Abstract: The present invention relates to a shin guard, and in particular to a shin guard which is well adapted irrespective of a body shape of a user based on a flexible construction and is capable of implementing a good ventilation and an easier sweat exhaust. The shin guard according to the present invention includes a plate shaped smooth synthetic resin cover in which a plurality of mesh ventilation holes are formed in the whole surfaces of the cover, said cover being curved for thereby being well stuck to a shin of a user, and a foam synthetic resin buffering plate which is attached to a back surface of the cover and includes a plurality of ventilation holes corresponding to the mesh ventilation holes formed in the cover and a plurality of protrusions in the back surface of the same for thereby implementing a good ventilation through each ventilation hole.

Abstract: A protective device and associated method for protecting a wearer of a work belt from abrasion and irritation in the region of the wearer's hip bone. One or more padded loop(s) of material is/are secured around the trouser belt and/or the work belt of a wearer, and are positioned on either or both side(s) of the crest of the ilium to create a recess between the belt and the wearer and thereby reduce or prevent abrasion and irritation.

Abstract: An improved protective salon garment is disclosed. The garment may be a cape, a smock, a gown, or an apron which includes a protective portion that is constructed of a textile barrier fabric that is substantially impermeable to water, but is also permeable to air and water vapor, thereby providing effective and comfortable protection to wearers. The garment includes a protective portion having a neck opening and fastening means for securing the protective portion about the neck and torso of a person.

Abstract: This invention concerns a necktie that is reversible and is an improvement to the existing standard necktie. This invention uses a zipper, to enable the necktie to reverse. The TYCON II uses clear thread as a fold line, or a crease, that runs vertically down the open and unzipped necktie structure and dually outlines the shape of a standard necktie. The zipper runs down the back of the necktie structure and connects the two flaps that are folded back evenly, as a result of using the clear fold lines. When this invention is unzipped and folded back, it reveals the other color or pattern. The zipper is then rejoined on the opposite side and zipped up, thus the necktie structure has been reversed and is ready to be tied and worn.

Abstract: An article of headgear is provided which includes a pair of flaps that are releasably coupled with one another to form a cap shaped to cover the head of a wearer. The flaps are coupled with the sides of a headband, and a brim extends from the headband.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first curved band portion and a second curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. The first curved band portion defines a passageway between the first end and the second end of the first curved band portion. The passageway has a first opening. The second curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. A motion-restraint portion is proximate to the first end of the second curved band portion. The first end of the second curved band portion is insertable into the first opening of the passageway of the first curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a range of motion within the passageway of the second curved band portion.

Abstract: A head stabilizing system is provided. The head stabilizing system is intended to minimize loads on the head and the neck, some of which may be injurious or even fatal, by generating a reaction force that substantially opposes a force acting on the head and generated by rapid deceleration of a vehicle or a crash impact. The head stabilizing system includes a helmet, a connection structure, and at least one resisting member. The resisting member generates a reaction force that opposes the crash impact force, yielding a reduced net force on the head. This reaction force can be generated as a function of position, velocity or acceleration. The resisting member may include a tether, a dashpot, or a dashpot containing a controllable rheological fluid. The viscosity of the controllable rheological fluid can be automatically adjusted in response to changes in status of a vehicle or it's occupant.

Abstract: Device for fastening/unfastening the visor from the cap of a helmet of the type with front opening and two side devices for rotating the visor from an operative position of interception of the front opening to a raised position of the visor itself, comprising, for each rotating device, an elastic cursor fitted in such a way that it can be turned and can slide axially in a seat in the same rotation device. This elastic cursor, in its relative movement with respect to the seat, can translate from an engaged to a disengaged position with a retaining hole made in a rear end of the visor. The device further comprises means for allowing the axial sliding of the elastic cursor with respect to the seat exclusively in one or more predefined angular positions assumed by the same cursor with respect to the seat.

Abstract: A dispenser for sanitizing/deodorant surfactant liquids, particularly for toilet bowls, including a container, which is provided at an end thereof with a tray element having at least one cavity in continuous communication with the container; the cavity is provided with at least one outlet for the controlled dispensing of a surfactant liquid.

Abstract: A toilet bowl pump apparatus and method for reducing the water level in a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A flush toilet comprises a toilet body having a bowl for storing wash water as water seal, first means for supplying the toilet body with pressurized wash water and second means for discharging the wash water substantially horizontally along the upper peripheral portion of the inner surface of the bowl to swirl it along the inner surface of the bowl.

