Abstract: A ball catching tool comprises an outer leather member, an inner leather member and an elastic member. The outer leather member is formed by sewing a leather palm and a leather back to each other. The inner leather member, inserted into the outer leather member, is formed by sewing a palm member located on the side of the leather palm and a back member located on the side of the leather back to each other and provided with a plurality of stalls including a thumb stall receiving the thumb of the user. The elastic member is fixed to the back member partially forming the thumb stall to extend along the back member from one end of the thumb stall toward the other end of the thumb stall in the width direction of the thumb stall for fixing the thumb of the user in the thumb stall.

Abstract: A batting pad comprising a body made from a cushioning material and having a ring portion adapted to fit over a batter's thumb and an appendage to cushion the palm area between a batter's thumb and index finger. The appendage has a thickness T at its thickest point located between the first end and the distant end, and the thickness T of the appendage is selected to optimize an angle of a bat in the batter's hand relative to a line parallel to the batter's forearm, the angle being determined by the thickness T of the appendage displacing the bat toward the tip of the batter's index finger and causing the bat to contact the palm of the batter's hand near the batter's little finger.

Abstract: A garment for swaddling a baby includes an elongate shell having an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface defining an interior volume for receiving the arms, legs, and trunk of a baby therein. The shell has a head end, a foot end opposite the head end, lateral sides extending between the head end and the foot end, and a neck opening at the head end for receiving a neck of the baby. The garment also includes a backboard attached to the elongate shell between the head end and the foot end for preventing the baby from rolling over when the baby is swaddled within the elongate shell. The backboard includes an elongate body for supporting a trunk of the baby. The body has a first face facing the baby when the baby is swaddled within the elongate shell and a second face opposite the first face.

Abstract: An article of clothing having at least one portion covering a limb (arm or leg) or the torso of a user. The article of clothing, such as a jacket or pants, provided with a lower edge and at least one annular impervious skirt provided with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the skirt being attached to the lower edge of the portion of the article of clothing, and the upper end of the skirt being provided with an arrangement to tighten about the user's limb/torso.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attachable novelty item for use in connection with a person's apparel. The attachable novelty item includes an item surface and one or more attachment areas positioned on the item surface having one or more item contact surfaces disposed thereon. The item is removably attachable to a surface of the apparel by contacting an attachment area with the surface of the apparel and/or an apparel contact surface. A kit for such a novelty item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shirt collar for dress or sport shirts with an adjustable collar secured to the shirt body by a collar stand. An elongated fabric strip positioned within a fold in the collar band with one end projecting through a slot and with a button secured to its end and with the other end connected to an elastic strip, in turn secured to the collar band. The button may be engaged with the button hole on the other side of the collar band.

Abstract: A decorative sock includes a three-dimensional ornament which relates to two-dimensional indicia on the body of the sock. The ornament may take many forms, including an animal head, cellular phone, star and the like, that is attached to the sock at or near its opening where the foot is typically inserted into the sock. Use of a stuffed skin to form an ornament provides more appeal and versatility than previously known prior art socks, since the ornament can assume complex shapes. Further, the various relationships between the three-dimensional ornaments and two-dimensional indicia, as embodied in this invention, provide more appeal and encourage the stimulation and education of young children with new ideas and concepts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pocket flap apparatus that can be alternatively adjusted and moved between an exposed position and a concealed position. The pocket flap apparatus further includes one or more retainers for releasably securing firearm ammunition. The flap can be positioned inside the pocket to conceal the ammunition, or the flap can be positioned outside the pocket to provide convenient access to the ammunition. The concealed position of the flap allows the garment, to which the pocket is attached, to be used for general purposes while concealing the flap, the retainers, and any ammunition secured to the flap.

Abstract: A utility placket for use on a garment to be worn on the body of a person, comprising a button strip, having at least one button fixed thereon, a button-hole strip, having at least one button-hole positioned to receive the button, and at least one loop fixed to the button strip or button-hole strip, the loop being adapted for holding an item, such as a writing instrument, spectacles or sunglasses, and positioned so that the loop is hidden when not in use.

