Abstract: A convertible body armor and carrying bag includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has body armor material incorporated therein. A pair of shoulder straps is provided, each having a first end secured to the first panel adjacent a first edge of the first panel, and a second end secured to the second panel adjacent a first edge of the second panel, with the shoulder straps spaced apart from each other by a space that corresponds to the distance between an adult human being's shoulders. A removable attachment mechanism removably attaches the peripheries of the panels in a manner such that the panels and the attachment mechanism together define an interior storage space when the attachment mechanism attaches the peripheries of the panels, and the panels can be worn as a body vest with the shoulder straps supported on an adult human being's shoulders when the attachment mechanism does not attach the peripheries of the panels. A weapon can be stored inside the interior storage space.

Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).

Abstract: A sport face mask is primarily a hollow face mask with a curved surface, made by extrusion wire-shape tubing along a length and width of the face mask, which can be worn on a user's face in association with a helmet or an elliptic pad. At least a part of the wire-shape tubing in the face mask is provided with a cross section in an elliptic or flat shape, and a long side of its cross section is perpendicular to the curved surface formed upon extrusion and assembling into the face mask. According to the aforementioned structure, in using the present invention, compressive and collision strengths of the face mask can be increased, a block to line of sight can be reduced, and a weight of the face mask product can be decreased.

Abstract: A clothing garment is constructed to include adjustable sections that allow for the convenient adjustment of length of sections of the garment so that the useful fitted lifetime of the outfit may be extended. Preferably the method of adjustment includes zippers, Velcro-type materials, buttons, snaps including metallic or plastic snaps, magnets, or any other mechanism that may be used to conveniently attach and detach sections of clothing from each other. The construction may be used on a wide variety of clothing articles, but is particularly useful for children's clothing.

Abstract: A garment allows a wearer to change clothes in privacy and can be comfortably worn for protection before, during, and after changing. The garment can include two layers of water-absorbent or water-wicking material separated by a water resistant layer. Alternatively, the garment can include an absorbent or wicking interior layer and a water resistant exterior layer. The garment can include a hood, sleeves, and two apertures that allow a wearer to reach underneath the garment to change clothes.

Abstract: A protective glove for a firefighter or for an emergency worker has an outer shell, an intermediate liner providing a moisture barrier, and an inner liner providing a thermal barrier. The outer shall has an inspection port, which is openable and closeable and which when opened enables portions of at least one of the liners to be visually inspected through the inspection port. The inspection port may be located along a margin of an open end of the protective glove or along a seam of the protective glove. Alternatively, the outer shell may have a flap, which is positionable between a position wherein the inspection port is closed by the flap and positions wherein the inspection port is opened. The protective glove has releasable fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, for releasably fastening portions of the protective glove to one another so as to close the inspection port.

Abstract: The skinning glove consists of a full-handed, durable glove with hook or claw-like components or serrated components located on the fingertips and thumb tip of the glove. These hooks, claws or serrated components help to hold or pull the skin away from the carcass of the animal or fish being skinned to provide easier processing of the meat. The skinning glove is easy and convenient to use and lightweight to carry. The skinning glove is designed to be used by the avid outdoors person, taxidermists and the meat processing industry.

Abstract: A head covering is formed having a full size hood portion coupled with a magnetic closure structure in the overlapping layers around the neck. The bottom of the head covering, located in the user's neck region, includes two extensions, one on each side of the hood portion. These extensions may be elongated so that they overlap and surround the user's neck. The two extensions are attached by a two-part magnetic closure. The fabric drape is such that the head covering keeps its shape. The magnets may be firmly set in place. This closure may be located off the center line of the hood which increases the ease of use and decreases the likelihood that the closure will open accidentally. The closure, extensions and drape may be designed so that the fastening is quick and easy, without the need for the user to look into a mirror, or be in the light, or use both hands. In another preferred embodiment the hood portion of the covering may be retracted to a position off the head without unfastening the closure.

Abstract: The present invention involves a hat with the ability to store a small item. The hat is preferably a standard baseball cap, but can also be a visor. The hat contains a sleeve therein for holding an item such as a pen, bottle opener, or golf tee. One end of the sleeve contains a retractable band for attachment to an item. The other end of the sleeve contains an opening for access to an item. The retractable band retains the item within the sleeve when the item is not being used. A wearer can reach into the sleeve, pull the item out of the sleeve, use the item, and then place it into the sleeve wherein the retractable band holds it in place while the hat is worn. The retractable band can have an attachment device on one end for the removable attachment of an accessory.