Abstract: An enclosure consisting of a quasi-bathtub underneath a treatment hood, characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: A combination spa and electronic entertainment system is disclosed. The spa includes a tub with an upper edge from which horizontal surfaces extend. The surfaces have apertures through which water-tight housings may be raised and lowered. The housings hold components of the entertainment system and have tops larger in size than the apertures to form sealing areas engageable with the horizontal surfaces surrounding the apertures for sealing the apertures and the water-tight housings. A moving mechanism is provided to raise and lower the housings. The mechanism has a platform supported on a carriage movable vertically along a support column. A motor raises and lowers the platforms through a cable and pulley system. A motion limiting device having a pivoting arm which engages sensors communicating with the motor through a control system shuts the motor off in response to predetermined upper and lower limits of cable tension.

Abstract: A sink comprising a basin and a faucet assembly foldably mounted relative to the basin. The faucet assembly is rotatable between an upright position wherein the faucet assembly protrudes out from the basin and a folded position wherein the faucet assembly is received within the basin. Another embodiment comprises a sink assembly including a sink housing including a conduit rack and a receptacle for a sink with such a foldable faucet assembly. The sink assembly may further include one or more slidable table portions or a pivotable lid for covering the sink when the faucet assembly is in the folded position. A serving cart, a gardening cart and a barbecue station, each including a sink with a foldable faucet assembly and a slidable table portion or pivotable lid for covering the sink when the faucet assembly is in the folded position.

Abstract: The stackable cot comprises a sheet (5) stretched between elongated longitudinal and transverse elements connected to each other by corner elements (2) so as to form a generally rectangular frame. Each corner element (2) is on its lower surface provided with a foot (6), and on its upper surface provided with a vertical recess (7) aligned with said foot and constituting a recess for reception of a similar foot (6) of another cot (1) of the same type to be stacked on said cot. Each corner element (2) has an upper portion (10) and a lower portion (11) connected to each other. The recess (7) is formed in said upper portion (10) and it comprises a lateral opening in the form of a vertical slot opening outwardly and extending over substantially all the height of said recess (7) opening upwardly.

Abstract: A sofa-bed with an articulated folding structure comprises a fixed support framework (2) kinematically connected to a first main movable frame (3), a pantograph leverage (4) operatively active between the first main movable frame (3) and the fixed support framework (2), a first auxiliary movable frame (16) consecutively and rotatably in engagement with the first main movable frame (3) and a second main movable frame (17) consecutively and rotatably in engagement with the first auxiliary movable frame (16). The sofa-bed further comprises a support frame (29) for the second main movable frame (17) hinged on a hooking frame (31) for a back (28) and a connecting leverage (34) joining the hooking frame (31) and support frame (29) to the second main movable frame (17).

Abstract: A lifting device for articulated folding structures of sofa-beds comprises a fixed support framework (2) and a pantograph leverage (4) operatively active between a first main movable frame (3) of an articulated folding structure of a sofa-bed and the fixed support framework (2), to move the first main movable frame (3) in a vertical direction between a first position at which it is housed at the bottom of the fixed support framework (2) and a second position at which it is raised relative to the framework itself (2). The lifting device further comprises first and second means (8, 10) for connecting the pantograph leverage (4) with the first main movable frame (3), which means consists of at least one oscillating link (9, 11).

Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion, a seat portion, and a light assembly supported by the foot portion.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a care bed enabling use of a bedpan on the bed and further reducing burden on a care-receiving person and a care-giving person, wherein the bed comprises a bed main body provided with an opening for elevating a bedpan, a bedpan assembled downward of the bed main body and supported in a freely elevating manner with respect to the bed main body, a bedpan elevating device that is moved between a lifted position in which the bedpan is lifted through the opening of the bed main body to above the bed surface and a descended position in which it is stored under the bed main body, and an excrement collecting device for sucking and collecting excrements from the bedpan. The bed main body may be provided with a split mattress that covers the opening in normal conditions and that is pushed upward through lifting force of the bedpan when lifting the bedpan.