Abstract: A protective undergarment is provided according to exemplary aspects of this invention. The undergarment includes a waist portion adapted to encircle the waist of a user. The undergarment also includes a crotch portion having an end segment extending from the waist portion, a central segment, and a terminal end segment attachable to the waist portion. The terminal end segment of the crotch portion extends substantially perpendicular to the waist portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toilet water saving apparatus linkable with a bidet, and a water saving method thereof. The water saving apparatus comprises branch tubes connected to the supply tube for supplying the washing water to the water reservoir and the bidet, respectively, a three-way valve installed to the branch tubes therebetween, and a urination water level sensor and a defecation water level sensor installed inside the water reservoir of the toilet for detecting a urination water level and a defecation water level. The three-way valve has a reservoir valve and a bidet valve for allowing the washing water to be selectively supplied to one or both of the bidet and the water reservoir.

Abstract: There is provided a convenience (1) comprising a sanitary compartment (7) having a toilet bowl (8), and an equipment room (10) separated from the sanitary compartment (7) and accessible through a door (16) from the outside of the convenience (1), independent from the sanitary compartment access, said convenience (1) further comprising a urinal (32), which is at least partly formed in the door (16) of the equipment room (10) and separated from the sanitary compartment (7).

Abstract: A toilet apparatus designed for use by obese persons, the toilet comprising a base portion having a width of about 21.5 inches and a length of about 29.05 inches, a bowl portion attached to the base portion wherein the width of the outer portion of the bowl is about 25 inches, the length of the outer portion of the bowl is about 32 inches, and wherein the outer portion of the bowl is substantially aligned with a bottom of the base portion, and a toilet seat comprising an inner and an outer rim and further comprising two vertically extending rigid members located between the outer and inner rims of the left side and the right side of the toilet seat, wherein the vertically extending rigid members are positioned for alignment with an interior edge of a toilet bowl as to prevent lateral displacement of the seat when in use.

Abstract: A novel bidet housing formed from a plurality of nesting plastic parts having control modules formed therein which maintain a constant water pressure in the housing notwithstanding the supply water pressure used to fill the same. The control modules have knobs accessible to the user for regulating the temperature and pressure of the water, the addition of soap and/or scented material and the exit pressure to the toilet seat nozzles. The fabrication of the parts in plastic sections leads to a reduction in overall cost compared to that of the prior art as well as ease of assembly and installation.

Abstract: A collapsible wheel chair with displaceable seat panels includes a first side frame member, a second side frame member, a seat frame, a first pivoting support member, a second pivoting support member, a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels. The first side frame member is retained relative to the second side frame member with the first and second pivoting members. One side of the seat frame is pivotally attached to one of the side frame members. The seat frame includes at least one seat section, which may each be independently raised or lower on one end thereof. The first pair of wheels are pivotally retained by the first and second side frame members. The second pair of wheels are pivotally retained by the first and second side frame members.

Abstract: A multilayer cover for a pool containing water comprising (a) an uppermost layer having a solar heat reflective material; and (b) a lower layer having a first thermoplastic film (i) having a plurality of portions wherein each of the portions defines a cavity; and (ii) is in sealing engagement with the uppermost layer to provide a plurality of closed cavities; wherein the uppermost layer provides an effective reflective barrier to the ingress of solar radiation through the cover to the water in the pool to prevent or reduce the rate of the water temperature increase.

Abstract: A disposable mat defining a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and at least one edge. The disposable mat may include at least one line of weakness that is configured to allow the separation of a removable portion from the disposable mat. The mat may be configured to be used as a toilet or potty mat. Further, the mat may be configured to assist with toilet training.

Abstract: A faucet assembly including a mounting base and a faucet body housing. A coupler releasably couples the faucet body housing to the mounting base.

Abstract: A head fitting for a bathtub waste water drainage system is disclosed. The head fitting simplifies leak testing in bathtub waste water drainage system and eliminates the need for a separate test cap and fastening hardware for leak testing. The head fitting includes an internal partition wall and a breakout test plug molded as an integral part of the head fitting. The internal partition wall and breakout test plug initially hermetically seal the flow passage of the head fitting for leak testing the drainage system. The test plug can be broken out from the internal partition wall to open the flow passage after leak testing and without damaging the head fitting. The test plug forms part of the partition wall defined by an annular groove in the partition wall. The groove forms an annular band of relatively thin material (fracture band) that integrally connects the test plug to the partition wall, but allows the test plug to be forcefully separated from the partition wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for supporting an individual during repositioning. A handle permits a user facing a first direction to traverse the perimeter of the handle to face a second direction. Thus, the user can move from a first position to a second position while maintaining contact with the handle with at least one hand. The apparatus, in one embodiment, may further include a base, a telescoping vertical member connecting the base to the handle, a drive member, and a securing mechanism to secure the telescoping member. The base may include a telescoping horizontal member with at least one extension. In a further embodiment, the apparatus may include one or more fasteners to secure the apparatus to a support, such as a bed or a wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to convertible beds, and more specifically, provides a crib that may be converted into a variety of other conventional beds. One preferred embodiment of the present invention allows for one or more crib endboards and one or more extension members to be selectively combined to form at least one endboard for a conventional bed, wherein the conventional bed can be a youth bed, youth day bed, adult day bed, twin bed, double bed, queen bed or king bed.

