Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable sports padding that is easily enabled, discretely stowed, can retain personal items in a water resistant environment, and protect the user's lower back and spine, hips, and buttocks region. The invention may include a waist pack with a sleeve, plurality of chambers, an inflatable air bladder with air hose and pump, hip guards, back brace and surfaces to enable sliding. The exterior features, overall look and size are similar to that of a typical waist pack when the air bladder and sleeve are deflated and stowed. The invention, besides being used for wet and dry sports applications, may also be used for many other activities, some of which include working environments.

Abstract: A chest wader having advantageous features with respect to securing the wader to an individual, increased flexibility for movement without straining the seams of the wader, hand warming capabilities and pocket draining elements.

Abstract: A palm face of a soccer goalkeeper glove is provided with a strand mesh secured at wrist and fingertip regions to strengthen back bending resistance of the thumb and fingers of the glove. The mesh can extend across spaces between the thumb and fingers of the glove, and can extend over fingertip regions of the glove to be bonded to back sides of the fingertip regions. The strand mesh can have screen or other configurations, and can be formed in a continuous laminate extending over the palm face of the glove. The goal is to reduce injuries from back bending of a goalkeeper's fingers from impact by soccer balls traveling at high velocities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel golf glove and is characterized in that on the inside surface of the thumb of the glove, i.e. the surface that bears against the club shaft when playing, there is a pressure sensor that interacts with an acoustic signal transmitter or is part of an acoustic signal transmitter that delivers an acoustic signal when a predetermined trigger force acting on the sensor is exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to breathable elastomeric gloves. The gloves of the present invention may allow the transmission of water vapor while still providing an effective barrier to virus, bacteria, contaminants, bodily fluids, and the like. In general, a breathability additive may be incorporated into the polymer matrix of the or more layers of the glove to improve the breathability of the layer. For example, polyethylene oxide may be incorporated into a layer as a breathability additive.

Abstract: A combination of fiber materials for use as liner for chemical protective gloves is disclosed. The material consists of viscose, polyester and acrylic yarns knitted together either by plating or speckling. Glove liners made of these materials have higher moisture absorbency, faster drying time, improved functional fit and enhance hand dexterity. Depending on the application this invention can be used in combination with other types of gloves or independently.

Abstract: A cooling bracelet having a hollow chamber for holding a frozen liquid such as water. The cooling bracelet has a hollow chamber with a plug so the user may easily refill the hollow chamber with a freezable liquid and freeze the bracelet for cooling purposes. The cooling bracelet also has a detachable watch face, which is attached by hook and loop material to the cooling bracelet, on the opposite side from the hollow member holding frozen liquid. The cooling bracelet has a stretchable band so any size wrist can use the cooling bracelet. The stretchable band allows the user to slide the cooling bracelet over the hand to the wrist.

Abstract: A women's undergarment includes a fabric body having a back, a front, side portions connecting the front and the back, a top, a bottom and a crotch. A waistband is secured to the top of the fabric body, and leg openings are provided at the bottom of the fabric body separated by the crotch. Pocket structure is connected to and coextensive with the side portions of the fabric body. The pocket structure has side edges attached to a bottom edge and a top edge. Either the top edge or the bottom edge is open. The pocket structure is sized and shaped to receive a women's sanitary pad through the open edge.

Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse includes a hard shell portion. The hard shell portion is constructed so as to provide protection to a wearer's head. The inner side of the hard shell portion includes a lining portion that is secured thereto. A chin strap portion is includes for attachment to the hard shell portion at a plurality of attachment points. The hard shell portion includes a ledge portion that extends generally forwardly therefrom. A visor portion is secured to the hard shell portion and overlies the ledge portion. A facemask portion is secured to both the hard shell portion and the ledge portion in order to improve the structural integrity of the helmet.

Abstract: A goggle resistant to fogging is provided. The goggle consists of a water wicking and thermal transfer face gasket combined with heat transfer inlets and outlets optimized for heat transfer to air flow through the goggle. With low airflow resistance in the vertically oriented inlets and outlets, the goggle ventilates by natural convection removing moisture and keeping the goggle from fogging. Simultaneously, the present goggle results in greater comfort for the user.

