Abstract: The present invention relates to a body support pillow made and contoured to promote side lying to reduce snoring and negate the consequences of sleep apnea and symptoms. It consists of a body support pillow with integrated, semi-rigid yet flexible support for a person's head, back, and legs while lying on their side thereby encouraging either left or right side position sleeping.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for vertically lifting an end of a horizontally disposed mattress which includes an elongated member being disposed beneath the mattress and movable by way of a handle which is disposed on and secured to one end of the elongated member between a resting position wherein the elongated member is disposed coplanar with a bottom surface of the mattress and a lifting position wherein the elongated member is disposed generally perpendicular to the bottom mattress surface for lifting the end of the mattress in the vertical direction. The handle is releaseably secured to the end of the end of the elongated member for ease of securing the handle to an opposed end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A multifunction container-piercing tool is provided. The tool includes a base and a piercing element having a pointed tip and a triangle base. The triangle base is attached to the front of the base. A hook is connected to the bottom of the base. The hook base extends from the bottom of the tool base and the catch faces toward the pointed tip. The distance between the catch and the base is about equal to the length of the piercing element. A handle extends from the back of the base, where the handle has at least one fork element. The fork element is disposed to leverage a mass of turf, such as a divot in a putting green. The hook pivots about a container bottom, and the piercing element provides an opening in a beverage can sidewall to enable rapid delivery of the contents when the pull-tab is lifted.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a template is useful for properly positioning at least one item having first and second rear-facing engagers at a desired location on the front of a carrier and is removable thereafter without disturbing the position of the at least one item.

Abstract: A stain removal system and method for use thereof is described. A stain removal system can utilize two primary components to remove stains from fabrics: a receiving component and a cleaning solution component. The receiving component comprises a means for producing a negative pressure (or pressure differential) relative to the second component which contains a cleaning solution. Once the components are properly positioned around a stain in a fabric, a pressure differential can be used to force a cleaning solution through the stained fabric. As the cleaning solution passes through, it acts upon the stain, breaking it down or otherwise effectively removing the stain. The used cleaning solution is then contained within the receiving component for later disposal.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling a laundry disentangling process are disclosed, which uses a laundry disentangle pattern capable of stepwise increasing the motor rpm simultaneously while adjusting the acceleration rate of the motor. The method of controlling the laundry disentangling process in the washing machine, which includes a rotation drum containing laundry and a motor rotating the rotation drum to disentangle tangled laundry, includes stepwise-increasing an rpm of the motor, and adjusting a stepwise-acceleration rate of the motor, and performing the laundry disentangling process.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are provided for accurately sensing an amount of laundry placed in the washing machine and setting a wash pattern accordingly. The washing machine includes a motor for being driven, in response to a user command, to rotate a drum holding laundry; a pulse sensor for sensing a pulse generated by the driven motor and outputting a voltage signal indicative of a width of the pulse; and a microcomputer for sensing an amount of laundry based on an integration value derived from the voltage signal output from the pulse sensor and on a revolution time period with respect to a reference value stored in the microcomputer. The control method includes steps of sensing a laundry amount according to a pulse generated when a motor is driven in response to a user command; and controlling a wash pattern according to the sensed laundry amount.

Abstract: A new and improved hair dye formula which is completely oleic acid free and has a high percentage water base including sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate along with a low percentage peroxide content for protecting consumers during the hair dye process.

Abstract: A lateral transmission casing for a self-propelled running swimming pool cleaner, comprises a housing, an input shaft provided with elements for removable coupling with a clutch shaft of the apparatus, at least an output shaft provided with elements for removable coupling with a running member of the apparatus, elements for transmitting the powering rotary movement between the input shaft and each output shaft, the housing bearing and guiding the shafts and the transmission elements. Detachable mounting elements enable the casing to be rigidly and removably fixed into a single-piece assembly on the side of the apparatus. The invention also concerns an apparatus equipped with such a casing, and its maintenance.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated continuously. A head assembly includes an elongated head housing having a head drive shaft and a brush head mounted thereon. The head assembly is adapted to be selectively coupled with the body assembly so that the body drive shaft is coupled with the head drive shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a pan cleaner, comprising a cleaning portion, a brush sweeping portion having a cleaning component and a driving portion; wherein the cleaning portion provides cleaning fluid for a pan, the cleaning component is contacted with an inner surface of the pan, so as to brush the inner surface of the pan, and the driving portion is connected to and drives the brush sweeping portion. The pan cleaner of the invention can effectively remove residues in a pan, and thus decreases labor intensity of a chef and increases hygiene quality.

