Abstract: The invention describes a flexible mesh of interwoven metal rings for production of protective clothing, which is provided with one or more recesses in which an oblong stiffening element is arranged, which latter consists of a metal strap made from a spring material and is provided with holes at least along its edge, which holes are engaged by rings of the mesh that are located along the edge of the at least one recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective mask adapted to be worn by persons engaging in the game of paint ball comprising a main body formed of rigid plastic material, and adapted to cover the front, sides, chin and cheek portions. A removable flexible transparent lens is adapted to be locked into a housing formed in the mask. The invention also comprises a strap supporting the mask on a wearer's head and a face engaging portion comprising a gasket-shaped element. The gasket-shaped element is provided to securely support and anchor the mask on the wearer's face in the forehead, temple and nose areas. It is made of a resilient rubber-like material having a sufficient rigidity to withstand a high impact of projectiles.

Abstract: A disposable headwear assembly for protecting a user from harmful sunlight includes a box-like structure with perforated segments that a user can detach from the structure. The segments include at least one peak portion and one band portion. Such peak and band portions are shaped for interlocking together to form a visor. In a preferred embodiment the band is provided with locking slots for receiving the flange portions of the peak. Such a band further has a locking tab for mating with the other slots. An alternate embodiment of the band includes two interlocking segments. The first segment has slots for receiving the peak. The second segment has locking slots for cooperating with the locking tabs on the first segment.

Abstract: A basket web comprising a front web in which a plurality of slits are laterally formed in a substantially central part excluding a peripheral part thereof and stripes are formed between these slits; a back web in which a plurality of slits are formed from an upper side to a lower part in a substantially central part thereof and stripes are formed between these slits, and by passing these stripes through the slits of the front web to be woven, the back web is superposed on the front back and both are fixed; and a reinforcing member in which a plurality of slits are formed and by passing the stripes of the front web through these slits, the reinforcing member is superposed on the front web and the back web to be woven.

Abstract: The water-resistant apron with attached towel includes an apron formed of a water-resistant material, which is worn by the user. The apron is formed from a front apron portion and, preferably, also a rear apron portion, with a first releasable fastener being disposed on the front apron portion. A towel formed of water-absorbent material is further provided, and the towel has a second releasable fastener disposed thereon. The first releasable fastener on the apron releasably engages the second releasable fastener on the towel, allowing the user to selectively attach and detach the towel from the apron. The towel further includes a pair of straps, allowing the towel to be wrapped and tied around the user when the towel is attached to the apron.

Abstract: A disposable dribble bib for babies comprises a shaped panel of non-woven cotton material. The bib has an outer face and an inner face each of which has a hairy surface formed by cotton fibres which when the bib is placed on a garment will attach and hold the bib on the garment. The bib is simple and cheap to manufacture and is double sided, that is it can be used either way round with either the outer face or inner face engaging the garment. A neck-receiving recess is provided at an upper end of the bib.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perspiration shield in particular suitable for protecting the outer clothing against perspiration marks, in particular in the underarm area, said shield having at least one first layer as well as a second layer of a moisture-absorbing material supported by said first layer, said first layer including an elongated part having a first short side and a second short side, which elongated part is or at least can be attached, at the first short side thereof, to an undergarment extending round the chest of a user, and which comprises two ribbons on two long sides between the two short sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighted vest 10 and more particularly to a weighted vest for use for children having development disorders. The weighted vest 10 in accordance with this invention includes a body member 12 having portions 22 aligned to engage upper extremities 24 of a wearer 20. The weighted vest 10 also includes a first and second sleeve member 26 and 28 having an opening 30 and 32, respectively, formed therein. First and second longitudinally extending pocket members 38 and 46, respectively, are provided to extend along an innermost periphery of each side of the body member 12. A first and second pair of longitudinally extending spaced pocket members 56 and 66, respectively, are coupled to extend under the sleeve openings 30 and 32 respectively. A longitudinally extending weight member 64 is provided to slidably engage and rest in each one of the pocket members 38, 46, 56 and 66. As a result when the weighted vest 10 is worn a calming sensation is provided to the wearer 20.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement fabric loop for a necktie. The replacement fabric loop includes an elongated transverse member having anchor sections located on opposing ends of the transverse member. Each anchor section has a non-marring adhesive on the bottom side of the anchor section. The anchor sections are attached on to the backside of the main section of a necktie. The tail section of the necktie may then be restrained under the transverse member. The replacement fabric loop may be positioned anywhere on the necktie to accommodate neckties of various lengths. The replacement fabric loop may be reusable, disposable, and temporary.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an article of apparel in the form of a hand-worn article, such as a mitten or glove. The hand-worn article has an inner lining into which the wearer's hand is inserted, an insulating layer covering the inner lining, and an outer cover covering all of the above. The insulating layer has varied insulation to provide multiple levels of insulation to the wearer's hand. The hand-worn article so formed is capable of providing enhanced comfort to the wearer's hand. Moreover, the present invention also relates to an insulating item, such as for use to make a body-worn article. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of making a hand-worn article using the insulating layer to provide enhanced insulation and/or dexterity.

