Abstract: An oral hygiene device having two toothbrushes connected or connectable to the end of a handle, the one or more toothbrushes providing a desirable fit about the teeth and/or gums and/or providing a desirable brushing action. An oral hygiene device hereof may provide for mechanically providing the brushing movements of the professionally recommended manual tooth-brushing method known as the “Bass” or “Modified Bass” technique to thus reduce or eliminate the element of human error associated with the brushing of a user's teeth and gums.

Abstract: A cleaning attachment to water hose is provided comprising an outer shell having a dome-shaped base skirt including a connector member for tightening the flared top end of the neck section of the outer shell to the water hose in a sealing engagement, a main ball valve to permit passage of water and out of alignment therefrom to block the entire water stream; and a water chute with two extensions each extending approximately in parallel with the interior walls of the outer shell and in a first spiral form. A dome-shaped outer rotor with a number of fans and a bottom brush is rotationally positioned in the base skirt under the water chute for receiving the pressurized impacts of the water streams to activate the outer rotor in a first direction.

Abstract: A drain cleaner is disclosed for use with a drain assembly having a drain pipe, a flange coupled to the drain pipe and defining a drain inlet, and a pop-up assembly having an actuating arm disposed in the drain pipe. The drain cleaner includes a stopper head having a seal sized to engage the drain inlet and an inlet passage extending from an inlet port formed in a top surface of the stopper head to an outlet port formed in a bottom surface of the stopper head. A stopper guide has a proximal end coupled to the stopper head bottom surface and a distal end, the stopper guide distal end including a tail piece adapted to operatively engage the actuating arm of the pop-up assembly. A drain cleaning composition is supported below the stopper head bottom surface.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements. For ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably preformed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements.

Abstract: A roll sponge assembly for a scrubbing device includes a support having a support portion and a rotary shaft provided on two ends of the support portion, and a roll sponge having a hollow hole for holding the support by fitting the support portion of the support into the hollow hole. An outer diameter of the roll sponge assembly continuously or in stages increases in a lengthwise direction thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a hand-utility interface for use in protecting a user's hand during utility tasks. The interface comprises a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein, wherein each finger-receiving channel snugly receives a finger of said user's hand such that in use, the finger-receiving channels secure the interface to the user's hand. The foamed block body comprises at least two finger-channels of equal length for receipt of the second and third fingers of the user's hand respectively, thereby enabling its ready alternate use by either the left or right hand of the user.

Abstract: A modular paintbrush head and handle system using a plurality of lightweight ergonomic handles adjustably and detachably connected to a plurality of paintbrush heads. A complete array of brush sizes and types have standard connections that cooperate with connections on an array of handles. The connections create a pivot point such that the brush head may be pivoted about at least one axis for adjustment, and then fixedly held at the desired angle. One or more adapters can be disposed between the handle and brush head to increase the number of axes of rotation of the head in relation to the handle and thereby allowing for compound angles of the brush head relative to the handle.

Abstract: An audible footwear brush incorporates sound producing means, including an audio chip, a speaker, an electrical source, and an activation button. An audible footwear brush assembly comprises an audible footwear brush and a brush receptacle. The receptacle is mountable on a vehicle or other support surface. The brush receptacle is a channel shaped metal extrusion, preferably aluminum, with removable endplates. The extrusion is shaped to form a slot positioned above the lower surface of the extrusion, for insertion of the footwear brush. The extrusion may also provide an outer slot for insertion of a display panel. In use, an activation button is depressed upon pressure from a boot placed on the brush, causing playback of a pre-recorded sound until pressure is released.

Abstract: A foldable toothbrush can comprise an arm, a handle and a pivot. The arm can comprise a head with bristles. The arm can optionally include an engaging portion. The toothbrush can include a light generating mechanism with an activation portion. A method of using a toothbrush including the step of gripping the toothbrush. The method further including the step of engaging the light generating mechanism by rotating the arm relative to the handle causing the engaging portion to contact the activation portion. The method still further including the step of utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of a light beam is activated.

