Abstract: A device associated with a cap, visor or hat having a bill, which allows a wearer to selectively view objects through a lens or face shield includes a mounting member adapted to be removably attached to the bill of the cap. The mounting member may be a sleeve adapted to removably receive the bill, a clip for removable attachment with the bill, or a shell adapted to overlie at least a portion of an exterior surface of the cap and bill. An eye shield is attached to the mounting member so as to be selectively positionable relative to the eyes of the wearer. The eye shield, which includes the lens, is preferably attached to the mounting member such that it can be moved between various positions relative to the eyes of the wearer. The eye shield and lens are also preferably removably attached to the mounting member to accommodate different lenses.

Abstract: A multi-purpose blanket which can be selectively folded into a compact condition for use as a seat cushion or placed into a spread condition for use as a protective covering includes a hood, a hood compartment, a pair of pockets, and an elongated storage pouch which is accessible to a user when the blanket is folded into a folded condition for use as a seat cushion. A strap is provided for securing the blanket in its folded condition, and a handle is secured to the storage pouch for enabling the blanket to be easily carried when secured in its folded condition. The pockets are disposed along the inner surface of the blanket to readily accept the hands of the user when the blanket is draped about the user for use as a protective covering, and closeable through-openings are provided within the blanket through which a user's hands and arms can extend when the blanket is draped about the user.

Abstract: A multiple-purpose scarf which may be worn draped around the neck which in some embodiments includes one or more pockets. Game items such as programs, ticket stubs, and binoculars can be kept in pockets for ready access. It is contemplated that readable matter and/or a graphics may be located at one or more ends of the article of clothing facing away from wearer. Alternatively, or in addition, readable matter may be included on the inverse side of the scarf and may be displayed by holding the scarf above the wearer's head. One or more hand grasping elements may be provided along the scarf to aid the user in raising the scarf above the wearer's head. A hood may be included, which may be located within an envelope created within the center of the scarf. When not in use, the article of clothing may be rolled up and stuffed into one of the pockets, if desired.

Abstract: A shoulder strap retaining device configured to assist in retaining a shoulder strap or other similar device in a desired position upon a person. The retaining device is made up of a combination of a first magnet located within a padded container that is configured to be placed against a person's skin and a second magnet that is configured to be placed over an individual's clothing. The magnets mutually attract one another and hold a shoulder strap in a desired position upon a person's shoulder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to belts which are fastenable with one hand and method of using such belts. In an exemplary implementation, a method generally includes anchoring a first end portion of the belt to a belt loop, positioning the belt through the other belt loops, and fastening the belt by using only one hand to engage a second end portion of the belt with the first end portion. The first end portion can be anchored to the belt loop by looping the first end portion generally about a belt loop, and then engaging the first end portion upon itself.

Abstract: A protective pad includes a pre-tensioned resilient padded membrane resiliently suspended to a semi-rigid shell. A cavity is defined between the pre-tensioned padded membrane and the shell. In use, the pad is attached to the limb or joint to be protected with the tensioned membrane engaging the limb or joint to be protected. The pre-tensioned membrane and air cushion in the cavity absorb the energy of an impact transferred by the shell during a sporting event or other activity.

Abstract: An article of sanitary ware which comprises a seat (14) which is moulded in one piece using “solid surface” polymer concrete. The bowl (12) is moulded in a number of parts which are then adhered together. Polymer concrete is the preferred material. The seat in then adhered to the top surface of the fabricated bowl.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a retractable guard for use in a sewerage or drainage line having a plurality of prongs with hooked ends are disposed within a sewage pipe downstream of a toilet. The opposite ends of the prongs are connected to a tubular member which, in turn is slidable within a housing connected to the pipe. These prongs can be used to trap articles which can then be easily removed to rectify stoppage problems or prevent contraband from being distributed through the drainage lines. For convenience in cleaning, the guard device can also be provided with a quick-release connection which separates from the pipe with a simple twist. The prongs can also be magnetized to trap metal objects. The prongs may also be mounted on a pivoting shaft to enable mounting within an angled pipe. For convenience in inspection, the guard device can be provided with a clear portion to enable visual inspection of the interior of the guard device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual-phase flush urinal that maintains itself in a sufficiently sanitary condition with minimal water consumption. The urinal includes a piece of chinaware having a rear wall with a pair of sidewalls depending normally outward therefrom. A bottom extent of the sidewalls terminates in a curved bowl portion having a fluid well and a water drain therewithin. The sidewalls and rear wall together define a containment area in which an atmospheric vacuum breaker and valve means are disposed. The valve means is in electrical communication with a sensor that detects the presence of a user and has a first fluid discharge port in fluid communication with the bowl portion and a second fluid discharge port. Upon detection of the user, the sensor transmits a first signal to the valve means to initiate a first water exchange phase of the flush cycle. The first fluid discharge port provides water along an elongate channel to remove waste from the bowl portion.

