Abstract: A hybrid, ventilated garment is provided. Another aspect of the present invention employs a jacket having a body portion with sleeves and a torso, and a removable shell portion having sleeve and a torso segments. A further aspect of the present invention provides wind resistant shoulder and sleeve segments which are permanently attached together, and an air permeable and/or perforated lower torso segment attached to at least the shoulder segment.

Abstract: A use of apparel is provided as a device for communication of the wearer's divided loyalties between the teams through incorporation of both team's colors and optionally their logos in one garment. The invention is adaptable to all forms of apparel.

Abstract: A structure with extensible/retractable panels, which provides variable surface area for items such as headgear brims, furniture tops, etc., includes a first panel, a second panel pivotally mounted to the first panel, and a third panel pivotally mounted to the first panel. The second and third panels are rotatable from a retracted position in which the second and third panels are positioned underneath the first panel, and a deployed position in which the second and third panels extend beyond both the length and width of the first panel.

Abstract: A thin, lightweight, flexible, washable protective pad is incorporated into a pocket of a washable garment, such as at the hip. This pad comprises an air-holding envelope extending substantially throughout the pocket, a compressible insert having a configuration that extends substantially throughout the envelope and a junction arrangement between the insert and the envelope. The arrangement is such that the extent of the configuration of the insert is maintained substantially throughout the envelope. The arrangement remains intact when the pad is repeatedly bent, twisted or otherwise deformed during washing or wearing, maintaining the pad's protective function. In other configurations, the insert may be captured by a seal that joins the sheet or sheets that form the walls of the envelope. The disposition of the insert with respect to the envelope may thereby be maintained.

Abstract: A stabilizer constituting member or ventilation opening forming member 51 having a stabilizer portion or ventilation opening forming portion 61, which has an air current deflection surface 63 gradually separating from an outer surface of a head protecting body in the range of the front end to the rear end of the stabilizer portion or ventilation opening forming portion 61, is disposed on an outer side of the head protecting body. According to one aspect, exhaust openings 55a to 55c are formed in a step surface 64 extending from near the rear end of the air current deflection surface 63 substantially toward the outer surface of the head protecting body. According to another aspect, the ventilation opening forming member 51 further has air current divider portions 62a and 62b having exhaust openings 54a and 54b surrounded by substantially two-way forked projecting ridges 66, respectively.

Abstract: A sport protective headgear comprising a main section that is to be placed on the occiput of a head from which extends a parietal section that is to be placed against the parietal of a head. Also, integrally connected to the main section is a right side section that is to be placed against the right side of a head and a left side section that is to be located against the left side of a head. Straps secured to the left and right sections hold the main section on the occiput. The straps can be a head strap or a goggle strap. The headgear is designed to absorb shock experienced by a wearer falling during the sport.

Abstract: A pair of ergonomic swimming goggles worn at the head to cover eye sockets has two lens bodies, two linings, a bridge component and a goggles band. The linings have firm joint portions annularly disposed at peripheries of the lens bodies. The region of the firm joint portions corresponding to deeper portions of the eye sockets is thicker, while the region of the firm joint portions corresponding to shallower regions of the eye sockets is thinner. Elastic portions extend from the firm joint portions. The extension width of the elastic portions corresponding to the thicker region of the firm joint portions is narrower, while the extension width of the elastic portions corresponding to the thinner region of the firm joint portions is wider. Thereby, the pair of ergonomic swimming goggles can fully seal and comfortably cover the peripheries of the eye sockets.

Abstract: The separate trapway (6) comprises a mounting plate (7), fixing holes (8) on the mounting plate (7), which are come into the same position with the fixing holes of the closet during installation, an outer ring (9) and an inner ring (10) that comprises upper part (11) and lower part (12). The outer ring (9) and the upper part (11) of the inner ring (10) extend upwards from the mounting plate (7).

Abstract: A liner for a toilet training seat chamber and a method for manufacturing the liner are described. The liner has a cup-shaped body, sized to line a toilet training seat chamber. The material of the liner is a biodegradable and water-dispersible material. The liner allows the for easy cleaning of the toilet training seat after use.

Abstract: A sauna for vaporizing a liquid has a body with an exhaust area, and a handle. The handle is connected to the exhaust area and the handle is for grasping the sauna. The sauna has a heater in the body for changing a state of the liquid to a vapor with the vapor having a number of droplets. Each of the droplets has an initial droplet size. The sauna also has a device. The device is in the body. The device changes the initial droplet size of the droplets in the vapor exiting the exhaust area.

