Abstract: A chemical-resistant, user-wearable protective article. The article includes a first layer made of a polymeric material and a second layer made of a ceramic material. The second, ceramic material layer is coated onto the first layer. The first and second layers combined to form a flexible composite film that is shaped to be worn by a user as a barrier to chemicals. In one preferred embodiment, the second layer is aluminum oxide. Regardless, the film composite is preferably shaped as a glove, apron, etc., with the ceramic material coating providing a near perfect barrier to passage of most chemicals commonly employed in residential and industrial applications.

Abstract: Barrel racing rodeo pant systems are provided with pockets which retain a protector element for the protection of the barrel racer. The pant system may comprise a pair of pants having a pocket secured to at least one leg which retains a protector element. Pant systems may also comprise a pocket secured to at least one pant leg and configured to retain a protector element at a location corresponding to the anatomy of a human leg between the ankle and the knee. Further, the pocket is elastically tensionable to allow the protector element to move in response to elastic tension generated in the pocket. Elastically tensionable material is provided to form the pocket in some embodiments. The protector element may also locate to a position when the elastically tensionable material conforms to a portion of human leg. The protector element in some embodiments is removably insertable in the pocket.

Abstract: A high visibility safety garment for wearing by an individual exposed to a higher than normal risk of injury from vehicular traffic. The safety garment complies with the visibility requirements of a published standard such as the American National Standards Institute for High Visibility Safety Apparel. The safety garment has one or more high visibility safety stripes that encircle the torso. The safety stripe is formed of a plurality of separate but closely spaced stripe segments in a generally repetitive pattern that is substantially continuous for the length of the stripe. The stripe segments are formed of a retroreflective material. The stripe segments occupy a portion of the total area of the stripe sufficient to impart to the stripe a coefficient of retroreflectivity that meets or exceeds that required by the standard being addressed for the safety garment.

Abstract: The invention is a water impervious sleeve adapted to be placed on an arm of a patient that has a catheter installed therein. There is an arm band at each end of the sleeve. Each of the arm bands includes an elastic section. Each of the arm bands further includes an adjustable section which is used to adjust the effective force that is exerted on the catheter as it exits from one of the arm bands. An additional foam rubber wedge is installed in each of arm bands in a location to surround the catheter to effectively seal the catheter and the sleeve from any water entering into the sleeve.

Abstract: A transparent, thin film gloved envelope is provided to be worn on the hand and arm of a person during manipulations and/or examination of hazardous or noxious articles or matter. While the article is held in the gloved hand the sleeve or skirt that was covering the arms can be reversed and rolled over to cover the article and thereafter sealed to form an enclosing envelope. An erectable support skeleton is provided to support the membranes forming an enclosure to allow manual examination of the article contained. The envelope may be of a substantial size, provided with two dependent gloves for two-handed manipulation and examination, and a filtered orifice is provided together with a culture bed inside the enclosure. The suspended enclosure is then useful as an inexpensive examination and culturing chamber.

Abstract: A thin film gloved envelope is provided to be worn on the hand and arm of a person during manipulations and/or examination of hazardous or noxious articles or matter. While the article is held in the gloved hand the sleeve or skirt that was covering the arm can be reversed and rolled over to cover the article. A sealing mechanism or strip around the opening is then used to seal the article inside the envelope. The film may be transparent to allow visual examination and in alternative implementations the envelope may be of a substantial size, provided with two dependent gloves for two-handed manipulation. This latter form is useful for enclosing larger articles or matter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for securing ornamental headgear to its wearer in a self-locking manner that eliminates the need for additional locking devices. The ornamental headpiece, includes one or more ornamental objects, such as horns, wherein the ornamental object has a base in communications with a mounting surface. An attachment cord enters an internal pathway within the ornamental object through an opening on the base and exits through a second opening. Surface contact between the attachment cord and the internal pathway inhibit relative motion between the ornamental object and attachment cord thus allowing the wearer to easily position the ornamental object without fear of unwanted repositioning of the ornamental object. Additionally, the attachment cord can be fastened about the user to secure the ornamental headpiece.

