Abstract: A bib, and particularly a bib with a pocket, comprising of neoprene sheet with material on at least one face.

Abstract: A glissade pad that is lightweight, easily portable and facilitates sliding on snow or ice is described herein. A user sits on the top or bottom surface of the pad and wraps the leg straps around his or her legs. The top and bottom surfaces can each be made of a different material to provide more or less friction as desired.

Abstract: A baseball-style cap with panels and/or brim that can be detached and attached to change the appearance of the cap. The panel and brim pieces are attached to the cap by hook and loop fabric. The interior of the cap and/or under side of the brim may be equipped with hook and loop fabric to allow the attachment pieces to be stored when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap (11) intended for use as hearing protection and adapted to enclosed the external ear of a user, characterized by at least one vibration-damping weight element (18, 38a-b) of the cap (11), which weight element is arranged so as to at least partly block an audio mode of vibration that would have existed in the cap in the absence of said weight element (18, 38a-b). The invention also relates to a method of producing such a cap, and use of the same.

Abstract: A shoulder protector for use in protecting the shoulder and neck of a workman includes a pouch for enclosing a cushioning material, the pouch having an elongated arch-shaped portion for fitting over a shoulder, and an integral neck portion for protecting the neck of the workman. A loop patch of a hook and loop fastener is affixed to an undersurface of the elongated arch-shaped portion of the pouch for attaching to a corresponding hook patch of the hook and loop fastener. The hook patch includes a fabric loop formed thereon. A shoulder strap which is positioned underneath the fabric loop fits across the chest of the workman and includes dual terminal ends each fitted with an identical first fastener. Finally, an auxiliary strap is affixed to the pouch and secured underneath an arm of the workman by a second fastener for securing the pouch to the shoulder.

Abstract: A toilet having improved flush capabilities, an electrical system for foul air evacuation including bacterial filtration, a storage compartment, a night light, improved waste disposal, and optional accessories for converting the toilet into a medical work-station for ease of use by patients and/or the handicapped.

Abstract: In a toilet seat and covering lid combination pivotally mounted to the rear of a toilet bowl, wherein the seat and lid are normally in a horizontal at-rest closed position on top of the toilet bowl, an improvement comprising an extension of the curved front edge of a semielliptical lid protruding about one-half to three inches beyond the toilet seat when the lid is in a closed position such that a person can easily grasp the lid with little risk of contacting the toilet seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a personalized toilet for a toddler comprising a blank having selected indicia attached. The personalized toilet may include a chair and/or seat having selected indicia providing a personalized toilet that provides both choice and control to a toddler. The consumer is provided with the opportunity to select various indicia to be applied a selected blank. The method may be embodied in a personal computer or a kiosk.

Abstract: Disclosed herein relates to a drain-clearing device. The drain-clearing device includes, a flexible elongated body fabricated of at least one polymer having a circular cross section, and a graspable rigid member attached to a first end of the flexible elongated body being made of at least one polymer. The device further includes a nose on a second end of the flexible elongated body leadable of the body through a drain.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auxiliary water tank device for a toilet stool, to receive and store a small amount of wash water and to supply the stored wash water into a toilet bowl. The auxiliary water tank device includes a housing (10) mounted in a water tank (702) on a bottom surface thereof and having a water supply port (11) and a water discharge port (12), a water supply unit (20) to supply wash water into the housing through the water supply port and to close the water supply port if the housing is filled with the wash water by a predetermined level, a water discharge unit (30) to discharge the wash water filled in the housing through the water discharge port and to close the water discharge port if the wash water is completely discharged, and a control unit (40) to control opening/closing operations of the water discharge unit and an excrement discharge pipe opener (710).

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a substantially pillar sheathed heater, a substantially cylindrical case, and a spiral spring. The sheathed heater is accommodated in the case. The spring is provided so as to be wound around an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater. Thus, a spiral flow path is formed among an outer peripheral surface of the sheathed heater, an inner peripheral surface of the case, and the spring. The spring functions as a flow velocity conversion mechanism, a turbulent flow generation mechanism, a flow direction conversion mechanism, and an impurity removal mechanism. A water inlet and a water outlet are respectively arranged at positions eccentric from a central axis of the case on a side surface of the case.

