Abstract: A wet suit for scuba divers comprising a front portion (2) in the form of two flaps (2a, 2b) that can be opened to permit the suit being put on. The flaps are connected to each other by means of a zip fastener (3). The front portion (2) has associated with it an elastic and impermeable diaphragm (9) that extends in a position corresponding to the front portion (2) and will come to be interposed between the front portion and the diver's body when the suit is worn.

Abstract: A protective garment is presented. The protective garment includes at least one extremity covering piece capable of being attached to a torso covering piece. The extremity covering piece is closable about a length thereof and includes at least one closure element attached to the extremity covering piece. The closure element is capable of closing at least a portion of said extremity covering piece about its length. The protective garment further includes a protective shield member attached to an inner surface of the extremity covering piece.

Abstract: A protective leg guard having a removable insert for orienting the leg guard on a leg. The protective leg guard includes a protective knee portion having an inner surface generally contoured to substantially overlay the knee. A removable insert is adapted to fit between the knee portion of the leg guard and the knee when the leg guard is worn. The removable insert may be placed in a plurality positions on the inner surface of the knee portion and cooperates with the knee to maintain the leg guard in alignment on the front of the leg.

Abstract: A pair of complimentary gloves that can be used in the self-help rehabilitation of a joint (e.g., shoulder) or an affected limb (e.g., arm) is herein disclosed. Each member of the pair of gloves includes indicia and a set of instructions through which the individual is guided as to the use and performance of exercise routines for rehabilitative extension and/or exercise of a effected joint or muscle. In one of the preferred embodiments of this invention, each digital portion of the glove is configured to permit the ends of the fingers to extend from the glove; and, a complimentary “hook and loop” array is affixed to each of the palm side and backhand side of each glove, respectively. This diversity of treatment in each such array permits a glove on one hand to couple with either the palm or backhand surface of the complimentary glove on the opposite hand, and thereby effect movement of the enabled hand/arm to extend and flex the disabled hand/arm.

Abstract: Disposable wrist trap including conductive fibers or yarns and a fabric belt. The conductive fibers or yarns have a conductivity within 10 &OHgr;/sq to 107 &OHgr;/sq capable of removing static electricity entrained by human body. The conductive fibers or yarns are used in the fabric belt to form a wide fabric which is cut into a slender belt. One end of the belt is wound to form a loop, while the other end is connected with an insertion terminal, a clip member or a copper foil for grounding in accordance with conditions of different working sites. A user, especially the one who rarely contacts with electronic parts will be able to fit the wrist trap to the wrist or ankles more conveniently and comfortably.

Abstract: A headgear designed for releasably securing a golf ball marker by magnetic attraction is provided. The headgear includes a head band, a head strap attached to the head band for adjusting a circumference of the head band, and a buckle through which the head strap extends for securing an adjusted position of the head strap. The buckle is designed to releasably secure a golf ball marker thereto by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A hat utilizing an internal means for securing items to the exterior of the hat. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a baseball style cap with an internal means for attaching or securing sunglasses above the brim of the cap, where the sunglasses are readily secured by inserting the temples through slits in the cap. Because the securing means is internal, the hat maintains its overall aesthetic appearance. In one embodiment, the internal means for securing the eyeglasses or other object is an internal lining of a semi-rigid, but flexible material, such as buckram, neoprene or stretch fabric, with a corresponding slit in that material through which the article is inserted. In another embodiment, the internal means comprise of two strips of synthetic materials that adhere when pressed together, commonly sold under the trademark VELCRO™, affixed to each side of the slit opening.

Abstract: An improved reversible zipper fly cover is provided having a symmetric reversible zipper fly cover, being symmetric whether formed “inside” or “outside”. A zipper flap is formed symmetrically about each panel and the attachment strips of the zipper attached thereto by stitching. Next, the inner fly flap is formed by stitching one flap to its respective panel; and, the outer fly flap is thereafter formed by stitching the next flap to its respective panel. A crotch seam is thereafter extended laterally downward in an otherwise conventional manner.