Abstract: A dust-cleaning apparatus for a tracking ball includes a cover, a seat body, a tracking ball, and a dust-cleaning textile. The tracking ball rolls inside the seat body that is combined with the cover. Furthermore, a partially spherical surface of the tracking ball is exposed out of the seat body. The dust-cleaning textile is disposed between the seat body and the cover and has a hole for the tracking ball to pass through and compactly contact the dust-cleaning textile. Due to the compact contacting with the tracking ball, the dust-cleaning textile prevents foreign matter from attaching on to the spherical surface of tracking ball or from entering the seat body. Moreover, foreign matter is isolated outside the seat body so that the tracking ball can be used normally.

Abstract: A quick-release paint roller having a roller cover that can be removed from a handle assembly without requiring the user to apply a force directly to the roller cover. The paint roller includes a tube-shaped roller cover having an outer surface of paint absorbing material and a rotatably mounted roller core. When the actuator is in the release position, the roller mounting device is free of the latching mechanism, thus permitting the roller core and roller cover to be removed from the handle assembly.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly is provided having a unitary wiper arm and post, and a mechanical linkage for receiving the post and moving the arm. The post has a breakaway feature for breaking the post in response to impact. The wiper includes a head partially containing a center post and a button biased with a spring and connected to the center post for releasing the post from the linkage. The post and linkage include a captive ball and mating groove that are mutually engageable for securing the post to the linkage. Alternately, the post has a quick-connect end having a groove and the linkage has a receiving portion with a retractable collar and captive ball bearings. A vehicle is also provided including a windshield, a windshield wiper having a post, a wiper motor, and a mechanical linkage having an opening for receiving the post and powering the wiper.

Abstract: A scrubber assembly (14) for a windshield wiper (10) having a wiper arm (12) includes a scrubber housing (22) attached to the wiper arm. The scrubber housing (22) has an interior volume (66) and at least one opening (58). A rod (68) is at least partially disposed in the interior volume (66) and is displaceable from a first position to a second position. A brush assembly (42) is attached to the rod (68) with at least one flexible connecting member (76) that extends through the at least one opening (58) to the brush assembly. When the rod (68) is in the first position, a first portion of the flexible connecting member (76) protrudes from the opening (58), and when the rod is displaced to the second position, a second portion of the flexible connecting member that is larger than the first portion protrudes from the opening.

Abstract: With a connection between a wiper arm of a windscreen wiper unit and a wiper blade arranged at one end of the wiper arm and arranged laterally from one side of the wiper arm, which is pushed with a bearing opening in a connecting piece on the wiper blade side axially onto a connecting stud on the wiper arm side projecting over the wiper arm side and is axially secured on the connecting stud by subsequent pivoting around the axis of the connecting stud by locking surfaces that clamp behind one another, one of the locking surfaces is formed on a locking element, which projects from a side of the connecting piece adjacent to the wiper arm and clamps behind a surface of the wiper arm adjacent to the connecting piece with the wiper blade secured axially to the wiper arm.

Abstract: The invention starts with a non-articulated wiper blade (10), which is constructed of a wiper strip (12) having a wiper lip (14), two spring rails (30, 32) and a connecting device (22), wherein the spring rails (30, 32) engage in lateral longitudinal grooves of the wiper strip (12) that are open towards the outside and are clasped by claw feet (28, 68, 76, 108) of a sheet metal claw (24, 64, 72, 106) of the connecting device (22) from an outer narrow side.

Abstract: A wringer has a support surface and a first wringer surface depending from the support surface to a second wringer surface having perforations and curving to a free edge substantially below the support surface. The second wringer surface may be curved in an approximately 180 degree arc. The first wringer surface may be flat and also perforated. The support surface may be formed as an inverted channel structure with a closed upper surface and an angled surface extending away from the first wringer surface. The angled surface may extend at an angle approximately 45 degrees. The wringer may be used with one or more buckets, where the wringer is supported from the rim of one bucket or from the adjacent rims of two buckets. A flat first wringer surface may be used to ring a flat mop, and the curved second wringer surface may be used to bring a round mop.

Abstract: An extension plate assembly for dumping debris into a dump box from a storage tank mounted on a trunk. The storage tank is fitted with a pusher plate that both compacts and pushes debris out of the back of the storage tank. The extension plate apparatus includes extension arms that are rotatably attached on one end to the pusher plate and rotatably attached on the other end to an extension plate. When the pusher plate is in its rearward most position, the extension arms extend beyond the edge of the storage tank. The extension plate assembly allows debris to be pushed out of the storage tank and distributed more evenly into a dump box.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.

