Abstract: A body protective device for protection of the shin, calf and Achilles regions from impact injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a composite protector having a fabric outer garment and protective elements, in particular soft elements and semi-rigid and rigid elements, that are selectively provided in predetermined locations within the outer garment for protecting the shin, calf and other proximal body parts from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.

Abstract: A disposable tie napkin for temporarily protecting a tie or scarf includes:

Abstract: A disposable underarm perspiration shield has a flat flexible body having a first soft porous layer, which contacts the armpit of a user, A second moisture-absorbing layer retains the moisture secreted in the armpit of the user, while a third moisture-impermeable layer prevents the moisture from soiling a garment worn by the user. The flexible shield is detachably secured on the garment by a pressure-sensitive adhesive or secured on the body of the user by a resilient band placed over a shoulder.

Abstract: A garment comprises an outer shell (4) and an inner liner (2). The inner liner is a liquid-water-resistant and water-vapour-permeable material (particularly coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane) which has a discontinuous pattern of abrasion-resisting polymeric material on the side which faces the outer shell. The pattern may be a pattern of dots (26) of abrasion-resisting polymer. The outer shell may be removable from the inner liner.

Abstract: A workout tool for a spectrum of workout resistance ranging from mild to extreme that is completely portable and efficient.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a precurved gusseted glove which provides a user's hand(s) with an outer layer of protection which does not bunch together in the palm of the user. In one embodiment, the precurved gusseted glove is useful in weight training. The precurved gusseted glove has a gusseted side panel which precurves the glove to more naturally fit the curve of a human hand and eliminates the gathering of excess material in the palm of the hand.

Abstract: A reversible work or cleaning glove has a three-fingered design to permit a user to wear the glove with either the palm side or glove side facing forward on the user's hand. The three-fingered glove includes a relatively large center pocket that accommodates the three center fingers of the user's hand. Two substantially identical side pockets are placed symmetrically about the center pocket. The side pockets accommodate either the thumb or the small finger of the user, depending on whether the palm side or back side is forward. By constructing the glove so it can be comfortably worn either palm side or back side forward, the life of the glove can be greatly extended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner cloth for a glove which is inserted between a lining material contacting with a user's skin and an outer skin exposed to the outside and includes a certain connection member for thereby being fixed together with a lining material and an outer skin based on a sewing operation, so that it is possible to implement good moisture penetration, anti-cold, and waterproof functions. The inner cloth for a glove includes a pair of hand-shaped panel members which each include a certain size or area and an edge portion connected at a certain width, and a connection member which is arranged at a certain position of the pair of the panel members and is integrally formed when the panel members are connected, and is formed in a certain shape. The glove implements good moisture penetration, anti-cold and waterproof functions using the inner cloth of the present invention.

Abstract: Novel devices and methods are provided for preventing and treating facial and neck skin aging in mammalian subjects. A partial or complete facial or neck skin patch or mask includes a flexible patch or mask body formed of a porous material that is sized and dimensioned to conform to one or more contoured facial and/or neck skin areas of the subject. Adhesive or other attachment means connect the patch or mask body in contact with one or more contoured facial and/or neck skin areas of the subject. At least one anti-aging effective compounds, such as CoQ10, is applied to or otherwise provided in chemical communication with an undersurface of the patch or mask body to effectuate delivery of the anti-aging compound to the contoured facial and/or neck skin area, in an effective amount and for an extended period of time effective to prevent or alleviate symptoms of skin aging in the facial and/or neck skin area to which the patch or mask is applied.

Abstract: A body protective device for protection from the waist area to the knees area from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a composite body protector having a fabric outer garment and protective elements, in particular soft elements and semi-rigid and rigid elements, that are selectively provided in predetermined locations within the outer garment for protecting from the waist area to the knees area, including the coccyx and other proximal body parts from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.

