Abstract: An arm support device having a holding member, receives and encloses both arms of an individual, wherein the holding member supports the arms simultaneously in front of the individual in a relaxed and comfortable position, thereby relieving the neck and shoulder muscles from the responsibility of maintaining the arms in a particular position for an extended period of time, which otherwise would cause irritating muscle aches and pains.

Abstract: Wrinkle resistant garments produced by the cross-linking of cellulose and/or pucker free garments produced by adding a fuse tape into an edge seam are treated with chemicals such as sodium tetraborate and/or similar compounds having a pH of about 9-10 or higher in a process that can significantly improve the garment's durability. The selected chemical is applied to areas of the garments which are subject to excessive abrasion during daily wear and laundering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preknotted adjustable necktie comprising a front outer tie portion, a knot portion with an opening therethrough, and an adjustable neck embracing loop extending through the opening in said knot portion. The knot portion is formed of fabric material and contains no rigid materials, the knot portion having an outer knot segment attached on its vertically extending side edges to an inner knot segment, with one end of the neck embracing loop attached to a first side of the inner knot segment and the other end of the neck embracing loop extending through a guide loop attached to the first side of the inner knot segment, with the front outer tie portion attached to the other side of the inner knot segment, and with the outer knot segment being attached at its opposing side edges forming the opening through the knot portion.

Abstract: A human hand mimetic and pediatric support system device to provide comfort, positioning aid, sense of security and support for infants, especially premature infants or other users lacking full mobility. This device consists of a cavity in the shape of a human hand (glove/mitten) partially or totally filled with a freely flowable material and closed at the cuff. An optional extension to the cuff mimics an arm/forearm to provide extra length, weight and/or flexibility of usage. This device provides continual gentle pressure and subtle restraint by mimicking the touch of a human hand and conforming to the contour of the body. The device may be used directly touching the skin, is washable without disassembly, and it does not interfere with medical or other equipment. It may be used under or over the body of the infant (excluding the face) or to secure external items in place such as pacifiers, bottles, paperwork, toys, tubes, etc.

Abstract: An elastomeric glove having an outer layer that contains a silicone emulsion is provided. For example, in one embodiment, the glove contains a natural rubber latex substrate body, a donning layer that is capable of being chlorinated, and an outer layer formed from a silicone emulsion. It has been unexpectedly discovered that the application of a silicone emulsion to the outer layer can offset the slipperiness normally caused by chlorination and thus enhance the gripping properties of the resulting elastomeric glove. Specifically, it is believed that the silicone emulsion can inhibit the ability of halogen atoms to bond with the elastomeric material of the substrate, thereby limiting the level of slipperiness usually imparted during chlorination.

Abstract: The stretchable cap structure with non-distortable ornaments on the rear panels of the crown. The cap is comprised of a peak, a crown and a two-segment sweatband, the crown is composed of a plurality of stretchable panels on which external surface of the rear panels are decorated with ornaments. The two-segment sweatband portion including a stretchable sweatband portion and a non-stretchable sweatband portion sewn together interconnectedly is secured to the lower peripheral edge of the crown; the non-stretchable sweatband portion is placed at the area which is corresponding to the crown panels having the ornaments thereon to make the ornaments keep their original shapes without distortion while the entire cap in use being well stretched.

Abstract: A stretchable cap structure being comprised of a crown, a sweatband and a peak, the crown portion is composed of a plurality of panels, wherein at least front panels are stretchable, the sweatband is composed of at least a front segment of stretchable band, the peak portion is formed from a peak board having at least a cleft and covered with stretchable fabric. The crown, the sweatband and the peak are sewn together to form the cap. The aforesaid cleft(s) of the peak board is/are provided on the rear section of the peak board adjacent to the crown, so that the portion of the crown adjacent to the peak and the peak portion itself are both expandable by splitting the cleft(s) when the cap is in its stretched state.

Abstract: The present invention describes a mask or goggles having a strap which includes a hair restraint mechanism for maintaining the hair of the wearer away from the wearer's face and/or equipment, while the mask is in place. The strap includes a central body which fits around the back of the wearer's head, fastening straps extending from the central body to attach the strap to the mask body and a hair restraint portion extending from the central body. Typically, the hair restraint portion is perpendicular to the central body and extends downward therefrom. The hair restraint portion includes a mechanism for fastening or securing it around the wearer's hair during use.

Abstract: A camouflaged material for outdoor wear has an inside liner material with a fine mesh to prevent the passage of insects therethrough. An outside layer overlays the inside layer and is die-cut to have a plurality of leaf tabs cut therein with the leaf tabs having a substantially elliptical shape having a cut perimeter on opposite sides and a cut end therebetween, with an opposite end to the cut end forming a live hinge with respect to the outside layer, to permit the leaf tabs to deflect from the outside layer in a random fashion to create an outer appearance of random leaves.

