Abstract: A protective body garment is provided including a vest having a body with arm holes, the vest having an internal surface and an external surface, and a front that, when worn, is adjacent to a wearer's chest and stomach, sides that, when worn, are adjacent to the wearer's sides, a back that, when worn, is adjacent to the wearer's back, and a pair of shoulders that, when worn, are above the wearer's shoulders. The garment further includes penetration resistant armour located under the external surface of the vest and an inflatable flotation bladder in the form of a bag between the inner surface of the vest and the penetration resistant armour.

Abstract: A protective mask includes a mask body made from an anti-infrared plastic material and formed with a window frame. The window frame defines a window. A viewing member is mounted detachably in the window frame so as to cover the window, and permits vision therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wet suit undergarment and surfing shorts combination. The combination comprises a wet suit underpants garment formed of insulating material, preferably Neoprene, capable of covering and conforming to the body of a wearer from the waist to the thighs. An interconnecting means is located around at least a portion of the waist and/or pelvic portion and/or thigh portion of both garments and is capable of securing the wet suit underpants garment to the pair of outerwear short pants so that they are capable of remaining interconnected during water sports activity.

Abstract: A safety vest adapted to be worn by riders of exposed motor vehicles, such as motorcycles, which vest is designed to be worn over clothing and has luminescent signaling means interconnected with the signaling apparatus of the motor vehicle so that the rider's actions and intentions of braking, turning, changing lanes or hazard are visually communicated to other motorists, thereby enhancing rider visibility and safety.

Abstract: A garment for the upper torso adapted to be worn for a woman while nursing comprises a front panel and a back panel of stretchable fabric which are sewn together at opposite side seams to form a generally tubular body portion. Left and right shoulder straps are respectively adjoined to the front and back panels. The front panel includes an front inner lining panel having a top edge, a lower edge, and left and right side edges wherein the top edge is stitched to the top edge of the front panel and the lower edge is unattached. A vertical slit having opposing left and right edges which extends downwardly from the top edge of the front panel to provide a generally V-shaped opening defining left and right flap portions. Left and right breast pads positioned to cover the breasts of the wearer are respectively attached to the left and right flap portions wherein the left and right breast pads are positioned between the front inner lining panel and the front panel.

Abstract: What is new: a second glove for the sport of golf that is presently played with only one glove. The introduction of a second glove demands (1) a new configuration and (2) provides certain benefits. The OthrGlov design (1) leaves the connecting fingers on the right hand (for right-handed golfers*) naked, to retain the correct ‘feel’ mandated by the sport. (2) The OthrGlov offers protection from blisters and abrasion not previously afforded the single-gloved golfer. The OthrGlov protects the thumb and first two fingers of the formerly ungloved hand from commonly occurring blistering and abrasion during long tournaments and prolonged practice sessions at the driving range, offers some warmth, and may improve the overall grip. The OthrGlov invention is a studied, original effort to provide the golfer with second-glove utility while maintaining a free third and fourth finger ‘feel’ in a sport that up until now has been played with only one glove.

Abstract: A kick boxing glove has an extended rear portion attached to a front section having a thumb, finger and palm portion. The extended rear portion has a leather outside layer and fabric inner layer with a molded foam in between for covering; the outer wrist and forearm of a kick boxer. The kick boxer inner wrist is covered with multiply connected flexible sections, each section having a leather outer layer and either a leather or fabric inner layer with a molded foam in between the layers.

Abstract: Diving goggles with increased depth range includes a collapsible auxiliary air source chamber in fluid communication with the interior of the goggles. As the diver descends into the water depth, the outside pressure compresses the auxiliary chamber and forces some air out of that chamber and into the face chamber formed between the rigid portion of the goggles and the face of the diver. That additional compressed air when mixed with the compressed air inside the face chamber allows for relief of pressure from the user's eyes therefore avoiding eye strain and reduction in peripheral vision. The auxiliary chamber can be incorporated into the strap of the goggles and is attached to the rigid frame on both ends thereof. One or more collapsible leaf springs are placed inside the chamber to keep it open and in extended position while out of the water. Alternatively, the auxiliary chamber is made from a resilient material of such thickness as to ensure its extended shape once out of the water.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of constipation wherein a horizontal bar is positioned a sufficient distance above a toilet that a person using the toilet can passively “semi-hang”. The act of passively “semi-hanging” partially removes weight from the perianal area and straightens the torso thereby unfolding the sigmoid colon, increasing the sigmoid-rectal angle and the anorectal angle to facilitate defecation.