Abstract: The invention described is a swimming pool covering system of the type comprising a basic tarpaulin (2) and a covering tarpaulin (3) which are, together, irremovably fixed along the perimetric edge, an inflation valve (4) envisaged for the inlet of air between the basic tarpaulin (2) and the covering tarpaulin (3) in order to realize a chamber (5) and give the covering tarpaulin an arched configuration, a deflation valve (6) envisaged for the release of the air contained within the chamber (5). The basic tarpaulin has a perimetric edge (20) fitted with means of engagement for the anchorage to the swimming pool edges.

Abstract: A low friction pool cover reel to assist in retrieval and deployment of swimming pool covers onto the surface of water in a swimming pool.

Abstract: A brush assembly adapted to be mounted to a drain. The drain brush assembly (11) comprises a housing (14), a brush head (16) and a set of bristles (51). The housing is adapted to be engaged with a drain to provide the inlet to the drain. The brush head (16) is supported by the housing to extend across the drain inlet. The set of bristles (51) extends from the outermost axial face of the brush head (16). The brush head (16) is supported by the housing (14) to be resiliently depressible into the housing (14).

Abstract: A foot spa for treatment of feet includes a fluid reservoir for holding a fluid to cover a user's feet and heating, aeration and massage elements in the reservoir. The foot spa further includes a power supply with rechargeable batteries so the spa can be operated without plugging into an AC power supply or replacing batteries.

Abstract: A futon having a mattress frame with a seat deck and a back deck, a front edge of the seat deck being concealed from view when the mattress frame is in a seated position. The front edge of the seat deck of the mattress frame is supported by a shelf projecting rearward from a front rail of the futon. The front rail partially defines a concealed storage compartment within the futon. The futon is provided with a hinged mattress having a first portion and a second portion hingedly connected only along an elongate corner edge of each of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a head section coupled to the frame and movable relative to the frame between first and second angular positions, and a sensor operable to determine an angular position of the head section. The apparatus also has an alarm that is activated if the angular position of the head section is not sufficiently large enough.

Abstract: A bed apparatus has a table-top movable at least in a longitudinal direction, a bed supporting unit located below the table-top, an intermediate unit located at a position between the table-top and the bed supporting unit and not overlapping with a center in a width direction of the table-top, and movable in the same direction as the table-top, and a changing unit configured to change a relative positional relationship of the table-top and the intermediate unit while the intermediate unit moves with respect to the bed supporting unit.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.

Abstract: A bed including a support frame, a foundation configured to support the support frame, means for displacing the support frame in a longitudinal direction with respect to the foundation, and means for displacing the support frame in a transverse direction with respect to the foundation. In addition, a method for inducing sleep by providing the proper stimulation to the vestibular organs is also provided. The method includes providing a support member configured to support an individual, controlling the displacement of the support member in a longitudinal direction of the support member, and controlling the displacement of the support member in a transverse direction of the support member. The combined motion of the support member in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse is configured to induce sleep.

Abstract: A bed comprises a plurality of cables allowing a plate to be suspended in the air, a mattress sitting on the plate, a skeleton supporting the plate, a foundation supporting all of the above components and the human body or bodies lying on the bed. The cables may be slantways or vertically installed from superiority to inferiority. The bed also comprises means displacing support components in longitudinal direction and transverse direction separately relative to the foundation. Moreover, it also provides a method for initiating sleep by providing appreciate stimulation to vestibular organs. The method includes providing a support member to support an individual or individuals, controlling the displacement of the support member in a longitudinal direction or/and a transverse direction. The motion form of the bed is rhythmic reciprocal comprehensive motion: three dimensions with or without a seesawing motion which is most conducive to sleep occurrence and maintenance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel multiple position surgery table foot support. More particularly, this invention pertains to a multiple position foot support which can be clamped to a surgery table under the sterile drapes. A multiple position surgery table foot support comprising: (a) a frame which includes at least two foot positions; and (b) a mechanism attached to the frame for securing the foot support to a surgery table.

Abstract: A limb support coupled to a patient-support apparatus includes a multi-axis pivot mount having a first joint mounted to the patient-support apparatus, an arm coupled to the first joint on a first end for pivotable movement thereabout, and a second joint coupled to a second end of the arm for pivotable movement thereabout. A cushion assembly is mounted to the second joint for pivotable movement of the cushion assembly in relation to the second joint.