Abstract: For a person, such as a firefighter, a rescue worker, or a chemical or laboratory worker, who is preparing to work in a hazardous environment, a pack is prepared by providing a pouch, which is sealable so as to be fluid-tight, by packing a protective garment in the pouch, by sealing the pouch so as to be fluid-tight after the protective garment has been packed in the pouch so as to protect the protective garment against contamination before the pouch is opened, and by drawing a partial vacuum in the pouch so as to collapse the pouch against what has been packed in the pouch, when the pouch is sealed, thus not only to reduce overall bulkiness of the pack but also to provide evidence, if there is a perceptible loss of the partial vacuum, that the pouch has been tampered with or that the pouch has been opened. Other gear of diverse types may be packed with the protective garment.

Abstract: A protective garment for use around the torso of a rider, includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is adapted to fit around the torso of the rider, and the lower portion is adapted to fit between the legs of the rider. A generally triangular first end of the lower portion covers the groin area of the rider, and a second end of the lower portion is connected to the upper portion near the rear of the rider's torso.

Abstract: A dispenser for use in a toilet tank that has a water level that rises and falls. There is a replaceable bottle having a bottom, side walls, a top, an upper outlet, and an internal cavity suitable to contain a dispensable product such as a toilet bowl cleaner, and optionally a grip through hole near the bottom of the bottle. There is also an upwardly open holster for receiving the bottle in inverted fashion so that an outlet of the container is inside the holster. A majority of the outside surface area of the container side walls may be inside the holster, a valve may be associated with the holster that controls the dispensing of cleaner from the container, and/or a mounting hook on the holster may pivot between a storage position in a bottle recess and a mounting position snap locked on the holster (or is integrally linked to the holster). The bottle and holster are compatibility sloped to guide the proper positioning of the bottle in the holster.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet is disclosed which has a jet body with a water inlet to allow water to flow into it. An eyeball with one or more outlets is mounted to the body to allow water to flow out of the body through the outlets. The flow of water through the outlets causes the eyeball to rotate. A retaining pin is mounted within the jet body to hold the eyeball to the body, with the eyeball rotating around said pin. A system for providing a hydrotherapy jet to reservoir of water is also disclosed and includes a reservoir shell capable of holding water with a plurality of hydrotherapy jets according to the invention that are mounted around the reservoir shell. A water pump system circulates water from the reservoir to said jets.

Abstract: An improved shower apparatus allows for an overhead attaching secondary showerhead. Using a bi-directional water diverter with switch valve the shower water flow is split between an original showerhead and a flexible extension hose. The extension hose is connected along the shower stall wall and ceiling and allows for the secondary showerhead to be positioned at any point on the shower stall ceiling where it can be directed vertically downward. The water diverter valve controls the flow of water allowing the showerheads to be used separately or together. Due to the height, position and trajectory of the flow of water no excessive bending or twisting of the body, especially at the back, neck or knees, is necessary to position individuals directly under the flow of water, thereby allowing for the greatest pain and discomfort free ease of use for tall or injured individuals.

Abstract: A foot therapy device is provided. The foot therapy device includes a housing having a side wall, and a floor defining a reservoir for receiving a fluid. The foot therapy device has at least one water jet disposed in the reservoir and a pump for pumping the fluid in the reservoir to the water jet. The water jet circulates the fluid disposed in the reservoir. The fluid circulates in a predetermined fluid flow pattern in the reservoir. The predetermined flow pattern of the fluid may include a substantially circular, elliptical or vortex motion for a relaxing and pleasant massage therapy.

Abstract: A system for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, with substantially no agitation of the body, is provided. The system comprises a housing having a substantially planar top portion configured to support the body and a substantially planar bottom portion configured to engage either of the first or the second surface. A first translation means is operatively disposed at the top portion a second translation means is operatively disposed at the bottom portion. The second translation means is configured to transfer the system between the surfaces, with or without the body. The first translation means is configured burrow between the first surface and the body.

Abstract: A bedding assembly is provided having an integrated storage area. The assembly has one or more platforms having a recessed storage area and a deck pivotably mounted to the platform. The deck may be pivoted over the platform between a horizontal position where a use can lie upon the deck, such as for sleeping, and a non-horizontal position to allow access to the storage area of the platform. The platforms may be coupled together at a distance from one another by a pair of end frames. Optionally, garment hooks may be rotatably mounted onto the bed assembly and rotatable between a use position, for hanging items thereon, and a stowage position.