Abstract: An improved massage bed structure, which is foldable into a compact case to facilitate transport and storage, including a bed frame, a mattress, an inclination adjusting structure and a height adjusting structure. The inclination and height adjusting structures permit easy adjustment of the angles of inclination of a back pad and the massage bed, and the height of a waist and hip pad to comply with ergonomics. A pillow is provided to provide good support for the user's head and is capable of height and angle adjustment. A rest plate is mounted at the lower end of the pillow to provide support for the user's elbows to help the user to relax the shoulder muscles to thereby enhance massaging effects.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein relate to a multi-purpose hand-held device. Some of the preferred embodiments describe a multipurpose hand-held implement comprising first and second members connected together to move between a first position, in which they form together an elongated body, and a second position. In one preferred embodiment, a multi-purpose hand-held device is described comprising a stapler and/or punch and other fold-out utensils, wherein a module containing the utensils is preferably incorporated into the stapler-punch component assembly. Other preferred embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The visual appearance of undyed or unpigmented para-aramid fabric generally present in an article of clothing is restored by contacting the fabric with an aqueous dye solution or dispersion to dye the aramid fibrils present on the yarns. Use of a conventional washing machine is suitable in the fabric contact with the dye.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agent and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from a number of phosphorous containing materials derived from maleic acid. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating fabrics containing polyetherester fibers so that the fabrics retain their basis weight, power, and stretch without edge curl. Fabrics containing polyetherester fibers are heat-set after dyeing, preferably in a temperature range of 160-180° C. (dry) or 115-140° C. (steam).

Abstract: A color-coded indexing system and synchronized colored hair wraps are a new innovation for the precise design and application of hair coloring agents. The color-coded indexing system allows the professional hair colorist to design specific hair coloring treatments and techniques to selected groups of segmented hair strands with varying degrees of results. This invention also includes thin sheets of colored wraps of varying sizes and shapes with a laminate on one side for applying and holding coloring agents in contact with natural or artificial hair and in an order established by the color-coded indexing system. The innovations enable a more efficient, faster, reliable, and is a systematic method for designing and applying coloring agents or materials to the hair.

Abstract: Mediator systems obtainable by mixing a salt of an electrochemically active complexing metal (M1) capable of forming a plurality of valence states with a hydroxyl-containing complexing agent, which may likewise be present as salt, and with a salt of an electrochemically inactive complexing metal (M2) in an alkaline aqueous medium, wherefor the molar ratio of metal ion M2 to metal ion M1 is from 0.8:1 to 2:1 are useful for reducing dyes and dyeing cellulosic textile material.

Abstract: The invention provides a freely detachable insole and wooden mold as well as a method of manufacturing shoes, the method using the freely detachable insole and wooden mold, and the method being characterized in that the operation of attaching the insole to the wooden mold can be done in speedy fashion; the alignment of the insole can be easily adjusted even when the insole is attached to the mold not in alignment; there is no danger of failing to pull out nails; and there is no requirement of any special equipment cost. The method of manufacturing shoes comprises the steps of: providing suckers on a wooden shoe mold, attaching the wooden mold and the insole together by such means of causing adherence by suction between a generally flat surface mating the suckers and being provided on the shoe insole and the suckers being provided on the wooden mold made to be freely detachable, and covering the wooden mold by a shoe vamp to thereafter complete a tucking operation.

Abstract: An adhesive roll cleaner (1) having single-sided adhesive sheets (3) helically wound around a core tube (2) with the adhesive side out, wherein the adhesive sheets (3) each have a tear strength of 500 mN or higher as measured with an Elmendorf tear tester according to JIS P8116(ISO 1974).

Abstract: A cleaning implement comprises an elongate hollow tube. Bristle wires are bundled together and inserted fully into the tube, leaving a portion of the bristle wire projecting beyond a first end of the tube. The projecting portion of the bristle wire is trimmed to form a wire bristle brush. The first end of the tube is crimped to secure the bristles in place. When the bristles wear out, the end of the brush is uncrimped and a new length of bristle wire is pulled out of the tube. The tube is recrimped and the new bristle wire sheared off to form new bristles. The second, opposite end of the tube can be cut at an angle to form a scraper tool. Alternatively, screw threads can be formed at the second end of the tube to removably receive other types of cleaning or scraping apparatus.

Abstract: PORTABLE DEVICE FOR DENTAL HYGIENE comprising a new configuration of handless toothbrush, of easy portability, whose body is manufactured of resilient plastic material with the approximate shape of a through thimble on the sides, to be specially fitted of the first phalange of an index finger, which has, incorporated in its lower surface, a plurality of bristle rows radially laid out and, in its upper surface, a set of slots in relief to massage the gums, constituting a small device that can be carried in the pocket or inside a small pouch or handbag, inside a package specially designed for its conditioning, that includes an internal container to store a small quantity of toothpaste, thus permitting that the user has a complete portable kit of dental hygiene at his disposal and comfort.