Abstract: A self-examination device including (i) a first layer formed of two sheets of material connected to form a plurality of enclosures encapsulating fluid therein and (ii) a second layer composed of a sheet of material opposing the first layer and attached to the first layer along a first portion to form a cavity between the first and second layers. The second layer is unattached to the first layer along a second portion to form an opening to the cavity to receive at least a portion of a hand to enable a person to perform a self-examination via the enclosures of the first layer.

Abstract: A grooved visor stiffener for headwear to be located in a visor portion of the headwear is disclosed. The stiffener has a plurality of grooves on at least one surface. Each groove has a sectional shape. The visor portion with the visor stiffener is capable of being changed to various shapes according to a wearer's preference.

Abstract: The adjustable bandana is adapted for covering a body part and includes a fabric sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, with an absorbent layer being secured to the lower surface. The absorbent layer absorbs perspiration when the adjustable bandana covers a body part of the user. The adjustable bandana includes a pair of first fasteners secured to the upper surface for adjustably and releasably engaging a second fastener secured to the upper surface, allowing the user to adjustably and releasably secure the adjustable bandana to the selected body part. Further, the user may selectively display emblems secured to the fabric sheet when the adjustable bandana is worn by the user.

Abstract: A headset apparatus having a headwear member (9) e.g. an ear shell, possessing a surface formation to which a separate attachment device (1) is reciprocally shaped to attach by a push-fit (e.g. by sliding, slotting or clipping) into engagement with the surface formation. In this way the attachment means may be fitted to the surface formation on the headwear member without requiring the use of through-holes passing through the body of the headwear member.

Abstract: A visor cap has a visor portion, a forehead shield coupled to the visor portion, a sweatband formed in shape of a ring to encircle a head of a wearer. The forehead shield has an outer sheet and an inner sheet between which the fore part of the sweatband disposed. At least a part of the sweatband is stretchable to adjust the size of the visor cap to the wearer.

Abstract: A weighted lap pad 10 is provided to be positioned about the legs 72 and 74 and the waist of a child 66. The lap pad 10 includes a first and second elongated support member 12 and 18 respectively. An elongated plurality of weighted members 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34 respectively are successively coupled to each other. The first and second elongated support members 12 and 18 are coupled to the weighted members 28 and 32. As a result the weighted lap pad 10 can be secured around a child's waist and positioned on a child 66 so that the elongated weighted member 26 rests over the side of the leg 72 of the child, the weighted members 28, 30 and 32 rest in the lap 64 of the child and the weighted member 34 rest over the other leg 74 of the child. As a result the child is given an uninterrupted felling to stay seated.

Abstract: An item of clothing comprises a pectoral guard comprising an outer layer comprising a polyurethane material and an inner layer comprising a fibrous breathing material wherein the pectoral guard is located between first and second arm apertures.

Abstract: A human urinary aid is described. Simple coatings or modifications are described which provide an additional use to conventional toilet paper as a disposable male urinary aid to allow the transport of a urine stream into a toilet, such as by a human male urinating from a standing position, by consolidating the urine stream onto a conductive path directed into a toilet bowl or other receptacle. A method of making the aid and a method of using the aid are described.

