Abstract: A convertible cushion comprising a flexible body having first and second surfaces bordered by a perimeter wherein the flexible body exhibits a longitudinal centerline that bisects the flexible body into first and second sides; first releasable fastening means disposed on the flexible body for retaining the flexible body in a folded configuration; and second releasable fastening means disposed about at least a portion of the perimeter of the flexible body for retaining the flexible body in a sleeping configuration when the flexible body is folded along the longitudinal centerline. The cushion may also be converted into a blanket and a parka.

Abstract: Scent-free, camouflaged, and single-layered latex gloves for various personnel desiring to prevent odorous detection by animals or protection from dangerous materials such as bacteria, viruses and the like when handling infected persons. The colored gloves are camouflaged with various colored patterns. Additionally, indicia such as logos and advertisements can be imprinted-on the gloves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device for use with a sports helmet as a means of reducing neck and spinal cord injuries that are common to contact sports. The preferred embodiment of the inventive device is intended for use with a sports safety helmet. The device comprises an elastic cord having a fastening member at a first end that engages a complementary fastening member disposed on the safety helmet. A second end of the elastic cord attaches to an adjustable strap that attaches to a belt disposed on the body of a user. In operation, the device provides resistance to the user's ability to hold his head in a lowered position. It is appreciated that holding the head in an upright position reduces the risk of accidental neck and/or spinal cord injury due to collisions.

Abstract: An improvement of buckle of swimming mask, said swimming mask comprising a soft mask body, at least a lens, buckle and strap; said mask body and lens are combined integral; the buckle are provided to the mask body in larger area which enable the mask body not easy to misshape which the buckle bearing the strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head harness for a respirator which comprises a head plate (1) that is elastic in the X direction and that is substantially nonelastic in the Y direction. Front straps (2), temple straps (3) and neck straps (4) are fastened to the head plate, only the temple and the neck straps being extensible. The strap buckles (5) provided for fastening the front and temple straps to the mask base are rigidly adjusted according to the head size so that the mask is already correctly positioned and preliminarily fixed when put on and only the neck strap has to be readjusted. The head harness can be adapted to different head shapes and sizes and allows for a high wearing comfort. The respirator can be quickly and easily put on.

Abstract: An object is to drive a plurality of types of disc cartridges, in different formats but with similar external dimensions. A disc drive apparatus is configured to use a single spindle motor 32 to drive a first disc cartridge 1, having a first cartridge 1a housing a first disc 10 and a first pair of positioning holes 1c, 1d in the first cartridge 1a, as well as a second disc cartridge 2 having a second cartridge 2a housing a second disc 13 with the same outer diameter as the first disc 10 and a second pair of positioning holes 2c, 2d in the second cartridge 2a; positioning shaft location means 40, 41 are provided; when the first disc cartridge 1 is driven, these positioning shaft location means 40, 41 position the positioning shafts 40a, 41a in positions corresponding to the first pair of holes 1c, 1d, and when the second disc cartridge 2 is driven, the positioning shaft means 40, 41 position the positioning shafts 40b, 41b in positions corresponding to the second pair of holes 2c, 2d.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary seat for a toilet bowl, in which disposable seat films consisting of a plurality of unit seat films adhered by an adhesive are attached to an upper surface of a toilet seat, such that the seat film may be used on the toilet bowl one by one. The sanitary seat includes at least two unit seat films attached to an upper surface of the toilet seat by means of an adhesive, such that the seat film is used on the toilet bowl one by one. The unit seat film is provided at both sides of a rear portion thereof with a pair of knobs, and the knobs are outwardly protruded from the rear portion so that the film is easily detached by a user. Alternatively, the unit seat film is provided at a rear center portion thereof with a knob.

Abstract: A combined strainer and stopper device for basins and sinks has a perforated cylindrical housing with an open lower end and a top wall at its upper end. A valve disc is carried by a lower end of an actuator stem reciprocable in the housing for movement into and out of sealing engagement with a seat in a drain opening independently of movement of the perforated housing. In a preferred form of the invention, the top wall is integral with the side wall and is perforate, and a spring is engaged between the top wall and the stem to urge the valve disc in a direction to seat it. The stem extends through the top wall and through a spaced handle on the upper end of the housing, and the spaced relationship of the handle and top wall guides the stem. Outwardly projecting retaining lugs on the stem cooperate with the handle to retain the valve disc in an open position, and an annular shoulder formed on the housing limits the extent of insertion of the housing into a drain opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual discharge valve being a device for immersion in fluid, in a cistern (14), which comprises a housing having an upper portion (8) and a lower portion; an upwardly movable main valve assembly (30) within the housing and forming therewith a variable volume upper chamber (11) and lower chamber, a first vent means (9) between the upper and lower chambers and an outlet (32) leading down from the lower housing portion, which portion contains a seat (24) for the main valve assembly at the entry to the outlet so that in the lowered position of the main valve assembly the outlet is blocked against the ingress of fluid in which the device is immersed; a central stem (19) extending upwardly from the main valve assembly and actuable by a first operating means (20) remotely from the upper housing to raise the main valve assembly off its seat, the wall of the lower portion of the housing above the seat having apertures, whereby on raising the main valve assembly immersion fluid can enter the out

