Abstract: The present invention introduces improved protective garments, especially in the form of safer infant bibs.

Abstract: A swimsuit bottom (1) convertible between a bikini style bottom and a G-string style bottom (as seen in the figure). The swimsuit bottom (1) has a waistband (2), a crotch (3), a thong (4) extending between the crotch (3) and the waistband (2), a front covering (5) extending between the waistband (2) and the crotch (3) for concealing the wearer's front lower torso, and a rear flap (6) attached to the crotch (3) and detachably attached to the waistband (2). When the rear flap (6) is attached to the waistband (2) both the thong (4) and at least part of the wearer's buttocks are concealed. When the flap (6) is detached from the waistband (2) both the thong (4) and the wearer's buttocks are revealed.

Abstract: A martial arts uniform is disclosed that does not require any tying and is easy to put on and secure. The uniform employs a fastener system that those with limited dexterity can easily use. A jacket includes fasteners (VELCRO®) to replace traditional fabric string ties. A martial arts belt is pre-knotted and secured and then is severed so that one can put it on. It includes fasteners (VELCRO®) to fasten the ends of the belt together.

Abstract: A breast enhancer especially for maternity and sports brassieres has a connector at one end joined to a shoulder strap and at the opposite end a connector for engagement with the undercup of the maternity brassiere or a cup of the sports brassiere. The enhancer is in the form of a laminated inelastic strip of a greater width than that of the back strap and can be cushioned to reduce pressure on the wearer. It can be provided with a row of female fasteners cooperating with a male press and hook type fastener to enable adjustment of the cup.

Abstract: A necktie with a wearing attachment is composed of a belt-shaped necktie and a wearing attachment. The wearing attachment contains at least one opening passing through the surface and back of the wearing attachment and the necktie with a wearing attachment is worn by passing the necktie through the opening. There are cases where the necktie and the wearing attachment are integrally formed, the necktie and the wearing attachment are formed so as to be attachable to and removable from each other, and the necktie and the wearing attachment are completely separate from each other.

Abstract: A vacuum adhesion-gripping surface is provided by an array of miniature suction cups. The surface is provided on a glove or other object for which an improved grip is desired. The miniature suction cups are of very small sizes and high densities. The vacuum adhesion micro suction cups are formed with a tooling structure having a pair of plates. A first plate includes a plurality of holes and a second plate includes a plurality of pins. When the plates are placed together, small cavities are created between the holes and pins for forming an array of vacuum adhesion micro suction cups using a molding or similar process. Alternatively a glove, such as a medical glove, utilizing the micro suction cup gripping design can be made using a dipping process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cap suitable for being worn over at least one of a wearer's finger and thumb when playing video games. The cap comprises a body portion having an inner surface suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use and an outer surface comprising a front side and a rear side. The front side is suitable for covering a front portion of a wearer's finger, and the rear side is suitable for covering a back portion of a wearer's finger. The cap further comprises a gripping portion located on the front side of the outer surface. The gripping portion is limited to being positioned on the front side of the outer surface and is suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system. The cap can include at least one decal associated to a feature of a video game.

Abstract: An athletic pant that includes an area of compressive fabric disposed in a position on either pant leg that will surround the athlete's knee when the pants are worn. The area of compressive fabric in each pant leg also includes a pair of pockets positioned to lie on either side of the athlete's knee. The pockets can be opened to receive a support and closed to secure the support therein, whereby the support restricts lateral movement of the athlete's knee. If the athletic pants are to be used for ice hockey, the pants may also include connectors disposed on the outer surface of the pant legs for the connection of hockey socks.

Abstract: A fixture secured, securable to or integral with the outer shell of helmet facilitates convenient positional adjustment, attachment and removal of multiple accessories.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an outer garment for protection against chemical and biological exposures. The garment comprises a membrane and absorbent ply and several throughgoing vents, which pass through all plies. The vents are equipped with separate closing devices for each ply and/or combination of plies, the vents are at least arranged in an upper and a lower portion of the outer garment, that the outer garment consists of at least two separate parts. The invention also pertains use of such a garment.