Abstract: A water tub including a fluid delivery system utilizes a removeable carrier to provide fluids to the fluid delivery system. In some instances, the carrier is disposable such that depletion of the fluids within the container results in the carrier being thrown away and replaced by an unused carrier. In other instances, the carrier is re-usable and is removed from the fluid delivery system when the fluids within the carrier need to be replenished. In some instances, the carrier can be manually attached and removed from the fluid delivery system without the use of any tools. In some such instances it will include a latching mechanism temporarily coupling the carrier to the fluid delivery system. The carrier may include a plurality of fluid containers, each container containing a fluid used for different types of maintenance of the water tub. The delivery system may utilize a dosing engine.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting and lowering device for pivoting the seat to its raised position and for pivoting it back to its horizontal position without having to touch the seat. A first lever arm is rigidly attached at one end to a first part of a torque transfer mechanism and at its other end to a foot pedal and a second lever arm is rigidly attached at one end to a second part of the torque transfer mechanism and at its other end to the toilet seat. With the toilet seat in its horizontal position, a downward force on the pedal produces a rotation of the first part of the torque transfer mechanism which produces an opposite rotation of the second part of the torque transfer mechanism causing the toilet seat to pivot to its raised position. Lifting the pedal, preferably by providing an upward force under the pedal, lowers the seat to the horizontal position.

Abstract: A liquid impervious bag that fits inside a toilet bowl and is secured to an outer rim edge of the toilet bowl to provide for the collection of human waste.

Abstract: A swimming pool installation, including a swimming pool having an end, a deck surrounding at least a portion of the swimming pool and an auto cover box. The auto cover box is recessed in the deck proximate to the end of the swimming pool. The auto cover box having a formed section with a U-shaped cross-section, including a low portion and a drain in the low portion.

Abstract: A motor with associated load sensor is connected to a circulation pump of a swimming pool circulation system. The load sensor performs the function of a safety vacuum release system by detecting underload of the motor. Underload is now discovered to be reliably indicative of blockage on the intake side of a circulation pump. A switch controlled by the load sensor shuts off the motor in response to a suitable underload. Vacuum on the intake side of the circulation pump neutralizes, thereby freeing a person or object blocking the suction line.

Abstract: An air massage bathtub is disclosed. The air massage bathtub includes a bath well defined by side walls and a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes a recessed area with a drain located within to the recessed area. The bathtub further includes a channel located at least partially below said bath well and in communication with the recessed area, and a plurality of apertures each of which extends through the bath well and into the channel.

Abstract: A drain surrounding cover (30) is configured to be easily installed about a drain ring (12) in the bottom of a drain-including structure and/or fixture, such as tubs, basins, bathtubs, showers, sinks, laundry tubs, and the like (22), for protecting from, and/or cosmetically covering, damage and/or discoloration in the surrounding area. The drain surrounding cover (30) may be easily, quickly, and economically installed about the drain ring 12 and covering the surrounding area. Also disclosed is a drain assembly (10) including the drain surrounding cover (30).

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a base assembly movable in forward and lateral directions. A power train is mounted within the base assembly, and is connected to a clamping and strap assembly. A power and switching system is in electrical communication with the power train. A retractor bar carries one or more clamping devices that are releasably attachable to a sheet. The clamping devices include a clamp handle pivotally connected to a clamp base and a clamp arm eccentrically pivotally connected to the clamp handle. The clamping and strap assembly is supported on the base assembly by a vertical adjustment assembly that includes a positioning mechanism for releasably locking the clamping and strap assembly at one of a plurality of vertical positions. An attendant can stand on the base assembly to act as a counterbalance to a patient's weight.