Abstract: An auto-control display device for incorporating with a lavatory system in a service area such as a lavatory, includes a sensor for sensing a use of the lavatory system, a display unit which is interacted with the sensor and is placed at an eye viewing location within the service area, and an information center, which is connected between a power source and the display unit, for storing at least an electronic information, wherein when the sensor detects the use of the lavatory system, the information center automatically activates the display unit to display the electronic information, and when the sensor detects that the use of the lavatory system is completed, the display unit is automatically deactivated by the information center.

Abstract: Bath safety products, including commodes, bath seats, and transfer benches, that have hinge brackets mounted onto frame members. The hinge brackets and frame members permit the bath safety products to fit into a smaller package when unassembled, to be assembled quickly and easily without any tools, to be easily collapsible into a compact, portable configuration for convenient storage and transporting when assembled, and to later be easily uncollapsed for use.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet comprising a jet body having a water inlet and an air inlet to allow water and air to flow into said jet body from water and air conduits, respectively. A diffuser is housed within that jet body and is rotatable within the jet body to control the amount of water flowing into the jet body. The water and air inlets are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the jet body to align the water and air inlets with the water and air conduits, respectively.

Abstract: Two versions of apparatus for completely bathing oneself by users of wheelchair and elderly, infirm people are disclosed. Both versions includes a slidable up and down carriage with reciprocating belt for soaping and showering bathers back, a chair with coil under the seat for washing bottom parts of the body, a hand shower, and an appliance for washing the feet. For users of wheelchair the chair is designed for sliding with the bather from exterior of the bathtub to the interior of the bathtub. In version for elderly, infirm people the chair seat is fixed in position over the longitudinal lip of the bathtub to let the user to sit down on this chair as well as he sat on a standard chair or toilet. The users back in this case will be in area of the bathtub, while the feet will be out and the water, which coming out will be gathered by curtain in folding tray and pumped back in the bathtub.

Abstract: The invention relates to stable aqueous-aqueous emulsions defined by a dispersed phase having molecule(s) meeting special criteria and continuous phase having surfactant or surfactant system with micelles in rod-like shapes.

Abstract: A mounting clip for securing a sink within an opening in a countertop having at least one side includes a body portion adapted to be secured to the sink and a flexible sink engagement section. The flexible sink engagement section includes a first and a second section. The first section is disposed proximate a first end of the body portion at an angle A1 relative to the body portion. The second portion is disposed at an angle A2 relative to the first section and includes a tip adapted to engage a substantially vertical face of the countertop opening. When the sink is secured in the countertop opening, the tip frictionally engages the sides of the countertop opening. The mounting clip may include a fastener for securing the clip to a mounting channel disposed on the sink, or alternatively may be secured directly to the sink.

Abstract: A water diversion apparatus for a standard toilet tank having a fitting connected to a discharge tube and a water supply, such that the discharge tube discharges into an aesthetic container. The aesthetic container may be an aquarium or a cascade and pool. When the toilet is flushed, water is partially diverted from the toilet to the aesthetic container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described as having the useful purpose of assisting ambulatory infirm individuals to their feet from a floor level posture when non-injurious falls are experienced. A mast guided seat that is translated along the mast by a D.C. motor driven linear actuator is supported on a wheeled frame for convenient movement by a care-giving party to proximity with a downed individual. The seat is capable of a floor contacting position. As the seat approaches the floor, a wheel breaking mechanism is engaged to prevent further movement of the machine along the floor as the user mounts the seat.

Abstract: In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a cot assembly that includes side pieces, supporting end pieces and bedding material. Preferably the cot assembly holds the end pieces a spaced apart distance, and in one feature allows a side piece to be selectively released. In one embodiment, the end pieces move towards each other to release a side piece, optionally by sliding a side piece through an end piece channel. In one preferred embodiment, the bedding material is mounted to and retained by the end pieces and extends across the interior of the cot to overlap or enclose the side pieces without any gaps between the material, the side pieces and the end pieces. In other embodiments, the invention includes an improved method for attaching the material to the end pieces and an improved cot assembly method. In a preferred option, the bedding material is continuously attached to the end piece along a portion of an end piece.

