the hinge body on one side thereof and defining a central shaft when a monitor is pivotally moved, stands being formed on the outer circumference of other side of the shaft to be rotated about the shaft, clips each being inserted between the stand and the outer circumference of the shaft to adjust the amount of torque during the rotation of the stand, and torsion springs being fixedly installed on both outer circumferences of the hinge body to elastically support the stands relative to rotation of the stand.

Abstract: The invention is in a device for monitoring the position of a swinging door that is mounted on a stationary frame, the device essentially comprises a magnet and magnetic proximity sensor which are mounted in coaxially aligned relation on a pair of opposing leafs of a hinge. Means are provided for moving the magnet to and from the sensor to correspondingly vary the gap or spacing between them.

Abstract: A spectacles caddy can be attached by its spring clip to a vehicle visor or other similar substantially flat, thin, and stiff object. The shell of the caddy is made in two shallow elongate half boxes attached together at one short end by a hinge, and at the other by a latch closure. The latch is released by an exterior push button. A deformable member is provided in each shallow half box to grip the arms of a pair of spectacles inserted into the caddy. The longer side of each shallow half box also includes recosses, so that the sides do not grip the spectacle arms. The hinge is also constructed to limit the angular opening of the caddy to at most 45°, and preferably to about 30°, so that when in use attached, for example to a vehicle visor, the spectacles do not fall out when the caddy is opened to retrieve them.

Abstract: A grommet is mounted on a panel of an automobile. The grommet includes a tubular body, a fitting portion, a flange portion, projected portions, and a lip. A wire harness is passed through the grommet body. The fitting portion is formed at an end of the grommet body, and is fitted in a hole in the panel. The flange portion includes a pair of straight portions, and a pair of arcuate portions. The pair of straight portions are spaced from each other in parallel. The pair of arcuate portions interconnect the pair of straight portions. The projected portions project outwardly from the straight portions, respectively. The lip is formed at an outer peripheral edge portion of the flange portion, and when the fitting portion is fitted in the hole, the lip is held in contact with the panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high strength hook. The hook comprises an annular metal insert (3) embedded in a synthetic material end block of the hook around a passage (4) for slidably receiving the end of a cable (5) in the vicinity of a stop abutment (4c) designed to stop the end of the cable in the traction direction. The invention is applicable to hooks comprising a metal hook having an end embedded in a handle block.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener is provided which is lightweight, thin, flexible, and strong, and whose holding power is as great as, or greater than, the holding power of conventional hook and loop type fasteners.

Abstract: A collapsible awning assembly 10 fitted to the side of a caravan 11 and equipped with two anti-flap clamp assemblies 11 land 12. The awning assembly 10 comprises a fabric sheet material 13 which is stored on a roller 14 and held in its extended position by respective stays 15 at each end of the awning assembly. The clamp assemblies 11 and 12 are identical and are equipped at each end with transverse member attachment means 16 and 17 so that the clamp assemblies effectively form pole rafters extending rigidly between transverse members formed by the top surround of the caravan 18 and the brace 15 or the end portion of the roller 14 where the clamp assembly is attached at 17.

Abstract: A decorative ribbon forming device and a decorative ribbon forming and mounting device capable of easily forming a decorative ribbon without taking much time and easily mounting the decorative ribbon, comprising a decorative ribbon forming device (1) for forming the decorative ribbon (12) and a decorative ribbon mounting device (2) for mounting the decorative ribbon formed by the decorative ribbon forming device (1) on an installed object, wherein the decorative ribbon forming device (1) is formed by connecting, through a connection member (5), a first flat plate (3) having a locked member (6) installed therein to a second flat plate (4) having a locking part (7) for locking the locked member (6) provided therein, the decorative ribbon mounting device (2) is formed by forming, therein, a locking part (9) for locking the locked member (6) projected from the second flat plate (4) and forming, therein, an installation hole (8) for installing the decorative ribbon to the installed object.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener (10) comprising a male/female closure between a pair of opposed base members (18) has a single flange (16) for attachment of the closure to a web or film (34) on one only of the two base members. The fastener is attached initially to the film (34) by the single flange and then the fastener is additionally attached to the film (34) by heat and pressure applied in the region of attachment ribs (30) on the base members.

Abstract: A quick-release hook comprising a latching hook locker, a spring, a pair of latching hooks, a pull lever and a main body. One end of the latching hook locker is shaped into a cylinder and the other end is shaped into a frustum. The latching hook locker also has a groove slot on the side of the cylinder section close to the frustum. The spring is fastened to the cylindrical end of the latching hook locker. The two latching hooks each has a U-shaped profile and is in contact with the frustum of the latching hook locker. One end of the pull lever has a protruding section for inserting into the groove slot of the latching hook locker. The main body encloses the latching hook locker, the spring, the pull lever and the two latching hooks but exposes a portion of the two latching hooks and a portion of the pull lever. The pull lever has a protruding section that links up with the main body. The other end of the pull lever remains outside the main body and is free to rotate in an arc.

Abstract: A novel locking mechanism for a convertible shoe system is disclosed comprising a shoe upper and a shoe sole. The locking mechanism comprises a female member and a male member wherein one of said male or female members is attached to the shoe upper and the other is housed in an opening formed in a sidewall of the shoe sole. The locking mechanism is configured so that the male member is securely received in the female member while the shoe is being worn under normal wear conditions. However, when it is desired to remove the shoe upper and substitute it for uppers of different styles or functionality, the shoe upper may be quickly removed from the shoe sole.