Abstract: A plunger includes a lever, a pipe, a rod passed through an axial hole of the pipe, a covering member, and a spring; the rod will be upwards displaced when the lever is pivoted upwards; the rod has a passage therein, and a head at an upper end for connection with an air pump; the covering member has a neck, and an outlet on a lower side; the pipe is inserted in the neck; two airtight rings are secured on an inner side of the neck; the rod is normally biased to a lowermost position by the spring; the lower end of the rod will block the outlet, and the passage will communicate with inside of the covering member when the rod is in lowermost position; when the lever is pivoted upwards, high-pressure air will escape through the outlet to push a blockage in a drain tube of a sink.

Abstract: A pressure assisted toilet flush cartridge that reduces noise output by controlling water flow. One aspect of the noise reduction is to reduce the initial discharge increase in flow rate. Another aspect is to create a vortex in discharge water to reduce cavitation and quiet the discharged water flow through the bowl.

Abstract: A water circulation apparatus for a swimming pool or hot tub. The water circulation apparatus includes an eyeball connector and an extension hose. The eyeball connector includes a spherical eyeball and a first connector. The extension hose includes a second connector for coupling to the first connector. The eyeball connector fits within a water return line housing in the sidewall of the swimming pool or hot tub. Heated water returned to the pool through the water return line is routed through the eyeball connector into the extension house and is expelled in the pool through the free end of the extension hose. The extension hose may include a weighted free end to ensure that the heated return water is expelled at the bottom of the pool. The weighted free end may include a diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an entirely mobile system and method for bathing non-ambulatory patients in the more convenient and pleasant environment of the patient's own bed. The invention consists of a maneuverable cart housing, a clean water supply and all other necessary apparatus and optional accessories for bathing a patient. A key feature of the Smart Bath is a special waterproof and disposable bathing sheet placed over the bed and under the patient which is easily and conveniently manipulated into the shape of a bath.

Abstract: A bed frame may include a footboard. The footboard may have two corner posts and at least one cross member that may extend between the corner posts. A platform may be pivotally coupled to the footboard for movement between a stowed position and an extended position. The platform may be pivotally coupled to the corner posts and/or the cross member. A support member may be pivotally coupled to the footboard for movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the support member may support the platform.

Abstract: A patient transfer device allows diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRI, CAT scans, etc. to be performed upon a patient while the patient remains on the transfer device. Such a device allows a patient, and especially an injured patient, to remain on the same transfer device during transport to a hospital or care center, to and from a room or a waiting area, to and from a testing area, and to and from a treatment area, eliminating the need to repeated move the patient onto and off of conventional transport devices or beds. Allowing the patient to remain on the same transport device relatively undisturbed minimizes any further injury to the patient caused by repeated movement of an injured body part.

Abstract: A baby carrier assembly which includes a baby support portion arranged to fit the lower torso of a baby, the support portion including openings through which the legs of the baby extend when the baby is supported upright in the support portion. Two spaced elongated web straps extend upwardly from the rear edge of the support portion. Each web strap includes a rigid hook on the end thereof, configured and arranged to fit over a panel member, such as a bathroom stall door, resulting in the baby being suspended within the support portion from the top edge of the door.

Abstract: Four cross member struts, two on each long side of an open hammock frame, permit full collapse of the frame for closure and transportation when the cross member struts are composed of an unbroken tube pivotally connected with a second tube divided into two overlapping sections.

Abstract: An article of furniture including a frame, a cushion member, a cover member, and at least one carrying strap. The frame includes first and second opposing end members and a plurality of cross-supports coupled between the end members. Each end member defines a triangle shape having an open center. The frame defines at least three side support surfaces between the end members and the end members define opposing end support surfaces. The frame member also defines a cavity that is accessible through the open center of each end member. The cushion member is attached at one end thereof to the frame and is configured to wrap around the side support surfaces of the frame. The cover member is coupled to the frame to cover the open center of one of the end members. The at least one carrying strap is coupled to the frame and is configured for moving the article when the cushion member is wrapped around the frame.

