Abstract: A hockey glove that uses a combination of high and low density padding in finger and knuckle pads to protect the user's fingers and knuckles and rigid thumb plates to protect the user's thumb from impact injuries and backward hyper-extension. The high density padding protects the user from impact injuries and breakage caused by sharp blows to the hand. The high and low density padding combination provides a comfort fit with a limited range of flexure of the fingers stalls. Additional flex of the finger and knuckle pads is achieved with one or more hinge panel joints associated with notch openings in the high density padding to permit a clasping or gripping movement by the user. Cooperative thumb support plates are attached to the back of the hockey glove adjacent to the thumb stall and allow the user's thumbs to bend inward toward the palm, but prevent the thumbs from hyper-extending backward.

Abstract: An apron for a commuter includes a protective front covering that has a top portion and a bottom portion. The covering includes a layer of waterproof material and preferably an outer decorative layer. Two straps are affixed to the top portion of the front covering. Each strap includes a weight located at the free end of the strap.

Abstract: A bib (100) includes a body (105) made of flexible material, means (112) for attaching the body around an infant's neck, means (110) for attaching the body around an infant's torso, and one or more loops (120), each loop having two ends secured to the body. In one embodiment the bib includes at least one detachable infant toy (140) attached to at least one of the one or more loops.

Abstract: A dual purpose article carrier includes a backpack with a concealed garment stored under a flap or panel of the backpack. The backpack has a handle for carrying, shoulder straps and a waistbelt for supporting and distributing the weight of the contents of the backpack. The panel is at least partially removable for deployment of the garment and is preferably attached and secured between the garment and the backpack.

Abstract: A slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga dimensioned to fit snugly over a person's hand or foot and capable of allowing a person to execute asanas and other yoga techniques without being encumbered by the covering and without slipping during a yoga exercise as a result of perspiration buildup.

Abstract: Provided is a less irritant or inflammatory glove in which irritation and inflammation are to be reduced when using the glove made from latex, nitrile, PVC, or the like in the field of medicine, physical and chemical research, industry, or the like by utilizing antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects of phthalocyanine, but not by reducing the contents of protein ingredients contained in a latex glove as in prior art. Phthalocyanine is used as a less irritant or inflammatory agent when wearing the glove. The phthalocyanine is mixed into a raw material for an inner glove, or mixed into a raw material of the glove, or mixed into a lubricant for wearing the glove, or mixed into a coating material applied to the inside surface of the glove, or adhered to a filling implanted on the inside surface of the glove.

Abstract: A visor, including a shield having a front edge, a back edge, a right edge, a left edge, a top surface and a bottom surface, the shield having longitudinal perforations extending from the back edge to the front edge; an attachment rim joined to the shield; and a connector joined to the rim and a method of protecting the eyes of a person including the steps of tearing a shield along longitudinal, latitudinal and vertical perforations to fit a person's forehead; removing an adhesive protector from the shield; and adhesively joining the shield to a person's forehead such the entire shield from a right edge to a left edge are located outside a person's hairline.

Abstract: A garment for slimming and smoothing the appearance of a woman's crotch and thighs includes a pair of pants having a lower torso receiving portion, an upper waistband, two leg portions, an inseam along each leg portion, and a crotch seam between the inseams. A quadrilaterally-shaped crotch panel is disposed forward of the crotch seam and between the inseams. A pants closure means extends generally from the crotch panel to the waistband.

Abstract: A slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga dimensioned to fit snugly over a person's hand or foot and capable of allowing a person to execute asanas and other yoga techniques without being encumbered by the covering and without slipping during a yoga exercise as a result of perspiration buildup.

Abstract: This invention refers to a pocket protector for the pockets on clothing. The pocket protector of the present invention consists of an outer pocket fabric, and an inner pocket fabric, secured along their edges to form a pocket; wherein the improvement comprises a reinforcing material that is affixed to and runs down the outer fabric of the pocket and is affixed to and runs up the inner fabric of the pocket.

Abstract: A boxer-style pant and a method of making a boxer-style pant having side seams, a contracted crotch region, and hanging legs. A web is provided. The web is cut along transversely opposed edges of the web to define leg openings. The leg openings may be formed by cutting slits along the transversely opposed edges of the web. The web is contracted in a selected area between the leg openings. Front and back regions are then joined together to form the side seams. An absorbent structure may be attached to the web.