Abstract: Garments having an inside-out appearance are disclosed and are designed to be inside-out and fashionable. Unique fasteners, belt carriers and modifications of pockets make possible wearing a garment having an inside-out appearance. When a conventional garment is turned inside out many features such as belt carriers, zippers, and pockets become difficult or impossible to use when the garment is worn. Garments disclosed herein permit full use of features such as belt carriers, buttons, zippers, and pockets.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive mood stones or beads are incorporated into lingerie at positions that indicate sexual arousal to indicate by observation the state of arousal of the individual wearing the lingerie. In one embodiment, the mood beads are located adjacent the groin area for women's panties and at various erogenous zones of a brassiere, including cups and straps.

Abstract: A helmet which may be rapidly disassembled and removed from a wearer. A flexible cable may engage cable fastening elements located along a helmet split area, thereby forming the outer shell into an integral, rigid unit. When desired, the cable may be quickly withdrawn from the cable fastening elements so that the outer shell may be rapidly disassembled and removed from the wearer. Following disassembly, the helmet may be rapidly reassembled by reengagement with the cable fastening elements. Each end of the cable may be provided with a handle, to facilitate helmet disassembly whether the wearer of the helmet is lying substantially face-down or substantially face-up. A cable release mechanism may be provided to prevent unauthorized or undesired helmet disassembly during play, for example.

Abstract: A helmet (20) comprising a mechanism (28) to increase or decrease the internal volume thereof through the displacement of one or more portions (32) of the protective material (24) lining the helmet shell (22). The adjustment mechanism (28) is mounted on or adjacent the shell (22) of the helmet (20), from which project one or more connectors (30) which are operationally connected to the movable portions (32) of the protective material (24). When the adjustment mechanism (28) is activated, for example clockwise or counterclockwise, the connectors (30) are displaced, which causes the movable portions (32) of the protective material (24) to either be displaced away from the shell (22) of the helmet (20) or towards the shell (22) of the helmet (20) and thus allowing for a fine tuning of the fit of the helmet (20) on a player's head.

Abstract: A hockey helmet (20) comprising a front helmet portion (22) and a rear helmet portion (24) disposed to be moveable relative to each other so as to define an internal cavity of varying volume, a securing member (26) being mounted to a location on the front helmet portion (22) adjacent the temple thereof, the securing member (26) being slidable between a first or open position and a second or closed position, the rear helmet portion (24) having a restraint (28) configured and disposed to be complimentary to the securing member (26) such that when the securing member (26) cooperatively engages the restraint (28), the relative displacement of the front helmet portion (22) and the rear helmet portion (24) is inhibited. The restraint (28) comprises a number of positions in which the securing member (26) can be cooperatively engaged such that the volume of the helmet (20) may be modified.

Abstract: A facemask for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports integrates with traditional goggles by use of a temple-trough system that secures the goggle headband and places the goggle headband on top the facemask headband. Diffusing foam circumscribing voids at the cheek areas provides even ventilation and prevents over chilling of the cheeks. Foam at the perimeter of the mask and at the nose bridge area keep the mask off the user's mouth and nose tip. The design at the jaw region allows movement of the head and the use of a jacket collar or scarf. In an alternative embodiment, a bridge-flare system at the nose area allows the mask to conform to a wide variety of nose sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A protective device comprising a band part to be arranged on the wearer's head and a channel part arranged thereto and means for supplying air into the channel part and further through the end of the channel part to the wearer's facial area. The protective device further comprises a connecting part provided with two branch parts to be arranged at the end of the channel part, the ends of the branch parts being arranged to be connected to air supply means arranged in the mask part covering the wearer's mouth and nose.

Abstract: A drain clog removing apparatus. An apparatus for use with a plumbing drain includes a conduit, a drain isolation device for sealingly connecting the conduit to the drain, and at least one releasable connector for attaching and detaching a pressure source to the conduit. The apparatus may include multiple releasable connectors for use with corresponding multiple pressure sources. The apparatus is useful for removing liquids, as well as clogs, from drains.

Abstract: A mat or other object for attenuating reflective spray during use of a urinal comprises a urine impingement region that includes a plurality of upstanding, flexible bristles.

Abstract: Provided is a power saving device using a toilet seat cover of a bidet. The device includes: a toilet seat cover sensor for detecting whether the toilet seat cover is opened or closed and outputting an electrical signal corresponding the detected result; and a control means for controlling the toilet seat and the warm water to be at low temperatures on the basis of the detected result of the toilet seat cover sensor when a power saving mode is OFF and the bidet is not used. Therefore, it is possible to remarkably reduce power consumption of the bidet during a standby mode.