Abstract: A folding bed with arms that is convenient to carry and is comfortable and safe for use in households, outdoors, in courtyards, in parks, and at beaches. The folding bed has a left-right symmetrical structure that includes a bed body support, arms, and a bed plane. The bed body support includes a front support and a rear support. The front support includes a foot-rest rod, a front leg tube, a front support rod, a rear support rod, a connection rod, and a front crossed rod. The rear support includes a seating frame rod, a back-rest tube, a middle crossed rod, and a rear crossed rod. The bed body support structure has high strength because the bed body foot-rest rod, the front support rod, rear support rod, and connection rod form a quadrangular structure, and the rear support uses a crossed support and has folding arms.

Abstract: A multi-purpose recliner is provided having a recliner surface on which a person may recline and deployable for use inside and outside a vehicle, especially a military vehicle. The multi-purpose recliner includes a recliner surface material that can be rolled out, the recliner surface material forming the recliner surface and having a pair of receipt devices each extending along a respective length edge of the recliner surface material, and a disassembly-capable mount. The disassembly-capable mount includes a pair of stringers each being removably disposable in a respective one of the receipt devices of the recliner surface material and a pair of spacers releasably securable with the stringers. The multi-purpose recliner also includes a suspension structure for alternately retaining the recliner surface material in a rolled up condition and suspending the recliner surface material in a rolled out condition within the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A support contour of a cushion, such as a wheelchair cushion, defines relief areas at locations adjacent to skin covering the ischial tuberosities, the greater trochanters and the coccyx and sacrum of a person sitting on the support contour. Support areas of the support contour transfer force into the pelvic area adjacent to skin covering tissue masses on opposite lateral sides of the posterior buttocks and beneath the proximal thighs of the person. Greater clearance is also provided in the perineal area. Risks of pressure ulcers from pressure and shear forces on bony prominences is reduced while providing support at the broader areas without bony prominences in such a manner to encourage postural alignment. The risks of skin breakdown perineal are diminished.

Abstract: A flexible seat cushion, such as a wheelchair cushion, has an upper surface with a support contour for establishing relatively less pressure on skin adjacent to the bony prominences of the person's pelvic area and relatively more pressure on skin covering adjacent tissue masses. A support member is attached to the rear corner of the cushion. The support member has relatively less flexibility than the seat cushion. The support member is retained to a longitudinal and/or transverse side of the cushion to cause the support member to resist deformation of the support contour from contact with the pelvic area of the person when seated on the seat cushion. Connector member may be connected to the support member to extend along longitudinal and/or transverse sides of the cushion to deform and thereby adjust the support contour for better support of the pelvic area.

Abstract: An air mattress with a pillow top is disclosed. The pillow top is received on and extends at least partially across at least one of planar face of the mattress, and is constructed and arranged to be held in a fixed position relative to the face of the mattress on which it is received. The pillow top may be removably or permanently affixed to the air mattress, as desired.

Abstract: An air inflatable mattress and mattress coverlet are provided for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores or bedsores). The mattress incorporates a user selectable static or alternating air powered support surface for more uniformly redistributing pressure exerted on a patient's skin. The mattress coverlet encompasses a low air loss feature independent of the mattress's user selectable air powered support surface. Such low air loss feature provides a patient contact surface exhibiting a high moisture vapor transfer ratio in conjunction with a forced air flow to aid in reducing the moisture and heat near the patient's body. Both the mattress and mattress coverlet are driven by an external control system which houses the user controls, as well as the necessary pumps, regulators, and valving.