Abstract: A toilet seat ventilation assembly for mounting on a toilet bowl includes a seat having a and air passageway and plurality of vent holes formed in the seat. A tubular manifold is rotatably secured in mounting fixtures at the rear of the toilet seat. The toilet seat is rotatably secured to the manifold by hinges having a passageway for communicating air from the toilet seat to the inlet of the manifold. The mounting fixtures have a passageway for communicating air from the outlet of the manifold to an exhaust conduit. The toilet seat cover has hinges for connecting the toilet seat cover to the manifold in a fixed manner. Pivoting the toilet cover between a horizontal position and a vertical position causes the manifold to rotate within the toilet seat hinges and the mounting fixtures.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a toilet bowl includes a flexible, deformable conduit having a position memory. Spacers project from the conduit and bear against an inner wall of the toilet bowl to maintain pressurized water exit apertures in the conduit spaced from the inner wall and oriented toward flush water exit holes in the toilet bowl.

Abstract: An automatic device for washing a toilet seat ring has a lid divided into two parts, including a lower part fixed to the upper rim of the toilet bowl and on the inner surface of the lower part the toilet seat ring rests, and an upper part superimposed hermetically on the lower part, which can be lifted angularly with respect to the lower part. The upper part has a box-like structure having on the bottom thereof exit holes for a fluid for washing the toilet seat ring and exit openings for air for drying the washed ring, the upper part having ducts for feeding the washing fluid to the holes and channels for feeding air to the openings.

Abstract: An assembly useful in directing a stream of water onto the surfaces of a toilet bowl includes a delay valve rendered operative by the lifting of the toilet seat and a bellows spring connected to be pulled in by the latching vacuum draw of the delay valve and thereafter released to displace the seat towards its lowered state. A set of springs then opposes the dropping stroke of the seat once displaced by the bellows spring. The assembly is conformed for installation onto an existing toilet.

Abstract: A faucet lock for use with a lavatory sink faucet having at least one water valve control handle, the faucet lock comprising a base, a bracket, having first and second ends thereof, wherein the first end is adjustably attached to the base such that the second end is positionable adjacent to the control handle preventing the control handle from opening the water valve, thus locking the water valve in a closed position, wherein the faucet lock prevents small children, disabled persons and others from unauthorized use of the water valve. The present invention faucet lock is a safety device to protect children and others especially special needs persons with spasticity or other disabilities from accidentally being exposed to hot water.

Abstract: A toilet training device has a target sensor for sensing an impact of urine, a first suction cup for securing the target sensor to a toilet, a music box for providing a feedback, and an insulated electric wire for connecting the target sensor with the music box. The target sensor can be positioned unobtrusively within the toilet. When a user urinates, the target sensor detects an impact of the urine when hit, and the target sensor triggers music in the music box through the insulated electric wire.

Abstract: A foam generating apparatus includes a foam generation device for generating initial foam by jetting air into a foaming agent solution and a foam fining device for fining the initial foam to produce the foam for foam bathing. A foaming tool provided within a foaming chamber jets air from an opening to the bottom wall of the foaming chamber. The opening is covered with a net having an opening ratio between 27.7% and 49.5% and a number of air-jet openings per unit area between 9690/cm2 and 24800/cm2. From another point of view, the net attached to the opening has a mesh number between 250 mesh and 400 mesh.

Abstract: This invention relates to portable devices and their methods of use, which assist in moving patients positioned on beds, gurneys, or other such patient supports. More particularly, the invention relates to portable devices and their methods of use, which enable a single health care worker to perform a patient pullup, roll the patient to a desired position, reposition the patient, or laterally transfer the patient to another patient support.

Abstract: A baby crib pad that consists of a plurality of segments that are attached together on the outside of the baby crib. Each of the individual segments is provided with two or more padded vertical flaps that extend inside the crib between adjacent balusters and are secured around the individual balusters of the crib. Each of the flaps is permanently secured along one side of the flap to its associated segment that is located on the outside of the baby crib and an opposite open side of each of the flaps is provided with a fastener whereby the open side of the flap secures to the segment, thereby forming a padded sleeve that extends around a baluster of the baby crib.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure for restraining a patient to an area about a bed comprises a frame having a horizontal eave portion, a horizontal base portion opposing the horizontal eave portion, and at least two vertical members upstanding from the horizontal base portion for supporting the horizontal eave portion. The frame collapses as an integral unit for storage and transfer. A net assembly secured to the frame defines an area about a bed such that a patient is allowed to move freely within the area.