Abstract: A face shield assembly including a frame and a removable protective element supported by the frame is disclosed herein. The protective element is removably supported in an opening of the frame by a channel, without the use of fasteners. Because the face shield lacks fasteners, it is easy to remove and replace, even with the use of gloves. In one embodiment, the frame is molded as a single, unitary member and includes an upper detent, a lower detent and a channel formed between a lip and the frame that receives an edge of the protective element in order to hold the protective element within the frame. In another embodiment, the frame is pivotally supported on a support structure such that the frame can be moved between an upper (out of use) and a lower (in use) position, and may further include an adjustable mounting member so that the frame can be selectively spaced relative to the user's head.

Abstract: A device and method for providing support to a toilet bowl suitable to sustain the weight of an obese or otherwise large individual. The device comprises a support bar placed underneath the toilet and affixed to the toilet wall support, and a leg between the toilet bowl and the floor. The leg is hinged to allow folding thereof to facilitate cleaning under the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A toilet tank outflow valve assembly for a flush toilet system is disclosed, wherein the outflow valve assembly includes a lower valve assembly portion, said lower portion having an outer sealing surface and an inner sealing surface, said outer and inner sealing surfaces adapted to contact a bottom of the toilet tank to form a first and second seal where the outflow valve assembly meets the bottom of the toilet tank.

Abstract: An invented hinge for coupling three buoyant-slats pool cover sections together is described wherein three, modified, longitudinal buoyant slats are coupled for pivoting around three angularly spaced, parallel hinge axes aligned with the slats by a plurality of hinge plates each defining a coupling aperture received and pinned within registering hinge bays penetrating into adjacently positioned, longitudinal side flotation chambers of the three modified buoyant slats by a longitudinal hinge pin passing through the coupling apertures of the hinge plates received in the hinge bays inside of the flotation chamber of each of the three modified, buoyant slats.

Abstract: Detachable rope apparatus is provided for extending a pool cover over a swimming pool having a guide track on a side of the pool, using a rope coupled to a pool cover motor. A bracket member is coupled to a front edge of the pool cover. An attachment device detachably couples an end of the rope to the bracket member to pull the pool cover. A bonding wire may replace a bead rope section embedded in the edge of the pool cover to form an elongated guide bead. A method is provided for forming a pool cover to enable the cover to be pulled over a swimming pool having a guide track on a side of the pool, using a rope coupled to a pool cover motor. A bracket member is coupled to a front edge of the pool cover, and an end of the rope is detachably coupled to the bracket member to pull the pool cover.

Abstract: Box apparatus is provided for containing a pool cover assembly to cover a swimming pool, comprising an elongated plastic box. The box apparatus comprises a plurality of sections of substantially identical unitary molded plastic members, a plurality of coupling elements to couple the sections together to form an elongated box with two sides, a bottom, an open top and at least one open end, and an end piece fastened to the box to close the open end. A method is provided for forming a pool cover box to contain a pool cover assembly for covering a swimming pool, comprising forming an elongated plastic box.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for constructing edging for a deck of a swimming pool having a retractable pool cover, wherein an elongated track for the pool cover is attached to a wall of the swimming pool. The apparatus comprises a form member shaped to form the edging, and a support member adapted to removably couple to the elongated track and the form member. A method is provided for constructing edging for a deck of a swimming pool having a retractable pool cover, wherein an elongated track for the pool cover is attached to a wall of the swimming pool, comprising removably coupling a support member to the elongated track, and removably coupling a form member, shaped to form the edging, to the support member.

Abstract: A spa speaker apparatus having a housing with a speaker mounted therein, wherein the speaker can be extended and retracted with respect to the housing and the speaker is also rotatable within the housing. A system for providing audio to a spa is also disclosed. The system comprises a spa having walls and at least one speaker unit mounted to a spa wall. Each of the speaker units is capable of receiving an audio signal, and generating sound towards the occupants of the spa. Each of the speaker units comprises a speaker that is individually retractable to be hidden behind the spa wall and extendible from the spa wall. Each of the speakers is also rotatable within the spa wall to direct the speaker sound.