Abstract: A flush valve mounted drink holder constructed of plastic and configured for mounting on the flush valve of a commercial urinal or toilet. The device is cylindrical in shape with a closed top and an open bottom. The top surface is substantially flat and provides a suitable surface for resting a beverage. The open bottom allows the device to fit over a flush valve with the device's cylindrical walls fitting snugly around the outer edge of the valve, thereby, providing stability to the device. The device is secured to the flush valve's hexagonal bolt via an adhesive square and is installed by simply sliding it onto a flush valve.

Abstract: Pool covers embodying the invention are formed of a very dense mesh material which ensures substantially one hundred percent shade while allowing water to pass uniformly through the cover and which is adequately strong to support the weight of an adult. The pool cover is formed of plastic fibers which are interwoven to form a dense mesh which is then subjected to a pressure and heat cycle to ensure that the resultant material has the requisite properties for allowing water to pass through at a desired rate (e.g., 0.1 to 5 gallons per square foot per minute) while blocking light (e.g., 100% shade). Thus, a self-filtering safety pool cover is formed which allows for water to pass through uniformly across its surface while blocking sunlight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rearward wash basin (1) comprising a neck cutout (5) for performing a rearward head or hair washing, whereby the area of the neck cutout (5) is lined with a flexible neck seal (6). The neck seal (6) has a hollow chamber (7) and is provided in the form of bellows (8). The folds (9) have a curvature that essentially corresponds to that of the neck cutout (5).

Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes at least three frameless panels that are slidably installed to form a door to an enclosed tub or shower area. Each frameless panel is gripped at a top by at least two roller assemblies, and the roller assemblies are slidably suspended from a header that supports the frameless panels via the roller assemblies. The sliding door assembly also includes a guide assembly that has at least three tracks, wherein each frameless panel is guided by a corresponding one of the tracks.

Abstract: A spa apparatus includes a chair and a basin supported by a base. The basin is movable in an up/down direction relative to a portion of the base. The chair may include actuators to tilt forward to permit easy entry and exit from the chain. The chair may also move in a fore/aft direction relative to the basin. A pair of foot rests may be located within the basin. A manicure assembly may be located within a cavity in the arm of the chair. The basin may have a narrowed front portion to allow a technician to easily fact the customer. A base may include two support frames that pivot relative to one another proximate an end of the base distal the basin.

Abstract: An improved dome shaped trap for bathroom, kitchen or other sink comprising a dome shaped trap, threadably attached to a cover. The cover comprises a vertical conduit adapted to receive the existing vertical influent drain from the sink, a horizontal conduit adapted to be attached to the existing effluent exit drain, the vertical conduit extending down below the water line, providing an extension for the exisiting influent drain, making the trap easily adjustable to be installed any existing sink. The dome trap is easily removable by hand, by unscrewing it from the cover, to clean out any debris clogging the line or to retrieve any item inadvertently dropped into the sink and down the drain into the dome trap.

Abstract: A multi-angle hook fastened to an extension member, that is used to stop the extension from completely pulling out of the frame it sits in. When fully extended, the multi-angle hook allows at least three different holding positions, seen as three different angles that the extension sits at while using the multi-angle hook as its fixed point of pivot. The multi-angle hook is a metal, plastic, or wood plate bent along several parallel lines, across its width, at varying angles. An L-shaped hinge which is used to secure a side rail-less frame member to another frame member, to avoid undue stress on the side rail-less frame member. The L-shaped hinge is a metal, plastic, or wood plate which substantially conforms to a portion of a side rail-less frame member.

Abstract: A hoist for hoisting or transferring mobility impaired persons comprises a collapsible support structure (10) and a hoisting device (11-14) mounted thereon and extending upwardly therefrom. The support structure comprises a pair of mutually spaced, elongated foot members (15) arranged on either side of the hoisting device and connecting members, which define at least one parallelogram or nearly parallelogram linkage (18). The parallelogram linkage comprises a pair of parallel or nearly parallel connecting links (19) allowing mutual transverse movement of the foot members (15) between a fully spaced position and a collapsed position, in which the foot members are arranged adjacent to each other. The collapsible hoist may be transported easily from one place of use to another. Thus, it can be transported in the boot of a normal car and can be carried in parts, which do not weigh more than what is generally considered safe for a woman to carry.