Abstract: A support for a flexible, water-proof spa cover which permits drainage of snow and moisture away from the spa during the off season, the support having a base member capable of being weighted, a top member generally circular in configuration for the elevated support of a flexible water resistant spa cover, the base member and top member being in communication with each other by means of telescoping sleeve members having alignable apertures for receipt of a locking pin so as to provide for adjustment of the height of the support from the well of the spa to a distance above the edge coping of the spa so as to provide for a sloping surface of said flexible, water-proof spa cover for snow and water run off.

Abstract: A child bath seat, placed within and attached to a bathtub, includes a seat body that includes both a seat and a retaining structure extending above the seat for laterally retaining a child seated in the seat body. The seat also includes a bracing structure that holds the seat body in an upright position. The bracing structure has a first end attached to the seat body, and a second end, defining a recess, for receiving an upper edge of a side of the bathtub. The bracing structure can be a clamp. The child bath seat can be adjustable to accommodate varying bathtub side widths and varying bathtub depths. The child bath seat can be suspended above or a portion of the bath seat can rest on the bottom surface of the bathtub.

Abstract: A soft gel interior tub that is longer than the conventional size tubs. It is designed to reduce muscle tension, soreness, and fatigue while providing comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The interior of the soft gel tub is in the shape of the posterior of the human body having raised hemispheres at the side walls and bottom of the interior of the tub. Underneath the raised hemispheres are vibrating elements, equipped with various settings, to apply therapy and relief to aching joints and muscles. The tub is also equipped with the thermostatic heating system and sound system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shower and bath appliance that provides improved cleansing as well as massaging properties. The appliance for cleansing and massaging has a housing with an impeller rotatably mounter within the housing. The housing is adapted to receive water from a shower pipe or other water source. The impeller is rotated by the flow of water from the water source. The motion of impeller rotates one or more brushes mounted on the impeller. In addition, the water flows from the impeller through the brushes as they rotate.

Abstract: An odor sink for the elimination of odors and gases for closed compartments. The sink includes a collector of gases connected to an air withdrawing pipe. The air withdrawing pipe collects gas or odor laden air through the action of an air pump which diverts the pumped air into a sewage pipe. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the odor sink is portable.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a mattress assembly for use in a sofa sleeper. The mattress assembly has a first mattress that has an inner-spring construction. Disposed above the first mattress is a second mattress that has an air bladder construction. The air bladder of the second mattress has a valve, which is located adjacent the head end of the mattress. The valve is adapted to selectively allow air into and out of the air bladder. The mattress assembly thus provides the combination of an innerspring mattress with an air mattress. The location of the valve allows the air mattress portion to be deflated properly and allows convenient access to the valve for inflation or air pressure adjustment purposes.

Abstract: A toy storage cover for a portable play yard includes four outer panels shaped to surround the outer walls of the play yard attached at their top edges to four inner panels shaped to line the play yard. A floor panel joins the inner panels and is secured to the floor of the play yard by a mattress pad shaped to fit within the inner panels above the floor of the play yard. A series of pockets are attached to the outer panels of the cover. The pockets have smaller pockets within them or on their outer surfaces. Tie-down straps, fitted foot pockets or attachments through the play yard walls are used to secure the cover to the play yard. The toy storage cover may be adapted to play yards of various designs, cribs or other open topped containers.

Abstract: An epidural patient support includes an upper body support and a foot support. The upper body support extends outwardly from the patient support to support a patient's upper body with the patient's back arched forwardly. The foot support extends outwardly from the patient support to support the patient's feet. According to another illustrative embodiment, an epidural patient support is provided for placing a patient in a prone position for an epidural procedure with the patient's back arched upwardly.

Abstract: A surgical table having a patient support top, at least one section of the top having a metal support supporting an x-ray transparent plate and a moulded cover member fitted to the section to extend across the top and down the sides of the section so as to conceal joins between the support and the plate.