Abstract: A surface treatment robot includes a chassis having forward and rear ends and a drive system carried by the chassis. The drive system includes right and left driven wheels and is configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface. The robot includes a vacuum assembly, a collection volume, a supply volume, an applicator, and a wetting element, each carried by the chassis. The wetting element engages the cleaning surface to distribute a cleaning liquid applied to the surface by the applicator. The wetting element distributes the cleaning liquid along at least a portion of the cleaning surface when the robot is driven in a forward direction. The wetting element is arranged substantially forward of a transverse axis defined by the right and left driven wheels, and the wetting element slidably supports at least about ten percent of the mass of the robot above the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.

Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.

Abstract: A new vacuum cleaner/bracket combination has a bracket that mates with an indented side on a vacuum cleaner or blower. The indented side has a downwardly-facing upper lip portion and a laterally-facing side lip portion. There is an upper groove portion behind the downwardly-facing upper lip portion, and a side groove portion behind the side lip portion. The bracket has an upper rim portion that is configured to fit within the upper groove portion on the indented side. A side rim portion on the bracket is positioned below the upper rim portion. It is configured to fit within the side groove portion on the indented side when the upper rim portion on the bracket fits within the upper groove portion.

Abstract: An external filter box for a surface maintenance machine having a hopper with selective communication being provided between the filter box and the hopper to permit dusty air to flow from the hopper to the filter box and to permit dust and debris captured by the filter box to flow into the hopper. In one example, the hopper includes a prefilter assembly which is coupled to an inlet of the filter box during a sweeping operation and which is removed away from the filter box during a hopper dump procedure.

Abstract: A filter box for a surface maintenance machine incorporating aspects of a fan housing. In one example, a filter box for a sweeping machine is provided with an impeller fan housing beneath a cylindrical filter. Operation of the impeller fan draws air from a debris hopper, through the cylindrical filter, and through an expansion chamber defined by a scroll conduit prior to outlet to atmosphere.

Abstract: Leading and trailing cylindrical brushes (14) are moved in an operation direction to sweep and wet scrub a floor In differing aspects, the trailing cylindrical brush (14) is rotated at a greater rotational speed than the leading cylindrical brush (14) to enhance sweeping ability and preferably in the order of 1500 RPMs to enhance polishing. The brushes (14) include spiraled, equally circumferentially spaced rows (R) of a multiplicity of equally spaced tufts (54). The tufts (54) of an adjacent trailing row (R) are indexed laterally from a leading row (R) by an index distance (T) less than one half of the distance (I) of the tufts (54) in the rows (R).

Abstract: The embodiment of this disclosure in one form is a plurality of tabs for the specific use of vacuuming hardwood, laminate, linoleum, marble, tile and other hard surface floors. The apparatus in one form is designed to fit and function in a universal vacuum head, on built-in or canister style vacuum cleaners. The tabs may be made of several materials, including felt, Teflon, and other fluorine-containing polymers.

Abstract: A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations is provided. The powered unit includes a blower tube, a barrier for preventing unintentional contact with moving parts in the powered unit, and a retention feature. The retention feature is located within the blower tube and the retention feature is configured for securing the barrier within the blower tube. The retention feature is included of an annular groove in the blower tube. The barrier is secured in the blower tube by a snap engagement with the retention feature. The barrier can also be deformed as it is inserted into the blower tube. The barrier then returns to its non-deformed shape when the barrier is secured in the retention feature in the blower tube.

Abstract: The invention consists of a caster comprises a yoke having a weight transferring tab and a wheel with groove for receiving the tab. Preferably, the yoke and wheel are made out of plastic, and in some embodiments two different types of plastic. A tab and groove helps transfer the weight of the load on the castor away from the arms of the yoke and onto the wheel. In a preferred embodiment the plastic wheel is molded so as to include a shaft on either side that snap into receiving holes in the yoke, thus avoiding the need for separate axel and rivets.