Abstract: A sun visor is described for mounting on the front spreader bar of a hammock, so that it extends up from and over the front spreader bar. It includes a stabilizer spar operatively connected to the front spreader bar and extending outward therefrom through and under the ropes of the hammock's clew.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and siderails supported by the frame. A latch member is configured to prevent vertical movement of the siderail. A latch position indicator is configured to provide an indication of the position of the latch member.

Abstract: A method and device that provides an easily repeatable way in which to insert pillows into pillowcases. A flexible relatively thin sheet of material is provided that is sized and configured so as to attain a generally U-shaped configuration for insertion into a pillowcase, thereby creating a three-dimensional cavity through which a pillow can be inserted. The device can then be easily extracted from the pillowcase by merely sliding it out once the pillow is in place.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck including a seat section and a foot section movable relative to the seat section. The bed further including a mechanism that control movement of the foot section relative to the seat section.

Abstract: A child support device (10) comprising a base section (12) to provide a resting area (14) for a child (16). A harness means (18) is attached to the base section (12) to retain the child within the resting area. The base section (12) is laterally rigid so that the device (10) remains stable when the child is harnessed within the resting area (14). The base section comprises a first section (26), a second section (28) and a head section (30).

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method is provided for isolating a patient from the surrounding environment by providing an enclosure that defines a isolated patient environment separate from the surrounding environment. The system includes a patient support base and an elongated walled enclosure having a periphery that is engageable with the patient support base. Further, the walled enclosure includes an operable accessway for accessing a portion of the patient while in the isolated patient environment. Preferably, the operable accessway is positioned in the walled enclosure such that the patient's head is accessible while the patient is in the isolated patient environment. In another application, the walled enclosure is made from disposable material and also is pressure-equalizing between the isolated patient environment and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bed for diagnosis which can block a water vein and an electromagnetic wave and generate an ultra-long wave. The bed prevents the influence of a water vein or an electromagnetic wave on a patient or a sleeper, and alleviates pains on various parts of the body by its function of thermotheraphy. In addition, the bed generates far-infrared and ultra-long waves to expedite the recovery of health.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel adjustable mattress and pillow system and related methods in which a sensing mat positioned on the top face of a mattress affects microprocessor-controlled optimization of the contour of the mattress and a pillow based on a user's position. In one embodiment, the novel adjustable mattress and pillow system of the invention provides real time contour optimization through use of a variety of sensing techniques that make the system particularly useful in environments such as hospital critical care facilities where proper positioning of a user on a mattress and a pillow may prove important to user's health.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed including a three-dimensional fiber network.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for reforming composite fibres comprising colloidal particles and at least a binding and/or crosslinking polymer, characterised in that it comprises: means for deforming, by cold process at room temperature or at a temperature slightly higher than room temperature, said polymer of said fibre, and means for applying, on said fibre, mechanical stresses.

Abstract: Three separate color loss filters are used to aid an applicator's ability to accurately match a textile color. These filters include a blue loss filter, a red loss filter, and a yellow loss filter which only allow a narrow band of light wavelengths to pass through. Working dye solutions are prepared according to the shade of the textile or they may be more accurately prepared according to a comparator gray scale card, which is used to determine the contrast between a white sample and an undamaged area of the textile to be dyed. While inspecting the damaged area through the blue loss filter, any visible spots indicate a blue color loss in the damaged area. The applicator applies a previously prepared working blue dye to a damaged area repeatedly, while looking through the blue loss filter, until the damaged area is invisible. The excess dye is vacuum extracted. The same process is repeated for red and yellow dyes, utilizing their respective color loss filters, until a near perfect color match is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of coloring the hair with cluster-modified water and the ability to achieve enhanced color and conditioning for the hair that is color-treated. The cluster-modified water can be ionized water such as alkalinic or acidic water, or structured water such as I or S water. In addition, the cluster-modified water can be applied to the hair as a pre-saturating treatment and/or a post-saturating treatment relative to the hair color treatment process. Additional benefits of the present invention are the ability to minimize the use of harsh chemicals and dyes while still achieving an enriched color, and increased softness and smoothness to the color-treated hair. The present invention can also be used with mordanting salts. The present invention also includes a hair coloring kit including the cluster-modified water for post-saturating and/or pre-saturating the hair.