Abstract: A bidet having a function of automatically adjusting a human body detection distance includes a key part provided with a specific key for automatically adjusting a human body detection distance, a microcomputer outputting a control signal for adjusting the human body detection distance when a user inputs the specific key, an output varying means driven by the control signal from the microcomputer and a human body sensor for outputting a human body detection signal while sequentially increasing the human body detection distance from a minimum distance setting signal as the output varying means is driven, and detecting the signal reflected from the human body to store a distance setting output signal to an EEPROM.

Abstract: A swimming pool drain system is disclosed. The swimming pool drain system includes an open trough with an elongated inlet and two outlets wherein the inside of the trough is free from entrapment hazards. The swimming pool drain system prevents individuals from being entangled in the drain because of their hair, clothing, or body parts.

Abstract: An above-ground swimming pool including structural paneling defining a pool perimeter, a plurality of structural vertical posts regularly spaced apart along the pool perimeter and retaining the structural paneling, a structural ledge supported by the structural vertical posts and retaining the structural paneling at a top end thereof along the pool perimeter, and a plurality of decorative panels installed so as to substantially hide the structural paneling from view is addressed.

Abstract: A method of forming a pre-fabricated, integrally molded shower pan unit in which tile is installed at a manufacturing facility before shipment to the location where the shower is to be built. A backing sheet of fiberglass is bonded to the back of a sheet of granite or marble which is turned over and the face of the sheet of stone is scored or cut to form a panel with rows and columns of tiles secured together by the backing. A drain opening is formed in the panel, the panel is secured by adhesive to the floor of the shower pan, a drain pipe is installed and grooves in the panel are grouted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting, moving, aligning and lowering a toilet. The apparatus comprises a base frame having three sides, and a lift frame pivotally attached at a first end to the base frame. The apparatus further comprises a jack device, operatively attached to the lift frame, for selectively lifting and lowering the lift frame, and an arm pivotally attached to the lift frame. In one preferred embodiment, the jack device includes a jack cylinder, a piston concentrically disposed within the jack cylinder, and a U-shaped member. In the most preferred embodiment, the U-shaped member is attached at a first point to the piston, and wherein the U-shaped member is pivotally attached to the lift frame at a second point, so that as the piston extends from the jack cylinder, the lift frame is moved. A total of three (3) pivot point sets are included in the most preferred embodiment. Left and right side alignment tubes may also be included.

Abstract: 1. This new invention is a one size, stretch to fit, disposable scented or fragranced sanitation disposable paper cover device for use in restrooms, to cover the tops of toilets, urinals and lavatories that require maintenance. The disposable paper cover device referred to as “SANI-BONNET”, consists of a disposable scented paper fabric material, gathered on the underside towards the center by an expandable band of material such as elastic that is sewn-in or secured continually along the underside edge of the paper fabric material to form a smaller inner circular or oval opening than the whole of the paper fabric material, thereby drawing the edging of the disposable paper fabric material towards the center underside to allow the paper fabric like material to be stretched to a larger opening to fit over the tops of toilets, urinals and lavatories that require maintenance. a.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air bearing pallet comprising a network of tethers oriented and connected between the upper and bottom sheets of a plenum chamber, which cause a system of indentations to become formed in the bottom sheet when the plenum chamber is inflated. Perforations in the bottom sheet enable air to escape thereby generating an air film below the chamber within the predefined system of indentations. The size, shape, depth, bottom surface tension/stiffness, airflow through, quantity and location of the indentations can be varied in order to optimize lifting performance and efficiency and reduce system level losses over irregularities and gaps in the support surface.

Abstract: A fitted bed covering for a mattress is provided having pockets at either end, formed by elastic panels attached to the underside of the sheet. The fitted bed covering is installed on a mattress by inserting opposite ends of the mattress into the elastic pockets.

Abstract: Transportation and placement of elderly patients and patients with movement problems to a exam room and on a exam table is difficult and cumbersome. Many times patients need help to move to the exam room. The customary exam tables in the exam rooms have a higher height thus the patient has to move up one step and then to rotate for being able to sit on the exam table. Performing these movements, moving up and the rotation are difficult and time consuming when the person has neuro-muscular or arthritic problems. Many times a nurse or the doctor has to help the patient which has its own difficulties and make cause back pain of the staff members. The same case is true when a patient needs to be moved from a bed to a stretcher and again significant help is needed which needs a capable worker and may cause back problem in such health care providers. For this reason an easier method will be welcomed in solving this problem.