Abstract: A form-fitting chest protector. In one embodiment, the chest protector includes a pair of detachably secured wing portions. A main portion of the chest protector has a variable thickness and substantially overlies the chest and abdomen of the athlete to absorb impacts to the athlete from a projectile. The wing portions are separate from the main portion, but are detachably secured to the chest protector to permit each wing portion to be adjustable when the chest protector is worn by the athlete. The wing portions facilitate a constant form-fit no matter how the body of the athlete flexes.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly is provided. The toilet seat assembly has a toilet seat ring and a toilet seat cover having cores of cellulosic materials such as wood derivatives or other natural cellulosic materials. The toilet seat ring and cover are encapsulated by a polymeric material bonded thereto, preferably polypropylene plastic. The plastic overlay has integrally formed hinge ears to allow the toilet seat ring to be pivotally connected with the toilet seat bowl.

Abstract: A supportive toilet seat wrap for toddlers is disclosed. The toddler toilet seat wrap is comprised of a non-slip flexible sheet that has front, back, and side portions that define an opening to accomodate the toddler. The side portions are long enough to stretch over and thus blanketing an adult toilet seat while the non-slip flexible sheet provides a sanitary and stable platform for the toddler.

Abstract: A commode bowl guard for covering a bowl portion of a commode is provided. The commode bowl guard is provided with a cover plate having an upper surface adapted to cover a section of the bowl portion of the commode when the commode bowl guard is in an installed position on the commode. The commode bowl guard is further provided with a means for retaining the cover plate disposed over the bowl portion of the commode such that the cover plate covers at least the section of the bowl portion of the commode.

Abstract: A decorative liner for a pool assembly comprising a liner configured for being positioned in a pool, pond, or fountain, one or more display surfaces on the liner, and one or more distinct raised portions formed in the shape of one or more tiles on the one or more display surfaces.

Abstract: A sauna apparatus (1) is configurable in an assembled configuration and in a disassembled configuration to allow storage and/or transport. The apparatus is formed from at least a first frame portion (2) and a second frame portion (3) connectable to the first frame portion. Each of the first and second frame portions (2,3) comprises a respective part (2a,3a) of a base of the sauna, a respective part of the roof (2c,3c) of the sauna, and at least one support member (2b,3b) connecting the respective part of the base of the sauna to the respective part of the roof of the sauna.

Abstract: A modular spa with an integrated manifold that has telescoping structure that permits easy insertion and length adjustment for installation between water inlet and outlet lines.

Abstract: There is provided a soft bubbling bath mat having a mat body of molded flexible material that houses a soft flexible foam pad adapted to fit between an outer edge of the mat body an interior air passageway. The air passageway is adapted at one end to form an inlet port. The inlet port is adapted to receive air to be fed from a compressed air source to the passageway and forced through the passageway and out through a plurality of small apertures in a top surface of the passageway creating a therapeutic bubbling massage effect.

Abstract: A collapsible and portable work station, comprising a collapsible and portable leg structure comprising a plurality of legs movably attached to each other, each leg having a top end, a bottom end and longitudinally extending axis, the legs being movable to a first configuration wherein the legs are in close proximity to one another such that the longitudinally extending axes of the legs are generally parallel to one another, and to a second configuration wherein the spacing between the legs is maximal, and a top portion removably attached to the top ends of the legs, the top portion comprising two sections movably attached to one another so as to allow the top portion to be folded such that the sections confront each other when the top portion is not attached to the leg structure. In one embodiment, each of the top portion sections comprises a substantially flat surface. In another embodiment, the top portion comprises a frame that defines a region for receiving a basin.

Abstract: A multi-angle hook fastened to an extension member, that is used to stop the extension from completely pulling out of the frame it sits in. When fully extended, the multi-angle hook allows at least three different holding positions, seen as three different angles that the extension sits at while using the multi-angle hook as its fixed point of pivot. The multi-angle hook is a metal, plastic, or wood plate bent along several parallel lines, across its width, at varying angles. An L-shaped hinge which is used to secure a side rail-less frame member to another frame member, to avoid undue stress on the side rail-less frame member. The L-shaped hinge is a metal, plastic, or wood plate which substantially conforms to a portion of a side rail-less frame member.