Abstract: A protective headpiece particularly adapted to the practice of paintball war games is designed to protect against the impact of paintballs arriving from all directions. The headpiece comprises a face mask with a central aperture shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a eye shield with top and lateral rearward projections and a nape piece adjustably and flexibly attached to the top projection so that it may be conveniently pulled back to facilitate installation of the head piece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and two apparatuses enabling refrigerated wearing and dressing. A refrigerant substance in condensed phase undergoing sublimation or evaporation into gaseous phase will absorb heat. By convecting the sublimated or evaporated phase of the refrigerant substance onto areas surrounding a wearing or a dressing, temperatures nearby can thus be lowered, resulting in comfort on wearing or dressing. Refrigeration in this manner is effective, since sublimation heat and evaporation heat are much more pronounced than can otherwise be obtained via using a battery or a dry cell, for example. Refrigerant can be placed in a container providing convenience in use, allowing for refill or replacement when depleted. Refrigerated clothes, hats, hamlets, etc., are in great need by our communities, in situations whenever it requires walking across air-conditioned stations, working under the sun or before a furnace, driving a motorcycle with an air-tight hamlet, and so forth.

Abstract: An articulating body protective device for protection from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a composite body protector having a fabric outer garment and protective elements, in particular soft elements and semi-rigid and rigid elements, that are selectively provided in predetermined locations within the outer garment for protecting vital organs and other body parts from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.

Abstract: A vacuum urinal assembly includes a shell portion, operational means, and vacuum discharge means. In order to achieve a streamlined arrangement, the shell portion is formed as a substantially unitary body, whereby the operational means comprise a level sensor means and a vacuum-operated discharge valve in fluid communication with a pipe system. The shell portion is arranged to support the operational means within the shell portion.

Abstract: A portable restroom facility has a housing. The housing has a door opening for entering and exiting the housing. A removable waste storage container is stored within the housing for holding bodily waste. When the removable waste storage container is full or partially full, the removable waste storage container can be removed and a new clean removable waste storage container can be inserted into the housing. Thus, a waste drainage truck does not need to visit each facility and drain each portable restroom facility.

Abstract: A multi-function portable lavatory apparatus is provided that may be used as a self-supporting portable seat in conjunction with a conventional toilet, as well as a minimal contact portable seat in conjunction with portable bathroom facilities that typically comprise a fixed toilet seat mounted directly upon a waste holding tank

Abstract: A spa cover remover has a spa cover support including a pair of parallel side bars at opposite respective sides of a spa, the side bars having upper and lower ends, with a crossbar extending between the upper ends of the side bars, a pivot shaft extending between the lower ends of the side bars and rigid connections between the lower end of the side bars and the pivot shaft and between the upper ends of the side bars and the crossbar. The spa cover support is pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the pivot shaft and a resilient connection between the spa cover support and the spa allows pivotation of the spa cover support about that axis to locate the crossbar, with a spa cover folded over the crossbar, in a supporting position offset from above the spa. The crossbar, the pivot shaft and the side arms are each made of telescopically interengaged and adjustable sections to enable the spa cover remover to be adapted to spas of different sizes.

Abstract: A motorized body scrubber is invented to scrub from the neck to the toes easily, safely and non-strenuously for anyone, especially for disabled users.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a folding sofa bed wherein a sofa can be made compact and which gives a stable bed that is comfortable to sleep on, and moreover where converting between a sofa and a bed is very easy. The folding sofa bed of the invention comprises a mat section divided lengthwise into three parts, namely a front mat, a center mat and a rear mat, a support frame for supporting part of the rear mat and center mat, and a movable storage container which supports the rest of the center mat and most of the front mat. Furthermore, each mat is secured to an upper edge of the support frame or the movable container, so as to be rotatable up and down, and the movable container can be stored within the support frame.

Abstract: A hoist for lifting a person includes support wheels, a steering arrangement and a drive arrangement including a motive driven wheel (or wheels) for engaging the ground surface.

Abstract: Several patient supports are provided having a head end and a foot end. The patient supports includes a frame, a deck being supported on the frame, and a several embodiments of siderails coupled to the deck.

Abstract: A surgical table includes a patient support deck includes a central section and at least one side section movably coupled to the central section. The at least one side section is movable between a first position substantially coplanar with the central section and a second position extending upwardly relative to the central section to inhibit lateral movement of a patient lying on the patient support deck.

