Abstract: A multi-purpose glove includes protective or shock absorbing padding over the pulleys and tendons of the boney prominences of the fingers and thumb between adjacent joints of the boney prominences or phalanxes. The center axis of rotation of the individual joints are provided with expandable material positioned to overlie specific finger and thumb joints thereby defining motion or flexion zones at these joints.

Abstract: Protective knee pads are comprised of a first shell member which fits over the patella and knee joint and a second member which is attached to the lower thigh and pivotally engaged with the knee pad shell so that they may articulate one with respect to the other while providing additional support and protection for the user of the knee pad. An additional shin pad may also be attached to the lower end of the shell which covers the knee.

Abstract: A protective garment conforming to NFPA standards is combined with a measuring scale, which is displayed along a portion of the protective garment, such a sleeve, body, or leg, so as to facilitate taking a measurement, while the protective garment is being worn by a person. In a preferred mode for carrying out this invention, the measuring scale facilitates taking a measurement, while the garment of the combination is being worn by each person in a series of persons, to facilitate tailoring a similar garment for each person in the series of persons. In an alternative mode for carrying out this invention, the measuring scale facilitates taking a measurement, while the garment of the combination is being worn by just one person, to facilitate tailoring the garment of the combination to fit such one person.

Abstract: A protective garment for a firefighter or for an emergency rescue worker is equipped with a drag harness and with a litter, which, when not deployed, is stored within a pocket of the garment and wherein the drag harness and the litter, when deployed, facilitate carrying a wearer. A back-covering portion of the protective garment has the pocket, which is located where the back-covering portion covers a lower region of the back of a wearer. The drag harness has two arm loops and a drag grip, which is attached to the arm loops and which extends outwardly through apertures in an upper region of the back-covering portion. The litter has two, flexible, longitudinal members, each of which is attached to one of the arm loops of the drag harness, and multiple, flexible, transverse members, which extend between the longitudinal members, outside the pocket, when the litter is deployed.

Abstract: A necktie defines one or more buttonholes near its narrow end. Such buttonholes enable the narrow end of the necktie to be buttoned to a button of the wearer's underlying shirt. A keeper behind the wide end of the tie maintains the narrow and wide ends in close proximity. By first passing the narrow end of the necktie through the keeper and then buttoning the narrow end of the tie to a shirt button, the narrow end effectively restrains the entire tie to the shirt. A buttonhole carrier strip with pre-formed buttonhole can be attached to the narrow end of the necktie as an alternative to forming the buttonhole directly through the narrow end.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a garment having an elongated crotch section combined with seam construction to provide comfort to the wearer. The garment may be boxer shorts comprising 6 pieces. There are two front pieces and two back pieces. The top portion of these pieces can form a waist band. Alternatively the waist band can be a separate sewn piece. The boxers also are constructed with a two piece center section in the design of the crotch of the boxer. The two piece crotch component is designed to be substantially without multiple seams that meet in the inseam of the crotch located in the groin area. The boxer is designed to only have seams that are placed on the sides and a single horizontal seam that connect the two pieces of the crotch portion. This enhances the wearer's comfort. The two piece crotch component also forms an elongated pouch to hold the male genitalia. Again, unlike many other styles of boxers, there is no junction of multiple seams at the groin or inseam of the boxer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a shock-resistant helmet shell (1) provided with a recess for a transparent visor (3) and a viewing panel (7), in particular a sun visor which is pivotally arranged on the internal surface of the shell (1) and movable from a resting position, wherein it leaves the transparent visor (3) to be free, to a final position in which it enters into a visor opening. Said viewing panel (7) is pivotally mounted with a minimum additional space since it is, movably mounted with at least one side end (8) in a guide (9) which form an arc-shaped section whose virtual pivot point (10) is located outside said side end (8) of the viewing panel (7) and at a certain distance behind thereof.

Abstract: A scuba diving mask comprising a rigid frame carrying at least one transparent lens, and a flexible skirt connected to the perimeter of the frame. The mask also comprises a strap for holding the mask against the user's head and a pair of buckles for adjusting the length of the strap connected to the lateral sides of the frame by means of brackets extending therefrom, the brackets being made of a flexible material.

Abstract: Swimming goggles includes lens units each made of transparent hard material, lens frame units each made of hard material and gasket units each made of soft and elastic material. Each of the gasket units is formed along an outer peripheral surface thereof with a convex rib.