Abstract: A method of dyeing a fabric is provided. The method includes removing folds from the fabric, spraying a dye on a first side of the fabric, and exposing the fabric to a migration and fixation process prior to the dye drying on the first side so that the dye migrates from the first side to a second side of the fabric and reacts with and affixes to a component of the fabric.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. In another embodiment, a dock leveler includes a multi-tiered lip keeper support system for supporting the ramp at more than one position. In another embodiment, a method of supporting a dock leveler ramp includes attaching a first and second lip engaging apparatus under the ramp.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. A disengaging system is also included to disengage the support legs from retracting when the dock level lip is in a pendant position. A method of operating a dock leveler includes keeping a support leg in a support position when a dock leveler descends rapidly and retracting a support leg when the dock leveler descends slowly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg. The method includes maintaining the support leg in a support position and retracting the support leg under certain conditions.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has an elongated body including a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. A first bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles and a second bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles are disposed on the head and each of the first and second bristle carriers have an opening. An electric motor is operatively connected to a shaft, wherein operation of the electric motor moves the shaft in an orbital motion and wherein the shaft is operatively connected to the first and second bristle carriers to move the first and second bristle carriers.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a one piece, blow-molded body supporting a debris or dirt removing material, such as a tubular, adhesive lint remover roller and/or a stationary directional lint brush fabric. The body includes a unitary handle and roller support. In one aspect, the handle is formed of a transparent material such that one or more labels, each carrying decorative indicia may be viewed through the handle for a decorative effect. An insert defining decorative indicia may be inserted into the handle to provide a decorative effect by itself or in combination with decorative indicia on one or both of the exteriorly mounted labels.

Abstract: When this new and unique pool surface cleaning device is introduced into the market of pool cleaning products there will be no concern about damaging the surface of pools during the act of cleaning. This device incorporates a unique easily replaceable head system that may be as wide and long as necessary and composed of one or more sponge, cellular material, fabric, fibrous or soft composition heads attached to a conventional extension handle commonly used in the cleaning process of swimming pools or a handle designed specifically to mate with the unique pool surface cleaning device. These heads can be quickly, easily and economically replaced when necessary and come in a variety of geometric shapes and sizes. A wide variety of pools exist beyond just swimming pools that require systematic cleaning of the surface.

Abstract: A cleaning device having a support pad with a planar side and a side opposed to the planar side. An electrostatic cleaning sheet is detachably secured across the planar side of the pad. An elongated arm is secured at one end to the opposed side of the support pad. An elongated handle has one end secured to the other end of the arm by a locking joint which selectively locks the handle to the arm at a plurality of predetermined angular positions. A rubber blade which forms a squeegee is also secured to the opposed side of the support pad.

Abstract: A toothbrush head has a tooth cleaning element extending from the head. The head is divided into at least two portions which can be moved independent of each other. The tooth cleaning element is rotatable relative to that portion of the head from which it extends.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a laterally oriented head in which a handle and a head are in a T shape, and an overall upper surface of bristles on the head is in an arc shape, wherein the overall upper surface (3a) of the bristles (3) on the head (2) is formed with a curvature radius of approximately 15 mm that is centered on a point of intersection between an axial center (X) of the handle (1) and an undersurface (2a) of the head (2) or on a point of intersection (Y) between the axial center (X) of the handle (1) and an arbitrary line that is parallel to the undersurface (2a) of the head (2) and is between the bristles (3) and the undersurface (2a) The overall upper surface (3a) of the bristles (3) in an arc-shape is inclined toward the handle (1).

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly (20) is provided comprising a resilient wiper element (36) and a brush element (38). The wiper element (36) and brush element (38) are attached to the corresponding wiper lever (32) and wiper superstructure (30) through a plurality of mounting brackets (34). Mounting brackets (34) are equipped with a plurality of claws 56 which engage and secure the wiper and brush elements (36, 38). Mounting brackets (80) may also be configured to attach a cartridge (82) having wiper and brush elements (36, 38) secured thereto with the corresponding wiper lever (32) and wiper superstructure (30).

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly (20) is provided comprising a resilient wiper element (36) and a brush element (38). The wiper element (36) and brush element (38) are attached to the corresponding wiper lever (32) and wiper superstructure (30) through a plurality of mounting brackets (34). Mounting brackets (34) are equipped with a plurality of claws 56 which engage and secure the wiper and brush elements (36, 38). Mounting brackets (80) may also be configured to attach a cartridge (82) having wiper and brush elements (36, 38) secured thereto with the corresponding wiper lever (32) and wiper superstructure (30).