Abstract: A protective bed includes a shield comprising bullet-proof and impact resistance material that surrounds a metal frame. The shield operably separates to provide access to an interior sleeping area. Quick access doors are located on either side of the bed. A ventilation system provides for climate control as well as filtering harmful substances from the air. A rebreather scrubs carbon dioxide from air within the unit to allow a user to close the unit to outside air.

Abstract: A futon includes a support mechanism for a pivotally interconnected back frame and seat frame which includes left and right linkage subassemblies attached to the left and right end members of the futon main frame to cause the back and seat frames to shift from a couch positioning to a bed positioning and vice versa, each linkage subassembly including an arm mounting plate attached to an adjacent end member of the main frame, a seat link pivotally connected to the arm mounting plate and the seat frame, and upper and lower back links pivotally connected between the arm mounting plate and the back frame.

Abstract: A device to install and remove a structural component in and from a medical large device has a guide system that simplifies the difficult handling of the structural component due to the size or the weight of the structural component. The guide system has a first guide rail that can be positioned on a height-adjustable patient bed of the large device, and a guide groove which is arranged on the structural component. Additionally, another second guide rail can be attached to the medical large device, which forms an extension of the first guide rail when the patient bed is correspondingly positioned. With this device the structural component can be easily raised and lowered with the aid of the height-adjustable patient bed, and can easily be slid into and out of the large device when the first and second rails are at the same height.

Abstract: A patient support is provided having a frame, a deck positioned on the frame, and a mattress. The patient support further including a siderail configured to move relative to the frame.

Abstract: A blanket usable for protection against fire within a vehicle wherein the blanket is stored within the vehicle is provided. The blanket includes a first layer having a flame resistant material, a second layer having a heat resistant material adjacent the first layer, a fastener having a flame resistant material configured to attach the first layer to the second layer, and a cushion usable within the vehicle wherein the cushion includes a sealable cavity for storing the blanket in a deployable position. The first layer and the second layer form a thin, flexible, sheet-like blanket having a length and a width dimension larger than a thickness dimension.

Abstract: An infant swaddle blanket having a central receiving section with a fitted upper edge for engaging the infant's neck and shoulders; a first flap from one side of the central section; a tongue extending from the upper portion of the first flap; and a second flap extending from the opposite side of the central section, a skid-resistant material on its bottom surface. An improved fit is provided through the infant's shoulders with curved shoulder seams and long elastic seams on the top edge of the blanket. The infant is placed backside down on the central section with a first arm against its side; the first flap is wrapped over the infant's right arm and torso; the tongue is tucked around the infant's second side, under the armpit and across the infant's back; the infant's second arm is placed next to its side; the second flap is wrapped over the second arm, torso, and first flap and secured to the first flap with hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A medical table extension device and method has an elongated plate with opposite attachment and support sections. The attachment section extends under a mattress of the medical table to be stabilized by a patient's body weight. The support section extends outwardly from the medical table to support a patient's limb. The plate can include a continuous sheet with at least one bend defining the attachment and support sections of the plate. The attachment and support sections can have upper surfaces disposed at different elevational heights.

Abstract: A mattress for a bed is provided to support a patient. The mattress includes a plurality of air fluidized bladders. Each bladder includes a fluidized zone having fluidizable material positioned therein. Each bladder further includes a diffuser configured to provide air to the fluidized zone to fluidize the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to using a fire barrier fabric for quilting under standard ticking material. This specific mattress design improves resistance to fire damage to the mattress and surroundings and reduces the generation of harmful smoke. Adding this fire barrier fabric to the quilt panel does not compromise the intended use of the end use product.

Abstract: A mattress construction with a stranded wire spring is disclosed. The stranded wire spring can be designed with the same performance characteristic as a conventional single strand coil spring, but at a lower manufacturing and material cost.

Abstract: A mattress construction with a multi-strand coil spring is disclosed. The multi-strand coil spring can be designed with the same performance characteristic as a conventional solid wire coil spring, but at a lower manufacturing and material cost.

Abstract: A multi-function utility and survival tool, which incorporates a whistle, flint rock fire starter, an alumina—rod blade sharpening device, a honing stone, a glass shattering device, and a light reflecting signal device. All individual elements of this tool are combined into a single unit making it practical and convenient to use.

