Abstract: A protective knee pad system for protecting the knees and legs of an individual in a comfortable manner. The protective knee pad system includes a length of leg covering having an upper opening and a lower opening, and a pad member secured to the front knee portion of the leg covering. The pad member is comprised of a cover member, a first cushion, a first band and a second band, and a second cushion. The first band and second band are preferably comprised of a bendable material for allowing forming of the pad member to the shape of the knee.

Abstract: A glove with a front portion and a back portion coupled to the front portion. The back portion includes an exoskeleton layer. The exoskeleton layer is formed of elastic material and the glove may be configured to allow the user's hand to be visible through the exoskeleton layer. Alternatively, the back portion can include the exoskeleton and another layer of material disposed between the exoskeleton layer and the front portion. The additional layer of material can be formed substantially elastic material or of a combination of substantially elastic material and substantially inelastic material.

Abstract: A glove with a front portion and a back portion coupled to the front portion. The back portion includes an exoskeleton layer. The exoskeleton layer is formed of elastic material and the glove may be configured to allow the user's hand to be visible through the exoskeleton layer. Alternatively, the back portion can include the exoskeleton and another layer of material disposed between the exoskeleton layer and the front portion. The additional layer of material can be formed substantially elastic material or of a combination of substantially elastic material and substantially inelastic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple, long-term use, antimicrobial glove. The glove is formed from one or more layers of material having a latex-based matrix with an antimicrobial agent, such as diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone, homogeneously incorporated therein. Optionally, the glove may also have additional antimicrobial agents incorporated therein. The glove of the present invention is capable of inhibiting molds and other microbes from proliferating on any surface of the glove, during both storage and use, which results in the prevention of malodor, discoloration, and degradation of the glove. Also, the glove of the present invention is believed to be capable of providing an antimicrobial effect to surfaces contacted by the antimicrobial glove.

Abstract: The invention provides a head gear apparatus for use in combination with a conventional nasal mask. The head gear apparatus includes a first frame member and a second frame member. Each frame member includes a substantially rigid shaft between 2 to 3 inches in length with a frictionally resistive surface. A flange with a receiving member eyelet is secured to the lower ends of the shafts to secure the frame members to the lower attachment members of the mask. An extension with a receiving member eyelet is secured to the upper ends of the shafts at an obtuse angle to secure the frame members to the upper attachment member on the mask. A strap is received by the shaft of each frame member for retaining the nasal mask on a person's face.

Abstract: In a helmet including a chin-covering portion provided on a cap body to define a space for breathing of a user, the chin-covering portion includes a lower end edge which is formed to be directed upwards in a backward direction on wearing position of the cap body, and bulges formed at left and right outer surfaces thereof to be continuous to the lower end edge. Therefore, travel wind is passed on outer surfaces of the bulges to traverse the lower end edge, thereby generating a negative pressure or vacuum at a lower portion of the chin-covering portion to draw out the user's breath in the breathing space to below the chin-covering portion. Thus, the fogging of an inner surface of a shield plate is prevented without deteriorating the strength of the chin-covering portion.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety helmet in the form of a cycling helmet or similar. The helmet has an outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner within the outer shell. The energy-absorbing liner is provided by a cellular textile material combined with a matrix material to form a composite. The composite material retains some porosity from the original textile material to both improve breathing of the liner and also its capability for large deformations to improve energy absorption. The liner may also be provided with a linkage structure to link adjacent cells to improve the absorption of impact loads over a number of adjacent cells in the composite material.

Abstract: A sanitary appliance secured by adhesive to a toilet bowl. The appliance brings a low-pressure jet of water into the inside of the bowl giving the user the option of proceeding with personal hygiene under optimum conditions of hygiene and comfort. The device is constituted: by a faucet having a moving head with delivery spouts (2, 11) traveling through the horizontal gap between the porcelain of the bowl proper and the toilet seat assembly; a water takeoff (FIG. 5) constituted by a tube occupying the position of one of the two bolts used for fixing the flushing cistern to the bowl. Water is turned on and off directly as a function of the position of the delivery spouts (FIG. 6) which are turned by the user: water flows out when the spouts are directed towards the inside of the bowl; water ceases to flow when the spouts are turned so as to point towards the outside of the bowl. The appliance can be mounted on any model of toilet having a low-level flushing cistern.