Abstract: Garment (10) for sporting activity, in particular a suit for motorcyclists, which is made of breathable fabric in selected regions and comprises a protective shield (40). At least the bottom portion (44) of the shield is removably inserted underneath a layer (58) of puckered elastic material fixed to the breathable fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on a toilet that allows a user to move an element of the toilet without having to touch the element. The apparatus has a member with two ends, and a means to attach one end of the member to the toilet element such that pulling on the other end moves the toilet element. The member can be attached to the toilet element using a suction cup, an adhesive means, or a magnet. The elements which may be moved by using the apparatus include the toilet lid, toilet seat, and toilet tank lid. The apparatus may have a handle attached to the end where pulling force is applied, which can be constructed in a ring or a tubular shape. The apparatus can be constructed of materials making it inexpensive and portable or disposable. The apparatus can be threaded through a pulley structure, redirecting the force required to move the toilet element, making it easier to use.

Abstract: An automatic toilet flushing system, for use with conventional toilets, includes a sensor, an actuator and a flushing mechanism. The actuator has a gear train, a motor, a pivotal arm connected to the gear train, and a power source connected to the motor for rotating the shaft of the motor which rotates the gear train for pivotal movement of the arm. The flushing mechanism includes a flapper valve and the pivotal arm is connected to the flapper valve via a bead chain and a handle swivel or a tab mounted on the pivotal arm. The sensor may replace the flush handle or the flush handle and the sensor may both be provided. A kit and a method for converting a manual flushing system to the automatic toilet flushing system are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a bowl having an opening. The opening includes a plurality of movable members movable between a first position and a second position. The first position is a closed position in which the movable members are connected and support items in the bowl. The second position is an open position and allows a hand to enter the opening.

Abstract: An attachment device adapted to connect with a toilet flush handle is disclosed. The attachment device can be configured to provide additional locations for an individual to engage and actuate a toilet flush handle when flushing a toilet. Some embodiments of the attachment device can be configured to reduce the force necessary to actuate the flush handle as well as provide engagement locations at various heights. Embodiments of the attachment device can also be provided in a method for toilet training an individual.

Abstract: Disclosed are trap valve assemblies for controlling flow from a toilet bowl to a trap way. In one form there is a cartridge unit positionable immediately below a toilet bowl discharge outlet. It has a pivotable gate in a form of a spherical segment. The gate has an eccentric pivoting motion so that it can swing from an open position to a blocking/closing position in which it fully contacts a sealing gasket. The spherical segment has a leading edge which is approximately between +40° and ?40° from vertical when the gate is in an open position, to minimize the energy required to close the gate. In another form a ball and socket connection to the gate valve facilitates sealing.

Abstract: A fine-bubble generator capable of supplying a fluid mixed with a large quantity of fine bubbles into a fluid without causing an unnecessary liquid flow and turbulent flow in the objective fluid. A fine-bubble generator (11) is constructed by arranging two fine-bubble generating sections (12, 13) in a rectangular parallelepiped casing (11a) with spouts (28a, 28b) of the fine-bubble generating sections (12, 13) to face each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides cushioned basins for immersion of a user in comfort. In preferred embodiments, a substantially rigid basin is used to provide structural support and for bearing the weight of the basin contents. A cushioning layer is affixed to the rigid basin and is encapsulated by a tactile layer of material having one or a combination of properties such as flexibility, durability, waterproofness, and/or smooth, stippled, or woven texture. Methods for assembling a cushioned basin include steps for providing a structural support basin, permanently affixing a cushioning layer thereto, and encapsulating the cushioning layer within a tactile layer.

Abstract: A bathtub system is disclosed. The first bathtub has a plurality of side portions. The plurality of side portions of the first bathtub having a plurality of openings. A second bathtub is disposed underneath the first bathtub wherein the second bath tub overlaps the plurality of side portions of the first bath tub, where an opening space is defined between the second bath tub and the first bath tub. The plurality of side portions are configured to receive a plurality of liquids. The opening space between the second bath tub and the first bath tub includes a heating device. The heating device is configured to heat the plurality of liquids to transform the plurality of liquids into a gas. The gas is released through the plurality of openings in the plurality of side portions.

Abstract: A mist delivery system includes an enclosure having at least one misting nozzle coupled thereto. The enclosure includes a primary wall and a secondary wall, whereby an air channel is defined between the primary wall and the secondary wall. A controller directs misted air through the misting nozzle and further activates an air flow system such that misted air within the shower area flows through and is dried in the air channel.