Abstract: Device for adjusting the height of a cushion (1) with respect to the surface of a mattress or seat (12) of a bed/sofa (10) which has a headboard or backrest (13;113), comprising a strip of fabric (21) which is fastened to the cushion and one end of which is joined to a weight (22).

Abstract: A travel pillow designed specifically for commercial airline travel is disclosed. The unique feature of this travel pillow is that it is designed to provide support from the front rather than the back. It essentially allows the user to lean forward effortlessly, place the head down and sleep without worrying about the head flopping forward as with any pillow designed to support the back of the head. The pillow consists of a large, firm but soft object comprising about 1.5 cubic feet, sized and shaped to fit on the food service tray available with any airline seat, and includes a platform for placing a typical airline pillow on top.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable bladder, and method for making same, having an interior sheet and an exterior sheet extending from a left direction toward a right direction and where the exterior sheet has an inner side and an outer side. The interior sheet is coupled to the inner side of the exterior sheet where the outer side is facing upwardly and the inner side is facing downwardly. The exterior sheet has at least one fold where, upon being subjected to bending, the at least one fold unfolds to provide additional material so that exterior sheet maintains a distance from the interior sheet.

Abstract: A multi-functional tool configured to enable a user to manipulate articles of clothing, the multi-functional tool including a first handle, a second handle, a pivot pin, and a plurality of tools rotatably disposed about the pivot pin. Wherein each tool is configured to provide a specific function to the user of the multi-functional tool. Still further, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a multi-functional tool that includes a plurality of tools configured to manipulate buttons and zippers disposed on articles of clothing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating textiles comprising applying to the textile an enzyme having a specific activity towards the textile, under conditions such that there is substantially no mechanical agitation.

Abstract: The novel process for dyeing non-cationically-modified polyacrylonitrile fibers during spinning when the fibers are in the gel state which comprises using at least one anionic dye from the group of the acid dyes, the direct dyes or the reactive dyes and provides deep dyeings having good general fastnesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and processes for removing particulate soil from fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system based on a plurality of simultaneous and discrete control actions that place mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system so as to achieve balance is disclosed. A balance control algorithm may be utilized to provide a desired control action regarding an amount of mass to be placed, the extent each discrete action contributes, and the location of placement on the rotating system. The control action is broken down into subsets of discrete actuator steps whose whole will accomplish the desired control action. The composition of the actuator step subsets is based on particular ratios and limits and evolve based on the portion of the action already accomplished. A plurality of control actuators is simultaneously activated to deploy the discrete control actuator actions that place mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dyeing keratin fibers, especially human hair. The inventive method comprises the following steps: optionally applying a pretreatment agent M1 to the fiber, using a dye M2 on the fiber which is optionally mixed immediately before application to the fiber from a component M2a, containing at least one oxidative dye pre-product of the developer type and/or an indole and/or indole derivative and a component M2b, containing an oxidative dye and/or an enzyme. If desired, a third agent M3 is added to the individual agents M2a or M2b before mixing them or to the mixture M2, and said dye M2 is rinsed from the fiber after a period of 5-10 minutes. At least one of the agents M1, M2a, M2b or M3 contains a compound from the vitamin B6 group. The invention further relates to hair pretreatment agents, to agents for dyeing keratin fibers, to their packing in corresponding kits and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ready-to-use oxidation dyeing composition for keratinous fibres, and in particular human keratinous fibres such as hair comprising, in a suitable dyeing medium, at least an oxidation base selected among certain substituted paraphenylenediamine derivatives and their addition salts with an acid, at least an alkaline agent and hydrogen peroxide, and the dyeing method using said composition.

Abstract: Fabric blends of inherently flame resistant fibers and flame resistant cellulosic fibers that contain a flame retardant. According to the method of production of these blends, the inherently flame resistant fibers can be dyed a full shade of color without depleting the flame retardant contained in the cellulosic fibers. In addition, the potential for laundering shrinkage of the inherently flame resistant fibers of the blends is reduced regardless of whether both, one of, or neither of the inherently flame resistant fibers and the flame resistant cellulosic fibers are dyed. Dyeing and/or shrinkage prevention of these blends is conducted at temperatures below 100° C., typically approximately between 70° C. and 100° C.

