Abstract: An article of manufacture for a hat and eye shield comprised of a hat, a bill attached to the front of the hat having a plurality of vertical openings extending vertically through the distal edge of the bill furthest from the hat, a lens with a plurality of pins extending vertically up from its top surface, the pins on the lens inserted into the vertical openings through the distal edge of the bill furthest from the hat, and the pins on the lens anchored to the vertical openings in the bill by an extrusion means.

Abstract: Garments and garment parts having soil and stain resistant and/or release properties, and methods for producing the same. An interlining of a garment is treated with a stain-resistant and/or stain-release coating and is located between two layers of the garment fabric. The interlining effectively repels soil and stains so that they are not trapped between the layers of the collar. The interlining also allows any soil and stains that do get absorbed by the interlining to be easily released when the garment is washed, thereby preventing “ring around the collar” (as well as stains in other areas) from forming on the garment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a badge which is provided for being attached to clothing (1; 18). The badge (13) comprises a second fastener member (8) adapted to be snap-fitted onto a complementary first fastener member (2) 10 on a piece of clothing (1; 18). Preferably, the second fastener member (8) is composed of a top part (17; 28) and a bottom part (15; 29) engaging the top part with part of the badge (13) sandwiched in between them, such that the second fastener member (8) is firmly fixed on the badge. The invention further relates to a piece of clothing comprising a basic part (1, 15 18), adapted to be worn in itself, and at least one additional part (3-7, 13) which is removably attachable to the basic part (1, 18) by means of snap fasteners. The snap fasteners comprise a plurality of first fastener members (2) which are provided on the basic part (1, 18) in a decorative pattern at regular distances from each other and at least one 20 complementary second fastener member (8) on the additional part (3-7, 13).

Abstract: A blanket sleeve comprise of a small toddlers security blanket and/or baby blanket with a sleeve through it so that it may be carried or worn by a child. The blanket sleeve maintains an access point with sleeve so the blanket can be attached to the child allowing the Childs hands free for other tasks. The device keeps the blanket close to the child at all times and makes it much less likely to be lost of damaged. A baby's security blanket comprising a baby blanket approximately 30?.times.40? and a sleeve manufactured within the body of the blanket.

Abstract: Aerogel composite materials having a lofty fibrous batting reinforcement preferably in combination with one or both of individual short randomly oriented microfibers and conductive layers exhibit improved performance in one or all of flexibility, drape, durability, resistance to sintering, x-y thermal conductivity, x-y electrical conductivity, RFI-EMI attenuation, and/or burn-through resistance.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for manufacturing an article of clothing with a permanently embedded protective covering over at least one predetermined portion of the clothing that can be worn by infants, children and adults. The protective covering is made from a thermoplastic material that is applied to and thermally bonds or co-mingles with the outermost fabric fibers of the clothing article creating a permanently embedded protective covering that retains the same flexibility as the underlying fabric of the clothing article. The protective covering can be positioned across the top front portion of the clothing article and extend downward to a lower portion of the front of the clothing article creating an easy to clean particle and dirt resistant covering for the clothing article.

Abstract: A hunting and sporting garment includes a means of concealing a user's face comprising a hood, a face covering, means for attaching the face covering and the hood so as to form the concealing means, and means for storage of the face covering. The garment further includes a lower portion having a crotch opening between the leg portions thereof, extending from the waist in the front of the lower portion to the waist in the back of the lower portion wherein the crotch opening is capable of being closed by a closure means.

Abstract: A glove that can be used as a conventional glove, or, alternatively, if the glove is to be used for special purposes, can be modified to include shaped articles comprising yieldably deformable, shaped-inserts of different configuration constructed from foamed cushion material having a memory. These shaped articles can be selectively inserted into strategically located, internal pockets formed internally and externally of the glove. When the shaped-inserts are in position within the pockets of the glove, they provide protection to the hand, provide superior tactile perception and also tend to substantially replicate the surface features exhibited by the device being gripped by the user.

Abstract: A stretchable bottom garment is provided including a faux fly having an outer flap extending over an inner flap, where the inner flap is connected to the outer flap defining a connection. A tack including a first portion and a second portion also connects the inner flap to the outer flap. A waist band is provided above the fly and has two end portions. At least a fastener releasably fastens one end portion of the waist band to the other.

Abstract: A pocket structure for a garment comprising an external covering element. The external covering element may be sewn to the garment and may form an opening of the pocket structure. The pocket structure may further comprise an elastic band. The elastic band may be sewn at a corner of the opening and between a side of the external covering element and the garment.