Abstract: A portable outdoor toilet system configured to be suspended from an object to support the toilet system above the ground is provided. The toilet system comprises a toilet seat having a front portion and a back portion, and a suspension system configured to be coupled to the object to suspend the toilet seat above the ground. The suspension system includes at least one tensile support member coupled to the toilet seat between the front portion and the back portion of the toilet seat. The tensile support member extends upwardly from the toilet seat toward the object to support the toilet seat from a location above the toilet seat. The suspension system also includes a securing device coupled to the tensile support member to secure the toilet system to the object.

Abstract: A sanitary installation (1) has a sanitary appliance and at least one sensor (12, 13, 14) for at least one operating-condition parameter of the sanitary appliance.

Abstract: A sanitary liner for a manicure or pedicure soaking basin. The sanitary liner is formed from a plastic or rubber which is light and inexpensive so that it can hold soaking solution when necessary and dump out the solution when necessary. It is disposable so that customers of beauty salons can each have soaking solution held in a different liner and thereby avoid the possibility of soaking in a basin that is contaminated with pathogens from a prior customer. It fits smoothly inside the reservoir of a common commercial salon soaking basin. It may be rigid or it may be pliable so that fluid pressure causes it to conform to the inside of the reservoir.

Abstract: A water trap comprising a cylindrical outer casing having a flat top wall and a frustoconical bottom wall, an internal substantially semi-circular open topped water seal container within the outer casing, an inlet into the water seal container which passes through the top wall and abuts one side wall of the water seal container and extends thereinto, and an outlet from the bottom wall of the trap that is offset from, and co-linear with, the inlet. The cross-sectional areas within the trap progressively increase to promote water flow through the trap.

Abstract: A stub-out bar has a first bar telescopically and slidably receiving a second bar. Holes and slots are formed on the first bar and the second bar, respectively. While attaching a fixture on the stub-out bar, one of the holes is aligned with one slot to allow a fastener to thread through. The first and the second bars each has a bendable tab extending from a front plate thereof. The bendable tabs are positioned at two opposite ends of the stub-out bar such that the stub-out bar can be mounted in different surfaces of joists by simply bending the bendable tabs. The stub-out bar has an open cross-section, in a box-shape. The first and second bars are made of a sufficiently heavy gauge of metal that heavy-duty applications such as bathroom tub and shower fixtures can be supported.

Abstract: The futon sofa bed frame featuring a quick assembly system and method for fitting the back-deck into position between the arm panels. A futon sofa bed frame featuring a quick assembly system and method for attaching the seat-deck to the back-deck that may be converted between seating, lounging, and bed positions while standing at the front of the futon frame and the method of assembling a futon sofa bed that is easier to manipulate and is more durable in operating than conventional futons.

Abstract: The futon sofa bed frame featuring a quick assembly system and method for fitting the back-deck into position between the arm panels. A futon sofa bed frame featuring a quick assembly system and method for attaching the seat-deck to the back-deck that may be converted between seating, lounging, and bed positions while standing at the front of the futon frame and the method of assembling a futon sofa bed that is easier to manipulate and is more durable in operating than conventional futons.

Abstract: Drop side of a child-proof crib has a top portion which can be lowered with respect to its bottom portion. Its top railing is rendered vertically translatable by employing telescoping stiles between it and the bottom railing. Double-action latch mechanisms in the upper railing hold the drop-side upper portion up. The drop-side upper railing has an upper bar fixedly secured upon a lower bar: the lower surface of the upper bar opens to a longitudinally-extending groove slidably receiving rods of the two latches that are biased outwardly from central triggers to beyond the outer ends of the railing to where they each engage on their free ends a shoulder-bearing latch bracket mounted on the opposing face of the associated corner post.