Abstract: Described herein is a cap for securing the interlocking members of a bed frame with flush rail support surfaces which includes a main body portion; a connection member protruding from the main body portion; and a slot within the connection member sized to accept a portion of one of the interlocking members wherein the portion of the rail member is interlocked with another rail member. The cap may also include at least one piece protruding from the main body portion to support the shape and structure of the main body portion. Also described herein is a method for securing the interlocking members of a bed frame with interlocking members and flush rail support surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention includes bed linens and methods for making and using the same in which a unitary bed cover includes a fitted sheet comprising a head portion, a foot portion; a left side; and a right side, wherein the fitted sheet comprises an elastic along one or more of its edges; and a straight sheet attached to the fitted sheet, the straight sheet comprising a planar portion, two head portion corners and two foot portion corners, wherein the corners of the straight sheet foot portion are bias-binded at the intersection between the corners of the fitted sheet foot portion and the corners of the straight sheet foot portion and the seam along the foot portions of the fitted sheet and the straight sheet are not sewn together.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a medical procedure patient platform having a peripheral edge, a length of the peripheral edge having a substantially rigid male connecting member; and, an extension having a substantially and permanently rigid female connecting member, the female connecting member configured for rotational mating attachment with male connecting member. In a particular embodiment, the device further provides that the female connecting member is configured to maintain the extension in a horizontal arrangement upon attachment to the male connecting member. In another embodiment, the female connecting member is configured to attach to the patient platform at any location along the length of the peripheral edge.

Abstract: A head support bas unit enables enhanced capability for positioning the head of a patient at the end of a medical table, by incorporating into the handle assembly thereof an additional degree of freedom, namely rotatability along the longitudinal axis of the handle. More specifically, a pair of axially opposed, spring-biased ratchets are housed within the handle, to permit or prevent axial rotation of one end of the handle relative to the other. This enhanced flexibility an maneuverability is achieved without any added complexity, and without requiring any additional space. These advantages are further magnified if an additional like handle assembly is connected to the first handle assemble, with a link interconnected therebetween, because composite angles and off-axis positioning of the patient can be readily accommodated.

Abstract: A mattress has a perimeter rail having a head end, a foot end, and two sides, each having an inner surface, and at least two substantially parallel rectilinear sections. Each section comprises an array of springs whose tension is selected to provide a predetermined firmness for that section. Each adjacent pair of sections is urged into a spaced-apart relationship by a spacing means, where each spacing means comprises a flexible spacer. The flexible spacer restricts or substantially eliminates the translation of movements between the sections of the mattress, while avoiding the use of uncomfortable separation means.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine includes cyclically reading values detected by a sensor for detecting a weight of a washing assembly container of the washing machine. At least a last read value of the read values is stored. A rest position of the container is determined as long as the read values are below a predetermined tolerance level. The control unit is activated when a read value of the read values exceeds the predetermined tolerance level.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a composition for oxidative colouring hair based on oxidative dye precursors and coupling substances further comprises at least one branched fatty alcohol, at least one non-ionic emulsifier and at least one compound according to the formula wherein R1 is an saturated or unsaturated alkyl chain having 11 to 23 C atoms, R2 and R3 are the same of different an alkyl chain having 1 to 4 C atoms and n is a number between 1 and 4 and/or its salts.

Abstract: This relates generally to devices used in the removal of excess spray-applied insulation from building components, and more particularly to an improved rotary scrubber that is readily extendable for reaching areas of extended elevation. To facilitate the scrubbing of insulation from areas of extended elevation, one embodiment of the scrubber has an adjustable handle assembly connected to the housing. The adjustable handle assembly preferably comprises a receiver connected to the housing and an extension and a support handle adjustably connected with the receiver. The extension preferably defines an extension handle, with the support handle adjustably connected with the receiver forward of the extension handle when the extension is adjustably connected with the receiver. In other embodiments, the scrubber further comprises at least one extender optionally removably connectable between the scrubber's housing and the framework.

Abstract: A coupler is disclosed for coupling floor maintenance pads to a pad driven disc. The coupler has one part which is mounted to or from an integral part of the driver disc and a second part which snaps onto the first part for holding and centering a maintenance pad to a disc. A spring lock arrangement is provided for preventing the coupler from separating and comprises a spring clip carried by the retainer engageable with lip structure formed on an axially extending wall or flange forming part of the base part. The spring clip is held to the retainer by hub segments and axially spaced tabs which define slots for slidably receiving portions of the spring clip. The spring clips include a pair of elongate legs interconnected by a bridging segment on one end and a pair of finger engageable pressure pads on opposite ends by which the spring clip is squeezed to move corner segments carried by legs inwardly in order to disengage the lip structure thereby releasing the retainer from the base.