Abstract: A siderail support mechanism comprises a bottom cross-member having a first lower pivot and a second lower pivot, a first support arm and a second support arm. The first support arm includes a first upper pivot shaft and a first lower pivot shaft, the first upper pivot shaft being configured to pivotally attach to the siderail at a first upper pivot and the first lower pivot shaft configured to pivotally attach to the first lower pivot of the bottom cross-member. The first upper pivot includes an oblong slot. The second support arm includes a second upper pivot shaft having a locking cog for locking the siderail in a deployed position. A release handle is centrally positioned on the siderail to enable one-handed operation in disengaging the locking mechanism and lowering the siderail to a stowed position.

Abstract: A bed siderail has a vertical siderail extension, a horizontal siderail extension, or both. A bed siderail has dual vertical siderail extensions. A bed has gap fillers pivotally mounted to the headboard and/or footboard, either in the manner of a hinge, or by means of a dual axis pivot, to fill gaps between the headboard/footboard and a siderail. A bed siderail has pivotally mounted gap fillers directed toward the headboard, footboard, or an adjacent siderail. A bed has slidably mounted gap fillers. A bed siderail has pivotally mounted gap fillers, to fill a gap between the siderail and a mattress, the gap fillers being either gravity- or cam-activated, or being integrally formed in the siderail support arms. A bed siderail is rotatable from a deployed to a stowed position, and is simultaneously stowed close-into or underneath the bed frame.

Abstract: A bariatric hospital bed with full feature capability to enhance the care and treatment of bariatric patients. Among the features are fully adjustable and retractable siderails, bed raise-and-lower features, head-up and leg-down features for converting to a seated position, as well as Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg features. An integral scale assembly and radioluscent capabilities with a built'in X-ray tray are also provided together with redundant, easy-access controls in a pendant as well as in both siderails. An improved footboard is also provided for use as both a foot-rest and a step.

Abstract: The present invention is a bed loft comprising a pair of end assemblies and at least one support beam for receiving a support beam prong. Each end assembly comprises a first post and a second post. The first post comprises at least one support beam prong for insertion into the support beam, at least one end assembly prong for insertion into an end assembly support beam, and a receiver for holding a foot of a bedpost. The second post comprises at least one end assembly support beam for receiving an end assembly prong and a receiver for holding a foot of a bedpost.

Abstract: With a view to attaining both easiness of position adjustment and sureness of position holding, a patient supporting apparatus comprises an arm for supporting a patient, the arm comprising a horizontal arm portion and a vertical arm portion, a rail for supporting the arm movably in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal arm portion and the vertical arm portion, and a brake for preventing movement of the arm along the rail by utilizing a moment of rotation with the vertical arm portion of the arm being as an axis.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a first inflatable compartment having a first layer, a second layer, a strip extending from the first layer to the second layer such that the strip defines sides, the length of the strip defining a height of the first inflatable layer, and a periphery defining a length and a width, the strip being air-impervious. The air mattress also includes a second inflatable compartment having at least one additional layer and extending generally the length and width of the periphery, the second inflatable compartment being tufted, the second inflatable compartment having a vertical extent substantially less than the height of the first inflatable compartment. The air mattress also includes a layer of cushioning material in one of the first and the second inflatable compartment, wherein the other of the first and the second inflatable compartment is inflated but does not contain a layer of cushioning material.