Abstract: A headband cushioning apparatus of a soft and resilient material having a hollow body with an aperture at one end of hollow body and an enclosure on another end of said hollow body, where pressure exists from contact of a headband behind the ears of a wearer by sliding over the distal end of a device and secured by pressure against the head of a wearer, for all types of headbands and other devices such as eyeglasses, and method of use by inserting the tips of a headband into the aperture of the cushioning device before wearing the headband.

Abstract: A stretchable belt (1) provided for medical purposes for use on the body of a patient has at least one sensor (8) for detecting at least one parameter of the patient's body. An adaptation to different body sizes and motions of the patient is provided without separate length adjusting members being necessary or without the need to stock different belt sizes. Furthermore, the belt is able to be manufactured at a low cost and makes possible simple and reliable handling, even for patients. The belt material (1) has at least one material area (2) with a lower spring rate in the longitudinal extension than at least one material area (3) with a higher spring rate of the belt (1).

Abstract: A safety helmet with molded and imbedded LED in its shell, designed and arranged in a manner to provide visual recognition and/or identification of the wearer in an unsafe, hazardous or hostile environment. The helmet is intended for recreational (i.e., cyclist, hikers, cave explorers, etc), professional (i.e., firefighters, special police operations, underground infrastructure tasks, etc.) and military operations. The LED safety lighting system may be powered by either AA, AAA, LR2032, 9-Volt, or any other electrochemical device, i.e., dry cell or lithium-ion battery combination, mounted within or without the helmet shell; and may be manually and/or automatically activated.

Abstract: A head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and securely position one or more devices. The head worn apparatus is made of an inelastic and rigid material that provides for secure positioning of one or more attached devices, and further provides for improved comfort with respect to increased air ventilation along the outer surface of the head of the wearer, and with respect to increased flexibility at particular locations of the apparatus along the contour of the head of the wearer. The improved air ventilation and flexibility are provided by voids that are configured to occupy a substantial area of portions of the apparatus, as it is worn along the outer surface of the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A head and neck support device for a user of a vehicle with a safety harness over the shoulders of the user and a helmet on a head of the user is provided having a collar and a plurality of tethers. The helmet is configured to interact with the collar or the shoulder of the user to limit rotation of the head of the user. Lateral motions and associated forces on the user's head and spine are reduced by the transfer of associated forces to the user's body through the plurality of tethers and the interaction between the helmet and the collar or shoulder of the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a protective head gear comprising a helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer, a face protector covering at least a portion of the face of the wearer, and an adapter comprising an elongate cross member for securing the face protector to the helmet along the brim. There is also disclosed an adapter for attaching a face protector having a pair of strap receiving slots moulded therein to a helmet, comprising a cross member secured to the helmet, and a pair of support arms for insertion into the strap receiving slots. Additionally, there is disclosed face protective gear for use with a helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer, comprising a cross member comprising a lip moulded along an upper edge, and a pair of goggles depending from the cross member When the cross member is secured to the helmet, the lip overlaps the brim.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from a transparent film across a permanent lens. The apparatus includes a transparent film perforated at predetermined intervals along the length of the film, a canister for holding the transparent film, the canister being adapted for placement adjacent one side of the lens, and a film engagement means for engaging a free end of the transparent film. The engagement means is adapted for placement adjacent an opposite side of the permanent lens, thereby allowing the transparent film to extend substantially across the permanent lens, wherein the transparent film is partially supported in position by lying flush against the permanent lens.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation system which includes a toilet seat that defines an inlet and passage way that has a means for quick attachment to a manifold. The manifold is connected by a pipe to an exhaust vent located on the outside of the building. The pipe includes an exhaust fan that urges odorous gases collected at the toilet seat to be expelled at the exhaust vent.

Abstract: A toilet includes a bowl having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface forms an upper portion of the bowl, whereas the second surface forms a bottom portion of the bowl. The second surface includes a receiving portion for waste disposal when filled with water. The receiving portion includes a sloping surface with depth of water being shallowest at a front end and deepest at a back end of the receiving portion to facilitate movement of the waste. Splash is reduced and sanitation is improved during usage by such configuration.

Abstract: A device for washing a part of a human body in a toilet bowl area has diverting unit for diverting water from an existing pipe to a toilet bowl area, an inlet pipe leading from a faucet for preparation of water temperature and closing and opening inner pipe, so that when the faucet is closed there is no water flowing to the diverter, while water flows to the diverter only when the faucet is open, unit for activating a diverting unit so as to supply water from the supply pipe, a water supply pipe connected with the diverting unit and receiving water, the water supply pipe being movable in a longitudinal direction to be extended for directing water to a part of the human body, the water supply pipe having a front end which is spaced from the diverting unit and provided with a jet forming head, an outlet tubular element immovably mountable on the toilet bowl and having an opening through which the water supply pipe extends, an inlet tubular element rearwardly spaced from the outlet tubular element and having an

Abstract: There is disclosed an exercise cushion (10) for at least partially supporting an individual on a substantially level support surface (8). The cushion 10 comprises a body configured to elevate a region extending from and including the head to the thoracic spine of the individual from the substantially level support surface (8).