Abstract: An improved combination garbage disposal safety poker and scraper for scraping waste from eating ware and sinks and pushing such materials into the disposal unit so that such wastes are close as possible to the blades of the disposal. The safety poker/scraper has interchangeable tops which may consist of a cup-shaped drain and handle, an elastomeric cap and handle or simply an enlarged handle. The scraper portion is detachable and can be replaced when worn. The scraper portion is curved so that it can fit more easily into the garbage disposal unit.

Abstract: A cleaning implement includes a handle, a head, a first operative surface connected to the head, comprising bristles, a second operative surface connected to the head in opposing relation to the first operative head, the second operative surface being interchangeable among at least one cleaning element, and a swivel connected to the handle and the head. The swivel allows varied angular positioning of the head with respect to the handle. The head is rotatable to selectively position the first and second operative heads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing an oral care benefit by combining the use of an oral carc composition with an electric toothbrush having an electrically powered element disposed thereon. In particular methods are described for using an electric toothbrush comprising a light emitting element, with oral care compositions to provide tooth whitening and stain removal.

Abstract: A surface cleaning pad is provided comprising a pad body including a primary portion and a secondary portion contiguous with the primary portion. An attachment member is coupled to the primary portion of the pad body, whereby the attachment member is configured for releasable attachment to a primary surface of a cleaning implement. An attachment member is coupled to the secondary portion of the pad body, wherein the attachment member is configured for releasable attachment to a secondary surface of a cleaning implement. The primary portion and the secondary portion of the pad body are each configured to be independently positioned against a soiled surface.

Abstract: The Miracle Wand features a new household cleaning tool that provides convenience by combining a standard mop and broom into one product, converting from one to another takes only seconds by merely exchanging bases. The wand itself is structured to have a second wand incorporated within to extend to a comfortable length.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly positioned to clean the inside surface of an automotive vehicle windshield operative in conjunction with or separately from a second windshield wiper assembly positioned to clear the outside surface of the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: A wiper device for dome for cleaning a spherical clear dome window (2) arranged at the front of a housing comprises: a semi-circularly arced wiper arm (3) having rotatable structures on its both ends fitted to near the central axis of the spherical clear dome window (2) of the housing; a blow structure (17) for blowing a pressurized fluid formed inside of the wiper arm (3) which is arranged at a predetermined distance from a curved surface of the spherical clear dome window (2) without contacting with clear dome window; and a driving means for rotating the wiper arm (3) reciprocatingly as the pressurized fluid being introduced into the wiper arm from the one end of the wiper arm. As a result, the wiper device for dome can clean the spherical clear dome window arranged at the front of a housing for accommodating a TV camera, a video camera or the like installed in a building without damaging the spherical clear dome window.

Abstract: An infrared sensor at lower production cost for optimal massive production includes an infrared sensor unit disposed to the bottom of an automatic vacuum cleaner to measure the level of the ground to prevent the vacuum cleaner from turning overdue to any drop height created on the ground; a slide screen being disposed on the infrared sensor unit; and a small gateway to control the area for receiving energy of the infrared ray to precisely measure the drop height of the ground for the vacuum cleaner to automatically take turn whenever the drop height is detected to prevent a possible falling over.

Abstract: A portable extraction surface cleaner has a base housing, an upright handle pivotally mounted to the base housing, a liquid dispensing system including a cleaning fluid supply tank for holding a supply of cleaning liquid and removably mounted in a well in the base housing, a liquid recovery system that includes a recovery tank, a suction nozzle, a working air conduit extending between the recovery chamber and the suction nozzle and a vacuum source to draw soiled liquid from the suction nozzle into the recovery tank. The vacuum source is mounted in an enclosed chamber juxtaposed to the well. A detergent supply tank is removably mounted in a second well in the base.

Abstract: The disclosed mulcher has a base unit and a shredding blade in a removable assembly. Two different embodiments are disclosed. In both embodiments, shredded material is removed from air exiting the shredding blade before it reaches an exhaust port. In one embodiment, the material is removed by a filter. In the other embodiment, walls are arranged so that debris must double back against high-speed airflow leaving the shredding blade before exiting the unit. The shredding blade can be mounted in front of and on the same shaft as an air impeller, with the back surface of the shredding blade being supported by the impeller. In another embodiment, the air impeller and the shredding blade are carried in assemblies that are separable from each other and are each separately attachable to a base unit. A detachable power module and a detachable blower are also shown. The power module has a safety switch that disables the power module when it is removed.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having an intake opening. A handle assembly is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. In addition, the vacuum cleaner includes a flexible, electrified hose such as a stretch hose.