Abstract: A consumer acceptable toothbrush and method of forming same, composed of a preformed components, which components are welding together by applying a hot gas to an end of each component until the surface of each end is molten, and bringing said molten ends together within a mold having the desired shape of the portion of the toothbrush being welded.

Abstract: A toothbrush having novel bristles and/or a novel handle is disclosed. The toothbrush has a better grip and a better massaging effect than in the prior art. The effective areas of bristle contact are preferably flat sections, which increase the total area of contact. The bristles in the present invention are shaped like a polygon in cross-section. The polygon-shaped bristles preferably have three to six sides, and the polygon is preferably a regular polygon. The points of contact on the tooth are the edges of the polygon. When the cleaning direction of the brush is perpendicular to the long axis of the bristle, the effective cleaning agent is a cleaning edge equivalent to the corner of the polygon. The bristles are twisted in a spiral (screw-like) pattern to allow for the tooth to contact primarily the edges of the sides of the bristles. The edges of the bristles are preferably always in contact with the tooth. The toothbrush handle preferably has at least four thumb grips.

Abstract: An improved sanitary toothbrush with a curved proximal end in the general shape of a hook for storing the toothbrush in a suspended, upside down fashion, thereby allowing for air drying of the distal brush portion of the toothbrush and creating a cleaner and more sanitary method of storing the toothbrush after use. In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the elongated intermediate handle portion of the toothbrush is designed in the shape of an animal with the curved distal end of the handle forming the animal's tail, thereby making brushing more aesthetically pleasing and appealing to children suffering from sensory integrative dysfunction and accompanying oral defensive disorder.

Abstract: A dental device (10) that provides effective teeth and gum cleaning when the device (10) is chewed, rotated, and/or brushed across the teeth is disclosed. The device (10) includes a body (12) presenting a multifaceted bristle-supporting surface (20) extending substantially around the circumference of at least a portion of the body (12). The device (10) further includes bristles (14) fixed relative to, and extending from, the facets (24,26) of the bristle-supporting surface (20). In the preferred embodiment, the body (12) includes a base (16) and a handle (18) extending from one end of the base (16). The base (16) supports the bristle-supporting surface (20) around its circumference and includes bristles (14) extending from the end opposite the handle (18). A dental device (100) embodying an alternative configuration is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush which has been specifically designed for automatic motor vehicle washing systems, which comprises a bristle supporting layer (1) which can be wound about a shaft. The main feature of the invention is that the bristles (2) are made by extruding a closed cell foamed plastics material.

Abstract: Disposable and semi-disposable cleaning devices use lengths of fanfold or z-fold non-woven fiber material. These fabrics are an alternative to yarn in the manufacture of inexpensive, disposable and semi-disposable mopheads. A particular embodiment is disclosed wherein a wet mophead or mop swab is made from the disclosed yarn substitute to provide a mop which is priced to discard after one time or several times use depending on the type of material used in the construction process. The mop swab is formed from a length of non-woven, moisture absorbent synthetic fiber material which is folded lengthwise into a continuous pleated pattern, or fanfold or z-fold arrangement. The folded material is wound on a reel from which the material maybe unreeled and run through a mop winding machine which forms helical coils wrapped about a pair of traveling arms. Alternatively, the folded material maybe fed directly from a folding device to the mop making machine.

Abstract: A frame for holding a paint roller including a body, a shiftable arm coupled to the body, and a biasing mechanism operable to automatically shift the shiftable arm relative to the body when actuated.

Abstract: The lobby dustpan of the invention includes a receptacle that is pivotally connected to a bail and includes an elongate handle connected to the bail. A receptacle-connecting member is situated on the top wall rearward of the bail for pivotal connection of an elongate manipulating rod to the receptacle. A gripping member retained in relation to the elongate handle for lineal movement and connected to the elongate manipulating rod enables manipulation of the receptacle the between a resting position and a disposal position.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner has a fluid recovery system, a liquid dispensing system for dispensing a fluid onto a surface to be cleaned and a liquid recovery system for recovered soiled fluid from the surface wherein a cleaning fluid supply tank has an insulated wall for maintaining the fluid at an elevated temperature suitable for effective cleaning.