Abstract: A bed, includes a frame 11, a deck 12 connected to the frame and a siderail 16, 17, 18, 19 supported by either of the frame and the deck. The siderail includes a base 22, 162 and an extension 23, 163. The extension has a retracted position adjacent the base and at least one deployed position spaced further from the base. A lock 30, 200 resides in the base is selectively engageable with and disengageable from the extension for resisting or enabling movement of the extension relative to the base.

Abstract: A gap-filler for a patient-support apparatus comprises a barrier panel, a first coupler coupled to the barrier panel and a second coupler coupled to the barrier panel and configured to engage a siderail of the patient-support apparatus such that the gap-filler is movable relative to the siderail as the siderail moves between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A siderail assembly includes a frame, a link mechanism coupled to the frame and movable between first and second positions, and a panel coupled to the linkage and movable therewith between a first position and a second position. The link mechanism is configured to provide compound motion such that the siderail panel follows specific path. The siderail may include electronic controls to limit the movement of the linkage based on the position of the siderail assembly and various portions of a patient-support apparatus on which the siderail may be positioned.

Abstract: The present invention provides removable bed, mattress, and seat wraps with integrated storage compartments. Advantageously, these removable bed, mattress, and seat wraps allow a user to place pockets and other storage compartments of and in a wide variety of configurations where they are desired with respect to a bed, mattress, seat, or the like, and remove these pockets and other storage compartments quickly and easily when desired. For example, the removable bed, mattress, and seat wraps of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the headboard of a bed, a mattress, a box spring, a home seat, a vehicle seat, a boat seat, or virtually any other suitable structure, stationary or mobile.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a mattress so as to facilitate the bed making process. A generally rectangular inflatable member is disposed between a mattress and box springs in an unsecured manner so as to make such changing of such bed linens easy. The inflatable member is formed of a predetermined material. A fluid communication means is engageable with the inflatable member and an air pump is engageable with the fluid communication means for providing air for inflating the inflatable member. A power means provides power to operate the air pump and a switch activates and deactivates the air pump. A valve controls inflation and deflation of the inflatable member.

Abstract: A cover for a body pillow. The cover may be made in various sizes and shapes, although the cover is preferably generally rectangular in shape with a left side and a right side. The cover has an opening to receive a body pillow. A pair of pockets to receive the feet of the person using the body pillow are disposed opposite to one another on the left and right sides, respectively, of the cover toward the bottom edge, one pocket on the left side and one pocket on the right side, so disposed as to each receive a foot of the person. The pockets are closed on their respective side and bottom edges with the openings of the pockets facing toward the upper edge of the cover. The cover may be made of various fabrics corresponding to ambient conditions or the particular preferences of the user. The pockets may be detachably attached.

Abstract: An ergonomic pillow is provided. The ergonomic pillow according to current application is to release muscles of a user's neck and upper shoulder to remove pains. Office workers usually spend long hours with crouched position. When a user uses this ergonomic pillow while sleeping, it releases muscles on the neck and upper portion of the shoulder of a user. The ergonomic pillow according to current application is comprised of a long cylindrical center portion and two trapezoidal wings whose narrow tip is rounded. The two wings are developed along the long axis of the cylindrical portion on the outer surface thereof. Center portion of one wing is removed for shoulder approach. The pillow of the current application is made of a porous visco-elastic polymer or wood.

Abstract: A hip abduction pillow designed to be placed between the legs of an individual to provide comfort, stability and support particularly following a hip and/or lower joint replacement. In addition, the hip abduction pillow comprises three layers with a middle layer of added flexibility to be oriented between the knees of the individual to allow the individual's knees to bend and/or flex whether in the supine, prone or side position for additional comfort replacement.

Abstract: A hand laundering method contains the steps of providing a liquid laundry detergent, diluting the liquid laundry detergent, hand washing laundry and rinsing the laundry. The liquid laundry detergent has a pH of from 7-13 and contains 3-40% of a sudsing surfactant, 0.01-1% of a silicone-containing suds suppressor, 25-85% water, and the balance other ingredients. The liquid laundry detergent is diluted about 1:150-1:1000 with water in a container to form a laundry liquor. Liquid laundry detergents and a method of saving water using such liquid laundry detergents are also described.