Abstract: A method for the continuous wet stretching of industrial hides and other similar products comprises the following steps: a) removal of uniformly wetted hides following a treatment with liquids, such as tanning, retanning or the like, b) partial pre-drying of the wetted hides so as to reduce their residual relative moistness to a value between 35% and 65%, c) stretching of the moist hides by means of localised mechanical stresses applied in directions which are substantially perpendicular to the plane of lie of the hides so as to achieve a predetermined increase in surface area, d) drying of the stretched hides until they have a residual relative moistness of between 7% and 30% so as to stabilise and thermally fix the stretched hides. During the wet stretching step, the hides are kept in substantially constant relative humidity conditions.

Abstract: In a washing method of a drum type washing machine, a large amount of the laundry can be more effectively washed by effectively transmitting a mechanical force to the laundry by repeatedly and forcedly rotating a drum forward (or clockwise) or backward (or counterclockwise) for a short predetermined time. Through continuous rotation of the drum of the drum type washing machine, a falling washing is performed such that the laundry in the drum is washed by falling by a gravity, or a reversing washing is performed such that the laundry is washed by repeatedly rotating the drum forward (or clockwise) or backward (or counterclockwise) for a short predetermined time, thereby improving energy efficiency through economizing a washing time and washing water according to the amount of the laundry, and also preventing a waste of power by driving a heater at a proper time.

Abstract: A washing machine including a perforated inner basket and an outer tub is disclosed. The outer tub includes one or more grooves on its inside wall to redirect extracted water from the perforated inner basket downwardly into a collection area for disposal. The groove may be generally vertical or angled along the upper portion of the inner wall of the tub. The groove preferably includes an undercut portion that extends in the same direction as the perforated basket spins.

Abstract: A process for producing an ionic crosslinked fibrous material, such as a cellulosic fabric, paper, or other substrate, wherein the ionic crosslinked fiber exhibits an increased wrinkle resistance angle. A process for producing a cationized chitosan, wherein the cationized chitosan exhibits cationization at the C6 and ring hydroxyl sites and the reactivity of the ring NH2 sites is preserved. A process for applying a polycation to an anionic fibrous material to form an ionic crosslinked fibrous material. A process for producing a cationized fibrous material, wherein the process is performed as a pad-batch process, an exhaust fixation process, a pad-steam process, or a pad-dry-cure process.

Abstract: Pro-dyes of direct dyes having an enzymatically-labile functionality, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cationic dyes of formula (1), (2) or (3) 1

Abstract: A method of providing a colour change to human or animal hair wherein the method comprises the steps of (a) applying to hair a hair colour altering composition, (b) leaving the hair colour altering composition on the hair for from about 0.5 to about 15 minutes and then (c) optionally, rinsing the hair colour altering composition from the hair, wherein steps (a) and (b) and (c) are repeated from about once a month to about 3 times a day.

Abstract: Phase-separated rinse-off hair coloring/conditioning compositions comprise water soluble dye materials, conditioning materials, and water, wherein the water soluble dyes are concentrated in a discontinuous phase of liquid emulsion droplets dispersed within the droplets to the extent that the intensity of the color imparted by the dye materials to the droplets is greater than the intensity of the color imparted by the dye materials to continuous aqueous phase. The dispersed phase may be formed by the combination of the conditioning materials and the dye materials. Methods of coloring and conditioning hair are also disclosed.

Abstract: Phase-separated rinse-off hair coloring/cleansing compositions comprise water soluble dye materials, surfactant materials, and water, wherein the water soluble dyes are concentrated in a dispersed phase of liquid emulsion droplets dispersed within the droplets to the extent that the intensity of the color imparted by the dye materials to the droplets is greater than the intensity of the color imparted by the dye materials to continuous aqueous phase. The dispersed phase may be formed by the combination of the surfactant materials and the dye materials. Methods of coloring and cleansing hair are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hair colouring and conditioning composition comprising:

Abstract: The present invention claims and discloses a method of transferring an image to a generally non-absorbent fabric having at least one fiber. The method comprises the steps of providing an image on a transfer sheet or a medium, placing the transfer sheet or the medium against the generally non-absorbent fabric, applying a predetermined amount of heat in a predetermined amount of time to the transfer sheet or the medium, subliming the solid state ink or dye on the transfer sheet or the medium from a solid state to a gaseous state, binding the gaseous ink or dye with the fiber of the generally non-absorbent fabric and condensing the gaseous ink or dye to a sold state, thereby binding the dyes or ink into the fiber of the generally non-absorbent fabric. The fabric may be in the form of a pillow or a clothing article or any item of desire.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus (20) includes an intermediate chamber (30) interposed between inlet and outlet sections (28, 32). A fluid supply pipe (46) resides inside the intermediate chamber (30) and supplies fluid (62) under pressure toward the outlet section (32). An inner diameter (96) the outlet section (32) is smaller than an inner diameter (94) of the intermediate chamber (30). The introduction of the high pressure fluid (62) and the inner diameter of the outlet section (32) relative to the inner diameter of the intermediate chamber (30) creates a partial vacuum to induce a flow of water (98) and contaminants (22) from a submerged surface (24) of a reservoir (26) through the vacuum apparatus (20). The water (98) and contaminants (22) are subsequently discharged from the reservoir (26) through a discharge hose (44) coupled to the outlet section (32).