Abstract: Pillows which are designed to fit the legs of a user during sleep or recovery from surgery are provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating an inanimate object or inanimate surface which has malodor impression to reduce the malodor impression comprise the step of contacting the inanimate object or inanimate surface with an effective amount of a composition for reducing malodor impression comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight of the composition, of perfume; (b) cyclodextrin; (c) aerosol propellant; (d) optionally, solubilizing aid; and (e) aqueous carrier. The compositions used in the methods are essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric. The inanimate surface treated via the present methods is preferably fabric.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: Method and system for estimating the time required to perform an operational cycle of an appliance are provided. The cycle includes at least one operational mode whose individual duration varies depending on the time it takes the appliance to reach a desired condition. The method allows to provide memory for storing historical data of previously executed cycles of the appliance. The historical data comprises at least one appliance parameter for the at least one operational mode. The method further allows to access the memory in light of a user-selected option for a present cycle. A computing action allows to compute an initial estimated time for performing the present cycle of the appliance based, at least in part, on a time estimate for the at least one operational mode. The time estimate is based on the at least one historical appliance parameter for the at least one operational mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising at least one cationic direct dye of given formula and at least one thickening polymer chosen from nonionic guar gums, biopolysaccharide gums of microbial origin, gums derived from plant exudates, pectins, alginates, starches, and carboxyalkylcelluloses. The invention also relates to the dyeing processes and dyeing devices using the composition.

Abstract: A two-part high aqueous-content system for oxidative coloration of hair utilizing an aqueous dye lotion formulation containing hydroxypropyl bisisosteramidopropyidimonium chloride conditioner, optionally with one or more surfactants, preferably a monomeric quaternary surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention is a thickened dye composition and method of applying same to a paper web that produces colored or patterned paper having good bleed resistance. The dye composition of the invention includes a binder; a dye; a thickener selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone homopolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymers, and mixtures thereof; and water. The present invention also includes colored or patterned papers prepared using this dye composition.

Abstract: A novel aqueous dye-accelerant composition that allows for the effective and rapid reaction of a dye with the fibers of a substrate such that the dye becomes evenly attached to the substrate within seconds is provided. The dye-accelerant composition generally comprises: an organic solvent; at least one dispersing agent; a chelating agent; and a vehicle. In another embodiment, a dyeing process utilizing the dye-accelerant composition, which includes five primary treatment processes: a pre-treatment process, a bleaching process, a neutralize and dye accelerant process, a dyeing process, and a dye stop or fixing process is provided.

Abstract: A dye mixture comprising a disazo dye conforming to the general formula (1), 1

Abstract: A dock leveler that includes a pivotal ramp with a moveable lip for loading and unloading a truck at a loading dock also includes a lip seal that helps seal an air gap along the side edges of the lip. When the back end of the truck is up against a dock bumper, the lip helps block off an air gap that spans an area generally defined by the rear edge of the truck, an inside edge of the bumper, and the side edge of the lip that generally faces the bumper. When the lip moves from its extended, operative position to its stored position, the lip forces the lip seal to move underneath the deck. The lip seal is biased to an operative, sealing position by a spring or a counterweight, so as the lip extends to its operative position, so does the lip seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unmanned vehicle (1) which is adapted to be used in a stable, such as a cowshed. The unmanned vehicle (1) is provided with a manure displacing device (2) which is capable of being moved to a place at a distance from the vehicle. The manure displacing device (2) comprises a manure slide (12). The manure displacing device (2) is further provided with pressure setting means (9) for determining the force with which the manure displacing device (2) is active on a stable floor.