Abstract: A surgical table having a patient support member mounted at the upper end of a column, the support member having at least two sections along its length. the two sections being mounted with one another on opposite sides of the table by respective gear means. each gear means including respective drive means for rotating the gear means about a common transverse axis, and the table including means for controlling operation of the two drive means so that they rotate the respective gear means through the same angle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable support system having at least two sections. The inflatable support system has a lower chamber that has a top and bottom layer. The inflatable support system also has an upper portion which includes a top and bottom layer in fluid communication with the lower chamber. At least one of either the top or bottom layers of the upper portion of the inflatable support system has a higher elasticity than at least one of the layers of the lower chamber.

Abstract: A mattress having a border rod assembly and at least one central spring core. The border rod assembly having individual border rods and corner pieces fitting together to create a contiguous border around and attached to the central spring core. A resilient, polymer material is used for at least one of the individual border rods. Border rod assemblies serve a dual purpose in mattress construction, acting both as a frame to which fabrics and foams may be attached and as a support structure for the central spring core, eliminating unsightly sagging and bowing at the mattress edge. Using resilient materials for the border rods allows the mattress to be used interchangeably with adjustable and non-adjustable foundations, while retaining the rigidity and desirable structural aspects of standard steel border rod mattresses.

Abstract: A mattress having an inverted top panel/border seam, with an optional appended decorative rope welting on the border is described. An inverted seam secures the top panel to the border portion of a mattress cover to eliminate bumps and creases found in conventional welted top seam. Manufacturing costs may be reduced by eliminating the need for an expensive table-mounted tape edge closure machine and/or skilled operators, since the inverted seam may be flay sewn with a conventional sewing machine or even hand-stitched. Alternatively, a conventional tape edge machine can be used with less-skilled labor and or reduced tape/welting material, as all of the stitches and welting are hidden inside the mattress by the inverted seam.

Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.

Abstract: A memory foam mattress system includes a viscoelastic mattress, a slat-type mattress support, and a viscoelastic pillow. The mattress includes a viscoelastic top layer atop a denser foam core layer, surrounded by a removable cover. The viscoelastic foam material is configured to provide a substantially uniform viscoelastic response over a room temperature range of from about 55° F. to about 85° F. The mattress support includes a perimeter frame with a plurality of transverse slats spanning the frame, including seven adjustable pairs of slats, with a support slat under each adjustable pair. A moveable adjustment clip attaches each support slat to a corresponding adjustable pair, to allow adjustment of the stiffness of the adjustable pair. The pillow has a body of viscoelastic foam with a contoured top and a flat bottom, surrounded by a cover. The contoured top has two support ridges, a larger one for side sleeping, and a smaller one for back sleeping.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of tanned and optionally retanned leather by treatment of an optionally (pre)tanned animal hide or pelt with an aldehyde-based treatment agent (A), wherein the optionally (pre)tanned animal hide or pelt is treated with

Abstract: A process for treating cloth textiles after a dying cycle to make the cloth textile be resistant to both water and alcohol is described. In particular, after the dying cycle, the dye bath container having the dyed cloth material is mixed with acetic acid and a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer emulsion to exhaust the fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer onto the fabric to make the cloth resistant to alcohol. The cloth is also treated after the dying cycle by mixing acetic acid and a fatty amide/wax/fluoroacylate copolymer blend in the water bath to exhaust the fatty amide/wax/fluoroacylate copolymer onto the fabric to make the cloth resistant to water. After each of these treatment steps, the fabric may optionally be tested for the effectiveness of that treatment step. The disposal of the fatty amide/wax/fluoroacylate copolymer and the fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer emulsion are not as restricted by the EPA as to the type or method of disposal unlike conventional chemicals used in current treatment processes.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing repellency of fibers, carpet yarns and carpets are disclosed. Compositions used to enhance the repellency of fibers, carpet yarns and carpets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for UV protecting a textile material which comprises applying

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibers, and in particular human keratinous fibers such as hair, comprising, as oxidation base, a 1-(4-aminophenyl)-pyrrolidine substituted at the 3- and 4-positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, in particular of human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising at least one oxidation base chosen from 4,5- or 3,4-diaminopyrazoles and triaminopyrazoles, in combination with at least one selected mineral compound, and also to the dyeing process using this composition with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cosmetic composition for treating keratinous materials comprising in a carrier suitable for keratinous materials: (a) at least an amphiphilic polymer comprising at least an ethylenically unsaturated monomer with sulphonic group, in free form or partly or completely neutralised and further at least a hydrophobic part; (b) at least an oxidising agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to cationic aminodianthraquinones containing at least one cationic group Z, Z being chosen from quaternized aliphatic chains, aliphatic chains containing at least one quaternized saturated ring and aliphatic chains containing at least one quaternized unsaturated ring, their use as direct dye in compositions for dyeing keratinous materials, in particular human keratinous fibers such as hair, the dyeing compositions containing them, as well as the dyeing methods using them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for protecting reduction-sensitive dyes in the course of dyeing or printing fiber materials with dyes using a compound of the formula (I) or a mixture thereof 1