Abstract: A method for controlling a washing operation of a washing machine, to which boiling washing courses performed at different temperatures and having a controller operating rate are selectively applied to increase protecting and sterilizing effects of clothes for infants. The method includes forming a washing program comprising an infant clothes-oriented program; selecting the infant clothes-oriented program out of the washing program; and performing the washing operation according to an operating mode of the infant clothes-oriented program, when the infant clothes-oriented program is selected.

Abstract: Disclosed are oxazine disulfide dyes of formula (1) D1-(Z1)r-Y1—S-A, wherein A is hydrogen; or a radical of formula (1a)*—S—Y2-(Z2)r-D2; Y1 and Y2 independently from each other are unsubstituted or substituted, straight-chain or branched, interrupted or uninterrupted C—1—C—10alkylene; C5-C10cycloalkylene; C5-C10arylene; or —C5-C10arylene-(C1-C10alkylene); Z1 and Z2 independently from each other are *—(CH2)p—C(O)—**; *—(CH2CH2—O)S—**; *—(CH2)p—C(O)O—**; *—(CH2)p—OCO—**; *—(CH2)P—N(R1)—**; formula 1(g); —(CH2)p—CON(R1)—**; *—(CH2)p—(R1)NC(O)—**; , 0-; —S—; —S(O)—; —S(O)2—; or a cationic biradical of a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic compound of the formula (1a); (1b); (1c); (1d); or (1e); wherein the asterix * indicates the linkage to D1 and/or D2; the asterix ** indicates the linkage to Y1 and/or Y2; W1 is N or a radical of CR5; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently from each other are hydrogen; C1-C14alkyl; C2-C14alkenyl; C5-C10aryl; C5-C10aryl-(C1-C10alkyl); or —C1-C10alkyl(C5-C10aryl);

Abstract: The E-z Ramp adjustable, modular handicap ramp system is a handicap ramp that is adjustable by means of pivoting mounting brackets on each end of the plank as well as a universal transition component that can be adjusted vertically and be used either straight or at a 90 degree angle. The ramp is constructed of fiberglass composite material with a reinforcement molded into each end for added strength around the mounting bracket bolts, all brackets and bolts are constructed of aluminum or stainless steel for corrosion.

Abstract: Wheeled automatic swimming pool cleaners are detailed. These cleaners may include mechanisms for tensioning drive chains associated with one or more of the wheels. They also may drive one or more wheels directly. Water-management systems within the cleaners may locate most or all wearing components so that merely removing a bottom cover causes these components to be accessible for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A dental device is disclosed, wherein the dental device includes a base portion, a maneuverable head portion, and a plurality of bristles for improved dental cleaning and minimization of physical movement associated with dental cleaning.

Abstract: An oral hygiene implement, typically a toothbrush, having an oral hygiene element made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a hardness in the range ShoreA 20-50 and a composition comprising 100-200 parts of a thermoplastic elastomer base material and 10-100 parts of a plasticiser comprising a mixture of a plasticising oil and a lipophilic flavouring substance which comprises menthol and/or derivatives thereof, the lipophilic flavouring substance being 5-15 wt % of the mixture.

Abstract: A brush with a body portion, an outer surface, and bristle apertures extending from the outer surface into the body portion. Each bristle aperture has a sidewall with a first portion defining an inner portion and a second portion defining an outer portion. Opposing portions of the first portion of the sidewall are parallel. Opposing portions of the second portion of the sidewall extend outwardly from the body portion toward the outer surface. A tuft is anchored in each bristle aperture. During use, the inner portions of the bristle apertures maintain a proximal portion of the tuft in a substantially stationary position, and direct a distal portion of the tuft through the outer portion and beyond the outer surface. The outer portions of the bristle apertures are shaped to maintain a minimum bend radius and allow the distal portion of the tuft to deflect when lateral forces are applied thereto.

Abstract: A mud retriever 10 which includes a handle portion 12 and a blade portion 16 which includes a straight edge 22 which may be used to selectively open a mud container 70 and a semi-elliptical edge 32 which conforms to the curvature of the inner surface 93 of the container 70 and which allows mud 90 (or other material) to be easily retrieved from the container 70 and applied to a desired location 100 or placed within an applicator assembly. The blade portion 16 also includes an edge 30, 22 which each allow the mud 90 to be easily “smeared” or distributed over location 100. In an alternate configuration, the arcuate blade edge is non-elliptical and the blade includes four separate straight edges 146,148, and 150 which each have a respectively unique length.