Abstract: A foot care device for removing build-up and diminishing calluses. The foot care device comprises a frame and one or more blades connected to the frame at an angle thereto. The device may further comprise a brush attached to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an applicator for coatings such as paints, stains, varnish, and other such materials. The applicator may be a brush, foam, or other applicator as conventionally used for such materials. According to the present invention, the handle of the applicator is adapted to be received in the hand of a user when the hand is in a substantially relaxed posture, and supports the hand in the posture. The handle of an applicator made according to the present invention also may include visual or other aids to promote the use of a relaxed hand posture to hold the applicator.

Abstract: A damp-wiping cloth (e.g., a sponge or the like) from a foam body of flexible foam material, the foam body (2) being interspersed with foam strips (3) whose hardness is greater than the hardness of the foam body (2).

Abstract: A multi-purpose, sleeve or bag like, wiping, cleaning, polishing and the like device for golf clubs, equipment, face, hand, and other body parts, comprised of two panels of sufficient size, soft, absorbent, and very pliable, and of fabric such as terry cloth. Both panels are of equal size, except one panel has one elongated end, creating an appendage or flap, making that panel longer than the other panel. Three edges of equal length of both panels are held together. The two opposing edges, perpendicular to the elongated edge, are permanently or separably joined by stitching, folding, snaps, Velcro, or other means, along the entire length of both edges creating a sleeve. The edges opposite the elongation are permanently or separably joined creating a bag or sleeve. The elongated end is of a suitable length, to be pushed aside by a golf club, or other equipment, separating the two panels, for easy entry. The two panels may be comprise of one single piece of fabric or of multiple pieces.

Abstract: A paint pad apparatus having a mounting plate for attaching a removable paint pad and handle. The mounting plate has a plurality of projections for aligning, receiving, and blocking a shaft of the handle. The projections allow the shaft of the handle to be freely rotatable. The paint pad apparatus also is also provided with a plurality of accessible spacers to allow application of paint to a surface adjacent an adjoining surface.

Abstract: A cleaning sponge roller is made of a polyvinyl acetal-based porous sponge having elasticity in a wet state and comprises a generally cylindrical roll body and a plurality of protrusions molded integrally on the periphery of the roll body. The cleaning sponge roller rotatingly cleans a material to be cleaned by contacting the top portions of the protrusions with the surface of the material and brushing off polishing residues found on the surface of the material. Each of the protrusions has a tapered protruding base portion extending from the periphery of the roll body, and a protruding end portion having almost the same sectional shape from the top end surface of the protruding base portion to the top portion.

Abstract: Wiper system, in particular for a motor vehicle, having at least one wiper (12) supported in a fashion that allows it to swing between two end positions, that can be driven by a—particularly electronically—reversible electric motor (20) so that the swing angle (16) enclosed by the two end positions of the wiper (12) is determined by reversing positions (38, 40) of the electric motor, wherein at least one reversing position (38, 40) of the electric motor (20) can be controlled as a function of vehicle speed.

Abstract: In the case of a windshield wiper drive having a swivelably mounted drive shaft, a drive rocker arm (10) that is immovably attached thereto, a connecting lever (14) which is attached to the drive rocker arm via a first joint (16), a support rocker arm (18) which is connected to the connecting lever (14) via second joint (20) and mounted via a blind joint (22), and a windshield wiper arm (26) which is connected to the connecting lever, the object is to prevent distortion in the drive, while keeping production expenditures to a minimum. To accomplish this, one of the two joints (16, 20) of the connecting lever is swivelable in a plane that is defined by the axis of rotation of the accompanying rocker arm (10, 18) and by the corresponding joint (16, 20), and the other joint (20, 16) is fixed in a plane that is defined by the axis of rotation of the accompanying rocker arm (18, 20) and by said joint (20, 16).

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper strip (18) for windshield wipers having a profile spine (20) and a functional part (22) that is connected to the profile spine (20) via a tilting bridge piece (26) and that bears against it in the tilted position.