Abstract: At present, each person selects a pillow by differences of one's neck form, custom and preference. Hence, this rationale is completely inaccurate. It can be scientifically explained clearly that pillow selection for restful and restorative sleep can be basically identified accurately by observing occlusion (teeth model). This ground is based on the following three scientific facts. 1. The repose of the head and neck during ones sleep is a peculiar form that is controlled by physiological factors. 2. There is a cause and effect between ones pillow, ones repose, and ones occlusion. 3. The physiological factor is a postnatal condition acquired by the methods and contents, with conditions in breathing pattern, of how ones head was supported while breastfed during the first 90 days immediately after birth, of how and where pressure was applied at the head and neck, or how one was put to sleep.

Abstract: A changing pad includes a resilient support that has a generally flat base with a bottom surface. A peripheral wall extends upwardly of the base to form a region wherein an infant may be placed. A strap assembly includes a first and second strap portions, each of which having one end secured to the resilient support proximately to the first and second bottom side edges, respectively. Cooperative fastening elements releasably connect to other ends of the two strap portions. The locations of the connections of the strap portions to the bottom edges may be set back an inset distance to allow use with fitted coverings.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a mattress assembly supported on a frame, the mattress assembly including a coverlet configured to provide low-airloss therapy to a patient supported on the patient-support apparatus. The patient-support apparatus is articulable to a number of positions and includes a control network which is responsive to movement of portions of the frame to alter operational parameters of the frame and mattress assembly.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a template for determining the correct placement of one or more items at a desired location on a carrier includes at least one positioner capable of releasable, slideable engagement with at least one engager of at least one item.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of leather comprises the following process steps: (a) Application of at least one cationic or amphoteric aqueous treatment composition to leather by roll coating and/or roll application and/or spray application, and subsequently (b) treatment of the leather with an anionic leather treatment composition in a drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid bleaching composition comprising a hypohalite bleach, a cyclic hindered amine and a compound selected from the group consisting of bleach-unstable brighteners, bleach-unstable coloring-agents and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fibrous nonwoven by applying an aerodynamic process providing an improved throughput, a fibrous nonwoven produced according to said process, as well as a short fiber suitable for use in said method.

Abstract: A method for controlling the spin cycle in an automatic clothes washer. The clothes washer comprises an imperforate tub, a perforate basket located within the tub, a bearing assembly carried by the tub, a drive shaft rotationally supported in the bearing assembly and coupled to the basket to define a rotational axis of the basket, a drive assembly rotating the drive shaft, and a controller operably to the drive assembly, with the controller controlling the drive mechanism to control the spin rate of the basket according to a spin cycle. The method comprises sensing a moment acting on the bearing, and controlling the spin rate of the basket in response to the sensed moment.

Abstract: An apparatus for dyeing a cellulosic textile substrate with reduced indigo dye in a leuco-state in an inert atmosphere substantially isolated from oxidizing substances. A plurality of applicator faces that each apply a portion of the total dye application. The first foam applicator is spaced from the entrance of the chamber to allow air entrapped in the interstices of the substrate to escape. The applicators are spaced from each other to allow collapse of the foam and dispersion of the dye applied in the previous applicator before the substrate reaches the next applicator. Similarly, the exit is spaced from the last applicator to allow the foam to collapse and the dye to disperse prior to exiting the apparatus and entering the atmosphere in which oxidization of the dye occurs.

Abstract: The invention provides a shoe having conveniently interchangeable components, such as a vamp and an ankle strap constructed for releasable attachment to the periphery of a sole member with the same fasteners. The components are easily removed and exchanged to alter the appearance of the shoe, thus providing a wearer with a variety of styles and/or decorative appearances in a single pair of shoes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush with a neck piece and a brush body, comprising a head piece connected thereto, conventional bristles and at least one soft elastic cleaning element. According to the invention, the conventional bristles are mounted on a support element made from hard plastic. The above is connected to the brush body by means of a recess on the head piece which matches the support element. The at least one cleaning element is arranged on the head piece and directly connected to the brush body. The invention further relates to a method for production of such a toothbrush.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning a hollow vessel (6) that has a narrow neck at the top and below it a radially widened cavity, having a handle (1) and a cleaning head (2) that can be passed through the narrow neck of the hollow vessel (6), which head is provided with cleaning material and can be spread open in the interior of the cavity. In order for the cleaning head to be able to be better adapted to the contours of the hollow vessel in the case of such a device, and in order to achieve an improved cleaning effect, the invention proposes that the cleaning head (2) consists of an extensively rigid loop (3) of elastic material that extends in the insertion direction, which loop is covered with cleaning material and bends outward when it hits the bottom of the hollow vessel (6), and rests against the bottom and the walls of the hollow vessel (6) when doing so, adapting to their contour.