Abstract: A paint brush handle assembly with a collection reservoir or drip cup formed as part of the handle contour with a plurality of brush bristles fixed within the handle. The collection reservoir located at the base of the brush bristles captures and collects the dripping paint, or other finishing liquids, and prevents the liquids from dripping onto the handle. The walls of the collection reservoir extend outward from the handle and surround the base of the brush bristles on all sides. The sides of the reservoir are rigid and formed as one part with the handle.

Abstract: A cleaning head for a cleaning utensil, comprising a base member, a connector associated with the base member for attachment to a handle, and at least one flexible support member extending from the base member. The at least one flexible support member and the base member together define a common support surface for a cleaning cover.

Abstract: A cleaning device is provided including a support body (1), which is connected to a cleaning sponge (2). The support body (1) has at least two needle-shaped projections (3.1, 3.2, . . . , 3.n) on the side facing the cleaning sponge (2), with these projections being arranged in only one common recess (4) of the cleaning sponge (2).

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a plurality of sensing capacitors are supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitors each having a different field and/or pattern. A sensing circuit outputs an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the capacitances of one or more of the sensing capacitors. In certain example embodiments, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) mountable in or on a vehicle window is provided. First and second sensing circuits are formed on opposing sides of the flexible PCB, with each said sensing circuit comprising a plurality of different fractal structures.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprises at least one wiper bearing (14) provided with a bearing housing (24). The wiper shaft (22) mounted in the bearing housing (24) can move a wiper arm to a first end (26). The inventive device also comprises an element (40) which axially supports the wiper shaft (22). According to said invention, the element (40) is embodied in the form of a bridging element.

Abstract: A securing device for a windscreen wiper connector is disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for windscreen wiper is disclosed. The connector comprises a seat body having two lateral sides extended outwardly to form a mounting section having a front end provided with an engaging section, and the rear end of the seat body having a T-shaped elongated rod, wherein the two lateral sides of the elongated rod are respectively mounted with a vertical engaging hook and the inner edge of the seat body is provided with symmetrical semi-circular fastening plate; and (b) a hood body which is conic shape provided with a fastening hole corresponding to the seat body engaging hook; thereby a windscreen connector is formed such that a securing device of a soft-frame windscreen wiper can be secured at the fastening plate and in installation, the wiper arm is inserted into the mounting section such that the engaging hook is engaging at the engaging section at the front end of the mounting section, and the hook body is secured to the fastening hole using the engaging hook.

Abstract: A windscreen-wiper blade with a longitudinal main orientation includes an element for linking the blade with a driving arm, a longitudinal support frame comprising two longitudinal sections, which is mounted under the linking element and comprises a top tubular body with a longitudinal main axis and bottom means for supporting a windscreen-wiper blade, and a structural element in the shape of a longitudinal blade, which is accommodated inside the tubular body of the support frame. The sections of the frame are arranged longitudinally as an extension of each other so that the inner longitudinal ends are butt-jointed and solidly attached to each other. The solid attachment of the ends of the longitudinal sections of the frame is provided by the linking element.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a “vehicle windshield wiper for rain and snow dual purpose”, which comprises a bow elastic strip, some clamping devices, a strip scraper receptacle, a sheath cover, a strip scraper, two end ferrule caps and a truss saddle; Wherein, the sheath cover and two end ferrule caps totally envelope the bow elastic strip, clamping devices and strip scraper receptacle so that the snow and icy particles are blocked and separated out unable to intrude or gather in any space thereof; Thereby, the dual function of rain wiper and snow wiper of present invention eliminates the boring action in swapping between rain wiper and snow wiper during interim of snow and non-snow seasons so that it not only saves the extra expense in buying snow wiper for the consuming vehicle drivers but also totally obsoletes the conventional arm-supported snow wiper so as to eliminate the pollution burden incurred by the mass waste conventional snow wipers; Thus, it really possesses double effect in economic bene

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighbouring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating wiper arm, with the special feature that at least one connecting piece comprises engaging members engaging around the longitudinal strips so that said strips are mounted in grooves formed by said engaging members, wherein said strips and said connecting piece are slidably connected by means of a snap connection.

Abstract: A wiper 1 for a machine tool which has two covers includes: a main body having an attachment part 4 to attach the wiper to a fixing cover and a tongue part 5 extended from the attachment part 4 in a tilted direction with respect to a sliding surface of the fixing cover L; and a metal plate 3 mounted on the tongue part 5, wherein the tongue part 5 is located along a substantially entire face of the metal plate 3 which faces to the sliding surface of the cover L, and a thin wall part 5a of a tip end of the tongue part 5 and a tip end of the metal plate 3 are brought into contact with the sliding surface of the cover L to cover a gap between the sliding surface of the cover L and the other cover.