Abstract: The Drawer-sommier is another way of making a bed with regard to the former technique, using wood without making use of iron to achieve the traditional small-board grill (2) sommier firmness, and ussing wooden crossbars (3) sufficiently high to hold the weight of the persons. This allows for the framework (1) to be closed with a timber board at the bottom that provides an air chamber (5) between the closed bottom (4) and the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress foundation is constructed substantially of plastic material. The foundation is defined by a semi-rigid cavity including a generally flat top surface, at least one downward depending sidewall, and at least a portion of an outer surface of the sidewall having a pattern formed thereon. Optional ground support members retain the foundation in a substantially horizontal orientation. An outer surface of one or more of the ground support members has a pattern formed thereon. An outer surface of an optional headboard may have a pattern formed thereon. A portion of an upper side of the top surface may have a pattern formed thereon. The pattern formed on the sidewall, the top surface, the ground support, or the headboard may give a quilted appearance to the foundation. The pattern may be three-dimensional or substantially flat. The pattern may be integral with the foundation or attached thereto.

Abstract: A multi-purpose device capable of assuming a plurality of configurations, including a first configuration suitable for use as a tote-bag or single-person seat-cushion, a second configuration suitable for use as a two-person seat cushion, and a third configuration suitable for use as a blanket or cape. The device includes a soft body, a first strap and optional second strap on the soft body, and a first fastener assembly and an optional second fastener assembly on the soft body, such as a zipper(s), for retaining the device in the first configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-purpose recreational blanket that serves as a lying pad and a means to store and transport desirable and necessary recreational items. The present invention comprises a multi-purpose blanket having an underside that may be dragged across the sand, and a lying pad. The lying pad may further comprise a pillow holder and optional blowup pillow device. The area in-between the underside and lying pad of the present invention forms a storage unit. One or more compartments are housed therein such that desirable items including clothing, shoes, coolers and like items may be conveniently and securely stored and transported. In one preferred embodiment, mesh or transparent material is used for the lying pad allowing stored items to be seen, and therefore easily accounted for and accessed. Velcro, or other desirable connection devices, partially surrounds the periphery of the lying pad and the storage compartment.

Abstract: A generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls is provided to enclose a mattress to provide protection against allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spills and spoils. The cover comprises generally impermeable top and bottom walls, and sidewalls connected at edges between the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls are formed of a double wall construction comprising a generally impermeable inner wall of a fixed height joined at edges to an elastic outer wall. The outer wall stretches and the inner wall extends to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The outer wall can be relaxed and the inner wall retained neatly against the mattress and by the outer wall. An aperture can be provided in the bottom wall for allowing insertion and removal of a mattress and a fastener can be used to close the aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable bed or recliner. In both hospital/nursing home and domestic environments, the elderly, the infirm and those in poor health frequently need to rest in not only prone or sitting or reclined positions. The invention seeks to improve on constructions known hitherto, an objective met by an adjustable bed or recliner comprising at least two platforms (3,4) pivotally connected at their adjacent edges, and each pivotally connected to a support structure (11) below the platforms, the pivot between the platforms being located between the pivotal connections (17,19) to the support structure (11), and the pivot (18) between the said platforms being in fixed location on one platform (3) and in sliding engagement with the other (4), there being a mechanism (16,24) associated with a least one said platform (3) to allow it to be set at a required angular disposition with respect to the other said platform (4).

Abstract: A molded foam-encased integrated flexible support device includes an innerspring positioned upon a three-dimensional thermoplastic foam deck as a flexible foundation, and a molded foam encasement which structurally integrates the foam deck with the innerspring by attachment to perimeter coils of the innerspring. A sculpted foam topper is adhesively bonded to a support surface of the foam-encased innerspring, forming a unitized mattress or support structure with fully integrated innerspring and internal and external foam components. The sculpted foam topper is designed with varying contours and densities to provide the desired support and feel characteristics for different comfort profiles. The foam encased innerspring with internal three-dimensional foam structures is upholstered for use as a mattress, seating, or other flexible support structure.