Abstract: Baby crib bumpers on the legs protect doorways, walls and furniture when transporting the crib on swivel casters. The bumpers are preferably high impact plastic foam disks, arranged to rotate on the crib legs when striking objects and prevent damage.

Abstract: A device is provided to serve a dual purpose of a sleeping bag and sleeping or resting mat for users, e.g., infants and small children, that is easily transportable to an from day care centers or other places while the users are away from their home. The device includes a main body having a front, a back, two sides, a head end, a bottom end, a head section, a body section, and a pocket. The pocket is attached to the sides of the head section and has a slit extending laterally from side to side to receive the main body after it has been rolled up. The sleeping bag in this form is compact and ready for being transported or stored. The body section of the main body has mating zipper halves attached to each sides of the body section to permit parallel zippers to be engaged when the bottom end is adjacent the lateral slit in the pocket. This permits the caregiver to place a child on the front of the bag, bring the bottom end up over the child, and engage each of the parallel zippers without disturbing the child.

Abstract: This invention will alternately turn an immobile, bedridden patient 180 degrees. It is designed to prevent bedsores and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The device consists of five strategically placed inflatables on a flexible mattress assembly strapped to a hospital bed mattress. The knees are bent in a perpendicular, 90° position and sandwiched between a pair of inflated knee bags on top of the flexible mattress. The inflation of one of the elongated air bags beneath the flexible mattress raises that longitudinal side of the mattress to a 45° incline. This causes the knees to move from a 90° angle relative to the flat mattress an additional 45 degrees to a 135° angle. As those air bags deflate, the bent knees descend. Acting as a lever arm, the knees pull the body completely to the side of the turn, while a back support air bag pillow inflates.

Abstract: An inflatable head support comprising: a pair of spaced apart air cushions; an interconnecting member between the cushions, wherein each cushion is formed from at least one cushioning part rolled or folded over itself and fixed, in use, in place.

Abstract: A method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices prepared by such method. The method generally comprises the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to terminal sterilization.

Abstract: The invention provides a bleaching method of natural fibers. By the invention, it is possible to bleach raw cotton fibers without dewaxing. The method of the invention is to bring the natural fibers on each of which wax adhere, into contact with water solution containing hydroxy percarboxilic acid for bleaching. The natural fibers may be raw cotton fibers. The hydroxy percarboxilic acid may be perlactic acid. The water solution may contain hydroxy carboxilic acid, hydrogen peroxide and alkali agent with hydroxy percarboxilic acid.

Abstract: A method of washing and rinsing a textile fabric, the method comprising a washing step wherein the washing liquor comprises an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant and a rinse additive encapsulated in a terpolymer.

Abstract: Novel waterborne vinyl copolymer dispersions useful as a fabric coating or treatment to improve the performance properties of textile products are disclosed and claimed. The compositions contain vinyl monomers, a vinyl silane and hydroxy fatty acid ester compounds having at least one double bond in their backbone featuring internally plasticizable and crosslinkable properties.

Abstract: Cellulosic based polymer or oligomer materials for use in textile mill applications. The compositions of the present invention impart appearance and integrity benefits to fabrics and textiles during laundering and in-wear. The applications can be stand alone or incorporated into textile mill processes. The materials can be applied onto yarns/fabrics/textiles/garments via pad-dry processes or exhaustion methods.

Abstract: Cellulosic based polymer or oligomer materials for use in textile mill applications. The compositions of the present invention impart appearance and integrity benefits to fabrics and textiles during laundering and in-wear. The applications can be stand alone or incorporated into textile mill processes. The materials can be applied onto yarns/fabrics/textiles/garments via pad-dry processes or exhaustion methods.

Abstract: A cleaning system comprising a reservoir of cleaning solvent, a fabric article treating vessel and a filtration device for removing contaminants from the cleaning solvent. The filtration device comprises at least an adsorbent material having an Adsorbent Capacity of at least about 200 mg contaminants per gram of adsorbent. A method for using the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of dyeing a material which involve contacting the material with a dyeing system which comprises: (a) a mixture of (i) an aromatic diamine and (ii) one or more of a naphthol and an aminonaphthalene and (b) an oxidation system comprising (i) a hydrogen peroxide source and an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity or (ii) an enzyme exibiting oxidase activity on one or more of the compounds of mixture (a). The material may be a fabric, yarn, fiber, garment or film made of fur, hide, leather, silk or wool, or made of cationic polysaccharide, cotton, diacetate, flax, linen, lyocel, polyacrylic, synthetic polyamide, polyester, ramie, rayon, triacetate, or viscose.