Abstract: A side frame (1) for a cot (2) or bed (20), particularly, but not exclusively, for hospital use, comprising upper and lower rails (3, 4) located in spaced-apart, parallel relationship and of length required for the side frame (1), with the rails (3, 4) inter-connected by a plurality of spaced-apart, transversely extending, telescopic struts (7), with a third parallel rail (10) interposed between the two parallel rails (3, 4) and with an outer tube or cylinder of each telescopic strut (7) slidable through suitable holes or apertures (11) in the third rail (10). A modified side frame (1A) comprises at least one biassing strut, eg in the form of a gas strut (7A), capable of maintaining the side in a fully, or partially, deployed positions, with means for manually rendering the biassing strut (7A) inoperative when retraction, by lowering the side (1A), is required. The invention also includes a cot (2) provided with at least one side frame (1), and a bed (20) provided with at least one modified side frame (1A).

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 system for supporting a patient on a removable patient support unit, such as a backboard, includes a platform having spaced elements for supporting the removable patient support unit. The patient support unit is elevated above the platform and there is an unimpeded region between the platform and the patient support unit to facilitate placing x-ray film cassettes under the patient. The x-ray film cassettes can be placed and adjusted without disturbing the patient. The platform has features to hold x-ray film cassettes in a vertical position, catch and hold blood, support the backboard at an angle, and provide containers for sharp instruments. The system also includes arm boards for constraining the patient. A mattress covered bed can also be used with the platform.

Abstract: A tilting bed assembly is disclosed having a horizontal base frame and second frame hinged at one end to the base frame and an inflatable bag adjacent the other end to raise and lower one end of the tilting frame relative to the base frame. A hand-held three-position switch is connected through a relay to a three-position electrically operated solenoid valve and to an air compressor to selectively raise and lower the one end of the bed at the will of the person lying in the bed. The tilting frame is rigid to avoid articulation between its ends. Alternatively, instead of an inflatable bag, an electric actuator may be provided to raise and lower one end of the tilting frame relative to the base frame. A conventional foundation is received on the second frame with a stop on the second frame to prevent it sliding off when the frame is tilted.

Abstract: A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for aligning a door of an aircraft to a passenger loading bridge. A final parking position of the aircraft is defined as being immediately adjacent to a position of the passenger loading bridge, such that when the aircraft is stopped at the final parking position, the passenger loading bridge requires only a telescopic extension of less than about 1 meter to complete the alignment operation. To this end, an indicating device that works cooperatively with an aircraft-engaging end of the passenger loading bridge is provided for displaying human intelligible instructions for use by a pilot of the aircraft to guide the aircraft to the final parking position.

Abstract: A hygienic utensil having improved cleansing members for effectively cleaning and massaging the scalp is provided. The utensil for cleansing and massaging skin includes, a body and a plurality of branched bristle bundles. The plurality of branched bristle bundles extend outward from the body. The branched bristle bundles are grouped together to form cleansing members and attached to pedestals extending from the body. The cleansing members have a centermost portion in which the bristle lengths are shorter relative to the outermost bristle lengths.

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

Abstract: A bristle for brushware or brushes is described. The bristle is produced through cutting an extruded monofilament to length and tapers towards its useful end to form a kind of tip. The bristle is characterized in that it consists of at least two coextruded plastic components and has a shaft of a soft, elastic plastic material and a core of a harder elastic plastic material. The core projects past the shaft at its useful end thereby forming the tip. The bristle can also have a reinforcing jacket which surounds the shaft of the envelope. A method for producing such bristles is also described.

Abstract: A floor-mopping device having a handle which is connected to a supporting body having at least one flexible mopping element suspended from it in pendulum fashion. The supporting body and handle are connected by a swivel joint, and the swivel joint has an axis of rotation extending essentially in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of handle.

Abstract: Mirror cleaning devices clean the external mirrors of large vehicles while they are being driven. During adverse weather conditions, the external mirrors of large vehicles can become occluded by rain, snow, or dirt. By keeping the mirror glass clean and moisture free, the driver is able to easily use the mirror without having to frequently pull to the roadside to clean moisture and dirt from the mirrors with a rag. The driver is able to maintain a full view to the rear sides at all times for safe passing, lane changing, merging, and reversing regardless of the weather conditions present.

Abstract: A four-jointed wiper arm assembly includes a drive lever, which is connected to a driveshaft so that they rotate together and is coupled via a coupling element to a link rod which is pivotably mounted in a bearing on a vehicle body. The drive lever encloses an angle of approximately 90° with the coupling element in a parking position of the windshield wiper and is adjustable about an adjustment axis which extends approximately parallel to the coupling element and intersects the longitudinal axis of the driveshaft, and the coupling element is connected to the link rod via a ball joint.