Abstract: The present invention involves a composition comprising a fluorochemical compound, an agent to impart gloss, and water, and a wipe containing this composition. The composition and wipe are preferably used for cleaning, protecting and imparting gloss to a substrate, such as natural or artificial leather.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating solvent-spun, cellulosic fibres, wherein the fibres are contacted with a textile auxiliary agent in an alkaline environment. The process according to the invention is characterized in that a compound of the general formula or a salt thereof, respectively, is used as the textile auxiliary agent, wherein R1 is a bridging link selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched chain comprising 1 to 4 C-atoms and phenyl, R2 and R3 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of (CH2)m—CH?CH2 with m=0 to 2, and wherein R4 denotes a ionic group and/or a group ionizable in an alkaline environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods useful for treating a fabric article with a composition comprising polyol-based fabric care materials and a dispersing medium. The dispersing medium is a liquid at room temperature and has a flash point of greater than about 65° C. Specifically, the composition may be dispensed to treat fabric articles in an appliance during the fabric article drying process.

Abstract: The invention relates to pearlescent water-containing preparations which can be obtained by (a) reacting triethanolamine and C12-22 fatty acids in a molar ratio of 1:1.3 to 1:1.4, (b) subsequently quaternizing the esterification products in known manner and (c) dispersing the quaternization products in water.

Abstract: One method includes applying to a post-manufactured textile material a liquid composition resulting from a combination of ingredients. The ingredients include one or more anti-fading compounds, one or more anti-soiling compounds, one or more silicon-based compounds, and one or more carrying media. One composition is a liquid composition resulting from a combination of ingredients, with the ingredients including a benzotriazole, a fluorocarbon, an organosiloxane, and odorless mineral spirits.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of dosing treating agents into a washing machine in particular sequences so that only one treating agent is dosed at one time. This avoids interaction of incompatible treating agents as well as provide for better cleaning as now one treating agent can perform without interference from other treating agents typically found in washing machines.

Abstract: A method of determining the weight of laundry placed in the drum rotatably mounted in a vertically moveable sudsing container of a washing machine, in which a value representative of the highest position attained by the sudsing container in a previous washing cycle or after connecting the washing machine to network current is compared against the position attained by the sudsing container after laundry has been placed in the drum to derive from the difference a value representative of the weight of the laundry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing contaminants from a solvent based cleaning fluid. An article cleaning apparatus comprises an ultrafiltration filter having a pore size of about 0.01 microns to about 0.2 microns. A method for performing a solvent based cleaning process using an article cleaning apparatus comprises passing a solvent based cleaning fluid through an ultrafiltration filter having a having a pore size of about 0.01 microns to about 0.2 microns.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a tub, a sensor operatively coupled to the tub and configured to sense a conductivity of a fluid in the tub and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor for controlling an amount of the fluid in the tub based on the conductivity of the fluid.

Abstract: A drum washing machine, and a method of controlling the drum washing machine including spin-drying laundry by rotating a rotary tub after a washing and/or rinsing operation, wherein the spin-drying of the laundry comprises spraying and feeding water into the rotary tub during a time period wherein the rotary tub is inertially rotated.

Abstract: A drum washing machine and method of controlling the drum washing machine, which sufficiently dissolves a detergent by reciprocating water and the detergent contained in a lower portion of a water tub between the water tub and a detergent dissolution pipe, thus improving solubility of the detergent. Accordingly, a washing time may be decreased and laundry may be washed more cleanly. The drum washing machine and the method of controlling the drum washing machine of the present invention sufficiently dissolves the detergent in water and then efficiently sprays a detergent solution, in which the detergent dissolves in water, on an upper part of laundry, thus increasing utilization of the detergent. Therefore, a washing time is decreased and washing performance is improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I), wherein all substituents are as defined in the claims as optical brighteners as well as to new mixtures of optical brighteners.

Abstract: A method of forming abrasion resistant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with an initial pre-dye finish enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The pre-dye finish treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens. A post-dye finish may then be applied to further enhance the performance of the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush having a curved neck, a flexible shaft within the neck and a single battery is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a powered toothbrush having a curved neck of a constant radius, a flexible unitary shaft, a single battery power source and a clutch mechanism to disengage the flexible shaft from a drive mechanism upon overload is provided.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having movable and static carriers which independently slidingly engage the receiving member of the toothbrush head within channels defined by the surfaces of the receiving member. Such carriers can be releasably removable to replace or exchange the carriers. Also disclosed is a toothbrush having a unique assembly utilizing a one-piece housing in combination with a movable bristle carrier that is engaged on a receiving member located at the distal end of the toothbrush, and a static carrier such as a brush head tip which is secured thereto. The unitary housing reduces the number of components of the toothbrush and decreases manufacturing costs. The static and movable carriers may be replaced with other carriers and allows a consumer to individually tailor the brush to provide a particular brushing configuration. An electric toothbrush having a particular assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning brush including a housing including a reservoir for storing therein cleaning fluid, the reservoir in fluid communication with a pump, a hollow spindle rotatably mounted in the housing, connected to and powered by a motor, the hollow spindle being in fluid communication with the pump, and a brush including bristles in fluid communication with the hollow spindle, wherein a fluid flowing through the hollow spindle flows directly to the bristles of the brush.