Abstract: Dye compositions for dyeing keratin fibres, comprising at least one oxidation base and at least one coupler chosen from 6-alkoxy-2,3-diaminopyridine derivatives of formula (I) as defined herein and the addition salts thereof; the use of the compositions for dyeing keratin fibres; and the dyeing processes using the compositions; as well as at least one entity chosen from novel 6-alkoxy-2,3-diaminopyridine compounds and their addition salts thereof that are useful as couplers.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for dyeing and bleaching hair comprising a phosphate ester compound and an oxidizing agent. The phosphate ester compound preferably comprises a mixture of monoester phosphates of alkoxylated fatty alcohols containing from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms with diester phosphates of non-alkoxylated fatty alcohols containing from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms. Preferably the compositions are in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The compositions have good rheologies and improve the bleaching and dyeing of hair.

Abstract: Linear or cyclic diorganosiloxane compounds that include at least one nitroaniline function are disclosed; the compounds may be used as organic dyes in cosmetic compositions suitable for dyeing human keratin fibers, especially hair, or for make-up. The dyes may also be used in foods and pharmaceutical compositions and for dyeing natural and synthetic fibers and plastics or inorganic materials. Also disclosed are the use of the compounds in the above-mentioned fields, cosmetic compositions containing such compounds, and a method for directly dyeing keratin fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dye combination and thermal dye transfer imaging element and imaging method comprising a yellow dye donor containing a combination of two or more yellow dyes, the combination of dyes exhibiting an RMS error of less than 0.015. Such dye combinations provide improved color matching vs. target colors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dye combination and a thermal dye transfer yellow donor element containing the combination of dyes useful for forming a light stable yellow image comprising a yellow dye having the formula: 1

Abstract: A compound which can be used as a dye and is represented by the following general formulae (I), (II) and (III). In the general formulae, A and B each independently represents a monovalent heterocyclic group bonded to an azo group by a carbon atom of the monovalent heterocyclic group; m and n each independently represents one of 0 and 1; and M represents one of a hydrogen atom and a monovalent positive ion.

Abstract: A device for restraining the upward movement of a dock comprising a hydraulic cylinder having a fixed end; a piston slideably disposed in said cylinder so as to define opposed first and second chambers; a rod having one end connected to said slideable piston, extending through said first chamber and having another end adapted for connection to said dock; hydraulic reservoir containing hydraulic fluid communicating with said first chamber; valve means disposed between said reservoir and said first chamber, said valve means having open position permitting said hydraulic fluid to flow from said first chamber to said reservoir and extending said rod in response to said upward movement of said dock; a closed position stopping the flow of said hydraulic fluid from said first chamber to said reservoir and restraining the upward movement of said dock.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having a particular assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism is disclosed. The assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism are such that operation of the brush is highly efficient and more economical than currently known toothbrushes. Specifically, an electric toothbrush is disclosed comprising a body, a head, and a neck extending therebetween. The head utilizes one of several unique and preferred arrangements of static and movable bristles. The static bristles at least partially surround the collection of movable bristles which are provided on a movable bristle carrier. A motor and drive train impart motion to the collection of movable bristles. Also disclosed is a toothbrush having a simplified and improved assembly. The toothbrush includes a unique assembly utilizing a one-piece housing in combination with a movable bristle carrier that is engaged on a brush head of the toothbrush, and a stationary brush head tip which is secured thereto.

Abstract: A toothbrush design which more effectively permits bristle penetration into the spaces between tooth and gum for removal of plaque and food debris lodged within these spaces. The toothbrush design incorporates a rotatable brush disc having a plurality of radially outward extending bristles but where the width of the bristle disc and number of bristles are preferably limited so that the bristle tips can penetrate into the space between tooth and gum and preferably be of sufficient length to penetrate to the bottom of the space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use with a conventional automobile hand polisher for use in polishing of floors. The device includes a detachable handle having a storage bin and an actuation leaver. The handle provides control of a high speed polisher in a stand-up position, the storage bin provides an area for the placement of weight and for storing of all items upon when not in use. By use of the disclosed handle, a high speed lightweight orbital polisher can be employed for providing a high gloss finish to most floor surfaces.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for removing debris from a cellular window treatment having one or more cells, each cell having a width. The tool comprises a handle for gripping the tool and a wand portion attached to the handle. The wand portion has a first telescoping section of a first diameter, a second telescoping section of a second diameter, and a third telescoping section of a third diameter. The first diameter is less than the cell width, the second diameter is less than the first diameter, and the third diameter is less than the second diameter. The first, second and third telescoping sections are movable between a closed collapsed position and an open, extended position. Each of the first, second and third telescoping section has an external surface. The tool further comprises a coating mounted to at least one of the external surfaces of the first, second or third telescoping section, the coating being formed from a tacky material. Preferably the handle includes at least one finger grip.