Abstract: A system for selectively locating a door within a frame may include a frame, a door selectively located within the frame and a hinge. The hinge has a frame attachment portion and a door attachment portion. The portions are pivotally connected to one another via a pin. The frame attachment portion and door attachment portion cooperate to cause an outside surface of the door to be flush with an outside surface of the frame when the door is substantially within the frame. The frame attachment portion has a roller flange extending substantially transverse to the frame attachment portion that selectively engages with a roller on the door attachment portion.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor has a load bar provided with a two-way hinge that extends longitudinally of the load bar and has leaves pivotal about transverse axes. A lower leaf of the hinge is secured to the load bar and an upper leaf is secured to a depending carrier that extends clear of the load bar and downwardly for connection to a product being conveyed. The hinge opens in one direction of rotation when an upward incline is encountered and opens in the opposite direction when a downward incline is encountered, thereby allowing the carrier to remain in a vertical orientation to minimize product swing and potential damage.

Abstract: A system for manually connecting decorated panels in a self-standing display. The panels have kerfs in the side edges and are decorated with photographic or graphic images that are sublimation printed on the panels. The panels are joined by inserting the leaves of hinges into the kerfs where they are held by friction fit. Hinges may be removed and additional panels added to augment the display.

Abstract: The invention provides a protective cover for application to a longitudinal door hinge comprising a cylindrical bore and two extensions for attaching to a door and door jamb, respectively, the protective cover comprising a cylindrical portion having an inner diameter dimensioned to closely fit the outer surface of the hinge bore, the cylindrical portion having a longitudinal opening at least as long as the hinge bore and narrower in width than the width of the hinge bore, where the protective cover is produced of molded flexible material, and where the cylindrical portion can be flexibly manipulated to expand the size of the longitudinal opening to fit over the bore for removable attachment of the protective cover to the hinge.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first mounting part defining first and second ends, a second mounting part defining third and fourth ends, a first articulated lever defining fifth and sixth ends, a second articulated lever defining seventh and eighth ends, a third articulated lever defining ninth and tenth ends, and a fourth articulated lever defining eleventh and twelfth ends. The fifth end pivotally connects between the first end and the second end. The sixth end pivotally connects to the tenth end. The ninth end pivotally connects to the fourth end. The third end pivotally connects to the eleventh end. The second end pivotally connects to the seventh end. The eighth end pivotally connects between the ninth end and the tenth end. The twelfth end pivotally connects between the seventh end and the eighth end. A protective plate covers at least a portion of the plates and levers.

Abstract: A dual swing hinge structure includes two fixed base frames each having a receiving groove and a pivot hole extending across the receiving groove, a first bracket, which has two coupling arms respectively inserted into the receiving grooves of the base frame and pivotally coupled to the pivot holes of the base frames with pivot pins and a mounting plate fastened to a first movable member, a second bracket, which has two coupling arms respectively pivotally coupled to the pivot pins that pivotally secure the first bracket to the base frames and a mounting plate fastened to a second movable member, and two first retaining members and two second retaining members respectively affixed to the coupling arms of the first bracket and the coupling arms, of the second bracket and respectively coupled to the pivot pins for imparting a different torque force to the pivot pins such that the first bracket is immovable when the second bracket is biased relative to the base frames, and the second bracket is moved with the fi

Abstract: A compact and aesthetically-pleasing self-closing door hinge comprises a gravity-assist feature and preferably a spring-assist feature, wherein the spring may be easily adjustable, replaceable, and even left out of the hinge. The preferred embodiment is reversible for easily changing from a right-opening to a left-opening door, and the hinge lift-off capability, wherein the door and the blade connecting the door to the hinge body may be lifted up off the body of the hinge without any significant disassembly of the hinge. The spring is preferably placed around the gravity-assist cams of the hinge, rather than above or below the cams, which arrangement significantly reduces the overall height of the hinge with only slightly increased diameter of the hinge main body. The preferred hinge has no bolts or other fasteners visible or protruding out from the main housing of the hinge, and the preferred hinge has no exposed spring sleeve.