Abstract: A screwdriver is equipped with a striking surface. The striking surface is partially embedded within the screwdriver handle and includes an exposed face portion which is offset from a longitudinal axis. A shank protrudes from the handle along the longitudinal axis and includes a receiving end for a bit. The screwdriver functions as both a screwdriver and a hammer.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free durable press finished textiles having cross-linked polymaleate finishes are provided. The finish comprises a cross-linked polymaleate having a crosslinked adjunct selected from the group having the formula: wherein R is independently H, OH, OM, or a unit having the formula: and mixtures thereof; X is H, OH, or OSO3M, M is H, a salt forming cation, and mixtures thereof; the indices x, y, and z are each independently from 0 to about 7; x+z is greater than or equal to 1, Q is H, OH, OM but not H when both x and z are greater than or equal to 1 and the textile has a durable press rating of at least about 3.0 and a tensile strength retention of greater than 40%.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agent and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from a number of phosphorous containing materials derived from maleic acid. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a driver, an electrode sensor, and a controller. The driver operates each part of the washing machine. The electrode sensor detects bubble generation using a voltage change between the electrodes when the bubbles contact the electrodes during the washing cycle. The controller controls the driver using a bubble detection signal from the electrode sensor to allow a bubble-removal cycle to be performed. Therefore, when the bubbles are excessively generated during the operation of the washing machine, the bubble generation can be swiftly detected and the relevant operation is performed thereto.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one direct dye, processes for treating keratin fibers, such as human keratin fibers, using the compositions, and devices comprising the compositions. Use of the compositions as lightening agents and as coloring agents for the keratin fibers is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dye composition that is useful for dyeing keratin fibres, containing at least one oxidation base and at least one coupler of the 6-alkoxy-2,3-diaminopyridine type in which the amino radical in position 2 is a disubstituted amino radical, to the use of this composition for dyeing keratin fibres and to the dyeing process using this composition. The invention also relates to novel 6-alkoxy-2,3-diaminopyridine compounds that are useful as couplers.

Abstract: Processes for modifying a textile to improve its performance which comprise the steps of a) contacting a textile comprising fibers with a treating composition comprising an ionic liquid under conditions sufficient to modify at least surfaces of the fibers, thereby provide a performance improvement to treated textile; b) optionally, contacting a textile comprising fibers with a composition comprising a benefit agent; and c) at least partially removing the treating composition from the textile. In specific embodiments, the surface modification comprises a partial dissolution of at least one outer layer of the fibers and/or crystal structure change in at least surfaces of the fibers. The surface modification can impart improvements to the textile or allow embedding or attachment of a benefit agent in the fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a flame-retardant knit fabric which can exhibit texture and comfort inherent to materials such as cotton and urethane foam used for upholstered furniture such as a mattress and chair and bedding products such as a pillow, mattress pad and bedding, the flame-retardant knit fabric which can provide these products with high flame retardance. The internal structure of a mattress is covered with a flame-retardant knit fabric that comprises at least two fibers selected from the group consisting of (A) a halogen-containing fiber, (B) a cellulosic fiber, (C) a flame-retardant cellulosic fiber and (D) a polyester fiber, has a weight per unit area of at least 140 g/m2 and a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, and contains a flame retardant at a ratio of at least 2% by weight based on the while fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing Japanese beetles and other insects from blueberries and other small produce without damaging or discarding any produce. The apparatus includes a produce conveyer formed by a plurality of elastic bands trained around four traverse rollers. A plurality of brushes are suspended above the top conveyer run and a plurality of rakes are supported between the top conveyer run. The brushes have soft, flexible bristles, which extend downward to contact the blueberries as it moves past the brushes carried atop the conveyer. The rakes have a plurality of spaced fingers that extend upward at an angle between adjacent conveyer bands. As the blueberries pass under the brushes, the bristles lightly contact the berries to gently turn the berries so that the beetles hang from the underside of the berries where they are knocked off the berries by the rake fingers.

Abstract: A common toothbrush usable electronic toothbrush is provided. The common toothbrush usable electronic toothbrush includes: a toothbrush receiving part having a housing for receiving a toothbrush and a fixing member for fixing the toothbrush; and a driving part tightly attached to the toothbrush receiving part, for vibrating the whole toothbrush by transmitting a vibration generated from a driving of a motor to the toothbrush receiving part. Since the electronic toothbrush can receive common toothbrushes of various kinds instead of a dedicated electric toothbrush, it is possible to permanently use the electronic toothbrush by replacing common toothbrushes, thus increasing a user's satisfaction by allowing a usage of toothbrushes as the user wishes.

Abstract: A sponge mop head assembly includes a sponge head member having a sponge and rotatably connected to a compression member that includes elongated lateral ribs spaced by channels. The sponge is compressed by the compression member. The channels are connected to exit passages at the sides of the compression member for effective removal of fluid from the sponge.