Abstract: An applicator engagement device for a fluid applicator is in the form of a float, which is adapted in use to fit within a bucket containing paint. The float, which is a plastics moulding, comprises a peripheral ring which is of inverted “U”-shape in section and faces downwardly. The ring is spanned by three equi-spaced flexible arms radiating from a central ring to join the ring at its edge, this flexibility permitting the last bit of fluid to be gotten to by the roller. The arms are narrow so that area circumscribed by the ring is substantially open to permit paint to pass therethrough. The ring is sized to permit a stirrer, such as a paddle to be inserted therethrough into the bucket to stir the paint without the need to remove the float from the bucket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting dust is disclosed. Preferably, the dust to be collected is chalk dust. The apparatus includes a housing supporting an eraser head and having a cavity in fluid communication with a suction device. Interposed between the cavity and the suction device is a collection chamber assembly. A matrix of apertures in the front wall are selectively openable and closeable by a controller in response to the orientation of the eraser. When the eraser is moved across a chalkboard to create airborne chalk dust, the apertures are selectively opened by the controller, the suction device urging the airborne chalk dust through the apertures, through the cavity, and into the collection chamber assembly where it is filtered and stored. The method includes the steps of providing the apparatus of the invention, energizing the suction device, and moving the eraser across a chalkboard to collect chalk dust.

Abstract: Removable container (1, 44) for collecting waste (8) separated by a cyclonic or inertial device (12, 22, 31) for a waste collecting appliance of the vacuum cleaner type, the container having several walls (2, 4, 6, 45a, 45b, 46, 48, 50) delimiting a storage volume (10, 54), including a base wall (2, 46) forming the base of the container (1, 44), and at least one link wall (4, 48) provided with an opening (5, 49). The base wall (2, 46) and the link wall (4, 48) are contiguous with one another while presenting either a curve of one and/or the other wall, or an inclination between the walls, and the opening (5, 49) of the link wall (4, 48) is located in immediate proximity to the zone of contiguity between the link wall and the base wall (2, 46).

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly, a canister assembly pivotally mounted to said nozzle assembly, a suction fan and drive motor and a biaser. The biaser has a first end that engages the nozzle assembly and a second end that engages the canister assembly. The biaser provides a positive downforce urging the forward end of the nozzle assembly toward the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a floor care appliance such as an upright vacuum cleaner having at least a fist channel located above an agitator to carry air and dirt to a suction passageway. The cleaner has several embodiments, one of which has a single channel and a single agitator. Another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts, a channel, and a single agitator. Yet another embodiment has the single channel and dual agitators. Still yet another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts and dual agitators. Further yet still, another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts, a channel, and dual agitators. Several embodiments of an agitator drive assembly are provided using various means to provide rotary power to the agitator(s).

Abstract: An improved suction head of a vacuum cleaner with a power brush is provided. A head case of the suction head is connected to a cleaner body with a connecting tube, and a power brush is positioned in the head case so as to allow the power brush to be in both rotary and linear motion. A two degree-of-freedom motor installed on both a moving frame and a fixed frame of the power brush allows the power brush to move in both a rotary and linear fashion. Thus, it is possible to reduce the size of the suction head while also improving cleaning performance.

Abstract: A floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes a central housing. A left nozzle head is movably secured to the central housing. A right nozzle head is movably secured to the central housing, wherein a portion of the left nozzle head and a portion of the right nozzle head extend into the central housing and move around a vertical axis passing through the central housing.

Abstract: A caster assembly for supporting an article comprising a housing, a ball bearing, and a bearing retaining member, wherein the housing has a bore extending completely through a central region thereof such that a first opening and a second opening are created on opposite faces of the housing, the first opening defining an annular inner shoulder with a reduced diameter, the ball bearing having a diameter slightly less than a diameter of the bore such that the ball bearing is adapted to rotate within the bore, the diameter of the annular inner shoulder at the first opening being less than the diameter of the ball bearing to allow partial emergence of the ball bearing from the first opening yet preventing the ball bearing from completely exiting the first opening, the bearing retaining member being affixed to the housing at the second opening to retain the ball bearing within the bore.

Abstract: A conductive hinge is made of a superelastic shape memory alloy such as nitinol (NiTi) having a large elastic strain limit for enabling the hinge to bend around a small radius during stowage and flexible return to a trained rigid hinge position. The hinge is conductive enabling use of the hinge as a conductor for routing power through multiple solar cell panels interconnected by the hinges forming a hinged solar cell array that is deployed when the hinges are released from the bent stowed configuration to the rigid deployed configuration when the hinges further function as latches to lock the panels in place.