Abstract: Mattresses that have a point of attachment to an adjustable bed frame that provides a pivot point about which the mattress can pivot when rising to an inclined position. In one embodiment the mattress has a pivoting member extending transversely through the mattress and provides a pivot point about which one portion of the mattress can pivot in relation to another portion of the mattress. By placing the member about midway through the mattress, one half of the mattress can pivot relative to the other half of the mattress, while the center point of the mattress is held in place. By pinning the member to the frame, the center of the mattress is held against the frame even when one portion of the mattress is inclined relative to the other. This prevents or ameliorates the mattress' tendency to lift off the frame when the frame pivots into an inclined position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing dye loss or dye transfer from textile fibre materials, especially in the household sector, and to the novel particulate compositions used in that method, especially granules, comprising a dye fixative and a carrier, and to washing and softener compositions comprising such granules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of use of a softener composition for the antipilling treatment of textile fibre materials in domestic applications, which softener composition comprises: A) a fabric softener; B) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a) a polyethylene, or a mixture thereof, b) a fatty acid alkanolamide, or a mixture thereof, c) a polysilicic acid, or a mixture thereof, and d) a polyurethane, or a mixture thereof; and C) a selected polyorganosiloxane compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the process of dyeing human keratinous fibers, such as the hair, with at least one specific direct dye in cosmetic compositions. Also disclosed herein are the direct dyeing and lightening compositions comprising said compounds, and the corresponding dyeing kits.

Abstract: A hair colouring composition contains an oxidative hair dye and at least one antioxidant agent selected from the group consisting of rosmarinus officinalis, origanum vulgare, camellia sinensis, camellia oleifera, salvia officinalis, apium graveolen, thymus vulgaris, rosa canina and coriandrum sativum in combination with a suitable diluent or carrier. The hair colouring compositions are gentler on the skin and hair in that they reduce the effects or the oxidising agent on the hair and skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ready-to-use oxidizing composition for bleaching or permanently reshaping keratin fibres. The oxidizing composition comprises polycarboxylic acids and salts thereof as complexing agents. The invention also relates to a method of using a oxidizing composition and a kit for bleaching or permanently reshaping keratin fibres.

Abstract: A shaped body for coloring keratinous fibers consisting of at least one dissolution accelerator and at least one oxidation dye precursor of the secondary intermediate type, contained within a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The shaped body is free from oxidation dye precursors of the primary intermediate type. Also disclosed are a method for coloring keratin fibers and a kit containing these ingredients.

Abstract: A packaged hair color composition comprising a flowable aqueous semi-permanent hair dye composition contained in a container having a porous dispensing outlet which is operable to express the flowable aqueous hair dye composition onto the hair to be colored, a method for coloring hair, a method for touching up hair color between oxidative coloring procedures, and a kit for use in coloring the hair and touching up the hair color between oxidative coloring procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating to a glass substrate that includes a flexographic printing element that includes a cylindrical surface having a circumference, wherein the cylindrical surface defines a continuous pattern that extends completely around the circumference of the cylindrical surface. Also disclosed are processes that include applying a coating material to a continuous pattern defined on a cylindrical surface of a rotating flexographic printing element.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel fluorinated dyes or colorants having high solubility and low viscosity in halogenated, especially fluorinated, solvents. The dyes or colorants of the present invention have shown to improve the performance of electrophoretic displays.

Abstract: An apparatus and process of surface finishing golf balls prior to painting is provided. The apparatus and process make use of nylon loops as a finishing material that is used to abrade the surface of adjacent moving golf balls. Optionally, the abrading process between the nylon loops and the surface of the golf balls may be carried out in the presence of a continuous stream of water. As water is removed from the processing equipment, the removed water carries with it abraded material. The process provides for improved adhesion of the paint to the surface of the golf ball.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a brush head for a toothbrush, which includes a hand-piece with a drive mechanism for the brush head, with an in particular disk- or plate-shaped bristle support which carries an array of bristles, is mounted for movement on a brush head support and includes connecting elements for coupling to the drive mechanism in the handpiece of the toothbrush, said bristle support being divided into several bristle support segments movable relative to each other, and with driving elements changing the position of the bristle support segments relative to each other in dependence upon the position of the entire bristle support.

Abstract: A mechanical sweeper is disclosed. The mechanical sweeper includes a front housing and a rotating brush secured to the front housing having tangentially extending bristles adapted to engage a surface at an oblique angle. The mechanical sweeper further includes a frame secured to a lower portion of the front housing and a height adjustment column rising from the rear of the frame. The mechanical sweeper still further includes dirt receptacle removably positional on an upper surface of the frame. The front housing and column serve to orient the dirt receptacle in a position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A compact sweeping machine is provided which has steerable front wheels of variable track. This allows the machine to be used with a minimum track dimension for sweeping but with a maximum track dimension for travel to and from the workplace. The front wheels are steerable and independently driven by means of hydraulic motors and are each supported on extendable parts of a telescopic axle beam which is supported on trailing arms supported by ball joints from the chassis of the machine. The extendable parts are extended and retracted by track change cylinders and steering is by means of a hydraulic cylinder extending between the axle beam and a bell crank lever for one of the wheels, one of the arms of which provides a steering arm for that wheel.