Abstract: An hinge device with fulcrum at variable position for a door (2) of a structure (3) is provided with connecting members, first (4) and second (5), mutually connected and respectively fit to be fixed to the door (2) and to the structure (3) for rotating the door between the extreme closing (C) and the extreme opening (A) in which the door (2), in an operating condition of the structure, is respectively almost vertical and approximately horizontally orientated. The second connecting member (5) has a first fixed pivot (6) and a second fixed pivot (7) for the rotating connection respectively with a first balancing mean (8) and a second balancing mean (9) mutually bound. The end opposite to the first fixed pivot (6) of the first balancing mean (8) is connected by means of a first mobile pivot (10) to an end of the first arm mean (11) having the remaining end connected to the first connecting member (4) by means of a second mobile pivot (12).

Abstract: Furniture hinge with alternative damping and/or braking device with respect to those existing and able to guarantee a better functional efficiency during closing and opening operation of the doors, or other parts of furniture, even after long periods of inactivity of the same device. The better efficiency of such hinge is also obtained by increasing the friction surfaces with a viscous means present in suitable areas of the hinge and by allowing the regulation of the angular velocity trend of a circular shaped element, for example a disk, that acts as a braking element in contact with the viscous means.

Abstract: A rotating caster used in children's furniture represented by a solution allowing the utilization of a rotating caster very different from those frequently used in the state of the technique, and such differentiation may be translated by the fact that this device presents an organic shaped main body containing no bumps, especially those punctiform shaped, assuring the children's integrity in case of parts of their bodies colliding with the exposed faces of this type of device; also, this condition further collaborates by assuring a higher concentration power of the child towards the furniture. Furthermore, in order to assure a longer interaction of the child with the caster, the latter presents in its front part the installation of interchangeable elements, which may present all sorts of organic shapes, as long as they do not contain shoulders.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for use with a door, in particular, an aircraft door, that enables the door to remain substantially parallel to the fuselage of the aircraft when the door is open and closed. The hinge assembly includes a door support assembly that couples to the door, and a hinge arm assembly. The hinge arm assembly includes a first gear assembly that couples to the fuselage, a second gear assembly that couples the hinge arm assembly to the door support assembly, and a linkage assembly coupled to the first and second gear assemblies. The first and second gear assemblies and linkage assembly cooperate to move the door support assembly and hinge arm assembly with respect to each other to maintain the door substantially parallel to the aircraft when moving the door toward an open position.

Abstract: Locking mechanisms for releasably connecting handle extensions to tool handles having either compatible lock engaging end portions or standard internally threaded sockets include an adaptor mounted on an outboard end of a handle extension, the adaptor including an extension pole tip with circumferentially spaced thread segments axially insertable into tool handle sockets having compatible lock engaging end portions and threadably connectable to tool handles having standard internally threaded sockets. Means are provided for preventing relative rotation between the adaptor and tool handles having compatible lock engaging end portions when the extension pole tip is fully inserted into the tool handle sockets and for preventing inadvertent pull out of the extension pole tip from the tool handle sockets.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle (22) used to carry loaded plastic grocery bags and baskets more comfortably, and providing a way to hold all of the bag handles together. The handle (22) comprises: a rigid inner tubular structure (30), a soft outer foam casing (60), a connector (80), a clip (90), and elastic band (140), and possibly a key ring (150). Tube (30) provides support for the hand, access of bag handles to a confined storage space in handle (22), a guiding mechanism, a locking mechanism, and an aperture to attach handle (22) to other objects. The ergonomically shaped foam casing (60) that surrounds tube (30) provides cushioning and helps the handle conform to different sized hands. Connector (80) provides an easy way to attach handle (22) to clip (90). Clip (90) provides a quick and easy way to attach handle (22) to key ring (150)—to keep the handle accessible and visible. Elastic band (140) provides a way to close the wide mouth of plastic bags (to keep the contents inside).

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a pacifier within reach of a mouth of a child is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cord connected at both ends to a garment, wherein a first end of the cord is detachably coupled to the garment so as to allow the insertion of the cord into a pacifier ring when the first end of the cord is detached from the garment. The cord may be positioned horizontally across a chest area of the child's garment, such that a midpoint of the cord is located substantially on a midpoint of the garment. Further, the cord may be an elastic cord covered in an inelastic fabric. Also, the first end of the cord may be a piece of hook and loop fabric for coupling with a hook and loop fabric on the garment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a securing strap adapted for use independently or in combination with one or more similar straps, the or each securing strap including a head portion and a shank portion. The head portion includes first and second arrowhead shaped portions, each arrowhead shaped portion having a neck portion and positioned in a head to tail relationship. The shank portion includes first and second slots. The neck portion of the first arrowhead portion being adapted to engage the first slot, and the neck portion of the second arrowhead portion being adapted to engage the second slot.