Abstract: There is provided a floor-cushion whose structure is such that it (a) enables a person sitting on it to maintain his/her backbone in an appropriate posture, while (b) causing little fatigue in the sitter's muscles, even during long-time sitting. The inside of said floor-cushion (1) is divided into a buttocks-supporting portion (1A) and a legs-crossed portion (1B). The buttocks-supporting portion is filled with cork chips (2), while in the legs-crossed portion a hard-foam resin layer (3) is enwrapped by two soft-foam resin layers (4), so that the legs-crossed portion has a three-layer structure. The buttocks-supporting portion is made thicker than the legs-crossed portion, so that the buttocks-supporting portion inclines downward toward the legs-crossed portion, so as to promote forward inclination of the pelvis.

Abstract: A unique support surface that provides a controllable inflation system, and a turning bladder structure for turning a patient quickly for the application of a nursing protocol. The support surface includes air cell arrays and turning bladders which are used to turn the patient in either direction under control of the medical practitioner. The air cell arrays can be arranged longitudinally or laterally. The multiple turning bladders are preferably formed with a unique butterfly shape that minimizes the amount of air required to inflate, which then results in high-speed turning of the patient.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a combination device that includes a capo for a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar or a banjo, and a beverage bottle and/or can opener integrally coupled to the capo. In various aspects of the embodiment, the container opener is an integral part of either a finger board-engaging portion, a neck-engaging portion or a tensioning member of the capo. In an alternative aspect, the container opener portion of the capo is a container surface-puncturing element, also commonly known as a church key.

Abstract: Horny substances are removed from animal hides by a process wherein animal hides are treated in a liquor comprising from 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on the salted weight, of one or more compounds of the formula I or the corresponding alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or ammonium or phosphonium salts thereof, the variables being defined as follows: R1 is selected from hydrogen and C1-C12-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted by one or more S—H or O—H groups; X1 to X4 are identical or different and are selected from hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, O—H, S—H and N—HR2, R2 is hydrogen or C1-C12-alkyl or a C1-C4-alkyl-C?O group, at least one of the radicals X1 to X4 being S—H, and, if R1 contains neither O—H nor S—H, at least one further radical from among X1 to X4 is selected from S—H, OH and NH—R2, and furthermore with at least one compound which catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds.

Abstract: A protective garment for temporary use in the fitting room of a clothing store is placed, in an initially dry condition, in a hermetic containment wrapping. One can determine whether the protective garment has been worn by someone else and replaced in the wrapping by observing whether there is moisture on the walls of the wrapping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibre compositions. In particular, the present invention concerns a process for producing a fibre composition comprising a lignocellulosic fibre material and a synthetic, electrically conductive polymer formed by polymerized monomers. The invention provides for good adhesion between the fibre matrix and the polymer, because the monomer is polymerized directly on the fibre. The conductivity of the polymer is improved and the electrical properties and conductivity levels of the modified fibre can be adjusted by changing the amounts of the electrically conductive polymer.

Abstract: A method for controlling a laundering process includes determining a concentration of a detergent within a wash fluid during at least one cycle of an article laundering process, and dynamically adjusting at least one characteristic of the laundering process based at least in part upon the determined concentration of the detergent. An apparatus for controlling a laundering process includes a fluid chamber to contain a wash fluid, a sensor coupled to the fluid chamber to determine a detergent concentration within the wash fluid, and a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to dynamically adjust at least one characteristic of the laundering process based at least in part upon the determined detergent concentration.