Abstract: Face shield that is mounted to existing goggles commonly used in outdoor active sports such as snow sports. This face shield attaches to the securing straps of the existing goggle as a primary feature. This face shield follows the contour and shape of an existing goggle with the top edge of the face shield extending horizontally across the users forehead, past both of the temples as it wraps around the side of the face and head where it terminates at or past the ears, with the lower front of the face shield extending to or past the user's chin. This face shield creates a protected airspace in front of the users nose and mouth to allow adequate air circulation while providing excellent facial protection from wind, weather and precipitation. Furthermore, this face shield can be used in conjunction with a protective helmet and other weather protection and safety equipment commonly used in outdoor active sports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: The disposable excreta management device has a longitudinal centerline, a transverse centerline, a wearer facing surface and an opposing surface. The disposable excreta management device comprises a flexible bag to contain excreta and an adhesive flange to attach the device to the body of a wearer. The flexible bag has an opening surrounded by the adhesive flange. The adhesive flange has an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The adhesive flange comprises an adhesive layer and a substrate. The substrate has at least one base-slit extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery along the longitudinal centerline. Alternatively, the adhesive layer may have a surface-slit extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery along the longitudinal centerline and the surface-slit is positioned between an anus and a urethra when the device is worn.

Abstract: The waste outlet fitting has a siphon (6) which is mounted in a cup-shaped housing (9). The siphon (6) has an inlet (23) and an outlet (20) and is inserted into the housing (9) from above. For cleaning and maintenance, the siphon (6) can be removed upwardly and subsequently re-inserted from above. Arranged at the inlet (23) of the siphon (6) is an inflow funnel (12) which can likewise be installed and removed from above. The invention makes especially simple cleaning and maintenance of the waste outlet fitting and of the soil pipe possible.

Abstract: A flush valve is connectable to a blind hole in a vertical wall of a toilet tank. An overflow member is in fluid communication with a flush valve housing. The flush valve housing is wider than it is higher, and fits into a blind hole in the tank wall of similar cross sectional shape. The tank is formed with an attachment ear. A clip mounted on the housing holds the housing against the tank wall, while the non-circular nature of the housing and blind hole prevent relative rotation there between.

Abstract: A toilet trip lever assembly provides a lever arm that extends in the tank perpendicular to the tank wall. As an outer handle is rotated, it drives a stem, which in turn drives an arm inside the tank that extends parallel to the tank wall, which pushes down an end of a lever. A support holds the lever such that downward movement of that end of the lever drives the opposite end of the lever up. The opposite end of the lever is connected to a linkage to a flush valve.

Abstract: A combination foldable spa cover and lifting device including a folding spa cover with integral lifting sockets and a lifting device having a pair of first ends pivotally connectable to a spa structure, and second ends having engagement shafts keyed to the lifting sockets such that a folded spa cover is easily lifted and displaced to one side of the spa structure by pivot of the lifting device and transport of the folded spa cover.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover for covering the entire area of a water-filled swimming pool, constructed of an ultra-fine, lightweight mesh netting. Grommets are situated at predetermined distances along the reinforced periphery of the cover allowing use of elastic tie down straps or other fastening devices to keep the cover in a taut condition. In use, the swimming pool cover is designed to be placed over a swimming pool to prevent egress of insects and environmental debris over short periods of non-use. Because the screen is constructed of a mesh fabric, moisture will pass through the screen and insects and environmental debris will accumulate on the screen. In order to use the swimming pool, the swimming pool cover can be readily rolled or folded and lifted off the pool.

Abstract: A bedding storage container includes a pouch, and at least one strap attached to the pouch. The pouch has a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls thereby forming a storage area. The at least one strap adjustably attaches the pouch to a futon frame assembly. A lid is hingedly attached to the rear wall. The front wall has a lip as an upper edge thereof. The lid is selectably positionable over the lip. As desired, the lid has openings formed thereupon. The openings receive buttons attached to the front wall, thereby securing the container in a closed position.

Abstract: A bolster system for a patient support surface is provided comprising two “L”-shaped inflatable bladders configured to be positioned along the head end and left and right sides of the patient support surface, stabilizing members such as foam extending downwardly from the inflatable bladders configured to be positioned between the patient support surface and the rails of the bed, a removable bolster sheath adapted to cover the inflatable bladders and stabilizing members, and a sheet configured to extend underneath the patient support surface and thereby anchor the bolster system in place. The bolster system is particularly adaptable to therapeutic patient support surfaces comprising alternately inflatable bladders that provide percussion, vibration, and/or rotational therapy to patients.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bed having a generally rectangular foundation and mattress, an air chamber located beneath having a plurality of sections, and at least one air chamber under a portion of the mattress, a controller for regulating the amount of air in the air chamber, and a mattress retainer placed between the mattress and the foundation comprising a tongue and extending toward the foot of the bed a sufficient distance to make contact with both the mattress and the foundation to increase the friction sufficiently to prevent slippage of the mattress when the heat is raised.