Abstract: A window sash (3) is mounted on a stationary frame (2) so as to be only rotatable about a horizontal axis but not tiltable using a lower corner bearing (5) such as is also used for turning-tilting fittings, and using an upper hinge bearing (9), which is connected to the sash via a support arm (11). The support arm (11) is sufficiently flexible in the vertical direction in order to be able to follow the vertical adjustment movements of the sash which are carried out at the corner bearing (5). Using a guide part (29a) engaging in the rabbet groove of the sash (3), the support arm (11) is guided vertically and is supported against motions perpendicular to the sash plane.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (1) used for a foldable cellular telephone, comprising a pair of abutment members (5, 6), a bias means (7) biasing the abutment members so that the abutment members are pressingly brought into contact with each other, a projection (54) extending in the radial direction of one abutment member (5), and a recess (64) allowing the access of the projection thereto formed in the other abutment member (6), wherein the recess (64) is formed of an inside recess and an outside recess on the radial inner and outer sides of the other abutment member, and the inside recess is formed along the center line of the other abutment member and the outside recess is formed so that the width thereof is increased from the inside recess to the outside so that the side surface of the recess is generally formed in a dogleg-like configuration.

Abstract: A Brush Seal element 10 has a backing plate 11 designed to project into a gap 12 between a fixed sleeve 13 and a shaft 14 and a bristle array 15 comprising a pack of bristle layers which is held in the sleeve 13 by support 16. The bristle 15 and non-linear portion 17, 18, which define cavities 19 and 20 between the array 15 and the plate 10. These cavities can become filled with high pressure fluid so that there is a substantial pressure balance across the array 15.

Abstract: A securing device for a rope loop is disclosed having a series of cutouts formed in a rigid base. Half loops are formed in the rope which are then placed within the cutouts and are held by moveable slides. Four cutouts are provided in the preferred form of the invention. A loop formed in the proximal end of the rope is maintained by the rope-securing device which, after use can be easily removed. In an alternate embodiment of the invention only two cutouts are provided in a rigid base for securing half loops and a longitudinal channel contains the proximal end of the rope which is maintained by a knot at the end.

Abstract: A high-strength mounting structure is used for attaching a resin article to a body panel. The resin molded article has an elongated main body and a pair of mount ribs formed in several spots intermittently in a longitudinal direction. A protrusion is provided at a distal end of each of the mount ribs. A clip has latch claws for engaging the protrusions of the mount ribs, and a slip-proof lug is located opposite to each latch claw to resist release the latch claws from the protrusions. In addition, the clip has an engagement section engaged with a body panel at a side facing the body panel.

Abstract: A luggage slip strap includes a flexible extended element having a long axis and first and second ends, and a sleeve affixed to the flexible extended element, the sleeve defining a cavity having an axis generally perpendicular to the long axis of the flexible extended member.

Abstract: A clip comprising first, second and third clamping elements which are connected together by a common biasing element. The biasing element comprises a flat plate of stainless steel which is folded to form a spring which biases a part of the first element and a part of the second element together to form a primary clamp. The biasing element also biases a part of the second element and a part of the third element together to form a secondary clamp.

Abstract: A retainer clip for use in assemblies held together by a latch having a resilient engagement arm. The force holding the engagement arm in the latched position is a function of the resiliency of the material of the engagement arm and the length of the unsupported portion of the engagement arm. The retainer clip attaches to a part of the assembly by holding the part between a retaining lip and an engagement side to position the retainer clip to bear against the engagement arm. The retainer clip supports the engagement arm to shorten the length of the unsupported portion of the engagement arm thereby increasing the force holding the engagement arm in the latched position.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety hook (12, 12′) having a wire spring latch (26, 26′). The wire spring latch (26, 26′) is a wire loop pawl. The safety hook (12, 12′) is made of a heavy gauge wire form material, which is preferably bent only to form first and second ends (14, 14′, 16, 16′), a chain link securing end (14, 14′) and a hook opening end (16, 16′), respectively. The wire loop pawl (26, 26′) is preferably a rod of elastically deformable material, bent to form an open loop (28, 28′) and bent-over ends (32, 32′, 34, 34′) about which the pawl (26, 26′) pivots with respect to the body (12, 12″) of the safety hook (10, 10′) when the latch (26, 26′) is deformed and forced away from a distal end (38, 38′) of the hook opening end (16, 16′) of the safety hook (10,10′). The bent over ends (32, 32′, 34, 34′) of the wire loop pawl (26, 26′) are not coaxial.