Abstract: A bed frame includes a headboard, a foot board, a right side rail, and a left side rail. Each side rail has a first member and a corresponding second member. Each of the first members is configured to be releasably attached to the headboard solely by mating end joint members formed in the first members and in the headboard, and each of the second members is configured to be releasably attached to the foot board solely by mating end joint members formed in the second members and in the foot board. Each of the first members is configured to be releasably attached to the corresponding second member solely by mating side joint members formed in each of the first members and in the corresponding second members.

Abstract: A chairmat and a method for making the same is provided that has a substrate layer, a decorative material disposed on the substrate layer, and a seal layer disposed on the decorative material opposite the substrate layer. The method includes applying decorative material to the substrate and applying a seal layer to the decorative material so that the decorative material is between the sealing layer and the substrate.

Abstract: A rail device for engaging with a side of a bed includes a frame which is pressed under the mattress and two connection devices connected to the frame. Two tubes are pivotally connected to the two connection devices and two transverse bars are respectively and pivotally connected between the two tubes and the two connection devices. The frame can be disengaged from the two connection devices and the two transverse bars can be folded at a mediate portion thereof.

Abstract: A stretcher includes an elongated frame having an upper frame and a lower frame. A patient-support deck is supported by the upper frame and includes a patient-support surface. Casters are mounted to the lower frame and a pair of push bars are mounted to the upper frame. Each push bar includes a handle post that can be gripped by a caregiver to push the stretcher. Each push bar is mounted to the upper frame for movement between a push position having the handle post extending above the patient-support surface and a down-out-of-the-way position having a portion of the push bar located underneath the upper frame. The stretcher also includes a pair of latches coupled to the upper frame to pivot about respective axes between lock positions engaging the push bars to lock the push bars in the push positions and release positions allowing the push bars to move between respective push positions and down-out-of-the-way positions.

Abstract: An air cushion bed used for leg exercise machine comprises a main bed airbag chamber and a pillar airbag chamber. The main bed airbag chamber is further divided with an oblong airbag chamber and a round airbag chamber. The other part of the main bed airbag chamber is around the oblong airbag chamber and round airbag chamber. The oblong airbag chamber is higher than the round airbag chamber; and thus after air inflation, the air cushion bed is tilt. The predetermined positions of the main bed airbag chamber, oblong airbag chamber and round airbag chamber are formed with respectively air inlets. A male sticky buckle strip is formed at a predetermined position at a front end of the main bed airbag chamber for being stuck by the female sticky buckle strip of the pillar airbag chamber.

Abstract: An increased height inflatable support system consisting of two or more vertically stacked chambers. Such a support system can have one or more stabilizer bars attached to said support system, to help keep said support system from rolling over. In addition, the present invention introduces the concept of using a support chamber to provide additional strength at junctions between said vertically stacked chambers. Additionally, fabric, padding, or flocking may be added to one or more surfaces of an upper chamber to improve overall support system comfort.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spin finish for elastic fibers which comprises an amphoteric surfactant and/or a cationic surfactant as well as a base oil and has a surface tension thereof at 25° C. of 14 to 35 mN/m and a volume resistivity thereof at 20° C.

Abstract: A method for scouring a mixed fabric of polyamide fibers and polyurethane fibers is provided, wherein soft water as treating water is used and the treating water contains a sequestering agent. According to the present invention, a mixed fabric of polyamide fibers and polyurethane fibers in which uneven dyeing hardly arises, that is, excellent leveling is achieved, is provided.

Abstract: Stability enhanced hydrophobic bleaching systems for textile applications and methods for using are provided. The bleaching systems comprise a hydrophobic peracid and a peracid stabilizing system of a preferred ratio of peracid to stabilizer. Preferred stabilizers to be used in conjunction with the hydrophobic peracids include diphosponic, multiphosphonic and amino phosphonic acid derivatives.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is automatically responsive to indications of high suds level conditions during washing operations to, not only counteract the high level of suds, but effectively educate the user on avoiding the reoccurrence of the conditions. A display, such as an LCD touch screen which is also preferably used to input desired cycle parameters, is integrated into the washing machine for both alerting the user to the occurrence of a high suds level condition and conveying information on how to avoid the development of the situation in the future. In order to avoid prematurely alarming the user, it is preferable to instruct the user only after a predetermined number of high level suds cycles are detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for controlling a washing machine according to absorption characteristics of the laundry. The washing machine performs washing, rinsing and spin-drying steps in sequence. In the washing machine control method, first of all, a washing mode for absorption characteristics of laundry is set. A preset plural number of intermittent spin-drying operations are performed in the washing and rinsing steps in accordance with the set washing mode for absorption characteristics of the laundry.