Abstract: A dual comfort bed covering apparatus and method of manufacturing are disclosed. In one form, a dual comfort bed coving apparatus includes a first portion including a length, a width, a perimeter edge, and a first material having a first thickness. The apparatus further includes a second portion coupled along a longitudinal midline of the first portion and includes the length, the width, a second perimeter edge, and a second material having a second thickness. The first and second portions are formed to substantially cover a mattress.

Abstract: A fast-drying pillow and accompanying pillow cover. The fast-drying pillow is preferably manufactured of a fast-drying material such as nylon. The pillow includes a component for receiving a suspension device to enable the pillow to be suspended for air drying. The pillow cover includes overlapping flaps to minimize the infiltration of dirt into the cover and onto the pillow.

Abstract: The arched pillow assembly allows a user to comfortably sleep with an arm underneath his or her head and a pillow without restricting the circulation of blood through the arm. The arched pillow assembly includes a pillowcase that holds a conventional pillow and has two spaced apart pockets attached to the bottom of the pillowcase for snugly receiving and holding a rigid arch support. Once placed on a resting surface, the arch support has a radius of curvature sufficient to form a channel thereunder for accommodating the passage of an extended arm. The arch is strong enough to support the head of the user and the pillow in an elevated position above the extended arm and the resting surface, thereby preventing the weight of the head and pillow from restricting proper circulation of blood through the extended arm.

Abstract: A portable diaper changing pad with a memory foam insert. The diaper changing pad comprises a mat with a panel having a body of memory foam as a cushion. The memory foam insert preferably comprises a raised head rest section. In one embodiment, the diaper changing pad further comprises two side section panels which may be folded over the middle panel. When the side section panels are folded over the middle panel, the diaper changing pad may be rolled and securely closed for easy storage and portability. The diaper changing pad preferably has a terry cloth cover. Other preferred embodiments include a nonskid bottom surface, a storage bag, and accessories, such as toys.

Abstract: Method for producing a mattress core with two flexible supports between which composed springs are installed, each consisting of a wire spring around which is applied a flexible tubular casing of foam. Wire springs are produced with various wire diameters and various outer diameters; foam cases are provided with various characteristics; the composed springs are formed with a desired rigidity by means of a suitable combination of wire springs and foam casings. Glue is applied to the ends of the composed springs and they are installed between the supports to form the mattress in accordance with a desired pattern.

Abstract: A bolster for resisting rolling of a person off of a mattress, comprising a lateral cushion adapted to be disposed proximate and parallel to an edge of the mattress, and a tensile portion having a means for attachment to said lateral cushion, providing a distributed tensile force to resist a laterally outward displacement of the lateral cushion, the tensile force being transmitted beneath the mattress having a force vector downward and inward. Both the lateral cushion and the mattress may be inflatable, and preferably a pair of lateral cushions, interconnected by a tensile sheet below the mattress, are provided.

Abstract: A Combination Carpet Row Separator and Seam Cutter is disclosed. The separator and cutter tool enables a skilled installer to accurately separate the carpet between rows and simultaneously make a high precision cut along the separated row. To improve performance, there is both a front ridge for guiding the tool along the separated row, as well as a rear ridge to prevent the tool's tendency to “fishtail.” To improve performance even more, the tool has a separator tip element extending into the carpet row ahead of the front ridge to create a more definite split in the carpet along the row. To accommodate a variety of carpet types, the device provides separator tip elements in both pointed and chisel-tipped profiles. For convenience, the device has a spare blade receptacle formed within the housing to hold spare blades. Finally, the device may have a laser guide associated with it to provide additional alignment assistance to the carpet installer while cutting patterned carpets.

Abstract: A method for dyeing textiles with reducible dyes in the presence of borohydride and bisulfite.