Abstract: A pair of carabiner mounting members are rigidly mounted or mountable to each top rail of a basket rescue stretcher. The carabiner mounting members are mounted or mountable spaced longitudinally apart along the each top rail. Each carabiner mounting member extends into the stretcher cavity and defines a carabiner receiving opening which lies in a first plane which is perpendicular both to a vertical second plane containing the corresponding top rail to which the carabiner mounting member is mounted or mountable and to a horizontal third plane which contains the pair of top rails on opposite sides of the stretcher.

Abstract: A mattress assembly comprises a covering, a mattress, and a bed base. The covering includes a cloth covering with a zipper to allow easy opening/closing of the cloth covering. The mattress and the bed base are covered by the cloth covering. The mattress includes a plurality of vents communicated between the covering and the bed base. The bed base includes a plurality of grooves in an upper side thereof. When liquid permeates the covering, it passes through the vents and then accumulates in the grooves. The mattress assembly further includes an air supply device comprising a plurality of air supply tubes and a plurality of ventilating tubes extending in the grooves of the bed base. Air feeding from the air supply tubes flows through the grooves of the bed base via the ventilating tubes and then exit the vents of the mattress for circulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the occurrence of motion transfer across a bed when the apparatus is placed upon an independent coil construction mattress. The apparatus includes a substantially resilient pad having a size and shape substantially conforming to the size and shape of the mattress. The pad has a generally planar bottom surface sized and configured to lay upon the mattress further has an opposing load-bearing surface which defines a plurality of peaks extending therefrom. The load-bearing surface further defining a plurality of valleys extending between the load-bearing surface and the bottom surface. The peaks and valleys are arranged across the pad in a pattern to form a plurality of cells which depress independently of each other when pressure is exerted thereupon. A method of making the pad includes sandwiching a foam blank in-between two sacrificial sheets which are fed through two cylindrical rollers having protrusions formed thereon.

Abstract: A wire stripper with integral screwdriver has a pair of levers pivotally connected at a fulcrum point to each other. Each lever has a handle and a jaw on opposite sides of the fulcrum point. The jaws have a plurality of notches of different curvatures, which come together in a closed state for stripping insulation from electrical wires of different gauges, and also have a scissors area for cutting electrical wires. One of the jaws is extended and includes an integral screwdriver tip. In a preferred embodiment, when the tool is in a closed position, the handles are closed together to form a single integral screwdriver handle. The tool can be used for stripping wire and screwing down electrical connections.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting a fabric having splittable conjugate yarns both to an acidic treatment and to a basic treatment, each of which erodes a portion of the components of the conjugate yarns. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The basic treatment has a similar effect on the polyester element of the conjugate filament, making it more hydrophilic. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component, coupled with the increased hydrophilicity of the polyester component, results in a fabric having enhanced absorptive properties. In an alternate embodiment, treatments with only acid or only basic solution may be employed.

Abstract: A textile-care composition that advantageously combines colour preservation with care of fibres and especially greying-inhibiting action was to be developed. That was achieved by means of a composition for textile care, comprising at least one cellulase and at least one colour-fixing polymer containing imidazolidine units.

Abstract: A process of forming improved cellulosic fibers, fibrous compositions containing cellulosic fibers, and absorbent articles comprising such compositions are disclosed. In the process, liquid ammonia penetrates cellulosic fibers in a pressurized environment, and when the pressure is released, an explosive process produces cellulosic fibers having unique structure and properties. The high pressure liquid ammonia treatment introduces a significant curl into the fiber and introduces a smooth, soft, silky feel to the fiber not present in conventional cellulosic fibers. Such fibers are particularly useful in tissue, wipes, distributive layers, fiber mats, filter papers, and other porous articles.

Abstract: A dyeing composition comprising at least one oxidation base chosen from para-aminophenol and para-phenylenediamine compounds substituted with a silane radical, and the dyeing method using this composition are disclosed. This composition is, for example, useful for dyeing keratinous fibres. The para-aminophenol and para-phenylenediamine compounds substituted with a silane radical are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hair can be dyed by applying an oxidizing-agent-free, air-oxidative, one-pack hair dye composition to the hair without mixing the hair dye composition with an oxidizing agent and, after the hair is left over for 5 minutes to 1 hour, rinsing off the hair dye composition with water.

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.

Abstract: There are provided compositions for improving the washfastness and color intensity of colored fibers, especially keratin fibers, which comprise

Abstract: The present invention relates to sulfur dye protection systems and compositions and methods employing same, as well as processes for making sulfur dyes, especially bleach stable sulfur dyes, processes for dying textiles with sulfur dyes and textiles dyed by such processes. More particularly, the present invention relates to modifying existing dyes and/or making newly formed sulfur dyes. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to materials that can chemically or physically interact with sulfur dyes to protect the sulfur dyes from oxidation by oxidizing agents, such as bleaching agents.