Abstract: A safety cover having a filter and an optional chemical dispenser, that covers and existing faceplate on a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and water pump. When the cover and filter cover an existing faceplate the cover and filter increases the vacuum on a suction line leading to a water pump by less than 5? Hg. The chemical in the dispenser releases in a metered dose of a substance having antimicrobial properties and the dose is in a sufficient amount to inhibit a growth of a microorganism in at least a segment of a water vessel. The combination of cover, filter and chemical chamber are disposable, or the filter is replaceable and the chemical in the chemical chamber is replenishable. The cover with filter and chemical chamber or just the cover and chemical chamber, or just the cover and filter are retrofitable to any existing faceplate on a water vessel having a closed looped piping system and a water pump.

Abstract: A baby bath seat assembly includes a support member 30 having a mounting bracket 34 that clamps onto a tube wall 18 and carrying a support 36 that extends downwardly into the tub. The support 31 carries a base 38 on which the scat 40 is mounted to turn through approximately 180°, and a detent mechanism 110 releasably locks the seat in any selected position.

Abstract: The invention is an infant bath support system that enables a parent to effectively entertain an infant secured to an infant bathing means during the bathing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for reciprocating an infant support comprises a frame and a receiving member supported above the frame for substantially vertical reciprocating movement. The receiving member is configured to receive the infant support and, in one embodiment, is coupled to the frame by a reciprocating assembly configured to constrain the motion of the receiving member in a substantially vertical direction. A motive device coupled to the receiving member reciprocates the receiving member relative to the frame. The apparatus may also include a counterbalance mechanism configured to offset the load of the infant and the infant support on the motive device.

Abstract: Magnetically levitated rocking sleep system is intended to solve the problem of sleep disorders and some medical complications. The rocking motion effectively puts infants and older people to sleep. However market does not offer rocking beds for adults who suffer from sleep disorders. The invention discloses an idea of using electromagnetic devices in order to rock a bed and provide a wide variety of motion patterns, amplitudes, and speeds for satisfying the individual preferences.

Abstract: A bed foundation includes a plurality of bed-boards, a plurality of braces configured to couple to bottom of the bed-boards to provide elevation and vertical support to the bed-boards, and a plurality of buckling devices configured to couple the plurality of bed-boards horizontally together. In one aspect of the invention, the top of the bed-boards is a flat plane and bottom of the bed-boards includes crisscross reinforcing sinews. In another aspect of the invention, the bed foundation also includes holes that penetrate from top to bottom of the bed-boards into notches formed at crossing of reinforcing sinews. In another aspect of the invention, the bed foundation also includes small holes in peripheral sides of the bed-boards, wherein the buckling devices mate with the small holes to couple the bed-boards horizontally together. Advantages of the invention include the ability to disassemble the bed foundation for storage and transport.

Abstract: A ground cover anchor for securing a ground cover such as a beach towel or a blanket in sand or other types of ground. The ground cover anchor comprises a shaft, with one end for inserting into the ground, and the other end comprising a clamp for securing the ground cover to the anchor. The end for inserting into the ground my comprise barbs, an inverted cone, or a spiral to increase the hold in the ground. The clamp may comprise two lengths held together by a nut, elastic properties, or other means to secure the ground cover.

Abstract: An adjustable bed carriage for supporting a main bed frame above a substantially planar floor. The adjustable bed carriage has one or more first legs, each with an upper end slidably attached to a first end of the main bed frame, and one or more second legs, each with an upper end pivotably attached to a second end of the main bed frame. Each first leg is paired with a second leg, and they are pivotably connected to each other at a central pivot located substantially at a midpoint of each. The carriage also includes a first caster base with one or more first casters for engaging the floor, the first leg being attached to the first caster base. Also, the carriage has a second caster base with one or more second casters for engaging the floor, the second leg being attached to the second caster base.

Abstract: A pillow is formed of a memory member, an adjustment member, and a support member. The memory member is made of an artificial sponge having a memory. The adjustment member is provided with a plurality of air sacs which are inflatable and deflatable. The adjustment member is fitted into a hollow interior of the memory member. The support member is made of an artificial sponge and is fitted into a hollow interior of the adjustment member.