Abstract: A powered toothbrush provides movement of cleaning elements which replicate the preferred method of cleaning teeth, namely up-and-down movement on the surface of the user's teeth. This preferred movement is obtained by translating rotational movement of a motor, first into reciprocation movement within the toothbrush through the interaction of a cam follower and helical tracks, and then translation of the reciprocating movement into oscillating movement of the cleaning elements through a limited arc. The translation of rotational to reciprocating movement is achieved through interaction of a cam follower in a helical track. The translation of reciprocating movement to oscillating movement is achieved through reciprocating movement of a volute through a mating groove in the head of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A brush for in situ cleaning of one or more passageways defined by a medical device. The brush includes a NiTiNOL shaft attached to a fill section by way of a proximal connector sleeve that is resistance welded to the fill section and the shaft. The fill section is preferably composed of braided wire and includes bristles, or fill, interweaved with the braided wire. The fill section in turn, is attached to an atraumatic tip by way of a distal connector sleeve which is resistance welded to the fill section and the atraumatic tip. The atraumatic tip includes a NiTiNOL core wire about which is disposed a gold-plated tungsten coil readily visible under a fluoroscope. The coil is bonded to the core wire. A bulb disposed on the coil helps effectuate cleaning of the passageway while also protecting the patient and the medical device from cleaning-related trauma.

Abstract: A hand held tool for cleaning or scarifying an inner cylindrical surface of a fitting and an outer cylindrical surface of a tubing end. The tool includes a body having first and second scarifying portions interconnected by an intermediate portion, as well as front and rear sides. Each of the scarifying portions has a respective inner surface scarifying brush projecting from the front side for cleaning a fitting, and a cylindrical recess within the front side supporting a respective outer surface scarifying brush for cleaning a tubing end. During use, the tool is held by the handle in one hand, and the fitting or tubing is held in the other hand to engage the appropriate scarifying bush. The handle is rotated in the manner of a hand crank.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a rod having a frame connected to an end thereof and a connection member is connected to two assist plates which movably extend through the frame and pivotably connected to a pull handle on the rod. Two boards are pivotably connected to two sides of the connection member and each board has a positioning member to which a cleaning member is secured.

Abstract: Flexible household scrubbing brushes and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. The scrubbing brushes include a handle connected to a head. The head includes two opposing faces including a top face and a bottom face. The bottom face is connected to a plurality of bristles some or all of which are molded elastomer bristles. The top and bottom faces may also include a plurality of grooves to increase the flexibility of the head. The grooves are filled with elastomer material to improve the durability of the brush head without detracting from the flexibility thereof. The distal portion of the handle or the handle-head connection may also be slotted to enhance the flexibility of the brush. Brushes with thermal plastic bristles for cleaning cookware with non-stick coatings are also disclosed. Injection molded methods for fabricating the disclosed brushes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a blade for supporting an applicator pad. The applicator pad includes a plurality of bristles that extend outwardly from the blade. The blade can be flexible to apply coating material to obstructed surfaces. The blade and applicator pad can be part of a kit for applying coating material such as paint or stain to a surface. The kit can also provide a handle for supporting the blade during application of coating materials. An adapter can be connected to the end of the handle to connect a second handle to the first handle and extend the reach of the blade.

Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid treatments such as paint, stain, varnish or the like to surfaces such as wood. The applicator includes an elongated handle, one end of the hand serving as a primary gripping element, the other end of the handle being covered with fluid-retaining material such as natural or synthetic wool fleece or foam rubber to form an applicator pad. The portion of the handle bearing the applicator pad may be detached from the portion of the handle forming the primary gripping element. A secondary gripping element such as a knob is movable from a first position on the handle to a second position on the applicator pad.