Abstract: A method for determining detergent concentration includes performing a photometric analysis of a wash fluid during an article laundering process, and determining a concentration of a detergent within the wash fluid based at least in part upon the photometric analysis. Furthermore, an apparatus for determining detergent concentration includes a fluid chamber to hold a wash fluid for washing articles, and an optical sensor optically coupled to the fluid chamber to determine a detergent concentration within the wash fluid based at least in part upon photometric properties of the wash fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for the dyeing of keratin fibers, for example, human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising at least one 3-amino pyrazolo-[1,5-a]-pyridine derivative or one of its addition salts and a method employing this derivative. The composition of the present disclosure makes it possible to obtain coloration in various shades that is powerful, chromatic, and aesthetic, with low selectivity and with good resistance to various aggressive factors to which the hair may be subjected, such as shampoos, the light, sweat and permanent shaping.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a direct dye as an agent for lightening keratin fibers, such as, for example, human keratin fibers, and/or as an agent for coloring the said fibers. The disclosure also relates to a composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least the direct dye. The disclosure also relates to a process for treating keratin fibers, including human keratin fibers, using the abovementioned composition, and also to a device comprising it. Finally, the disclosure relates to the use of the composition according to the disclosure as a coloring agent and/or as an optical lightening agent for the fibers.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for cleaning one or both side surfaces of a plastic card substrate prior to a processing operation occurring on the cleaned side surface. The cleaning mechanism is designed so that two cleaning rollers, one cleaning roller on a first cleaning station and one cleaning roller on a second cleaning station, are simultaneously cleaned by a single cleaning tape assembly.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush has a casing with a handle and a neck extending from the handle. A rotary drive shaft extends within the casing and comprises two radially opposed offset crank portions at a distal end of the neck. A tuft block is located at the distal end of the neck and is coupled with the two offset crank portions to cause a wobbling motion in the tuft block upon rotation of the shaft. An LED light source in the visible region of blue or red light is provided between rows of bristles for fighting bacteria and other oral conditions.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a body piercing includes an elongated applicator having a substantially rigid proximal end, a treatment to be applied to the applicator, and a grip through which the applicator proximal end extends. The grip is used to guide the applicator proximal end into one side of the body piercing and out the other side, and the proximal end of the applicator is pulled from the grip through the body piercing. As the applicator is pulled from the grip and through the body piercing, the treatment is applied to the applicator and then to the body piercing. The body piercing is thereby cleansed and treated. The applicator is packaged to remain sterile until use and the cleaning apparatus is easily carried about.

Abstract: A combination tool for cleaning the bristles of a paintbrush includes a plurality of wire strands arrayed on said base in rows and columns, at least one blunt-edged scraper blade arrayed on said base in transversely disposed relation to a longitudinal axis of the tool, and a plurality of comb teeth arrayed on said base between the handle and the wire strands and the at least one scraper blade. The tool performs three functions at one time so that the amount of time required to clean the bristles is one-third the time required to use all three tools separately. The tool increases productivity and reduces the number of paintbrushes that must be purchased in a given time period.

Abstract: The present invention is a kind of mop structure, wherein a barricading positioning device is installed on the main rod which would be used to work with several return stops that are implemented inside the traction part, the traction part can be moved or rotated on outside of the main rod. When the traction part is moving by the moving grip installed on the traction part, elastic barricading will be happening and the operation of winding dry will be convenient. At the bottom end of the main rod installs a connection base, a mop body is installed in-between the connection base and the connection part on one end of the traction part, a cable tie is used to tie up the mop body on the end of the traction part, the other end of the mop is installed on the connection base by a elastic connecting part which makes the installation of the mop body quick. A piece of push-tight part is provided in-between the main rod and the connection base, which is used to fix the connection base on one end of the main rod.

Abstract: The handle construction of the present invention includes a low durometer grip portion that provides comfort and an ergonomic benefit to the user. The handle includes a rigid core with a gel member received in a recessed seat. The gel member preferably has a durometer of 65 Shore 00 or less. A thin top finish layer, of elastomeric or polymer film, is optionally provided on the top of the gel member, such as in a thickness of less than 4 thousandths of an inch in thickness (<4 mil) to provide a durable and aesthetic surface. The combination of the molded low durometer gel member, with an otherwise rigid handle, allows for the creation of an overall handle that has areas that are more rigid along with areas that exhibit a very soft feel.

Abstract: The present invention includes a toothbrush having a handle attached to a head. The head may rotate positions relative to the handle to improve brushing of both teeth and tongue of a user.

Abstract: A toothbrush (1) including a handle (15) and a brushing head (2) with two brushing compartments (3, 4). The upper brushing compartment (3) is engageable by the teeth of the upper jaw and the lower brushing compartment (4) is simultaneously engageable by the teeth of the lower jaw. The handle of the invention can be pivotably mounted (16, 18) on an outer wall (17) of the brushing head.