Abstract: An arm protection apparatus for a patient's arms when the patient is in a prone or supine position. The arm protection apparatus involves a central pad, which is positioned under a patient's body. Sections come off the central pad, which may be positioned around a patient's arm to cushion the arm from outside pressure. Ordinarily, a patient's upper arm and lower arm will both be contained within separate sections that are attached to the central portion of the pad. The pad will be constructed of a soft cushioning foam-like material, which is radiolucent and easily folded or cut as need be. The pad will ordinarily be disposable and discarded after one use and can be packaged and stored in a sterile container.

Abstract: A cushioning element (1) such as a mattress or a pillow for beds and the like, consisting of a support surface (2) having at least one primary hole (5) provided with at least two portions consecutive to each other in longitudinal section. The portions (5a, 5b) have different cross-section widths and are separated from each other by a transition region. The element (1) further has a base surface (3) opposite to said support surface (2), in which a secondary hole (7) is formed.

Abstract: A transfer mattress is provided including a top sheet having a width, a length, and longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a bottom sheet having the same width, the same length, longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a plurality of perforations. The longitudinally oriented peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets are sealingly fastened to one another often by heat sealing. A plurality of baffles, each having a width and a length, are attached to an inner surface of the top sheet and an inner surface of the bottom sheet so as to be transversely oriented between the top sheet and the bottom. The baffles along with the widths of the top and bottom sheets define a radially-outwardly curved perimeter wall that is disposed between an edge of the baffles and the sealed peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion cell has first and second inflatable compartments. Each inflatable compartment is defined by at least one diagonal seal structure. In addition, each inflatable compartment also has at least one fluid opening. In one embodiment the diagonal seal structure is offset from opposite corners of the inflatable cushion cell. In one embodiment patient support system includes a plurality of inflatable such cushion cells are located within a frame. In one embodiment a pressure control system is used control the inflation of the first and second inflatable compartments. In one embodiment a method is used to move a patient in an inflatable patient support system.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a barrier coupled to a frame. The barrier includes an interior region containing a fluid supply. A related method is provided for modifying a patient support apparatus to include a fluid filled patient support surface.

Abstract: A handle multi-tool of particular utility to electricians for performing many operations involved in electrical installations in which a number of different tools are necessary, such as: pliers, channel locks, multi-tip screw driver, level, wire nut driver, scraper, measuring tape, calculator, level, and plumb bob. All of them may be partially or totally replaced by this handle multi-tool, the shape and weight of which resembles a common screwdriver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for recovering non-aqueous wash fluid and rinse fluid from a non-aqueous fabric laundering process. The method includes removing particulates, separating the rinse fluid from the wash fluid, removing dissolved soils, and removing insoluble soils.

Abstract: The object is to determine a suitable stop timing of dry cleaning operation in a dry cleaning method without an oil-soluble surface-active agent. Contamination level of a pure solvent supplied from a supply tank to an inner drum of a process tank by a supply-side pump is detected by a supply-side RGB sensor. Contamination level of a used solvent collected from the process tank to a distilling unit by a collect-side pump is detected by a collect-side RGB sensor. When the deference of the contamination levels becomes to zero, a control unit stops supplying the pure solvent from the supply tank to the process tank, collecting the used solvent from the process tank to the distilling unit.

Abstract: A home dry cleaning system comprising a washing machine, a dryer, a tank for holding cleaning solution, a pump coupled to the tank for pumping the cleaning solution out of the tank, and a control valve having a first input valve coupled to the home cold water line, a second input valve coupled to the line from the pump and an output valve coupled to the cold water input line on the washing machine. The control valve is structured to selectively control the flow of water and cleaning solution into the washing machine when use of the home dry cleaning system of the present invention is desired.

Abstract: A washing machine control method and a washing machine using the same enable a user to set as desired a variety of dewatering parameters, including a preliminary dewatering motor speed, a main dewatering motor speed, a preliminary dewatering time, and a main dewatering time. By selectively reducing the rotational rate of a motor performing a dewatering cycle, the user can avoid damaging delicate or costly laundry during a dewatering cycle. The method includes steps of storing at least one dewatering parameter value in memory and controlling the dewatering cycle by driving the motor according to the at least one dewatering parameter value stored in the memory. The at least one parameter value is indicative of at least one of a preliminary dewatering motor speed, a main dewatering motor speed, a preliminary dewatering time, and a main dewatering time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratinous fibers, containing at least one azodiazine direct dye corresponding to the following formula (I): The present invention also relates to a method for dyeing keratinous fibers using these direct dyes.