Abstract: The invention is based on a link element (10) for windshield wipers, which is adjoined by a wiper rod (28) and is manufactured out of a metal sheet (16) by means of stamping and bending, in which, starting from a longitudinally aligned covering wall (40), at least one wall part of a side wall (38, 42) is comprised of a number of sheet metal layers produced by being bent inward by 180°, and a hanging device (32, 52, 54; 60; 58, 64) for a tension spring is fastened to the innermost sheet metal layer and protrudes into a free space (30) between the side walls (38, 40).

Abstract: A vehicle vacuum cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a vehicle having an access opening therein includes a movable bellows housing assembly having a movable bellows frame. An inlet box having a suction air inlet opening is attached to the bellow frame and a pair of pivotable sealing members are attached to the sides of the bellows frame. Each of the sealing members has a first sealing flap for engaging an inside edge of the access opening on one side thereof and a second sealing flap for engaging a portion around an outer edge of the access opening adjacent the one side. Spring means are provided for biasing the sealing members into sealing engagement with the vehicle. A duct is connected to the air inlet opening and a motor driven fan is connected to the duct for drawing air from inside the vehicle through the access opening and suction air inlet whereby loose material from the vehicle is removed by the air and discharged into the duct for collection in a container.

Abstract: A chimney vacuum system having an adapter head for fluidly removing accumulated soot under vacuum pressure from a flue or chimney. The chimney vacuum system includes a hose adapted to the head via a frictional fit. The adapter head of the chimney system has a body portion which narrows in volume from an outer diameter to an inner diameter. Extending from the inner diameter is a neck portion for attaching an effluent hose and refuse container downstream. The body of the adapter head includes a sealing gasket defined therein for providing a mechanical and fluid seal with a flue mechanism element in the flow path of the flue.

Abstract: An integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus. An integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser can include a toothbrush head positioned at one end of the handle and a floss cutter positioned at an end of the handle opposite the toothbrush head. A dental floss dispenser can be positioned along the length of the handle. The handle can have a floss channel formed longitudinally along the handle. The floss channel can provide a passageway for the dental floss and can guide the dispensing dental floss toward the floss cutter. Additionally, the integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus can include a tension applicator for applying tension to a spool of dental floss.

Abstract: An upright deep cleaner including a base housing pivotally connected to an upright handle, the upright handle carrying a liquid supply tank and the base housing including a recovery tank. The liquid supply tank includes an internal siphon tube for ensuring liquid flow to a feed valve when the upright handle is in the inclined position. The base housing includes a suction nozzle adjacent a spray bar, and removable floating brush for contacting a surface being cleaned, the brush being interchangeable with a bare floor tool including a sponge, brush, and squeegee. The recovery tank includes an internal baffle for preventing foaming of solution and a tank vent housing including a sponge-type filter to prevent spray from exiting the recovery tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Vacuum Cleaner (1) having a removable dust collection bowl (5) through which the air flow passes so as to deposit dirt carried on the air flow. The dust bowl (5) contains a closure member (7) which is slidably displaceable relative the dust bowl (5) so as to simultaneously close a first air inlet (33) into the dust bowl (5) whilst opening a second air flow path (61) to the dust bowl (5) that is remote from the first air flow path (33), preferably to allow a hose connector to be inserted directly into the dust bowl. The closure member (7) comprises a slidable shuttle cassette.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable dust collection module (5) for use with vacuum cleaners as well as a vacuum cleaner incorporating such modules and the method of detachably securing the dust collection module (5) to a vacuum cleaner housing. The dust collection module is slidably received within a vacuum cleaner and comprises a latch member (81) that can move from a first position in which it engages with the clamshell of the vacuum cleaner (1) to retain the dust collection module within the vacuum cleaner, to a second position out of engagement with the vacuum cleaner to allow the dust collection module to be removed. The latch member is displaceable from its first to second position by activation of a slidable release member (7) which is actuated by an end user so as to lock or unlock the dust collection module.