Abstract: The invention relates to cleaning devices adapted to sweep floors with an attached squeegee, and to methods of manufacturing such cleaning devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a squeegee blade may be molded out of a first material. Subsequently, a head member may be molded, out of a second material of greater hardness than the first material, to a first portion of the previously molded squeegee blade. Bristles and a handle may be attached to the head member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gum and teeth cleaning apparatus intended for use by an infant or young child. Specifically, said apparatus comprises an elongated handle portion, a neck portion, and head portion. Said head portion further comprises a plurality of bristles positioned in multiple directions surrounding the head portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush with a neck piece and a brush body, comprising a head piece connected thereto, conventional bristles and at least one soft elastic cleaning element. According to the invention, the conventional bristles are mounted on a support element made from hard plastic. The above is connected to the brush body by means of a recess on the head piece which matches the support element. The at least one cleaning element is arranged on the head piece and directly connected to the brush body. The invention further relates to a method for production of such a toothbrush.

Abstract: A paint roller frame has left and right bent wire connectors between the handle and the paint roller support to apply paint evenly to a surface and to more easily transfer paint from a paint tray to the paint roller. The right bent wire connector can be separated from the paint roller support and rotated until it is against the left paint roller support to facilitate painting in a corner with the paint roller.

Abstract: A quick release attachment for a power buffer having a rotatable spindle includes a buffing pad assembly and a quick release connector adapted to join the buffing pad assembly to the spindle. The buffing pad assembly includes a mounting plate and a buffing pad affixed to either side of the mounting plate. The mounting plate and the buffing pads each have respective aligned central apertures. The mounting plate aperture further comprises a circular ring disposed therein and has a pin extending diametrically across the aperture. The pin comprises a magnetically attractive material. The quick release connector has a main body adapted to fixedly engage the spindle. The connector further has a head end extending from the main body and having a circular cross-section sized to engage the circular ring. The head end further has a slot sized to engage the pin.

Abstract: A wiper for an automobile rear-view mirror includes a wiper transmission device installed at the rear side of a rear-view mirror. The wiper transmission device is composed of a transmission motor with its shaft fixed a worm extending upward. The worm is engaged with a worm gear having its shaft fixed thereon with a driven gear engaged with a driving gear that is provided with a sidewise driving rod having an outer rectangular end inserted through the surface of the rear-view mirror to be combined with a wiper unit. In using, the transmission motor is started to drive the wiper to wipe off rainwater on the rear-view mirror to enable a driver to clearly watch the images reflected in the rear-view mirror and drive with safety.

Abstract: A windshield wiper snow removal and deicing device raises a windshield wiper blade away from a windshield, upon which the blade is otherwise maintained in contacting engagement therewith by a wiper biasing spring connected to the wiper arm, such that the blade falls down and impacts the windshield to remove snow and ice accumulated thereon while wiping on the windshield. In a first embodiment, a motor connected to the arm rotates a flap connected thereto to raise the blade above the windshield. In a second embodiment, a cover for a casing attached to the windshield is raised into an idle deployment configuration for engaging the arm and raising the blade above the windshield. In a third embodiment, a body on the arm has a pivoting member to engage an engagement stop on the windshield, with the pivoting member pivoting into a vertical configuration to lift the blade off the windshield.

Abstract: A vehicle wiper blade and wiper blade assembly having a longitudinal stiffener mounted on the blade body at an offset angle from the central geometric plane of the blade edge, defined by the neck and wiping edge of the blade. When mounted in the presence of a wind stream flowing over the vehicular windshield, the protruding face surfaces of the stiffener function as an air dam to reduce lift-off effects, or as an airfoil to provide a supplemental pressure directing the wiper blade against the windshield. The proximity of the lower, forward edge of the blade to the windshield serves as an air dam. The upper trailing edge of the blade may be extended to serve as an airfoil. Torque about the wiping edge is avoided by directing the wiper arm pressing force in alignment with the central geometric plane of the blade, and preferably through the neck portion of the blade.

Abstract: A mop bucket includes a fluid reservoir portion and a wringing portion. The fluid reservoir portion can hold fluid. The wringing portion includes a first wringing member and a second wringing member, which is moveable toward the first wringing member to wring fluid from a mop. The wringing portion further includes a linkage configured to move the second wringing member in response to actuation of a wringer handle. The linkage includes a first link extending from and pivotable relative to the second wringing member and a second link connected to the first link and having an axis that is fixed at an angle relative to an axis of the wringer handle. The second wringing member can include an integrally formed shaft about which the second wringing member rotates. A first retaining surface of the first wringing member can engage the shaft to hold the shaft at a pivot axis.