Abstract: The subject invention is an improved bridge structure comprising the use of both arch structural support systems along with suspension systems, combined together to support a multiple bridge support structure, with such multiple support systems being focused and combined through a unitary member in a center portion of the bridge, with the unitary member being an under support member in one embodiment, with such under support member supporting a portion of the bridge deck. More particularly, the subject invention is focused on utilizing multiple structural support systems for a bridge, with such multiple support systems being centered on a longitudinally extending secondary under support member, which is supported and held partially by the supplementary bridge support system, such secondary support member structurally having multiple and varied support systems and being adapted to provide an under support system as a supplementary support mechanism for the bridge structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a swimming tool cleaning tool that does not require the exertion of vertical force against the vertical surfaces of the swimming pool for effective cleaning. The person using the present invention only needs to push and pull on the cleaning tool to use it effectively to clean the swimming pool.

Abstract: A grip for a makeup brush having the grip, hair and a combining unit includes a synthetic resin core inside and a brilliant transparent resin layer on an outer surface of the core, and manufactured through the steps of molding a core by pouring core melt containing resin and pigment into a core mold and removing the core mold after coagulation; molding a grip by pouring transparent resin melt into a grip mold with the molded core fixed at the center of the grip mold and removing the grip mold after coagulation; cutting an outer surface of the molded grip smooth and cutting an end of the grip, which is combined with a combining unit, to have a rough surface with a reduced diameter by a lathe; and polishing the outer surface of the cut grip by using a sandpaper. This grip has better appearance and improved durability.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning corrugated surfaces has a multiplicity of bristles extending across the width of an elongated body. The bottom ends of the bristles form a virtual surface complementary to the corrugated surface. The bristles include a first set of bristles positioned to engage the ridges of the corrugated surface and a second set of bristles positioned to extend into the grooves of the corrugated surface. The first set of bristles have a first hardness, and the second set of bristles have a second hardness harder than the first hardness. This provides greater cleaning action in the hard to clean bottom surface portions of the grooves.

Abstract: An improved mascara brush has a typical twisted wire core containing bristles having a high durometer and relatively large diameter. The bristle density is in the range of 8 to 20 bristles per turn; more preferably 10-15 bristles per turn, and most preferably 12-14 bristles per turn. The bristles have a diameter of from 0.010 inch to about 0.016 inch, preferably 0.011 inch to 0.014 inch, and most preferably 0.011 or 0.012 inch. The bristle durometer is in the range of about 92 Shore D hardness to 120 Rockwell R; more preferably about 100 to 120 Rockwell R; most preferably about 103 to 108 Rockwell R. In one preferred embodiment, the filaments have a durometer of 108 Rockwell R. The brush is stable and effective for rapid lengthening of eyelashes and combing of the eyelashes.

Abstract: An improved mascara brush has a typical twisted wire core containing bristles of Z-Shaped cross-section. The Z-shaped cross-section may be a conventional Z-shape; or it may be square or rectangular thereby defining a cross-section of discontinuous square, diamond or polygon shape with a connecting web; or it may be circular or oval thereby defining a cross-section of discontinuous circular shape with a connecting web. In either embodiment the cross-sectional shape effectively creates two longitudinal voids extending along the length of the bristle.

Abstract: An improve mascara brush has a typical twisted wire core containing bristles having a double lumen cross-section. The bristles are generally circular in shape, and hollow, with a dividing web across the midpoint of the bristle, thereby defining two longitudinal lumens extending along the length of the bristle. In other embodiments, the bristle is oval, square, rectangular or another polygonal shape.

Abstract: The Lotion Applicator has a removable sponge that stick to the base. This allows the sponge to be rinsed/cleaned without disturbing the base.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a ball plunger wherein a main ball of the ball plunger is rotated surely and smoothly, when a mold, jig or other article is fixed, positioned, or transported. Another object is to control and keep constant the main ball projection height from a surface fixed to the ball plunger. A plurality of the sub balls are accommodated on the bottom portion of the ball roller which farther accommodates the main ball on the sub balls, thereby reducing the rolling friction between the main ball and the sub balls. Thus, the main ball rolls smoothly. The ball roller and the spring is inserted into the casing. Finally, the spring is fixed to the casing by the coupling ring such as a c-shaped ring.