Abstract: A handheld steam appliance emits steam under pressure from the nozzle of a handheld component to deliver steam under pressure from a nozzle in order to clean or to condition articles and surfaces. The steam is produced from water that is heated within a boiler chamber of the appliance. A liquid substance, such as a cleaning agent, is introduced from a separate chamber into a mixing chamber as the steam is also introduced, and mixed therewith so that the mixture can be emitted from the nozzle of the appliance.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a motor includes a central vacuum unit control module with a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, and a power stage for controlling the motor in accordance with command signals received through the receiver. The control module is stable in high ambient temperature. Current flowing to the motor is sensed, and motor overcurrent and undercurrent conditions are determined. The control module determines when the motor is in an overcurrent condition. Power stage has a triac for controlling power to the motor. The control module also has a microprocessor that compares the current sensed against a normal operating current to determine overcurrent condition. Power to motor ceases when overcurrent condition exists. A generator is powered by air flow in a cleaning system for production of electrical energy.

Abstract: A compact vacuum cleaning device for automatic cleaning of smooth and textile floor coverings, particularly in the private home sector, has a housing, a suction mouth on the underside of the housing, a cleaning roller disposed in a roller chamber, a dust collection container, a suction fan, an electrical travel drive, control electronics, and a power source. The device height of the vacuum cleaning device is less than 180 mm. The maximal suction air stream that enters through the suction mouth, passes through the dust collection container, and leaves the vacuum cleaning device through the suction fan, is greater than 15 l/s. The maximal suction power is greater than 10 W.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction nozzle (10) for a vacuum cleaner (1), comprising a suction head (12) having an elongated suction orifice that in a first position extends substantially transverse to a displacement direction (T) of the nozzle (10), support means (16) for supporting the nozzle (10) during its displacement, and a coupling body (15) for connecting the suction head (12) to the vacuum cleaner (1). The suction head (12) is rotatable around a first rotation axis (R1) into a position in which the elongated suction orifice extends substantially parallel to a displacement direction (T) of the suction nozzle (10). Upon and through a rotation of the suction head (12) into this position, the support means (16) are displaced from a position within a rotation range occupied by the suction head (12) during said rotation, to a position located outside the rotation range of the suction head (12). The invention furthermore relates to a vacuum cleaner provided with such a suction nozzle (10).

Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having an upper surface and an underneath surface in which at least on suction opening is formed. The underneath surface has opposing side edges each having a first part which lies adjacent the suction opening or openings and forms a sharply-defined edge with the upper surface and an upwardly curved second part which is located rearwardly of the suction opening or openings. This arrangement is advantageously used in vacuum cleaners or other cleaning appliances in which a ball-type support allows an increased level of steerability involving lateral movement of the cleaner head across the surface to be cleaned. The upwardly curved side edges of the underneath surface of the cleaner head reduce the amount of effort required to achieve the steering by presenting a smoothly curved surface to the carpet or other floor covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, a process and an apparatus for manufacturing a silentblock device having a silentblock (4), a seating (2), a shock absorber (3) and a casing (1) having first joining means (120) between the casing (1) and the seating (2) formed by a frusto-conical portion (121) in each end of the casing (1) and a conjugated frusto-conical portion (122) in each end of the seating (2) to clamp the seating (2) to the casing (1). The apparatus has: containment devices (100) for defining a cavity (110) between the surface to be over-injected and the containment devices (100); entrance devices (200) in the containment devices (100), so that the over-injection product can be introduced in the cavity (110).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gate stabilizer for reducing sag-inducing stress on a gate comprising a support member and a stabilizer assembly, said stabilizer assembly including a rotating member having a first end portion adapted to engage said support member and a fixed member. The present invention further relates to a fence system incorporating said gate stabilizer.

Abstract: A two-part protector for a pipe end provided with an external thread or internal thread has a substantially cylindrical thread part of plastic material that covers the thread of the pipe end and further has a sleeve of metal that is also substantially cylindrical and supports the threaded part rearwardly. The threaded part and the sleeve engage one another lockingly by locking projections and locking cutouts. The sleeve, with a terminal edge that is leading when realizing the locking action, is pressed at least near the locking recesses tightly against the threaded part.