Abstract: A cushion body of a rubber-like elastic element having cushioning function in which engagement holes including a cave and a pit are formed. The cave is formed so that a horizontal head of a T-shaped clip is inserted into a space provided at the side of a bottom surface portion. The pit is formed so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the cave, and to be opened in the bottom surface portion, permitting a vertical shaft of the clip to be inserted thereinto. The clip is formed with a plastic material and T-shaped and has a plurality of engaging claws flared toward the root portion from an end part of the vertical shaft of the T-shaped portion. The clip is engaged with the engagement holes of the cushion body.

Abstract: A handle that is extendable and retractable to minimize interference with window decorations and having a feature, which allows removal and attachment of the handle from the crank of the window operator without the use of tools. The handle is removable from the window operator though the use of either a clip lock feature or a spring lock clip both of which can be top down assembled with the minimum of effort and complexity.

Abstract: An assembly which includes a door pivotably connected by hinge members to a wall part. Each hinge member includes a knuckle and a pin with the knuckle being connected to either the door or the wall part and the pin being connected to the other of the door or wall part. The knuckle includes a cylindrical opening and the pin is constructed with a central ball part and oppositely extending shanks. The pin is fitted into the knuckle cylindrical opening with the ball part fitting closely or snugly within the opening and the shanks having a free fit within the cylindrical opening. The ball part is rotatable relative to the knuckle with the shanks of the pin being shiftable transversely within the knuckle cylindrical opening to accommodate misalignment between the pin and knuckle.

Abstract: A door hinge for a covered arrangement between door post and door includes two mounting bases, hinge brackets and adjustable connectors arranged in the mounting bases. The two mounting bases are capable of insertion into recesses in the door post and in the narrow side of the door. The hinge brackets interact in pairs and are connected so as to be capable of pivotal movement about a vertical axis. On each adjustable connector, the end of one hinge bracket is mounted, capable of pivoting about a vertical axis of rotation, and the end of the other hinge bracket is guided for longitudinal movement. One of the two hinge brackets has the form of a fork with two fork arms connecting on a rearward connecting section, wherein the connecting section and the fork arms are mounted at the connectors. The other hinge bracket is inserted in the free space between the fork arms and has a middle element mounted in a rotational manner at the fork arms.

Abstract: An articulating window assembly is adapted for use with a support structure. The assembly includes a windowpane with an inner surface. A hinge is adjacent to the inner surface. The hinge includes a cylindrical member having a pivot axis and a stud member attached to the cylindrical member. A polymeric member surrounding at least a portion of the hinge member so as to permit, the hinge member to articulate about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A detachable cup handle is provided and is constructed to be conveniently and detachably fastened to a cup. The detachably cup handle is also advantageously reusable. The detachable cup handle includes a curved hand grip section for holding by the user's hand, a vertical support section to support the hand grip section, and a retainer section for clamping on a rim of the cup. The retainer section includes a clamping wall portion for engaging a rim of the cup so as to interlockingly couple the detachable cup handle to the cup's rim. The clamping wall portion has a tapered construction for providing additional cup gripping/clamping means. In addition, the support section includes opposing arcuate support members to cradle the cup's body.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for making a polymeric article mold, a method for making a polymeric article with that mold, and improved surface topography features for a polymeric article. A prototype article is formed and then coated with a thin conductive layer. The coated prototype article is then electroformed until nickel plated to a sufficient depth to define a nickel plating tool. After the prototype article has been removed from the mold face of the nickel tool, the tool can be used as a mold for forming finished polymeric articles which replicate the original prototype article. The use of fine topography features such as a dense upstanding stem array on the surface of the prototype article facilitates accurate and complete electroforming by increased surface area presentation. The disclosure also presents improvements to microreplicated surface structures such as stem arrays.

Abstract: A holder for personal articles such as eyeglasses and sunglasses and the like includes: (i) a clamping body with a transparent window for displaying provided inserts, and (ii) a clip portion attached to the clamping body for attaching the holder to clothing, accessories, automobile visors and other areas.

Abstract: An elongated strap useful for bundling hoses, cables, extensions cords, and the like. One end of the strap is formed into an integral handle which the user may grasp to carry the bundled item. The handle portion also contains a boss with a through hole useful for hanging the bundled item over a screw or nail. The strap is locked around the item to be bundled by a two stage latch. While this latch provided substantial holding strength, it may also be unfastened and refastened a number of times without wearing out.

Abstract: A tie includes a strap having two end segments connected by an extensible intermediate portion provided with a succession of frangible bridges each connecting a first part of the intermediate portion to a second part of the intermediate portion. Two or more of the frangible bridges have different sections.