Abstract: A hinge device coupling a cover to a container body is minimized so as not to project from the container body to achieve a neat appearance, and is simplified to facilitate efficient production and installation. The hinge device includes a housing having a cavity and attached to one of the cover and the container body, a hinge shaft having a cam part rotatably housed in the housing and having a major axis and a minor axis in cross-section, an insert part extended from the cam part to protrude from the housing and connected to the other one of the cover and the container body, and a pair of leaf springs disposed in the housing to press respective outer surfaces of the cam part.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cushioning device that is adapted to retain a flowable medium to provide a cushioning effect. The cushioning device has a cushioning member having a deformable bladder member defining a medium chamber and a flowable medium, such as a fluid, retained in the chamber. The cushioning member is adapted to be mounted onto an article to thereby provide a cushioning effect for a user. The cushioning device can optionally have a support element to provide an additional cushioning effect. The present invention also relates to a cushioned article that has a finger-held or finger-manipulated article on which the cushioning device is mounted to provide a comfortable finger grip for a user. The cushioned article is so formed that it can fit within the user's finger grip and that the inflated bladder member can be deformed by the user's fingers or fingertips.

Abstract: A handle for a hand-held or operated object or appliance comprises a main body (4) of a rigid material and a separate moulding insert (14) which can be fitted on the main body and having a raised pattern or shape (“HO”) including at least one element thereon of closed form, the insert (14) defining therein or defining with the main body a bore or bores (18, 24) which communicate with the interior of the element of closed form, through which a soft plastics material such as an elastomer being overmoulded on the handle can flow.

Abstract: In order to detect and remove interfering particles, particularly trash particles, husk naps, seed remnants and the like, from textile fiber goods, a device on a carding machine, a cleaner or the like is provided across the width of the carding machine, cleaner or the like with at least one detection device, for example, a camera with an electronic evaluation device for the detection, and a downstream-connected separating device for removing the particles. A plurality of guide elements are provided across the width, which can selectively deflect the fiber goods regions containing the interfering particles to improve the effect of the separating device in a simple manner.

Abstract: A process for producing inorganic fine grains in a definite form having a small grain size, the inorganic fine grains obtained by this process, a rare earth element-activated barium fluorohalide fluorescent substance made using the grains, and a radiation image conversion panel with a layer of the fluorescent substance. The process features adding, to a solution containing an inorganic compound, a solid matter substantially insoluble in the solution, promoting crystallization or precipitation in the solution to form crystal or precipitate, and separating out the resulting crystal or precipitate. The inorganic fine grains produced by this process are represented by the formula BaFI:xLn (Ln represents at least one of Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Nd, Er, Tm and Yb, and 0<x≦0.2), have a cubic form and have a volume-average grain size of 1 to 10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention, also known as the equalizer, is a novelty device offering a challenging and entertaining environment when played. This particular novelty toy is designed and configured for use by a singular person. This novelty device comprises a substrate having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is flat and the upper surface includes a plateau area. From the plateau area the upper surfaces incline downward to the first end. The first end constitutes the holding area when utilizing the present invention. The object of the novelty device of the present invention is to balance an object, such as a belt, large paper clip, substantially flat pencils, or bookmarkers one the plateau area while holding the first end and maintaining the lower surface to be parallel to the ground.

Abstract: A clamp (10) is provided having a first half-annular part (20) and a second half-annular part (30) connected to the first half annular part (20) by a hinge. A flexible locking piece (21) projects from an open end of the first half-annular part (20). A through-hole (22) is located at an inner side of the first half-annular part (20). A locking bracket (B) which is located on a vehicle body is inserted into the through-hole (22). A second locking claw (21a) projects from the lower end of an outer surface of the locking piece (21). The second locking claw (21a) locks the first half annular (20) part and the second half annular (30) part together. A first locking claw (21b) projects from the upper end of an inner surface of the locking piece (21). The first locking claw (21b) locks into the locking bracket (B). The second half-annular part (30) has a box-shaped frame (31) at an open end thereof to accommodate the locking piece (21) and the locking bracket.