Abstract: Various forms of cleaning attachments are described for converting a cleaning implement to a mop. In one form the attachment is a combination wipe and attachment wherein at least a portion of the attachment is made of an absorbent material so that the attachment itself can function as a wipe. In another form of the invention a wipe is detachably mounted to the cover portion of the attachment by reusable mounting structure located on at least one of the side walls of the cover. Various forms of pouches or containers are also described for containing a cleaning solution or other added ingredients which may form part of the attachment by the container of pouch being secured to the attachment.

Abstract: An exhaust filter unit is arranged outwardly surrounding at least a major portion of a housing of a vacuum cleaner. The dirt-laden incoming airflow is filtered through a primary filter, then blown by a suction motor unit into an annular exhaust air space between the vacuum cleaner housing and the exhaust filter unit. Thereby, the filtered air is exhausted in a diffused manner through the large surface area of the exhaust filter unit. Preferably, the exhaust filter unit has a cylindrical tubular configuration that completely externally surrounds a cylindrical portion of the vacuum cleaner housing.

Abstract: A beater bar assembly for use within a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The beater bar assembly is capable of both axial oscillation (horizontal motion) and axial rotation, thereby providing an efficient cleaning motion.

Abstract: A novel vacuum attachment for vacuuming planar elements of varying widths is provided. The attachment comprises a hollow member having a first end adapted for attachment to a vacuum cleaner hose and a second end having one or more elongate apertures formed therein and adapted for receiving a planar element. Each elongate aperture comprising a pair of parallel arms having a hollow interior with opposing and facing openings, each opening being in communication with the elongate aperture and with the first end. The aperture is sufficiently long to accept a relatively wide planar element. The attachment further comprises adjustment means for selectively adjusting the effective length of the aperture which enables the attachment to accommodate planar elements of varying widths. In a preferred embodiment, the length adjustment means comprises a sliding member slidably positioned over the second end for selectively blocking a longitudinal portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A web adjuster for use with a web. A clamping member and a bearing member are mounted to a web adjuster frame and movable relative to the frame about a common axis. The web extends at least partially around the bearing member. Applying tension to the web moves the clamping member toward a web stop on the frame to trap the web between the clamping member and the web stop.

Abstract: A releasable slide fastener closure is formed by a pair of stringers with elements that interlock when in cooperating closed position and a slider mounted on the stringers for sliding movement along said stringers to move the elements into said interlocking closed position on movement in of the slider away from a first end and toward a second or closed end. Each of the stringers has a stop for preventing said slider from separating there from at each of its ends and the stringers are free to separate from closed position at the first end when a force is applied in a predefined direction adjacent to the first end.

Abstract: A loop member for a mechanical fastener comprises a nonwoven web, the nonwoven web having a pattern of intersecting bond lines. The pattern is characterized in that at least a portion comprises a first plurality of non-intersecting continuous bond lines and a second plurality of non-intersecting continuous bond lines, each non-intersecting continuous bond line of the first plurality intersecting each non-intersecting continuous bond line of the second plurality. The intersecting bond lines define unbonded pattern elements, each of the pattern elements being at least partially bounded by non-linear segments of the bond lines. The bond pattern for a nonwoven web is suitable for use as a loop member of a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: An improved structure of a buckle to fasten shoelaces includes a box like arcuate main body having a longitudinal gap and a pair of flanges in the top, a pair of cross-shaped through holes in front and back walls for disposing a pair of sliders into the main body which further has an inverse U-shaped check plate at each end, a pair of inlets and pair of outlets spacedly formed in the bottom for inserting in and piercing out of a pair of tags of the shoelace, an elastic plate mounted on the main body having a pair of detent mean on each end wall held by the flanges of the main body and a colorful cap covering the elastic plate and the main body having a retaining flange inside a front and a back wall held by the bottom of the main body. The front wall of the cap further has a pair of retaining grooves in out surface for engage within the tags to make a butterfly configuration on the vamp of a shoe.

Abstract: A casket corner piece display pedestal and associated methods for memorializing a deceased individual. The casket corner piece display pedestal has a center piece having first and second ends with a casket corner piece receiving surface disposed therebetween. The center piece includes either a memorabilia receiving container, a cremation um, or both disposed within the first end of the center piece. A base member is attached to the second end of the center piece for supporting the casket corner piece display pedestal. The base member includes an extended portion protruding transversely to the casket corner piece receiving surface on the center piece. A cover member is removably disposed on the first end of the center piece to cover the memorabilia receiving container and/or cremation um. The cover member includes an extended portion protruding transversely to the casket corner piece receiving surface on the center piece such that the casket corner piece display pedestal has an approximate C-shaped profile.