Abstract: A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Abstract: Compositions for oxidation dyeing keratinous fibers, for example, human keratinous fibers such as hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye precursor chosen from 1-(4-aminophenyl)-pyrrolidines and acid addition salts thereof, and at least one thickening polymer comprising at least one sugar unit. Dyeing methods and devices using said compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hair coloring method by using a composition comprising a specified ring-fused heterocycle direct dyestuff having the general formula (1) or a salt thereof wherein the formulas are as defined in the patent claims.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning head of pin-contact memory card slot mainly includes a base and a sheeted cleaning element. The base is provided at a front end surface with a recess, and the cleaning element is attached to the base so as to shield the front recess. When the base is plugged in a pin-contact memory card slot just like a memory card, contact pins provided in the head of the memory card slot pierce through the cleaning element attached to the front end of the base to locate in the front recess. The cleaning element is in contact with and thereby wipes clean outer surfaces of the contact pins when the latter pierce through the cleaning element.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning head of surface-contact memory card slot mainly includes a base and a sheeted cleaning element spread over an upper and/or a lower side of a front portion of the base. When the base is inserted into the surface-contact memory card slot just like a general memory card, the cleaning element on the base is in contact with and wipes elastic contact plates provided in the head of the memory card slot to thereby clean surfaces of the elastic contact plates.

Abstract: A cleaning mat system according to the present invention includes a base designed to rest on the floor. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface interconnected by a perimeter edge, with the perimeter edge including a leading edge and an opposed trailing edge. The base further comprises a plurality of gripping members defined on the lower surface. At least one of the gripping members is adjacent each of the leading and trailing edges. The lower surface of the base is designed to rest on the floor. A removable and disposable cleaning sheet with an upper face for cleaning and an opposed lower face has a pair of spaced-apart side edges. The cleaning sheets include an upper fabric layer having an upper face defining the upper face of the cleaning sheet. The upper layer is operative to clean an object that contacts the upper face. A lower reinforcement layer has an upper face adjacent the upper layer and an opposed lower face defining the lower face of the cleaning sheet.

Abstract: A windshield wiper protector includes a protection actuating assembly connected to the wiper and a stationary lifting arm attached to the windshield. A roller is pivotally mounted on the top of the stationary lifting arm and an inclined drive plate is attached to the protection actuating assembly. The protection actuating assembly and the wiper will be lifted up when the wiper is moved to the original position due to the inclined drive plate.

Abstract: A window wiping device has a wiper arm which has a first crank and a second crank, a mounting part which is mountable by the first crank and the second crank in two points, the mounting part having at least a first plate and a second plate arranged substantially parallel to one another, at least one of the cranks being mounted rotatably between the plates.

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

Abstract: An extendible cleaning implement for a cleaning machine which includes an adjustable length wand including a lower tube telescopically received in an upper tube. The length of the tubes can be adjusted using a latching mechanism for user convenience and to accommodate space limitations. A solution delivery conduit is provided with a portion of flexible tubing preformed in helix. The helix allows the conduit to extend or contract as the wand is lengthened or shortened, preventing “play” in the conduit and thereby eliminating both awkward use of the cleaning implement and potential user safety hazards.

Abstract: A two-piece caddy and vacuum cleaner accessory assembly is provided. The caddy includes first and second body sections that are connected together without the use of a separate independent fastener. The first body section includes first, second and third accessory receptacles. The second body section includes first, second and third accessory engaging clips. The receptacles and clips function to hold various vacuum cleaner tools and accessories such as an extension hose, a wand, a crevice cleaning tool and a nozzle brush.