Abstract: The invention is a hinge for a vehicle door that is movable between a closed and a fully open position relative to a vehicle body. The hinge includes a mounting bracket, operable to be secured to the vehicle body. At least one link is pivotally mounted along a fixed axis to the mounting bracket at a first end and operable to pivot a second end of the at least one link between a first and second position. A door bracket is operable to be secured to the vehicle door, and pivotally mounted along a movable axis to the second end of the at least one link. The vehicle door is constrained by the vehicle body from pivoting around the movable axis when the second end of the at least one link is in the first position, and is operable to pivot around the movable axis when the at least one link is in the second position. A latch is provided on the hinge, obviating the need for a separate door latch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal connecting piece (1) for connecting a shaft or handle provided with external screw thread to an implement, in which the metal connecting piece comprises a first part (2) that is at least partially provided with internal screw thread (4) for screwing in of the shaft or handle provided with external screw thread, the connecting piece being provided with a second part (3) having an internal diameter (D2) that is different from the internal diameter (D1) of the abovementioned first part (2) at least partially provided with internal screw thread (4), and said second part (3) being provided for enclosing the shaft or handle. This invention also relates to a method for producing such a metal connecting piece.

Abstract: A utensil comprising a shaft and an operative unit (101), the shaft having a first shaft member (102), where the operative unit (101) is attached, and a second shaft member (103) for being held by a user, the shaft members being joined by a pivotal connection. The assembly of the first shaft member (102) and the operative unit is configured to have a center of gravity, which is substantially directly below the pivotal connection (104), in a work position of the utensil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stop for doors and windows. Said stop consists of an elastic rubber body with a high friction coefficient, which has a thicker round region tapering to an adjacent narrow tip region. According to the invention, the narrow tip region is curved inwards and the width of the body is slightly larger than the distance between the perpendicular case of a window and its frame, the thickness of said body being proportioned in such a way that it can stand on its edge. A stop of this type is versatile for doors and windows and can hold windows at various open angles.

Abstract: A multipurpose supportable cover having improved portability and usability, the cover including a front cover 20, a filler page portion 30, and a rear cover 40 that are bound by a binder 10, wherein a first iron piece 21 is installed on a lower end of the front cover 20, the rear cover 40 includes a main rear cover 42, a first sub-rear cover 43, and a second sub-rear cover 44 that are partitioned by first and second folding lines 40a and 40b, and a magnet piece 41 to be attached to the first iron piece 21 is installed on a lower end of the second sub-rear cover 44.

Abstract: A leashed Personal Digital Device, comprises a personal digital appliance (PDA) (12) detachably connected to a leash. The leash includes at least one extendible member (13), detachably connected at one of its ends to the PDA, and, at the other end, clip for detachably connecting the leash to the user's clothing or other user-portable device (15). The length of the extendible member is selected to reduce the likelihood of damage to said PDA if it is dropped, but permitting the user to use the PDA while it is attached to the user. The leashed PDA also discourages theft of the PDA or loss due to leaving the PDA in a public area. To encourage use of the leashed PDA, the leash includes a decorative segment.

Abstract: A boutonniere attachment device comprises a backing member and a pin member. The pin member is attached to the backing member and extends from the backing member to a pointed terminal end. The backing member can be engaged with a non-exterior surface of a portion of a garment while a portion of the pin member that includes the pointed terminal end is positioned external to the garment, and while at least part of the portion of the pin member extends at least partially through the stem of a boutonniere in a manner such that a portion of the stem is biased against the exterior surface of the portion of the garment and such that the portion of the garment is biased between the portion of the stem and the backing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a napkin holder for easy use and easy carrying. A napkin holder comprises a neck band and the fixing holes are positioned at both end portions of the neck band to hold a napkin, a bib or a towel. The fixing holes may be formed in assorted sizes and various shapes to fix the. napkin, bib and towel, and the neck band may be formed using rubber material like silicone or plastics like soft PVC so that the napkin holder may be formed using elastic materials and used semi-permanently.

Abstract: A button hook fastener includes a longitudinally extending solid plate, sized to fit a clothing button hole of one half inch or less. The proximal end of the button fastener includes a three dimensional finger engaging stop portion, preferable spherical. This enables the user to hold the plate within two fingers, but the three dimensional stop prevents the plate from slipping through the two fingers of the user. In order to capture a button, an open hook at the distal end of the plate is wrapped around the threading holding the button to a shirt. To maintain stability, the forward end of the hook has a slight taper, so that it can be easily inserted within a typical shirt button hole of one half inch or less. Additionally, there is an angled guide leading from a recess to the longitudinally extending inner confines of the arcuate hook, to guide the thread holding the button to within the confines of the arcuate hook.