Abstract: A toothbrush that provides enhanced cleaning and oral care to a user. The toothbrush has a head with cleaning elements that create a contoured cleaning profile. The cleaning elements have different depths of insertion relative to a reference plane to define a contoured cleaning profile without post-fixing trimming of the cleaning elements. Accordingly, tapered bristles can be used to define a contoured cleaning profile. Alternatively, tapered bristles of different lengths can also be used to form a contoured cleaning profile.

Abstract: The applicator includes a) a lower part for manually gripping the applicator, b) a central part for resiliently straining the applicator under a manual constraint, c) an upper part bearing an application material and d) an application material anchored to the upper part wherein: 1) the lower and central parts have mean visible cross-sections, denoted respectively SA and SB such that the relative deviation ER1=|SA?SB|/SA is less than 0.1, 2) the lower and central parts form a first longitudinal component having an axial direction and a first shape factor L/D between 3 and 7, L and D denoting respectively the largest axial length of and the largest diameter of the first component perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: A magnetic cleaning assembly includes an inner and an outer magnetic cleaner member for attaching onto inner and outer peripheral surfaces of an aquarium, the inner magnetic cleaner member includes two blocks rotatably secured together with a pivot device and foldable relative to each other, two magnetic elements are attached to the blocks, and the outer magnetic cleaner member includes one or more magnetic elements to act with the magnetic elements of the inner magnetic cleaner member, and to move the inner magnetic cleaner member along the inner peripheral surface of the aquarium, the blocks of the inner magnetic cleaner member are foldable relative to each other for moving over corner areas of the aquarium.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet holding structure in which a sheet holding force can be increased, and a cleaner having the structure. The sheet holding structure includes a base material made of a flexible material and having main surfaces, and a slit formed in the main surfaces of the base material. The slit includes a curved slit, and a plurality of protruding slits spaced from each other in a direction along the curved slit, connected to a protruding portion-side forming edge of the curved slit, and protruding and extending from the protruding portion-side forming edge of the curved slit. A part of the base material surrounded by the curved slit is bent and a part of the sheet placed on one of the main surfaces of the base material is inserted into the curved slit and the protruding slits and locked to thereby hold the sheet.

Abstract: A multi-use tool device has an actuator moveable to turn a tool relative to change its angle of attack to the work or to change to a different work surface. The tool device is releasably connected to the tool without the use of threaded fasteners or wrenches. The tool may be removed from the tool device without the user touching a dirty or spent tool. The tool may be attached by a pushing of the tool device. The illustrated tool has an upstanding post and a turning portion which may be angularly spaced teeth cooperating with the tool device to turn the tool through predetermined increments. The preferred tool is made inexpensively and in one piece. The tool device may be lightweight and made of inexpensive parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive wiper capable of functioning as a spoiler. The wiper includes a frame that supports a blade. The frame is attached via an adapter to a wiper arm that presses and moves the wiper against and across the windshield. The wiper also includes a tension spring that is inserted along a rail portion of the blade for evenly distributing load along the blade onto the windshield. The adapter is disposed in the direction of a vertical axis (H) of the frame at a central portion thereof for a wiper arm to mount to. The frame is offset by an adjustable angle ? from a horizontal axis (S) of the adapter taken at a sectional view of the wiper, whereby the frame is offset by an angle ?1 from its vertical axis, due to an offset of the frame and the adapter when the blade is pressed in its entirety against a windshield of a vehicle.

Abstract: A rubber holder on the DR side (22a) having rod-shaped spring members fixed to holding blocks and a plurality of holding bridges (26) fixed to these rod-shaped members at specified intervals is provided on a wiper blade on the DR side, and a stopper (34) is attached to the rubber holder on the DR side (22a). The stopper (34) has a plurality of deformation restricting blocks (35) disposed between engaging portions (37) formed on the holding bridges (26) and linking strip portions (36) for linking the deformation restricting blocks (35). When excessive bending force is applied to the wiper blade on the DR side, the deformation restricting blocks (35) interfere with the engaging portions (37), or the linking strip portions (36) restrict the increase of the distance between the deformation restricting blocks (35), thereby restricting the deformation of the rubber holder on the DR side (22a) within the range of elastic deformation of the rod-shaped spring members.