Abstract: The invention provides dyed yarn characterized by comprising dyed polytrimethylene terephthalate fiber, having an elastic recovery of 60% or greater under 10% elongation, and having a boiling water shrinkage of no greater than 4%. The dyed yarn of the invention has excellent stretchability and dimensional stability as well as a soft feel, and is therefore suitable for use in fabrics.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held device is employed to clean the tongue. The device includes a housing configured to be grasped by a user during a tongue cleaning procedure, a fibrous brush configured to clean tongue surfaces as the brush is moved against the surface of the tongue, and a motor assembly configured to vibrate the brush as the brush is moved against the surface of the tongue. The brush has a height that is substantially less than the width thereof, such that the configuration of the brush minimizes the elicitation of a gag reflex when the device is used to clean the tongue.

Abstract: An adhesive roll cleaner having a single-sided adhesive sheet wound around a core tube into a roll with the adhesive side facing out, wherein the adhesive sheet has a tear strength of 500 mN or higher and is wound in such a manner that the adhesive roll cleaner maintains an outer diameter within a range of 22 to 40 mm from start to end of use, and the roll has a width of 180 to 300 mm.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a handle, a neck having a longitudinal axis and a brush head mounted to the neck and including bristles that rotate about an axis that is at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the neck. Upon activation of a motor, the bristles rotate about the acute axis and tips of the bristles always move in a direction away from the user's gumline.

Abstract: A waxer for automobiles includes an upper having a top provided with a switch for controlling power to the waxer, a lower edge of the upper cover being provided with a plurality of hooks, a seat on which is mounted the upper cover, with the hooks engaged with respective recesses of the seat, the seat being formed with a cavity, rechargeable batteries arranged in the cavity, an electric motor disposed within the cavity and electrically connected with the rechargeable batteries and the switch, a base on which is mounted the seat, the base being formed with a circular chamber at a central portion thereof and four tubular portions at four corners thereof, an eccentric block disposed within the circular chamber and eccentrically affixed on an output axle of the electric motor, a sponge affixed to a bottom of the base, and cover enclosing the sponge.

Abstract: An implement with blade (11) and sponge (12) for cleaning glass sheet, in which the sponge (12) is coupled to the implement by the undercut engagement (9A) of a part of it in a seat (9) of the implement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper device (1) comprising a wiper arm (2) with a wiper blade (3), which is provided on one end of the wiper arm (2) and which comprises a wiper blade rubber element (4). Said wiper blade rubber element has two longitudinal slots (5), which are situated opposite one another and which extend in a longitudinal direction, and has a supporting element provided in the form of two spring rails (6), which longitudinally extend in a strip-like manner and which are arranged inside the longitudinal slots (3). The inventive wiper device also comprises a joining section (8), which is arranged on the end of the wiper arm (2) facing the wiper blade (3) and which is provided for affixing the wiper blade (3). The invention is characterized in that the ends of the spring rails (6), at least on one end of the wiper blade (3), project in a longitudinal direction over the wiper blade rubber element (4) and they are affixed to the joining section (8).

Abstract: A cleaning device including a handle and a pan is provided. The pan has a smooth, continuous inner surface which facilitates cleaning. A ramp portion of a base of the pan has a transitional angle of inclination which facilitates pulling waste into the pan. Spacers and supports are provided to ensure that the front ramp remains in contact with a surface when a downward force is applied to the pan. A method is also provided which, using the aforementioned cleaning device, reduces the time necessary to remove a hazard on a surface.

Abstract: A squeezing device for a wiping cover of a flat-body wiper, the wiper cover hanging downward and partially detached from a wiper plate of the flat-body wiper in a vertical position of the wiper plate, the wiper plate including a downward facing pressure surface in the vertical position. The squeezing device includes a funnel-shaped squeezing shaft having a counterpressure surface in a lower region of the squeezing shaft. The squeezing shaft is configured to receive the wiper cover and at least a portion of the wiper plate in the vertical position of the wiper plate so that a squeezing pressure of the pressure surface against the counterpressure surface squeezes out the wiper cover. The squeezing shaft includes stabilizing devices configured to stabilize the wiper plate against tipping relative to a first plane from the vertical position. In addition a cleaning system including the squeezing device and a method of squeezing a wiping cover of a flat-body wiper with the squeezing device.