Abstract: Reinforced hoses and clamps generally include a shape memory alloy material configured to provide tangential forces to the generally circular hoses and clamps. The shape memory alloy can be in the form of a ring embedded within the hose or may be in operative communication with the clamp such that a phase change in the shape memory alloy upon thermal activation provides the tangential forces.

Abstract: A slide fastener slider comprising: a slider body; a pull tab holder body attached to the slider body in a cantilevered state with one end portion thereof fixed to a top face side of the slider body; an opening/closing member disposed slidably on the slider body so as to open and close a gap formed between an other end portion of the pull tab holder body and the upper blade; and an elastic member for urging the opening/closing member to a closing position of the gap, so that a pull tab is detachably held between the slider body and the pull tab holder body, the slider further comprising a fitting sliding structure in which the pull tab holder body is fitted to the slider body from a front or rear end thereof so as to be relatively slidable in a length direction of the slider body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concealed type slide fastener comprising a box, a box pin and an insert pin, wherein the box includes an insert pin insertion/removal space into/from which the box insertion/removal portion of the insert pin is inserted and removed, an engaged/disengaged portion with/from which an engaging/disengaging portion of the insert pin is engaged and disengaged, the insert pin insertion/removal space of the box and the engaged/disengaged portion are separated from each other through a partition wall, an end portion of the partition wall on the box pin side has a notch portion for guiding the side wall portion of the insert pin throughout an entire length, and tape folding end sides of the box insertion/removal portion and the engaging/disengaging portion of the insert pin are connected throughout at least the entire length of the engaging/disengaging portion by a side wall portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hook and loop connector piece, comprising a support band (10) with hooking elements (12) arranged on one side thereof and at least one cover strip (20), forming at least one free lateral edge region (21) extending over the corresponding lateral edge (33) of the support band (10), whereby the respective free lateral edge region (21) of the respective cover strip (20) may be folded over itself, along a fold line (29), running in the longitudinal direction such that the terminal edge (31) of the respective free lateral edge region (21) of the cover strip (20) is turned towards the corresponding lateral edge (33) of the support band (10), whereby, on the side of the hook and loop connector piece away from the hooking elements (12), a connector means (36) for a moulded foam is provided, said connector means (36) being embodied as a number of projecting separate rods (38) which perform the adhesion of the foam without additional projections.

Abstract: A lift plate for holding a window pane is disclosed which may include a clamp operable to grasp a window pane with a grasping force responsive to a force of insertion of the window pane into the clamp; and a reinforcement system operable to follow a movement of at least a portion of the clamp and to prevent retraction of the clamp from a grasping position with respect to the window pane.

Abstract: A fastening system for axial fastening of an elongated element with a snap-on fastener to a support, in which the snap-on fastener encloses the elongated element, has a retaining ring with an internal spring and can be inserted by means of a groove into the U-shaped recess in a support and in the fixed state, the retaining ring acts by means of a spring against the support, in order to counteract axial loosening of the snap-on fastener. A support with at least one deep groove relative to the surface of support around the U-shaped recess, a snap-on fastener with an internal spring, which can be adjusted in the direction toward groove, and whose retaining ring has a face, whose shape corresponds to the shape of the groove of the support.

Abstract: A carabiner comprising a body having an opening, a closure movably coupled to the body, the closure being movable to an open position, and to a closed position in which the opening is closed by the closure such that the body and the closure define a closed shape, and an actuator, coupled to the closure and operatively connected to the body, the actuator being configured to cause the closure to move to the closed position in response to loading of the carabiner, and to cause the closure to move from the closed position to the open position in response to unloading of the carabiner.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a first housing and a second housing removably connected to the first housing. Each of the first and second housings may include a main body connected to an outwardly bowed strap bar through outwardly angled lateral walls, such that a strap channel is formed between the main body, the outwardly bowed strap bar and the outwardly angled lateral walls. The strap bar may provide a strap clearance area between a strap secured to the strap bar and a body to which the buckle assembly is secured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ornamental shoelace accessory for decorating shoes and sneakers Ornaments and charms can be securely and removably attached to the shoelace tip while has been adapted to receive the removable and interchangeable charms and ornaments. The accessory device of the present invention enables the removable and interchangeable charms to be also added to a standard shoelace.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor having a solid electrolyte layer containing an electrically conductive polymer layer formed by electrolytic oxidative polymerization, comprising: forming a dielectric layer on a surface of an anode element containing a valve metal; forming an electrically conductive precoat layer on the dielectric layer; and performing electrolytic oxidative polymerization in an electrolytic polymerization solution containing a monomer, a dopant agent and a chelating agent to form the electrically conductive polymer layer on the electrically conductive precoat layer.