Abstract: A height adjusting apparatus of a suction body for use in an upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The apparatus adjusts a distance between a rotary brush and a surface to be cleaned, and includes a lifting unit pivotably disposed to the suction body, and an actuating unit disposed in a modularized state at the rear of the suction body, so that a portion thereof is exposed to the outside from the suction body, and lifting or lowering the lifting unit as the portion thereof is repeatedly pushed by a user.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge assembly for a vehicle closure is disclosed. The adjustable hinge assembly includes an adjustment pin received in a hinge pin and is adjustable to cause the closure to become flush with adjacent vehicle body structure. The adjustable hinge assembly may be employed with a deck lid of a vehicle to allow for a flushness adjustment of the deck lid relative to adjacent vehicle quarter panels.

Abstract: A handle for a cosmetic product applicator can include a body fitted with an attachment end piece. The body can be generally flattened in shape and delimited by two parallel surfaces corresponding to the gripping faces, and a rounded edge. Each gripping face may be formed by a concave surface on the side of the median plane located between the two parallel surfaces, the two concave surfaces may be substantially symmetric and each shaped to form an area acting as a finger support. The handle may be detachable from the applicator at the attachment end piece and easily used with a complete series of specific applicators.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a spinning preparation machine, especially a flat card, roller card or the like, a clothed, rapidly rotating roller is located opposite at least one component at a spacing. In order, by means that are simple and that save time, to make it possible to set a modified carding gap when components having different parameters (construction, properties) are replaced, the component has an electronic storage unit in which information relating to the nature of the component is arranged to be stored. A writing device for writing in the information and a reading device for reading out the information may be provided.

Abstract: Methods of producing a plurality of particle aggregates having a specified number of member particles are provided according to embodiments of the present invention. Specific methods include stimulating a plurality of particles with an aggregation stimulus to form a plurality of particle aggregates and then quenching the aggregation stimulus in order to inhibit further particle aggregation. An individual particle aggregate of the produced plurality of particle aggregates has member particles including at least a first member particle and a second member particle. Member particles of particle aggregates are optionally subjected to fusion to stabilize the particle aggregates. Produced particle aggregates having a specified number of member particles may be purified to enrich for particular aggregates.

Abstract: A bistable clip suitable for clipping sheaves of paper, made from sheet metal with at least one hole in its upper surface (3), which toggles between a stable open position (for putting papers in or taking papers out) and a stable closed position (for gripping the papers), and which comprises a spine (2) stiffened to some degree by the shaping of the material in the spine (2).

Abstract: A safety harness webbing strap (1) has a piece of elastomeric belt (2) stitched (3) to it at two points along its length. The position of the two stitching along the length of the strap is such that in the relaxed state of the strap, with not tension in either the strap or the belt, the later draws a bight or belly (4) into the strap. Two lengths (5,6) of sleeving are stitched into the same points (3). The elastomeric belt is threaded within the lengths of sleeving. These are of equal length and jointly extend for the full length of the elastomeric belt in its relaxed state. when the elastomeric belt is tensioned, it opens at the joint between the two lengths (5,6) and stretches to a length greater than the sleeving. Thus it becomes exposed to view between the lengths of sleeving, as shown in FIG. 2. The extent of stretching of the belt is limited by the distance along the strap between the stitching. Once the strap is straightened, the belt will stretch no more.

Abstract: An EA component and an attachment structure thereof capable of absorbing a positional error between a projection or the like on a side of a component such as a trim or the like, and a clip of the EA component. An EA component 1 is the one in which a clip 4 is integrally formed with an EA component body 3 formed from hard urethane foam via an elastically deformable component 20. The elastically deformable component 20 is provided with a hole 21 where a tubular portion 6 of a clip 4 made of hard synthetic resin is inserted, shallow and round concave portions 22 respectively provided in both end surfaces, and a slot 23.

Abstract: An innovative method involves facilitating, symbolically representing and displaying charitable tributes in memory of a deceased person at a funeral service. The method includes making and/or facilitating donation tributes to a charity or charities to honor a loved one, friend, acquaintance or other deceased person and having the donation acknowledged by a representative keepsake that is displayed at the time a funeral service is being held in honor of the deceased.

Abstract: A process of forming porous electrolytic electrode in which alternating layers of a valve metal and a ductile metal are combined to form a billet, and the billet mechanically reduced by exclusion and drawing prior to etching. One or more slots are formed in the billet prior to the mechanical reducing, and filled with the ductile metal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film device includes an amorphous metal film disposed on a substrate and a piezoelectric film disposed on the amorphous metal. One of crystal axis of the piezoelectric film is aligned in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the amorphous metal.