Abstract: The invention relates to a colorant composition that substantially comprises a colorant of formula (1) and a colorant formula (2) or (3). The magenta colorant mixture is advantageously used in ink-jet printing and yields storage-stable and water-proof ink formulations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and distributing a garment that commemorates a memorable place or tangible object. The method comprises the following steps: (a) converting at least a portion of the place or object to a particulate form, (b) mixing the particulate matter with a dye composition to form a dye mixture, (c) obtaining a quantity of dyeable garments, (d) dyeing at least a portion of each of said garments, using said dye mixture, and (e) distributing the dyed garments to members of the public, each one accompanied by a visually readable imprint that informs the reader that the garment has been colored in a formulation that contained at least a portion of the object and that identifies the nature of the portion that was used. A winning race car, for example, may be commemorated in this manner by mixing paint scraped from the car with a dye solutioln of approximately the same color and using the resultant slurry to dye t-shirts that are then tagged as to origin and distributed in commerce.

Abstract: A method has been disclosed for preparing a co-precipitated microcrystalline dye dispersion, the absorption spectrum of which exceeds the summoned spectra of individually dispersed dyes, which comprises, as consecutive preparation steps: adding to one vessel, an amount of at least one pentamethine oxonol-type barbituric acid filter dye having ionizable sites in its molecular structure; adding thereto an aqueous alkaline solution in an amount sufficient to completely dissolve the said filter dye while stirring the solution thus formed; adding in another vessel, to an amount of at least one pyrrole type filter dye, an amount of water, followed by adding of an aqueous alkaline solution and a surfactant; followed, after having completely dissolved (under stirring conditions) the said pyrrole type filter dye, by adding to the solution thus formed in the other vessel, the solution formed in the one vessel; adding an aqueous acidic solution up to a pH of less than 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical brightener mixture (W) comprising optical brighteners (A) of formula (Ia), and (B) of formula (Ib) and optionally (C) of formula (Ic) as defined herein, their concentrated aqueous solutions (S), their production and their use.

Abstract: To properly construct a floor slab bridge by forming a main girder structure of the floor slab bridge in a bridge using commercially available columnar H-shaped steels and then applying concrete thereto.

Abstract: An automated cleaning apparatus, employed wherein a paste-like printing agent having a low viscosity is used in a screen printing machine, comprising a cleaning unit constituted by an adhesive tape, an adhesive tape take-up body, an adhesive tape delivery body and an adhesive tape pressing table arranged between the adhesive take-up body and the adhesive tape delivery body. The adhesive tape is taken up in the state that an adhesive surface is set upward, the adhesive tape being taken up in the reverse direction to a moving direction of the clearing unit and at a predetermined speed in correspondence to a moving speed of the cleaning unit, and the cleaning unit being moved upward at a starting end position, moved downward at a terminal end position and returned to the starting end position.

Abstract: An improved suction-type cleaning device for cleaning submerged surfaces has a turbine rotatably mounted within a turbine chamber for moving the device. The device also includes an inlet nozzle and an outlet port, which are in communication with the turbine chamber and allow fluid and debris to flow along a fluid flow path therebetween, through the turbine chamber, which rotates the turbine. Baffles are arranged within the turbine chamber and cooperate with endplates of the turbine to restrict the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path. Additionally, the turbine includes a body with vanes, each having tips, and the endplates are sized and shaped such that their peripheral edges extend beyond the tips. The outlet end of the inlet nozzle is positioned proximate to the tips of the vanes and between the peripheral edges of the endplates, without interfering with the rotation of the turbine, thereby directing the flow of fluid more directly to the turbine.

Abstract: A hand held cleaning tool is powered by commonly available batteries. An output shaft of the tool includes an expandable coupling, such as, for example a set of swaging cams. Torque delivery arms radiate outward from the output shaft. For example, the torque delivery arms are carried by a hub. The hub is attached to the output shaft with a pin and acts to secure a power train to a housing of the tool. The torque delivery arms are received in slots or interdental spaces associated with a cleaning head. Torque is delivered to the cleaning head with a reduced stress concentration. The cleaning tool is associated with a compact stand. The stand can be incorporated into a housing of the tool. For example, a battery compartment door can include the stand. Alternatively, the stand can be a separable item. A separable stand can accommodate a plurality of cleaning heads.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes an elongate body having a handle portion, a head portion having a longitudinal axis, and an elongate intermediate portion disposed between the handle portion and the head portion. The head portion has a first end that is located at a position furthest from the handle portion and a second end opposite the first end that is disposed adjacent the elongate intermediate portion. The head portion has moving bristles that are disposed in a moving portion that oscillates and a static portion that extends from adjacent the moving portion to the second end of the head portion. The moving portion is disposed at the first end of the head portion and the static portion has a plurality of static bristles arranged in plurality of tufts. A motor is disposed in the handle portion and a shaft extends from the second end of the head portion to beyond the plurality of tufts of static bristles.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body (1; 106) including a rear compartment (3; 108), a forward compartment (9; 114) and an intermediate compartment (17; 124) arranged between the rear and forward compartments. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement (11; 116) is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment (9; 114). An electric motor (5; 110) is positioned in the rear compartment (3; 108), and drive means (25, 27, 29; 128, 130, 131) extends between the rotatable brush arrangement and the electric motor.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a cleaning system including at least one downwardly directed spray nozzle is supported by the chassis proximal the chassis forward end and in fluid communication with at least one cleaning solution tank. The at least one spray nozzle sprays cleaning solution from the tank onto the floor. At least one ground engaging agitation brush is disposed rearwardly of the at least one spray nozzle for agitating the cleaning solution sprayed onto the floor. At least one vacuum shoe is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the at least one agitation brush, and in fluid communication with the at least one recovery tank, wherein cleaning solution drawn into the vacuum shoe is deposited into the at least one recovery tank. In one embodiment the apparatus is drivable. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second cleaning system including a vacuum squeegee.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a substrate includes a cleaning member, a cleaning member carrier for holding the cleaning member and bringing the cleaning member into contact with a substrate to be cleaned, and a sensor for detecting a presence/absence of a cleaning held by the cleaning member carrier. The substrate is cleaned by causing relative movement between the cleaning member and the substrate while keeping the cleaning member and the substrate in contact with each other.

Abstract: A manual or automatic mechanism designed for the application of loading all types or displacement or cleaning pigs or pellets (here after known as projectiles) of open or closed cell elastomers with or without added cleaning materials as grinding, or scouring particles utilized to transverse all types of geometric tubes, piping, hose or conduit not necessarily round in cross section configuration. The loading mechanism utilizes a three-way diverter ball valve device, but with a straight through passage configured ball as opposed to the normal right angle passage found in a diverter valve. The ball may merely be replaced with a ball from a 2-way ball valve or the right angle path ball may be machined and plugged to provide the straight through passage desired. The loading mechanism may be fabricated in metal or any material required in accord with the specific application.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a resilient element, said resilient element comprising an elastomer into which is incorporated an abrasive, characterized in that the abrasive is perlite.

Abstract: A sponge mop assembly includes a handle and a head mounted on a bottom end of the handle. The head has a mount clamping a sponge, two front and two rear coupling arms bilaterally extending downward from front and rear sides of the mount such that a space is defined between the mount and the front coupling arms, and two parallel front and two parallel rear squeezing members mounted side by side between the two front and rear coupling arms. A pull rod assembly is mounted on the handle and connected with the sponge for moving the sponge to be squeezed by the squeezing members so as to remove water from the sponge. A brushing member is mounted on a front side of the mount and located in the space. Therefore, the sponge mop assembly is provided with both functions of mopping and brushing the floor as well as being user-friendly.

Abstract: A device for providing self-assisting hygienic activity to individuals of limited dexterity, the device including an elongated body constructed of first and second telescoping portions and terminating at a first end in an ergonomically configured handle. A hygienic related accessory is secured to the other end of the elongated body, which includes a repositionable goose neck portion. The accessory capable of being manipulated relative to the elongated body in at least one of axially extending and angularly configurable fashions and the accessory is further capable of being releasably engageable to the associated end of the elongated body and substituted by at least one alternately configured accessory drawn from at least one of a sponge attachment, lotion dispensing attachment, disposable sheet attachment, scrub brush attachment and powder applicator attachment.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head. The head is in the form of a peripheral frame having an open central area. A plurality of cleaning element carrying support members are mounted across the frame over the open central area to form an open lattice pattern having through holes to facilitate the cleaning of the head. The cleaning elements are bristles laser welded to the support members.