Abstract: A series of new manufactured protein fibers from wheat proteins, a method and kit for production of these wheat protein fibers is provided. The method may include dissolving wheat proteins by use of at least one of an alkali, acid, alcohol, reducing agent, amino acid, chemical additive, or salt in weight ratios ranging between approximately 0.5 percent and 50 percent by weight of a single wheat protein or a combination of one or more wheat proteins. Further, the method may involve aging the dissolved wheat proteins at temperatures from approximately minus thirty degrees Celsius (?30° C.) to one hundred and fifty degrees Celsius (150° C.) for approximately one to eighty hours to obtain a spinnable solution. In addition, the method entails extruding the dissolved wheat proteins into a coagulation bath to precipitate the wheat protein fibers in which the coagulation bath includes at least one of an alkali, acid or salt.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel gel-phase colorant dispersion comprising (a) a gel-phase colorant comprising the reaction product of (1) a reactive material component, (2) a reactive colorant, and (3) a crosslinker having reactive groups capable of forming a bond with the reactive material component and the reactive colorant; and (b) a dispersion medium, wherein the dispersion medium can be an aqueous or non-aqueous-based dispersion. The gel-phase colorant dispersion of this invention can then be mixed or blended with typical coating materials.

Abstract: This invention pertains to certain novel colorant compounds containing one or more ethylenically-unsaturated, photopolymerizable radicals that may be copolymerized (or cured) with ethylenically-unsaturated monomers to produce colored compositions such as colored acrylic polymers. Suitable compositions having the present colorants copolymerized therein include, e.g., polymers produced from acrylate and methacrylate esters, colored polystyrenes, and similar colored polymeric materials derived from other ethylenically-unsaturated monomers. The present invention also pertains to processes for preparing the photopolymerizable colorant compounds. The ethylenically unsaturated colorant compounds may be suitable for use in coatings that are applied to wood, glass, metal, thermoplastics and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colorant composition comprising humic acid and/or fulvic acid and a water soluble dye. The invention in particular relates to a colorant composition to be used for turf.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a pool cleaner to travel through a water pool to collect dirt and other debris from the water and/or pool containment wall. The cleaner defines a suction passageway having an inlet open to pool water and an outlet adapted to be coupled via a flexible hose to the suction side of an electrically driven pump. A resulting suction flow, from the inlet to the pump, functions to (1) carry dirt and other debris to a filter and (2) to drive a turbine for propelling the cleaner. In accordance with the invention, the suction passageway inlet includes an orifice defining a physical flow area A1 and configured to create an “effective” flow area A2 smaller than A1, downstream from the orifice. The small effective flow area A2 creates a water flow of sufficient velocity to efficiently drive the turbine whereas the larger physical flow area A1 permits debris to pass more readily.

Abstract: A head for an electric toothbrush includes a support member having a plurality of holes extending completely therethrough. A plurality of tufts of bristles each extends through one of the holes. A first brushing end of each tuft projects from a first side of the support member. Each tuft is prevented from being withdrawn from its hole when a tensile force is applied to the first end of each tuft along a long axis of the tuft. A resilient cushion is positioned adjacent a second side of the support member such that a second end of each tuft can contact the cushion. When a compressive force is applied to the first end of each tuft along the long axis of each tuft, each tuft can move in its hole in a first direction into the cushion. When the compressive force is removed the cushion causes each tuft to move in its hole in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A cleaning device has an elongated handle attached to a housing. The housing includes a stationary brush extending through the housing. Also, the housing includes a rotatable brush, as well as a debris collector. In a first position the cleaning device is used as a conventional broom. The handle is pivoted to a second position which enables the broom to be used as a debris collector.

Abstract: A cleaning head for use with a floor cleaning machine comprises first and second cleaning tools, at least one motor and a cleaning tool support. The at least one motor is configured to respectively drive rotation of the first and second cleaning tools about first and second horizontal axes. The first and second cleaning tools each have an exterior cleaning surface configured to engage the floor during floor cleaning operations. The cleaning tool support is configured to support the first and second cleaning tools for movement of the first and second horizontal axes relative to each other in a plane that is transverse to the first and second horizontal axes. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a floor cleaning machine that includes embodiments of the cleaning head.