Abstract: The invention is a floor care appliance such as vacuum cleaner having a pivoting valve arrangement for maintaining suction from the appliance housing to the suction nozzle. A valve is provided for sealing off suction to the suction nozzle when the housing is in the upright or off the floor mode position. When the housing is in the upright position maximum suction is directed to the accessory hose. When the housing is moved to the floor mode maximum the valve is moved to the open position and suction is directed to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning. The valve is located in a valve body assembly pivotally connected over the rear duct of the suction nozzle. The valve body is partially located in the housing and pivots with the housing. A roller and cam arrangement cause the valve located in the valve body to move back and forth between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a main body and a handle, the main body being formed with a nozzle which delivers a stream of dirt-laden air through a dirt duct through a motor-fan inlet, the handle being supported on the motor-fan assembly and housing a filter bag which communicates with the motor-fan assembly for receiving the dirt-laden air, the motor-fan assembly having a motor housing, a motor with commutated brushes which give off carbon dust particles, a motor cooling fan for drawing a cooling airstream and a working fan for drawing the dirt-laden air, the vacuum comprising: an opening formed in the motor housing for receiving the cooling airstream; a cooling outlet formed in the motor housing through which the cooling airstream exists; means for directing the existing cooling airstream into the dirt-laden air; a collar extending axially outwardly from the motor housing, the collar allowing pivotal rotation of the motor housing relative to the main body.

Abstract: A retractable handle device includes a bracket having two openings for receiving the lower portions of two outer tubes. Two inner tubes are slidably received in the outer tubes, and a handle is secured on the top of the inner tubes. One or more pairs of sleeves of different thicknesses or areas may be engaged between the outer tubes and the bracket for snugly securing various outer tubes in the bracket. One or more pairs of barrels of different thicknesses or areas may be engaged between the inner tubes and the handle for snugly securing various inner tubes in the handle.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge-frame arrangement, especially for folding arrangements with a hinge (5) having two hinge leaves (6), which can be swiveled relative to one another over gudgeons (7) and a hinge pin (8), each hinge leaf (6) being connected with a frame (3) of a door or window element (2) or the like, is constructed pursuant to the invention so that each hinge leaf (6) has an integral molding (9), with which it engages a corresponding recess (10) of the side surface (11) of the respective frame (3), which recess is formed with clearance in such a manner with respect to the integral molding (9), that the side surface (11) of the frame (3) and the hinge leaf (6) can be tilted with respect to one another and the hinge leaf (6) has locking means, with which the different angular positions between the side surface (11) of the frame (3) and the hinge leaf (6) can be fixed detachably.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotably connecting the display portion and the body portion of the portable computer comprises a first fastening portion for attaching to the display portion, a second fastening portion for attaching to the body portion, and a pivot portion for pivotably connecting the first fastening portion with the second fastening portion. The second fastening portion also has a first support arm for horizontally inserting into the insertion hole. The cables, for transmitting signals and power extending from the display portion, are electrically connected through connectors to the cable connection region. The cable connect region is formed on the rear wall or bottom wall of the body portion. The hinge assembly of the invention greatly reduces the extraordinary sound resulting from the rotation of the display portion. Also, some covering components can be eliminated to make the assembly much easier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handle with a biconcave-shaped cross-section that is suitable for a hand tool, a hand tool extension, a tool connector, a wheelbarrow handle, or any of a variety of devices that are to be gripped by the human hand. The biconcave-shaped handle of the present invention conforms to the contours of the human hand to provide a more ergonomic and comfortable handle for a wide variety of applications. The biconcave shape may also be used for connecting tubular members to assemble various structures such as a dome.

Abstract: An automatic device for gathering and packaging card sliver in cans, the said device comprising a plurality of gathering stations for cans of different size consisting of a rotary platform (35, 45) set underneath for rotation of the can receiving the sliver and of a distributor (50, 50′) set above and driven by a motion of revolution, in which the cans are moved according to a single common path and with common members for imparting movement and for driving.

Abstract: A coating head assembly incorporates a replaceable breakaway link into the coating head assembly. In the event of a collision, this link will break to reduce the likelihood of breakage of any other part of the coating head assembly. Repair then only requires that the link be replaced, rather than the coating head assembly be rebuilt. This invention reduces the coating head repair time from a fifteen-hour job of rebuilding the coating head assembly to a three-hour job of tooling a new link.