Abstract: A wiper with a light emitter formed by providing a light emitting function to a wiper for wiping off a wiped surface, comprising a linear light emitting part visible from the outside disposed on the outside of a wiper blade or a wiper arm for wiping operation and a light shielding means provided on the wiper along the light emitting part so that a person positioned on the inside of the wiped surface is not obstructed visually by the light beam emitted from the light emitting part.

Abstract: A vacuum device has a housing. The housing forms an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The housing also forms a viewable compartment for retaining refuse vacuumed by the device. A vacuum motor is located in the housing. The vacuum motor has a suction inlet and a vent outlet. The suction inlet is connected to the viewable compartment. The suction inlet is also connected to the inlet opening of the housing. The vent outlet of the vacuum motor is to the outlet opening of the housing. An electric circuit of the device is connected to the vacuum motor. The electric circuit is connected to a sensor and includes a microcontroller. The sensor, for example, an infrared beam and detector, triggers the electric circuit, and programmed control by the microcontroller, when the beam is broken and not detected by the detector. When the beam is broken, the sensor signals the microcontroller and the microcontroller logically powers-on the vacuum motor to suction the refuse into the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum canister for use with a central vacuum system is disclosed. The vacuum canister includes a hollow, tubular housing that has openings at either end. A cover covers the upper opening and a dust collection bin is disposed beneath the lower opening. The housing is divided into clean and dirt collection chambers by a wall. The clean chamber is a dust-free area and the vacuum pump assembly is mounted therein. The dirt collection chamber is the area in the canister where the dirt-laden vacuumed air is drawn into the device. The vacuum canister is provided with an auxiliary vacuum intake assembly that enters the housing in the clean, dust-free chamber. The intake assembly includes a receptacle for receiving the end fitting of a portable vacuum hose and the receptacle is operatively connected to the dirt collection chamber of the housing by way of a conduit that extends from the receptacle through an aperture in the wall and into the dirt collection chamber.

Abstract: A device for cleaning floor mats, carpets or the like by suction includes a suction nozzle (1) having a tubular handle (2) and a suction head (5), delimiting a suction chamber (11) wherein emerges a compressed fluid intake tube (6) connected to a compressed fluid source (7). The compressed fluid intake tube (6) includes a capillary tube (6) extending globally parallel to the tubular handle (2) and emerging in the suction chamber (11), the capillary tube (6) extending from the upper part of the suction tube (5) to the median part of the head (5) and the suction head comprises at least an air intake orifice (13, 15).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, typically used in collecting debris, that includes a collection volume with an intake opening and an exhaust opening and a shroud that surrounds the exhaust opening. Also disclosed is a method for collecting debris.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a cyclone type dust collecting apparatus of a vacuum cleaner. In the cyclone type dust collecting apparatus of the vacuum cleaner which centrifugally separates contaminants from an externally-drawn air and collects the separated contaminants therein, the filter assembly filters contaminants floating in an air which is discharged through an exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner. The filter assembly is provided with a rotary filter rotatably connected with respect to the exhaust port and a filter rotating unit. The rotary filter is provided with a suction grill portion at the outer circumference and a discharge port fluidly connected to the exhaust port of the cyclone type dust collecting apparatus, and the filter rotating unit is for rotating the rotary filter and thus removing contaminants filtered on the surface of the suction grill portion.

Abstract: A dust collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention comprises a dust separating chamber with an air inlet formed on an outer surface thereof and an air outlet formed on one side thereof, a main dust collecting chamber formed in the dust separating chamber for separating dust and dirt in a cyclonic fashion, an auxiliary dust collecting chamber formed at one side of the main dust collecting chamber, and a partition plate for partitioning the main dust collecting chamber. According to the present invention, an amount of air to be sucked and efficiency of collecting dust and dirt can be greatly increased.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning machine includes an airflow source that produces an airflow directed out of an outlet. A duct cover covers the outlet. The duct cover includes at least one opening that is sized and oriented to distribute the air evenly across the outlet.

Abstract: A direction stabilizer device for a castor type wheel (1) which is arranged to swivel about a swivel axis, the direction stabilizer device comprising a centrifugal means arranged to operate a locking mechanism to lock the wheel in a pre-set orientation about the swivel axis, when the wheel (1) is rotated. The direction stabilizer device is arranged such that the locking mechanism operates to lock the wheel in the pre-set orientation only when the wheel (1) is rotated above a pre-defined speed. The direction stabilizer device is also arranged such that the rotation of the wheel (1) causes the centrifugal means to rotate, such rotation operating the locking mechanism.