Abstract: A cleansing pad (10) is made of a web of fibers, forming a substrate (11), where the substrate (11) includes a cleansing agent (12) therein. The cleansing agent (12) is a pourable soap. In making the cleansing pad (10), the cleansing agent (12) is initially heated from solid form into molten/liquid form, and distributed essentially throughout one or more portions of the substrate (11) in molten form to coat the fibers in said portions of the substrate (11). After application of the molten cleansing agent (12), the substrate (11) is then allowed to cool such that the molten cleansing agent (12) solidifies and remains solid at a desired range at and above room temperature, forming the cleansing pad (10). Thereafter, in use, the cleansing pad (10) is applied for cleaning an object in conjunction with a solvent such as water. The solvent dissolves the solidified cleansing agent (12).

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to cleaning golf club heads. In aspects, an appliance is described for removing debris from a golf club head. The appliance may include a base that includes a first base surface and a second base surface, and a brushing assembly disposed along the first base surface of the base. In aspects, an article of footwear that includes features for removing debris may include a base defined by a first base surface and a second base surface, and a brushing assembly disposed along the first base surface of the base. Other aspects are described in the Detailed Description.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wiping pad for private parts for use by females to clean the vaginal region after urination. The feminine hygienic pad (1) comprises an absorptive layer (10) for absorbing urine, a vaginal contact layer (20) for coating one surface of the absorptive layer in order to prevent the absorptive layer from coming into direct contact with the vaginal region while enabling absorption of urine on the absorptive layer, and a hand contact layer (30) for coating the other surface of the absorptive layer in order to prevent the absorptive layer from coming into direct contact with the hands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning tool sheet and a cleaning tool capable of use for wiping cleaning by contacting the surface of objects to be cleaned in various locations. In a cleaning tool sheet (1), fiber bundles (3) are laminated on one side face of a base sheet (2); the central parts in the direction of flow of the fibers constituting the fiber bundles (3) are joined by a central joining part (4) continuously formed in the central part of the base sheet (2) and joined at a spot-form joining part (7) formed intermittently on a parallel line between the central joining part (4) and two end edges (2a, 2b) parallel therewith. The two ends (31a, 31b) in the direction of flow of the fibers of the fiber bundles (3) are not joined to the base sheet (2). An attaching part (8) for attaching onto a holding member is provided at both ends of the base sheet (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a liquid coating onto an object. The apparatus includes a device that has a handle and a transfer medium which is attached to the handle. The apparatus further includes a cover that is attached to the device. The cover includes a closure element that is operable to open and close an end of the cover. When the end of the cover is open, the cover is movable between a first position where the cover protects the transfer medium and a second position where the cover protects the handle. In another example embodiment, the cover is formed of a removable first layer that is positioned adjacent to the transfer medium when the cover is in the first position and a removable second layer that is positioned adjacent to the handle when the cover is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle wiper apparatus for wiping a windshield glass with a wiper blade includes drive means for reciprocating the wiper blade in an arcuate wiping area, and a first washer fluid spray means, provided on the drive means, for spraying a washer fluid. The first washer fluid spray means sprays the washer fluid onto a area in an upward wiping direction of the wiper blade when the wiper blade is located near its stop position, and sprays the washer fluid onto a area in a downward wiping direction of the wiper blade when the wiper blade is located near its inversion position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper structure for vehicles, comprises a truss saddle, a bow elastic stripe, a cover body, some detachable clamping devices, a strip scraper and a frame cover; wherein, some hollow pressure adjusting vents are created on said bow elastic stripe in order to keep nearly same elasticity at every sections of said bow elastic stripe. Hence, it can equilibrate force in every portions of whole wiper such that achieving in adjust-effect of even pressure distribution. Then, the contact between said strip scraper and the windshield glass is holistically even tight uniformly and hermetic closely to enhance the scraping effect of windshield wiper as well as the effect of prolonging service-lifetime with reducing expense in association with decreasing of replacing new product frequency in consequence of such even pressure distribution. Thus, it has more effect in economy and environmental protection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved windshield wiper structure that includes a wiper arm having a latch disposed at the middle of the wiper arm, a wiper blade integrally fixed with the wiper arm; two auxiliary plates disposed on both left and right sides of the latch on the wiper arm respectively, and two fixing members for integrally fixing the wiper arm, wiper blade and auxiliary plates, so as to increase the pressure of attaching a windshield wiper onto a windshield and enhance the structural stability of the windshield wiper.