Abstract: Primary intermediate for hair coloring compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair is 4-amino-2-(1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenol.

Abstract: A hair cosmetic which can impart, to hairs, flexibility, smoothness and oily feeling when the hairs are wetted and smoothness, softness and combing easiness after the hairs are dried are provided, the hair cosmetic comprising an amine represented by the formula (I): Formula (I) (wherein R1 represents a C8-40 alkyl group or alkenyl group or a group represented by the formula R5O—(AO)n—CmH2m—(R5 represents a C8-40 alkyl group or alkenyl group having 8 to 40 carbon atoms, A represents a C2-3 alkylene group, n denotes a number from 0 to 30 in average and m denotes an integer of 2 or 3), R2 represents a C1-5 alkylene group, R3 represents H, a C1-24 alkyl group, alkenyl group or hydroxyalkyl group or a C6-28 aryl group or arylalkyl group, R4 represents H, a C1-5 alkyl group, alkylene group or hydroxyalkyl group or a C6-28 aryl group or arylalkyl group, p denotes an integer from 1 to 3, q and r denote integers from 0 to 2 and p+q+r is equal to 3.

Abstract: The cationic dyes of formula (1) specified in claim 1 are suitable especially for colouring keratin-maintaining fibres, more especially for colouring hair.

Abstract: The invention concerns a last (2) serving as template for making shoes, designed for use in an automatic or semi-automatic shoemaking installation. It is provided with a grip device (4), enabling it to be gripped and/or immobilized by external complementary members, such as the jaws of a manipulator robot's clamp. The last (2) is produced as a part (3) initially cast in synthetic material. An insert (10) is embedded in the material of said part (3) and designed to receive the elements (7, 8) of the grip device (4). Said elements (7, 8) serve as support and reference for machining the cast part, so as to obtain the final configuration (22) of the last (2).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mechanically actuated dock leveler with a mounting frame secured in a pit of a loading dock, and a deck assembly with a deck and extendable lip. A deck lift assembly biases the deck to move from a parked position to a raised position to activate a lip extension assembly. As the deck is “walked down”, the lip is extended and the lip extension assembly is deactivated in a controlled manner so that the deck and lip reach an engaged position against the trailer and are kept in place by a hold down mechanism. The deck assembly has a float housing with a slot for releasably engaging the lift assembly to achieve a range of float positions where the deck and lip rest on and float with the trailer as it is loaded and unloaded. The deck assembly has a durable combined lip lug and header plate hinge construction.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided with a mechanical vibratory element and a head having a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning effect.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein and a head having one or more moving bristle holders, wherein the one or more moving bristle holders are operatively connected to the motor. A neck disposed is between the handle and the head. The handle has a viewing window and a movable viewing surface disposed there beneath, wherein at least a portion of the viewing surface is visible through the window. The viewing surface is mechanically coupled to the motor so that rotational output of the motor causes movement of the viewing surface. The viewing surface may be directly or indirectly coupled to the motor.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided for cleaning and/or massaging of teeth and gums having a mechanical vibratory element and a head having cleaning/treating elements on a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning, scrubbing and massaging effect. The cleaning/treating elements have different physical characteristics so that in addition to providing a varied cleaning/treating effect from the cleaning/treating elements themselves there is enhanced treatment as a result of the movement of the cleaning/treating elements imparted by the mechanical vibratory device.

Abstract: A power toothbrush (10) is disclosed having a handle (15) containing a rechargeable battery (12), an ultrasonic drive circuit (14), a sonic component (16) such as a motor, and a control unit (18). The handle is connected to a toothbrush head (20) preferably having a plurality of bristles (26) and an ultrasonic transducer (22) that is operatively connected to a waveguide (24) that extends from the toothbrush head generally adjacent the bristles. The waveguide facilitates the transmission of acoustic energy into the dental fluid. It is contemplated that the waveguide may be utilized in manual or power toothbrushes, and in a combination without the sonic component, or in a combination without the ultrasonic transducer. Toothbrushes disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, and stimulating dental tissue.