Abstract: A mop swab is disclosed which comprises a plurality of individual cords of suitably absorbent material of finite lengths, wherein adjacent cords are interwoven with each other at a plurality of intermittent points along their respective lengths to define a reticular pattern.

Abstract: A combination cleaning solution recovery tank and air-liquid separator for use in a carpet extractor comprises a tank and a lid engaging the tank. The lid includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a circumferential outer wall to form a chamber therebetween. An interior wall extends between the top wall and the bottom wall dividing the chamber into a first plenum and a second plenum. The first plenum has an inlet for receiving liquid-laden working air and an exit in fluid communication with the tank. The second plenum has an inlet in fluid communication with the tank and an exit for discharging working air from the second plenum. A baffle assembly is removably mounted in said tank.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning vacuum sealing apparatus includes an intra piping sealing frustum. The frustum is generally shaped as a frustum of a circular cone with an interior and exterior surface. The interior surface is adapted to releasably receive a plurality of various vacuum suction sources. The exterior surface of the frustum is adapted to be releasably received by a plurality of configurations of pipe openings.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation. The cleaning apparatus comprises a first source for distributing a first liquid onto said surface. An activating device operatively connected to the first source to activate the first source to distribute the first liquid onto the surface. A pump operatively connected to the first source to draw under pressure the first liquid to the surface. A second source for distributing a second liquid onto the surface, wherein the second liquid from the second source is drawn to the cleaning surface by gravity alone.

Abstract: A floor cleaning unit having a housing and a removable caddy which may be mounted on and removed from the housing for storing accessories. The caddy includes a body which removably mounts to the housing. A connector assembly is included on the body for removably mounting the body on the housing. The connector assembly includes a slot for receiving a hook member attached to the housing. An accessory retainer is formed on the body for storing the floor cleaning unit accessories, whereby the caddy and the floor cleaning unit accessories stored thereon may be slidably removed from the floor cleaning unit by merely applying a force to the body.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electric vacuum cleaner equipped with a compact and easy-to-operate cyclonic separation type dust collector.

Abstract: A grommet through which a long member is passed and mounted on a fixing hole of a fixing plate includes a cylindrical insertion portion, through which the long member is passed, a brim-shaped close contact portion, extending outward from the insertion portion and having a mounting groove which is mounted on an edge of the fixing hole, and a cylindrical guide portion, having a through hole to path through the long member, and concentrically connected to the insertion portion such that the guide portion is projected from the fixing plate when the grommet is mounted to the fixing plate. The guide portion is provided with a cut portion so as to accommodate a part of the long member.

Abstract: A grommet through which a long member is passed and mounted on a fixing hole of a fixing plate, includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member includes a cylindrical insertion portion, through which the long member is passed, a brim-shaped close contact portion, extending outward from the insertion portion and having a mounting groove engaging with an edge of the fixing hole and an inner groove, formed on an inside face of the close contact portion. The inner member include a periphery edge portion, substantially shaped into a disc shape having a central opening, and inserted in the inner groove and a projection, extended from the periphery edge portion.

Abstract: An door hold and release mechanism is provided for use with a door-check or closer of the type including a pneumatic cylinder and a reciprocating piston rod. The door hold and release mechanism includes a housing mounted onto the pneumatic cylinder and a drop stop fitted over the piston rod close to one end of the cylinder. The piston rod passes through a hole in the drop stop which is of such size as to allow movement of the piston rod through the hole in a first position when the drop stop is perpendicular to the piston rod but which restricts movement of the piston rod by friction in a second position when the drop stop is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular to the piston rod. A cap button is mounted on top of the housing and is used to activate the door hold and release mechanism by depressing the button. An elongated shaft is disposed in the housing and is connected at one end to the cap button.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial pumpkin stem assembly that includes a stem portion, an attachment portion and a removable fastener portion for securing the artificial stem to a pumpkin. Secondary fasteners may also be attached to provide a versatile and secure fastening system for many environments and applications. The artificial pumpkin stem assembly is attached to a pumpkin that has had it natural stem removed and is attached to the top of the pumpkin by treading the artificial stem portion onto the top of the pumpkin where the natural stem has been removed. Alternatively, an aperture is formed in the top of the pumpkin and the artificial stem portion including a secondary fastener is inserted through the aperture and treaded into locking position to replace the natural stem.