Abstract: A reusable dust collecting filter for a vacuum cleaner which reduces costs for repair and maintenance of the vacuum cleaner and reduces waste. The vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body having a dust collecting chamber and a motor chamber, a cleaning head connected to the cleaner body via an extension pipe; and a cassette type dust collecting filter removably disposed in the dust collecting chamber of the cleaner body, for separating and collecting contaminants in the airstream. The dust collecting filter is reusable by removal of collected contaminants and then cleaning of the dust collecting filter. The dust collecting filter includes a locking mechanism for locking the dust collecting filter in a mounted position within the dust collecting chamber of the vacuum cleaner body.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a canister type vacuum cleaner has a connection pipe connected to a suction brush, a cyclone body, and a dust collecting receptacle provided in the cyclone body. The dust collecting receptacle is positioned alongside the connection pipe, and the contacting side of the connection pipe is contoured to correspond to the shape of the outer contour of the dust collecting apparatus. The mating contact of the connection pipe and the dust collecting receptacle reduces the overall thickness of their coextensive lengths and provides a secure connection therebetween. The resulting compact configuration enables a user to use or carry the cyclone dust collecting apparatus more conveniently.

Abstract: A housing having an open top and an outlet port in a bottom opposite thereof, a brush partially within and spanning across the housing, and a hose detachably securable between a vacuum cleaner and the outlet port, with the brush being drawable across the top of a ceiling fan blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction attachment (9) for a vacuum cleaner. The suction attachment comprises a housing (11) having two edges (43, 45) enclosing an angle &agr; in a corner portion. A primary suction opening (55, 59) extends in a bottom part (57) of the suction attachment along each of the two edges, said primary suction openings being connected to a connecting channel (21) which can be coupled to a suction unit (7) of the vacuum cleaner. The primary suction openings open into a secondary suction opening (61) near said corner portion.

Abstract: A power blower includes a frame, and a blower mounted on the frame. An air intake port of the blower faces the frame. There is provided an air intake space between the blower and the frame. A debris-catching cover is constructed between the frame side and the blower side in a state in which it is mounted on both the frame and blower sides. The debris-catching cover inhibits debris from being sucked from the air intake space into the air intake port.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a joint assembly to selectively rotate an extension pipe with respect to a handle. The joint assembly has a joint body removably installed between the extension pipe and the handle to allow the extension pipe 130 to rotate with respect to the handle 140 within a predetermined range. Also included on the joint assembly is a supplemental handle protruding from an outer surface of the joint body. The joint assembly and supplemental handle allow the user to clean under a bed or a desk without having to bend his/her back too much. Therefore, the user is not easily fatigued even when he/she cleans under the desk or bed.

Abstract: A carpet strip assembly has a plurality of two-legged or two-pronged staples fixedly secured therein wherein the staples are arranged within an array comprising two or three longitudinally offset rows of staple fasteners. In this manner, the number of fastener points per lineal foot of the carpet strip is increased, as compared to the number of fastener points per lineal foot of a conventional carpet strip by approximately twenty to twenty-five per cent (20-25%). In addition, the cross-sectional configuration of each one of the legs or prongs of each two-pronged or two-legged staple is substantially rectangular such that the resistance to bending forces is effectively enhanced four-fold. Still further, in view of the fact that the two prongs or legs of each staple are integrally connected together by means of a transversely extending bridge or crown portion, pull-out resistance of the staples, with respect to the carpet strip, is significantly enhanced.

Abstract: A chair caster with an immovable function in the invention mainly includes a wheel holder, a spring, a sleeve, a spindle, and a non-slip pad. When a user sits on a chair, the spindle is capable of being lowered by the weight of a user with an annular flange of the spindle pressed against the sleeve to lower the sleeve to compress the spring with both ends of the spring respectively pressed against a bottom of the sleeve and a stop end of the wheel holder so that the non-slip pad engaged at a lower portion of the spindle follows downward movement of the spindle to be affixed to the ground, thereby enabling the chair to remain immovable in a certain location without worry of displacing the chair to make the user suffered a fall and thus wounded.