Abstract: An apparatus that pairs socks, and that comprises an elastic cord, a sleeve made of satin fabric, a spring clip, and a means of joining or tying the ends of the cord. The elastic cord is inserted into the satin sleeve, and the two ends of the elastic cord are inserted through the spring clip. Finally, the ends of the elastic cord are tied together using the joining means. The apparatus is used to pair socks together during laundering, drying, hanging, and storing, and thus saves time wasted matching the pairs of socks.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a non-metallic mouldable belt guide; a non-metallic mouldable belt retainer; and a non-metallic mouldable hinge pin that fastens the belt retainer to the belt guide.

Abstract: A docking seal system has a first flexible enclosure with a first coupling seal and a second flexible enclosure with a second coupling seal. Each of the coupling seals has first and second sealing strips. A first zip slide is engageable with the first and second sealing strips of the first coupling seal and a second zip slide is engageable with the first and second sealing strips of the second coupling seal so that the respective first and second coupling seals can be opened and closed. The first and second zip slides are each combined with a respective portion of a coupling slide to form respective combined slides. When the combined slides are combined together, the respective portions of the coupling slides mate together to form the coupling slide, the coupling slide engaging or disengaging the first and second coupling seals so as to dock or separate the first and second flexible enclosures from one another.

Abstract: A device for connecting a carrier part and an add-on piece. The device includes a receiving part (1), an anchoring part (3) and a connecting part (2). The connecting part can be connected to the receiving part (1) and the anchoring part (3). The connecting part (2) is provided with two flange disks (13, 14) that are connected to each other via an interpiece. The receiving part (1) is configured with a plurality of arms (19) that bend away from the direct connecting line between an inner receiving element (21) serving to receive the interpiece, and an outer fixing region. The flange disks (13, 14) clasp, edgewise, a plate-shaped region (16) in which the outer fixing region of the arms (19) is disposed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and related apparatus for tightening or loosening a belt. Some illustrative embodiments include a method and apparatus for tightening or loosening a belt used in e.g., power-lifting, to provide adequate leverage in tightening or loosening the belt to prevent injury comprising using the apparatus (constructed with a rigid material) to attach to the belt and allowing for appropriate tension to be applied to fasten and unfasten the belt at the desired tightness.

Abstract: Apparatus (4) for removing a sealing plug from a bore (11), which sealing plug comprises an outer sleeve (13) and an inner stem (14) retained within the outer sleeve, the removal taking place after a suitable hole has been drilled part of the way into the stem, which removal apparatus (4) comprises a tapered punch (15) for forcible insertion into the hole in the stem (14) thereby to create an interference fit between the punch (15) and the stem (14) and thereafter driving the stem (14) out of the sleeve (13) whilst also retaining the stem (14) on the punch (15) by virtue of the interference fit, and sleeve-engaging means (16) engagable with the sleeve (13) after the punch (15) has removed the stem (14) from the sleeve (13), the sleeve-engaging means (16) and the punch (15) being thereafter removable from the bore thereby to remove both the sleeve (13) and the stem (14) from the bore whilst the sleeve (13) and the stem (14) are both retained on the appropriate parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process wherein a rotary knife or die, with one or more cutting edges, turns against and in coordination with a corresponding cylinder to create preferably trapezoidal ears. Ear material is slit into two lanes, one for a left side of a diaper and the other for a right side of a diaper. Fastening tapes are applied to both the right and the left ear webs. The ear material is then die cut with a nested pattern on a synchronized vacuum anvil. The resulting discrete ear pieces however, due to the trapezoidal pattern of the ears, alternate between a correct orientation and an incorrect (reversed) orientation. The reversed ear is required to be rotated 180° into the correct orientation such that the ears and associated tape present a left ear and a right ear on the diaper.