Abstract: A backing strip for a windshield wiper assembly includes a pair of rails. Each of the pair of rails includes a body portion and a detent portion. The detent portion includes a cut-out on each side thereof. The cut-outs form at least a pair of hooks on each side of said detent portion. The cut-out on one side of the detent portion of each of said rails is for receiving a claw of the windshield wiper assembly and the hooks on the opposite side of the detent portion of each of the rails are for engaging a windshield wiper blade of the windshield wiper assembly.

Abstract: A hard floor sweeping and scrubbing machine includes a mobile body comprising a frame supported on wheels for travel over a surface, a motorized cleaning head, a waste hopper, a hopper lift and a vacuum squeegee. The motorized cleaning head is attached to the mobile body and is configured to perform sweeping and scrubbing operations on the surface. The waste hopper is positioned on a rear side of the cleaning head and is configured to receive waste discharged from the cleaning head during the surface sweeping operations. The hopper lift is configured to raise the waste hopper from an operating position, in which the waste hopper is positioned adjacent the cleaning head, to a dumping position, in which the waste hopper is positioned to dump waste collected in the waste hopper. In one embodiment, the vacuum squeegee is attached to the hopper lift. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning a surface using embodiments of the machine.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a floor-engaging unit having a suction inlet, an upright body mounted to said floor-engaging unit and including means for creating a suction and means for separating and collecting dirt from an airstream drawn in by said suction, a unit having a handle and a tubular portion extending from said handle, said tubular portion forming a suction inlet and being coupled to said body via a flexible hose, and said tubular portion being attachable to said body with said handle projecting for the user to grasp for manoeuvring the cleaner over the floor, wherein said tubular portion comprises first and second tubes which are telescopically coupled together to enable said tubular portion to be extended when detached from said body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt separation system that has a dirt cup retaining a filter assembly having a screen element, an exit, and a filter element disposed between the screen element and the exit. A nozzle disposed in the dirt cup directs an airstream generally parallel to the surface of the screen element so that particles in the airstream are primarily separated by the screen element and, as the airstream ultimately travels towards the exit in the dirt cup, are secondarily separated by the filter element.

Abstract: A dust wand comprising a body and a brush rotatably disposed on the body. A suction chamber is disposed within the body. The suction chamber comprises an inlet port disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the brush and a contacting surface that contacts the outer edge of the brush.

Abstract: A suction nozzle and a head of a cleaner having the same includes a suction hole to which a suction force is applied; an air channel formed as a closed region having predetermined area and depth and having the suction hole therein; and scraper longer than an end of an edge of the air channel, positioned in the air channel, and for scraping carpet fibers in cleaning a carpet. Especially when cleaning a carpet, the suction nozzle and the head of a cleaner having the same sufficiently push back carpet fibers to their root portions by the scraper to suck dust and alien substances, so that the carpet can be cleaned more cleanly, a suction path through which external air is introduced is formed in a direction that a cleaning proceeds, and thus dust or alien substances can be effectively removed.

Abstract: A handheld mechanized windshield scraper with a built-in blower to remove snow, ice and other material from a motor vehicle windshield and window panes. The blower tube is tapered to increase air velocity. A plurality of scraper blades is rotatably mounted on a shaft away from the blower to scrape material off of the windshield. Vents are provided in the casing for air to blow the scraped snow out from the work area. The unit can have a built-in power source or can be connected directly to the power outlet of the automobile.