Abstract: A cleaning processing system for applying a cleaning processing to a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer comprises a cleaning processing section including a plurality of process units each serving to apply a predetermined treatment to a wafer W and a loading/unloading section 2 for loading and unloading the wafer W into and out of the cleaning processing section.

Abstract: A brush has a handle with multiple releasable brush tips. The handle is elongated and has a larger engagement portion and a smaller engagement portion of smaller cross-sectional dimension than the larger engagement portion. The brush tips have ferrules with a hollow end and a set of bristles secured to them. The hollow end of the larger brush tip frictionally engages the larger engagement portion. The lower end of the ferrule of the smaller brush tip frictionally engages the smaller engagement portion of the handle.

Abstract: A twist mop comprises a pole, fibers connected to the pole, and a movable collar connected to both the fibers and the pole, so that the collar is movable in an axial and radial direction about the pole, where radial movement of the collar pulls taut the fibers. The mop comprises an upper spline is connected to the pole, a pawl connected to the collar, to allow the collar to move in a radial direction clockwise or counterclockwise about the upper spline. The collar has a radial step to engage the pawl. The pawl is shaped to flex toward the radial step both when the collar axially traverses the pole and when the collar twists in a first direction, around the upper spline. The pawl being shaped to bias towards the upper spline while the collar turns in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, around the upper spline.

Abstract: A monofilament with antimicrobial properties for use as bristle consists of an extruded polymer with silver particles which are dispersed in the polymer matrix, and is characterized in that the silver particles have a particle size which is predominantly between 100 nm and 10 ?m and are disposed along the cross-section of the monofilament with the particle size decreasing from the outside to the inside. The use of such monofilaments and brushes or paintbrushes having bristles of such monofilaments is also described.

Abstract: A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system comprising a retractable vacuum hose configured to retract through a valve assembly, into a system vacuum pipe responsive to the vacuum communicated from a vacuum source. The valve assembly comprising a static valve seal adapted for coupling a system vacuum pipe to the vacuum hose to create a substantially air-tight sealed communication between the system vacuum pipe and the vacuum hose. The static valve seal being adjustable from a first unsealed configuration where the vacuum hose can move freely through the valve assembly and system vacuum pipe, to a second sealed configuration where the vacuum hose is in sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, and where the vacuum hose is substantially fixed in relative position to the valve assembly. Wherein movement from first configuration to the second configuration locks the vacuum hose in place relative to the valve assembly.

Abstract: A robot cleaner for simultaneously and selectively performing automatic floor cleaning and automatic floor disinfection. The robot cleaner includes a body traveling automatically on a surface to be cleaned, a driving unit for driving a plurality of wheels provided under the body, and obstacle detecting sensors positioned to a front of the body for detecting an obstacle located ahead of a traveling direction. The robot cleaner also includes memory for storing position information of the obstacle detected by the obstacle detecting sensor, a dust vacuuming and collecting section installed to the body for vacuuming dust on a floor, and a disinfecting section installed under a bottom portion of the body for disinfecting the floor. The robot cleaner also includes a control section for controlling the driving unit to traverse the robot cleaner along a given traveling path, and also control the dust vacuuming and collecting section and the disinfecting section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robot cleaner which cleans a floor, and generates negative-ions while traveling around a predetermined area. The robot cleaner includes a cleaner body which travels automatically around a cleaning area, a driving unit for driving a plurality of wheels mounted on a lower part of the cleaner body, a suction unit mounted in the cleaner body to draw in dust on a floor, a negative-ion generation unit mounted in the cleaner body to generate a negative-ion, and a control unit. While the robot cleaner travels automatically, it also performs vacuum cleaning using the suction unit, and air cleaning using the negative-ion generation unit, either at the same time or selectively. Accordingly, the floor is cleaned and air is purified by the negative-ion, which enables a hygienic cleansing and a healthy home environment.