Abstract: A brush includes a handle and a head having an array of bristles and a paddle with a plurality of apertures formed therein. The paddle and bristles may be formed of silicone.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting one or more paint rollers to the shaft of a paint roller frame. A mounting plate carries a pair of roller engaging members extending normal to the mounting plate on opposite ends thereof, each roller engaging member being formed to rollingly engage an end of a paint roller. A shaft engaging member is located between the pair of roller engaging members and has a shaft opening formed there through of a dimension, and arranged, to pivotally receive the shaft of a paint roller frame. In one embodiment, one or more mini-rollers, with internal roller bearings, are carried on shafts integral with and extending from opposing mounting brackets. In other embodiments, two or three standard paint rollers are carried on members that extend from opposing mounting brackets and are rotatable thereon.

Abstract: A pipe member is arranged along a wiper arm. A wiper blade has a lever rotatably coupled to the wiper arm and a blade rubber for wiping a surface to be wiped. A nozzle mechanism has an attachment member attached to the wiper arm, a nozzle member for supplying the washer liquid sent under pressure from the pipe member to the surface to be wiped, and an engaging portion provided in the nozzle member. The attachment member rotatably supports the nozzle member. The engaging portion engages with the wiper blade such that the nozzle member follows rotation of the wiper blade. Therefore, a vehicle wiper device facilitates replacement of the wiper blade, and allows washer liquid to be stably received by the surface to be wiped.

Abstract: Fixing device for two-part connectors for connecting electrical conductors, the device comprising a first bush (12) and a second bush (14) adapted to be mounted in respective bores in the two connector parts, the first and second bushes comprising complementary means for removably fixing the first bush to the second bush, including polarizer means (24, 26) for authorizing cooperation of the fixing means in only one predetermined angular position of the first and second bushes, the device being characterized in that the removable fixing means are quarter-turn fixing means (43, 44).

Abstract: A mobile robotic device includes a frame body having a receiving recession recessed inward therefrom and a guide pusher formed thereon and extending toward the receiving recession and having a bevel formed at its one side; a dust-collecting box detachably mounted in the receiving recession and having an opening formed at one side thereof and an indentation formed at the same side as the opening for receiving the guide pusher while the dust-collecting box is inserted into the receiving recession; and a sealing member pivotably mounted to the dust-collecting box to seal the opening. Accordingly, while the dust-collecting box is drawn from the receiving recession, the sealing member can seal the opening to prevent the dust from escaping from the dust-collecting box.

Abstract: A dust-collectable mobile robotic vacuum cleaner includes a base frame, a driving device mounted to the base frame, a control device mounted to the base frame and electrically connected with the driving device, a collision-detectable unit mounted to the base frame electrically connected with the control device, and a dust-collecting device mounted to the base frame. The dust-collecting device has dust-collecting box, a dust guider, a round brush, and a dust entrance formed at one side of the dust-collecting box. The dust guider is located at a lower edge of the dust entrance, having two opposite sides pivotably mounted to the dust-collecting box and lying against the ground at a predetermined angle respectively, for upward and downward pivoting movement. The round brush is rotatably located at a front end of the dust guider for sweeping dust particles.

Abstract: A steam cleaner includes a main body, a water supply system, a connecting member, a support member, a connector, a dust cleaner, and a cleaning unit. Thus, the steam cleaner provides washing, cleaning, dusting and recovery effects simultaneously, thereby enhancing the versatility of the steam cleaner. In addition, the push button is locked by the locking block, so that the water supply system is operated successively, thereby facilitating the user operating the steam cleaner. In addition, the liquid is filtered by the filter before entering the heater to prevent the metallic material contained in the liquid from being attached to the heater, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the steam cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a discharge flow path and a discharged-air filter optimally positioned to reduce noise. The vacuum cleaner includes a body, a dust collection unit positioned in the body to filter foreign matter, a blower fan unit including a blower fan and a motor to generate suction force, an air vent through which air drawn into the body is discharged, and a discharge flow path to guide the air discharged through a discharge port of the blower fan unit to the air vent. The discharge flow path comprises a space defined between the dust collection unit and the blower fan unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes both a main dust separation unit and a secondary dust separation unit. One of the dust separation units is provided on a main body of the vacuum cleaner, and the other dust separation unit is provided on a removable dust collection unit that is mountable on the main body.