Abstract: A toothbrush head having elastomeric oral hygiene parts in the form of elastomeric strips aligned non-perpendicular to the length direction of the head. Preferably adjacent pairs of strips are linked to form a strip of “V” (32A, 32B) cross section. Preferably the head comprises flexibly linked segments (14, 15) and is flexibly linked to the toothbrush handle.

Abstract: A device for cleansing teeth, including an arcuate housing defining an open top channel for placement over an arch of teeth and a plurality of cleansing components disposed within the channel for engaging and cleansing side and bottom surfaces of the teeth in the housing. The cleansing components include micro-fibrils that project from wall(s) of the housing or are defined on carriers suspended in a medium disposed in the channel.

Abstract: A paintbrush having an adjustable brush head which allows for various positioning of the head with respect to the handle. The paintbrush comprises a wedge-shaped tilt element (30) positioned between the head (20) and the handle (10). The body and the wedge-shaped tilt element can rotate with respect to one another. The wedge-shaped tilt element and the handle can rotate with respect to one another. The handle, the wedge-shaped tilt element and the body are removably secured against one another by a connecting member, such as a nut and bolt assembly passing through apertures which extend through the handle, the wedge-shaped tilt element and the body. Interlocking protrusions may be provided to assist in the handle, the wedge-shaped tilt element and the body being removably secured against one another.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner brushroll according to an embodiment of the invention includes a brushroll body and at least one row of bristle tufts disposed on the brushroll body. The at least one row of bristle tufts includes a first tuft of a first effective length from the brushroll body and at least a second tuft of a second effective length that is different from the first effective length.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a head placed at a front longitudinal end of a handle made overall as a single piece. The head has flexible brushing elements on its upper surface. The toothbrush is equipped with an arm articulated at one end, and provided at the opposite free end with a protective cover for the brushing elements. The general thickness of the arm gradually increases from its articulation end to the cover so as to form a profile projecting from a longitudinal surface of the rear portion of the handle, by virtue of which the gripping surface of the handle is increased. The articulation of the arm on the handle is designed to allow it to describe at least two different rotations about two substantially orthogonal geometric axes.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly with a rapidly deployable brush head member that mimics the operation of a switchblade knife. The toothbrush assembly includes a handle structure, a brush head member having a brush head end and a pivot end in pivotal connection with the handle structure, and a brush head switch lock and spring assembly connected between the handle structure and the brush head member. The spring assembly biases the brush head member and the switch lock controls operation of the toothbrush assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cleaning article including a brush portion. The brush portion has a plurality of strips and at least one layer of a fiber bundle.

Abstract: A mop construction comprises an elongate shaft (3) and a mop head (4) arranged on a first end of the shaft, wherein the mop head has a clamp mechanism (103). A discardable substantially rigid cleaning member (50) is selectively engageable by the clamp mechanism (34, 35) and an operating arrangement (9) for opening and closing the clamp mechanism is provided to allow the cleaning member (50) to automatically separate from and couple to the clamp mechanism (22) respectively.

Abstract: A mop head for use with an elongated handle coupled to a mop head frame, the mop head frame having a generally rectangular, planar body, wherein the mop head includes a fabric envelope assembly having a plurality of rectangular extensions. The envelope assembly is structured to enclose the mop head frame. The plurality of rectangular extensions are coupled to the lower side of the fabric envelope assembly.

Abstract: Devices and methods for safely cleaning and recovering processed material from rollers is disclosed. A cleaning device removes the residual processed material from the surface of a rotating roller, where the device can include a support structure that can include a handle and a base, a reusable wiper and a fastener that holds the wiper onto the support structure. The handle can include a top palm contact surface, a bottom portion, and a stem portion comprising a pair of opposed longitudinal concave side surfaces. The base can include a substantially wedge-shape deformable base attached to the bottom portion of the handle and includes a wiper support surface. A recovery system can remove processed material from the wiper and collect it in a container for recovery, and the wiper can be re-used.

Abstract: A street sweeper guide includes a rubber body and metal bar placed along the bottom edge at regularly spaced intervals. Each metal bar includes a wear-resistant tungsten carbide plug. The guide is formed by vulcanizing the rubber body with the metal bars in place.