Abstract: A caster with a structural improvement includes a wheel holder, a spindle seat, a spindle and two wheels. A through hole of the spindle seat is covered on a spindle housing of the wheel holder with a ring groove of the spindle seat engaged by an annular flange of the spindle housing, further the spindle is inserted into the spindle housing with at least one ring groove of the spindle engaged by at least one circumferential ridge of the spindle housing, and finally axle housings of the wheels are inserted by a wheel axle of the wheel holder with a ring groove of the wheel axle engaged by a circumferential ridge of the axle housings, whereby the wheels can swivel and move. Moreover, the spindle seat can be assembled with wheel holders and wheels of various sizes, thereby reducing the costs of new molds for spindle seats of different sizes.

Abstract: A protective strap adapted to be wound on the handle of a sports apparatus is disclosed to include a first strap body and a second strap body. The first strap body has two long lateral sides and two short ends. One of the short ends of the first strap body is defined as a first joint end. The second strap body has two long lateral sides and two short ends. One of the short ends of the second strap body is defined as a second joint end which is connected to said first joint end of the first strap body.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a suitcase includes a fabric stripe with two ends fixed on the suitcase and a receiving space is defined in the fabric stripe. A hollow and flexible bar is received in the receiving space. A handle has a passage defined therethrough and the bar and the fabric stripe receiving the bar are received in the passage. The bar has protrusions which are engaged with an inside of the fabric stripe. The bar is deformed according to the load of the suitcase.

Abstract: A self-locking hinge apparatus with a single stable state includes a pivotal shaft, a retaining ring, a stator, a compression spring, and a rotor. The retaining ring, the compression spring, the stator and the rotor are arranged in series along the pivotal shaft. The stator is slide-able but not rotatable on the pivotal shaft. The rotor is both slide-able and rotatable on the pivotal shaft. By providing the compression spring to enforce a cam-contact between the stator and the rotor, an auto cam sliding pair is then formed to make the hinge apparatus stabilized automatically at the predetermined stable state.

Abstract: An end cap for a supporting bracket having a multi bar linkage includes at least one reinforcing rib. The reinforcing rib extends along a seating portion of the end cap, which engages a track of the supporting bracket and along a length of an upstanding portion of the end cap. End caps configured for offset or inline supporting brackets can include the reinforcing ribs.

Abstract: Present invention provides method and apparatus to produce fine particles of a desired substance utilizing antisolvent precipitation technique. It further provides ways to manipulate the solvent and antisolvent to obtain fine particles of desired characteristics.

Abstract: A binding nail device includes a head. and two legs each having a bent root portion secured and extended from the outer peripheral portion of the head and engaged onto the head. A cap includes an outer peripheral portion having an upward extended peripheral wall for forming a chamber and for receiving the head and the bent portions of the legs. The peripheral wall includes an upper peripheral flange folded or extended toward the legs for engaging with and securing onto the outer peripheral portion of the head and for protecting the cap from being rusted.

Abstract: An improved tie system for organizing and detachably securing moveable articles comprises a folding tie. The tie includes a foldable support element (20) having opposing sides and having both a male fastener patch (22) and a female fastener patch (23) such as hook-and-loop fasteners, on both opposing sides. Two fastener patches of complementary gender are located opposite one or more folding zones (24). The tie folds to enfold one or more articles (27) and detachably engages male and female fastener elements located on the same side of the support element. Upon folding the tie, the fastener elements of the tie engage in a releasable couple, and an article is thereby held and secured inside the fold. The folded tie may be collected with others of its own kind, in weakly-secure clusters, and also may be anchored and labeled.

Abstract: A quick release buckle including a female buckle member, including attachment device, having a pocket formed therein accessible through a rear opening formed in the female buckle member and including a first cover having a slot formed therein, a male buckle member arranged for complimentary sliding assembly with the female buckle member through the rear opening, the male buckle member including a leaf spring for insertion into the pocket of the female buckle member, the leaf spring including a clasp for snap locking engagement in the slot when the buckle members are fully assembled, a handle member, slidably assembled with the male buckle member and insertable therewith into the pocket in the female buckle member, the handle member including an independently moveable release device located adjacent the clasp, when all the members are fully assembled, connected to handle extending away from the buckle, the independently moveable release means adapted to move against the clasp during rapid pulling motion of the

Abstract: A hook device has a main body having a generally C-shaped portion and a generally J-shaped portion, and a movable fastener having a winding portion enclosing the generally C-shaped portion, a hooking end extending from the winding portion to hook the generally C-shaped portion of the main body, and a generally ring-shaped elastic portion extending from the winding portion to block the generally J-shaped portion of the main body.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite absorbent member is provided that includes: