Abstract: Costume wings have existed for decades, having been used for example in the performing arts and worn for special events. Except in cases where they are either moved externally by wires or pneumatic actuators, or by body motions of the wearer, costume wings have been static. In accordance with the present invention, a battery-powered mechanism is attached to costume wings to cause them to move in a flapping motion. The flapping wings may be worn as a unique kinetic fashion accessory or costume.

Abstract: An eyeshield/eyeshade attachment apparatus for attachment to the bill of a cap or visor that is capable of axial parallel positioning with respect to the bill of the cap or visor is presented. The apparatus includes a clip member, a support member attached to the clip member, a shield attached to the support member, and means for engaging the clip member with the support member such that the shield can rotate up to 180 degrees in relation to the clip member.

Abstract: A visor assembly includes a visor portion for blocking sunlight, a front portion coupled to the visor portion, a first elastic band coupled to both sides of the front portion to encircle a head, and second elastic bands coupled to a portion of the first elastic band. The second elastic bands have elasticity different from that of the first elastic band. As the elasticity of the first elastic band is different from that of the second elastic bands, the bands exerts resultant elasticity that allows the band to stretch for various head sizes and the contracting force at the overlapping portions of the first and second elastic bands is enhanced, thereby improving the wearing comfort. Furthermore, the first elastic band may be enclosed by a cover in order to satisfy a variety of consumer desires.

Abstract: A lacrosse goalie glove has a cuff portion for engaging at least a portion of a wearer's forearm and a hand portion coupled to the cuff portion. The hand portion has a palm portion, an opposing backside portion, an inner side portion, and an outer side portion. The hand portion has a plurality of finger portions secured to and extending therefrom for receipt of a wearer's fingers. The hand portion has a thumb portion secured to and extending therefrom. The hand portion has a flange portion extending from the outer side portion thereof.

Abstract: A wraparound garment having a rectangular body section and a pair of adjustable shoulder straps, adapted for wrapping around the body to provide for a secure fit. The adjustable shoulder straps secure the wraparound garment upon the torso as well as provide for a neat fit by adjustment means. As such, the wraparound garment is simple to don and remove, does not comprise complicated securing or attaching means, obtains a proper and optimum fit, and avoids any inadvertent or accidental unwrapping of the garment to display a covered body portion.

Abstract: A maintenance-free cap that is stylish and appeals to the fashion conscious user. Such a cap will be made from a thin plastic sheet or band, have a fitment layer disposed on its inner surface, and a comfort layer disposed over the fitment layer. The plastic sheet will resist the formation of stress marks and fractures when subject to bending or crushing. Interchangeable logos may be affixed to any surface of the plastic sheet or band.

Abstract: A device intended for use in indoor tanning facilities that would block UV light from penetrating the hair shaft, thus preventing damage that would otherwise occur within the living fiber known as the hair as a result of UV radiation. This damage is characterized by: disruption of the moisture balance, altered cohesion system, distorted color, damage to the DNA structure, rough texture, and overall dull, unhealthy appearance of the hair. A device intended for use in indoor tanning facilities that would block UV light from penetrating the hair shaft, thus preventing damage that would otherwise occur within the living fiber known as the hair as a result of UV radiation. This damage is characterized by: disruption of the moisture balance, altered cohesion system, distorted color, damage to the DNA structure, rough texture, and overall dull, unhealthy appearance of the hair.

Abstract: The present specification protective headgear including a unitary shell (1) having a bell shape with a non-uniform thickness, the shell being of sufficient size to enclose at least an upper part of the wearer's skull, the shell having an upper crown portion (6) with a central crown area (2) and a surrounding outer crown area (3), the shell further including a depending circumferential wall which has an upper wall area (4) adjacent to the outer crown area (2) and a lower wall area (5), the lower wall area (5) having a wall thickness generally greater than the wall thickness of said upper wall area (4), and the central crown area (2) having a wall thickness generally greater than the wall thickness of said outer crown area (3), the headgear further including a support system (9) attached to the lower wall area(s) of the shell (1) in a manner whereby no less than 5 mm space is maintained between the wearer's skull and an inside surface of the shell (1).

Abstract: A device for evenly coating the internal surfaces of a body cavity, such as genital areas, which is at least partially insertable into the cavity, following which the device is simultaneously manually squeezed while rotating the device to cause dispensing of the coating in an even spiral path as the device is slowly withdrawn from the cavity. In one embodiment, the device is a blow-molded capsule having a neck portion from which a laterally-extending hollow tube projects. In the second embodiment the device is somewhat larger with the medicament container being of rigid cylindrical configuration, and is provided with a manually operable pump having a laterally-extending orifice.

Abstract: A splash-prevention paper that is to be used in a toilet bowl to suppress the splash of soil water when the feces fall into the toilet bowl during the bowel movement. The splash-prevention paper of the present invention is a paper-like thin sheet. It may be folded or be in rolls for easy to handle before application. In the application, the splash-prevention paper floats on and covers the major portion of the water surface in the toilet bowl. It has plurality of floating arms, which allows the feces to pass, meanwhile, maintains an effective coverage of the water surface.

Abstract: A splash-prevention paper that is to be used in a toilet bowl to suppress the splash of soil water when the feces fall into the toilet bowl during the bowel movement. The splash-prevention paper of the present invention is a paper-like thin sheet. It may be folded or be in rolls for easy to handle before application. In the application, the splash-prevention paper floats on and covers the major portion of the water surface in the toilet bowl. It has plurality of floating arms, which allows the feces to pass, meanwhile, maintains an effective coverage of the water surface.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a joint for joining a first panel and a second panel of a portable restroom includes a first jaw section, a second jaw section, and an outer bumper section. The first jaw section is adapted to allow insertion and removal of the first panel along a first axis and to provide engagement to the first panel in all directions perpendicular to the first axis. The second jaw section is adapted to allow insertion and removal of the second panel along a second axis and to provide engagement to the second panel in all directions perpendicular to the second axis. The outer bumper section has a first edge connected to the first jaw section and a second edge connected to the second jaw section.

Abstract: There is provided a disposable toilet bowl for care which can be worn without a sense of incongruity substantially all time by a serious person requiring care, and in which discharged excrements are not leaked and adhered to portions other than the circumference of the anus.

Abstract: A replacement drain cover apparatus for a swimming pool drain to protect a swimmer from entrapment of the swimmer's body or hair and having a drain sump adapter ring for securing means into a pool drain sump and an installation plate for releasably securing onto the adapter ring and for positioning the adapter ring in a pool drain sump for securing the adapter ring in the correct position in the pool drain sump for a drain cover. An antientrapment drain cover having a size substantially greater than the pool drain sump is secured to the adapter ring to cover the drain sump and has sufficient cross sectional area so that the velocity of flow under and though the drain cover at any point on the drain cover even if partially blocked by a swimmer is at a rate to protect a swimmer from entrapment of the swimmer's body and hair.

Abstract: A sink assembly that may be supported by a countertop surface or a freestanding cabinet to form a food preparation station is provided. The sink assembly includes a sink basin, a stanchion extending upwardly from the sink basin floor, and a cutting board supported by the stanchion. The stanchion has a sidewall that is formed as a one-piece integral extension of the sink basin floor and terminates in an upper rim portion to support the cutting board. The front wall of the sink basin may have an area of reduced height to facilitate access to the cutting board. The food preparation station may be equipped with an appliance underneath the sink basin, such as a dishwasher, but may also include a garbage disposal, a waste chute, a removable cooking dome, a sloped basin floor, an auxiliary tray sized to partially fit beneath the cutting board, and height adjustment features.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus comprises a lower frame having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The patient-support apparatus also has an upper frame supported above the lower frame and movable relative to the lower frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the lower frame. A mattress is carried by the upper frame. Elevation adjustment pedals are adjacent both of the first and second sides of the lower frame and are adjacent only one of the first and second ends of the lower frame. The elevation adjustment pedals are movable to change the elevation of the upper frame relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: A folding cabinet bed is described for providing a piece of furniture that opens to a full-length bed in an attractive chest with a small footprint. The invention comprises a cabinet that houses a mattress, such as a futon, and allows the futon to be deployed as a bed. The cabinet is deep and tall enough to enclose a folded futon and of sufficient width to accommodate standard sizes of futon mattresses, without a separate mattress platform. Hinges on the bottom of the front and back walls of the cabinet enable the cabinet to be opened vertically so that the front and back walls fold down to a sleeping position, without mechanical devices to assist in deploying the bed. The top of the cabinet can become a headboard for the bed in the open configuration. Decorative handles or other protrusions on the front and back walls of the cabinet are sized to extend outward from the cabinet the same distance as the feet/supports of the cabinet to create a level sleeping surface when unfolded.

Abstract: A cross member that can be used with a bed frame or bed rails to provide support for a box spring and mattress. The cross member is attachable to the side rail of the bed by a snap-in system where the ends of the cross member are comprised of slide ends that interfit into receptacles located along the side rails. A leg is used to support a bed frame member that is self adjusting by a mechanism that can be unlocked by a person to drop the leg downwardly by gravity to contact the floor and is then lockable in that extended length.

Abstract: A hygiene mat principally consisting of a liquid absorbing layer (2, 4) with or without a liquid permeable surface layer (1) and a liquid barrier (3), consisting of expanded polymers with closed cells and low density, 5-40 kg/m3, and a specific resistance to bending of between 0.05 and 3.5 g/cm, and a thickness of between 0.2 and 3.5 mm. With this structure a hygiene mat is obtained at a low cost with very good comfort and stability.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a patient support portion supported by the frame. The patient support portion includes a storage area configured to receive a light assembly.

Abstract: A device for positioning at least one extremity of a patient during medical imaging is disclosed. The device comprises a radiotranslucent platform, at least one radiotranslucent support object, and at least one attachment to releasably secure the support object to the platform.

Abstract: There is a need in the tissue treatment arts of methods for effectively mitigating calcification, reducing calcification and reducing phospholipid content of implanted bioprosthetic tissues. The invention provides an effective protocol for preparing biological tissue for incorporation as a bioprosthetic device. Disclosed herein is the discovery that calcification of biological tissue is mitigated and phospholipid content is reduced by including a step in the pre-implantation protocol whereby the biological tissue is treated with a surfactant and cross linking agent in the absence of a denaturant. Furthermore, the biological tissues prepared under this protocol are well suited for use in bioprosthetic devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel dyeing composition for dyeing keratinous fibres, in particular human hair, comprising a cationic azo-dye of formula (I): W1—N═N—W2—W3, as well as the dyeing method using said composition and the novel compounds of formula (I).

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel dyeing composition for dying keratinous fibres, in particular human hair, comprising a dicationic monoazo dye, and the dyeing method using said composition and the novel compounds of formulae (I) or (II).

Abstract: A power operater “golf-maid” golfshoe cleat cleaning tool. Having a rotating brush connected by a steel hexgon shaft on one end of the brush and two pins on the forward end, to be used to remove and or replace the leats quicker and eaiser than the existing equipment. The “golf-maid” can also be used by the golfer after he is through playing to clean his shoes before placing them in his vehicle. In order to keep the vehicle clean, the “golf-maid” is battery operated and can be carried in the golfers bag.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning surfaces such a toilet bowls or baths comprising a handle having a trigger at one end and a head at the other. The head is adapted to fit into a disposable cleaning pad in the form of a slipper. The cleaning pad is fixed to the head during the cleaning operation and it may be attached or removed from the head by fixing means actuated by the trigger means. The fixing means are actively disengaged from the cleaning pad by ejection means.

Abstract: A scrubbing sponge is made with indicia by applying a light-transmissive adhesive in a pattern on the sponge, and adhering a plurality of discrete, shaped pellets of light-transmissive synthetic plastic material on the patterned adhesive. The indicia is visible through the pellets and the adhesive and serves as a promotional aid.

Abstract: A wiper system 10 comprising a pivot shaft 41, a lever portion 12 provided on the pivot shaft 41 at right angles, a wiper arm 14 attached to the lever portion, and a wiper blade 15 attached to the wiper arm is constructed such that, when a windscreen 17 is viewed from a surface side thereof, the pivot shaft is disposed at a position which is displaced towards a center of the windscreen from an edge 35 thereof, such that the lever portion extends in such a manner that a distal end 42 thereof always protrudes from the edge of the windscreen, and such that the lever portion and the wiper arm are integrally connected together so as to form and maintain an acute angle &thgr;.

Abstract: The invention starts with a windshield wiper with a wiper arm (10) on whose free end a pin (22) is fastened laterally, transverse to the longitudinal direction (64) and pointing to a wiper blade (24) for the articulated connection of the wiper blade (24), which pin is inserted into a passage opening of the wiper blade (24) and in an assembled position is locked axially via a bridge (12) that is arranged parallel to the pin (22) on the wiper arm (10) and grips over the wiper blade (24) with a bent end (14).

Abstract: An improved energy-efficient vacuum system for machine shop dust, particulate matter, and the like. Blast gates, including large-diameter blast gates, control the flow of vacuum generated by a dust collector to individual machines that may or may not accommodate vacuum ductwork and the like. The blast gate has a rotating blade inside a chassis with a DC motor effectively using a slip clutch, an increased current feedback system, a biasing-spring assembly or otherwise to limit the rotation driving of the rotating blade. In one embodiment, the blast gate blade bears teeth about its perimeter. The DC motor engages the perimeter blade teeth with a gear. Greater mechanical advantage is achieved over the blast gate blade and less torque arises in contrast to a driving system located at the blade's central pivot point. Additionally, sensing apparatus or system calculation allow the dust collecting vacuum system to operate in an energy-efficient manner.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling the operation of a vacuum cleaning assembly, which assembly includes a vacuum-creating source, a vacuum hose attachable to the vacuum-creating source, a vacuum cleaning head, and a suction wand operatively connecting the vacuum hose to the cleaning head. The device includes a wand connection member having a housing with a first end attachable to the vacuum hose and a second end attachable to the suction wand. A valve element is disposed in the housing. The valve element is movable between a closed position to block the vacuum between the vacuum-creating source and the cleaning head, and an open position to provide full vacuum between the vacuum-creating source and the cleaning head. A transfer mechanism is secured to the housing for controlling the movement of the valve element between its closed and open positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust and dirt collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner capable of simultaneously performing a primary cyclonic dust collection and a secondary filter dust collection. According to the present invention, there is provided a dust and dirt collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner, which is mounted to one side of a main body of the vacuum cleaner to filter sucked air containing foreign substances.

Abstract: A motor-driven outdoor vacuum has a ground level intake and a hose intake. When a hand-operable actuator moves a first or main door into a ground pick-up position, the ground level intake, which is carried by the first door is in direct air-flow communication with the impeller and the hose intake, which is carried by the first door is closed by a spring-actuated second door carried by the main door. When the actuator is moved to a hose intake position, the main door is moved to a second position in which the hose is in air-flow communication with the impeller and the ground level intake is closed.

Abstract: A combination trash can and vacuum cleaner in which the base of a trash can contains a battery operated vacuum cleaner that is activated by any one of a number of foot pedals. The vacuum is contained in a housing with an internal fan, a debris collection chamber, and an electrically controlled trap door for emptying debris. The device allows for in-room storage of a vacuum cleaner in an aesthetically pleasing manner and for the collection of debris without the need for a dustpan and/or a conventional vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A furniture glide is provided for mounting on a terminal end of a furniture leg. The furniture glide includes a slider having an upper surface and a generally arcuate lower surface for engaging a supporting surface. A generally tubular fastener extends from the upper surface of the slider and is receivable in the terminal end of the furniture leg for frictionally connecting the furniture glide to the furniture leg. A spacing element may be positioned on the upper surface of the slider for spacing the upper surface of the slider from the furniture leg.

Abstract: An integrally formed caster socket is provided in a tubular framing member for a merchandising display or the like. The framing member has aligned stem receiving holes with the upper hole being on a domed frusto-conical shaped area and the lower hole is on a dimpled in area of the lower frame wall. The socket configurations can be formed with simultaneous stamping or punching operations.

Abstract: An adjustable gate hinge assembly fabricated from stamped components is both stronger and less expensive to manufacture than currently manufactured designs. The hinge assembly includes a base plate mountable to a gate or door, an inner hinge component slidably adjustable and securable to the base plate with threaded fasteners, an outer hinge component mountable to a fence or wall, first and second pivot plugs which locate the inner hinge component within the outer hinge component, and a rivet which passes through the slot of each pivot plug, thereby retaining them seated within the outer hinge component. The inner hinge component has a tubular member which pivots between a pair of opposed drawn ears on the outer hinge component. Each of the ears has an aperture that is axially aligned with the aperture of the other ear. For a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hinge assembly incorporates a coil spring within the tubular member, which can be loaded to bias the hinge as self-closing or self-opening.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a first seat, a second seat and an axle. The first seat is mounted on a monitor, and the second seat is mounted on a body. The axle is securely mounted on the first seat and pivotally mounted on the second seat. Two sleeves are provided outside the axle and engaged with each other in a closed status. The first sleeve has two lugs received in a channel defined in the second sleeve. The second sleeve has two protrusive portions respectively formed at two sides of the channel, and two cambered surfaces formed between the channel and the protrusive portion. When a user lowers the monitor to a position that the lugs enter into the cambered surfaces, the monitor can automatically descend under the effect of gravity and the force of a resilient member.

Abstract: A door check device, for installation between a motor vehicle body and a motor vehicle door that swings in opposing opening and closing directions relative to the vehicle body, with an improved roller is provided. The roller includes a metal core having an internal bore and a molded plastic bushing lining the internal bore such that the metal core and the plastic bushing include interlocked or bonded structures that essentially prevent the relative rotation between the metal core and the plastic bushing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly allows an access panel to be pivotally coupled to a cabinet, even though the cabinet includes a top cover that overlaps an upper edge of the panel. To open the access panel, a latch is actuated to first release a lower edge of the panel. The hinge assembly then allows the lower edge to be pulled out from over a base rail of the cabinet. Once the lower edge is off of the base rail, the hinge assembly allows the panel to be lowered without obstruction from the base rail. Lowering the panel then moves the panel's upper edge out from underneath the overlapping top cover. From there, the hinge assembly allows the panel to be swung open. To close the access panel, the process is reversed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge comprising a moveable hinge section and a hinge section consisting of a fixed stop section, which are interconnected by at least one joint axis, and comprising a damping device mounted on one of the hinge sections whose translationally or rotatably moveable damping member is acted upon at least in the closure region of the hinge via gear means from the other hinge section. According to the invention for adjustment of the moveable damping member depending on the tilt of the moveable hinge section relative to the at least one joint axis, there is provided at least three moveable gear members are provided, of which one is the damping member itself.

Abstract: A removable handle for cookware (10) includes a casing (12) having an upper (14) and a lower (16) portion, the casing (12) being dimensioned to at least partially receive a handle of an item of cookware (not shown) and resiliently deformable zones (18) and (20) located in the casing (12), so that when the zones (18) and (20) are urged together, they grip the handle of the item of cookware. The upper (14) and lower (16) portions of the casing (12) are hingedly connected by means of hinges (22). The casing (12) is provided with a releasable securing mechanism (24) that secures the upper (14) and lower (16) portions of the casing (12) in a closed position.

Abstract: An improved knob to aid in the gripping and movement of an article is described. The knob comprises a carefully constructed head that allows the user to comfortably place forward portions of their thumb, index and middle fingers into respective recesses. Slight pressure from the user's fingers and thumb serves to clasp the knob and thereafter the knob can be easily lifted, and if required tilted and rotated by simply twisting the wrist. The knob is ideal to be employed as a handle for a cooking pot lid, as a door handle, as a handle located on the back of a chair or a handle on a tap.

Abstract: A fiber material from the fruits of poplars, willows, composites or similar plants is suitable for use as a raw material for insulation, for the production of fiber mattresses or as a filling or padding material. The fiber material can be extracted from closed fruits with the plants being dried and/or opened using an air flow and agitated in a treatment chamber (17), whereby the fiber material (21) contained in the fruit capsules (19) is substantially separated from the other constituent parts of the fruits. Disadvantages related to the use of cotton are thereby avoided.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a crystallization process comprising the steps of feeding a slurry solution in which a terephthalic acid solution or a part of the terephthalic acid is precipitated to a crystallization vessel, precipitating the terephthalic acid in the crystallization vessel, generating a slurry containing crystals and solvent, discharging the slurry, and further comprising the steps of introducing the slurry in a tangential the direction of a hydrocyclone, returning the slurry flowing out as a downward swirling flow from a lower part of the hydrocyclone to the vessel, and discharging the slurry overflowing from the upper part of the hydrocyclone. According to the present invention, crystals of large particle size is obtained and a stable driving ranging long term can be achieved because any adhesion or accumulation of the terephthalic acid crystals does not appear at all in the crystallization vessel.

Abstract: A clip device for securing an item is provided. The clip device is securable to an object. The clip device comprises a main body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, and a back edge. A supporting wall extends from the front edge in general direction away from the top surface. A clip mechanism extends from the supporting wall over the top surface for securing the clip device to an object. An item retaining mechanism extends substantially along the back edge for releasably securing the item within the lip portion adjacent and against the bottom surface of the main body.

Abstract: The cable support apparatus includes a cleat mountable to support structure for having one end of a cable laced thereto and mechanism for supporting a load. The cleat includes a longitudinal elongated base having transversely opening jam lugs, hook lugs with the jam lugs longitudinally intermediate thereof and end lugs joined thereto. The jam lug longitudinally intermediate the longitudinally adjacent jam lugs in combination with the base forms generally V-shaped notches that open outwardly in transversely opposite directions. With the cleat mounted to have the lugs vertically above one another, the top hook lug opens transversely opposite the opening of the adjacent jam lug whereby, with the cable extending diagonally upwardly from the last mentioned jam lug to the hook lug, the cable is then bent to extend through the transverse aperture in the top end lug.

Abstract: A seat belt locking clip, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, prevents relative movement of the lap and shoulder portions of a typical automotive seat belt system with respect to the buckle, thereby maintaining seat belt tension. Of one piece construction, the clip consists of a main body having a centrally located handle for positioning and applying rotary force during installation, and a plurality of finger extensions on opposing sides to reach under and retain the belt portions. The clip can also include raised projections on the finger extensions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.

Abstract: A single-piece napkin clip made of a flexible material, attached to the clothing of the wearer by hook (12). A napkin (24) is held in place over the clothing by spring (16) active jaws comprising base ridge (14) and moving ridge (15). Provision is made to slide a graphic piece into the front of the clip, held between top ridge (22) and bottom ridge (18). An optional notch (32) on the obverse of the clip facilitates adhesion to a garment button, in lieu of the use of the hook (12).