Abstract: A mud retriever 10 which includes a handle portion 12 and a blade portion 16 which includes a straight edge 22 which may be used to selectively open a mud container 70 and a semi-elliptical edge 32 which conforms to the curvature of the inner surface 93 of the container 70 and which allows mud 90 (or other material) to be easily retrieved from the container 70 and applied to a desired location 100 or placed within an applicator assembly. The blade portion 16 also includes an edges 30, 22 which each allow the mud 90 to be easily “smeared” or distributed over location 100.

Abstract: A scraper for an optical surface of a device is disclosed. The scraper includes a blade having an edge that is rigid and non-deforming to withstand high shear stresses. The blade is configured to rotate about a first axis parallel to the optical surface and also configured to move in a line with respect to a second axis perpendicular to the optical surface. This allows the rigid, non-deforming blade to maintain contact with the optical surface. Furthermore, the edge is configured to move across the optical surface to remove any materials adhered to the surface. The scraper can be used to clean the optical surface of an instrument, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface within a vessel has an elongate combustion conduit extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The downstream end is associated with an aperture in the wall of the vessel and is positioned to direct a shockwave toward the surface. At least one hanger supports the combustion conduit at least one location along a length of the combustion conduit. A penetration conduit is positioned between the wall aperture and an associated portion of the combustion conduit. Means couple the combustion conduit to the penetration conduit so as to accommodate relative longitudinal movement and/or relative angular movement.

Abstract: An upright extractor for delivering cleaning fluid to a cleaning member, removing the cleaning fluid and entrained soil from the cleaning member, and damp wiping dirt and debris off of a surface to be cleaned. A roller assembly for wiping dirt and debris off a cleaning surface is reversible. The roller assembly and a centrifugal pump are driven simultaneously and at independent speeds necessary for preferred operation with a common motor. A vented spray tip assembly delivers cleaning fluid to the cleaning member. An improved accessory tool delivers a variety of metered cleaning chemicals while also extracting the soiled fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner according to the invention comprises a housing, a dirt cup, a latch coupled between the dirt cup and the housing for selectively joining the dirt cup to the housing, a filter positioned in the dirt cup between the inlet and the outlet, and a plurality of different nozzle assemblies, each having at least one nozzle opening and each having an outlet opening at a back end thereof that is removably coupled to the dirt cup front end.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a cyclone module assembly comprises a cyclone separation chamber for separating dust and debris from air, a dirt cup for collecting dust and debris that is separated from the air in the cyclone separation chamber, wherein the separation chamber further includes an exhaust grill with apertures formed at an acute angle relative to the working air flow. In an alternate embodiment, the vacuum cleaner further includes a hair collection assembly that can be latched in one of the engaged and disengaged positions. In yet another embodiment, the dirt cup is sealingly biased to the cyclone separation chamber by a cam or a coil spring.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied.

Abstract: A dual-cyclone type dust collector having a compact size is provided, including a first dust collecting unit that includes a first cyclone chamber, a second dust collecting unit that includes a second cyclone chamber that is disposed at a diagonal to the first cyclone chamber, and a housing that receives the first dust collecting unit and the second dust collecting unit, and a part of which is formed as a wall of the first cyclone chamber and the second cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning device agitator system having an agitator and one or more cleaning members. The agitator has first and second ends, a longitudinal axis and one or more agitating devices. One or more friction surfaces may project from the spindle. The cleaning members are adjacent the agitator and adapted to move between a first position and a second position. In at least the second position, the cleaning members engage the agitator, such as by engaging the friction surfaces, to remove debris. Agitator and cleaning members may be incorporated into a cleaning head having an inlet nozzle and a chamber in which the agitator rotates, and there may be an activation mechanism using, for example, a resilient member to move the cleaning members. An overload protection device may be provided, and may adjust its sensitivity depending on whether the cleaning devices are in the first or second position.

Abstract: A damping device for furniture door leaves comprising a damping cylinder in a damping housing (8) with the housing being connected to a damping carrier (12). The damping carrier (12) accommodates the edge of the front frame (3) between an outside retaining leg L (13) [sic] and an inside clamping leg (14). The clamping leg (14) is clamped against the front frame (3) by way of a clamping device (16). The clamping device comprises an eccentric (16) that pivots on the damping carrier (12) and acts on the clamping leg (14) with the eccentric (16) being connected to a pivoting lever (18).

Abstract: A damping device for furniture door leaves includes a damping housing that accommodates a damping cylinder, with the housing being connected to a damping carrier that is fastened to a front frame of a furniture piece, wherein the damping carrier accommodates the edge of the front frame between an outside retaining leg and an inside clamping leg and the clamping leg is clamped against the front frame by way of a clamping device. The damping carrier includes a carrier main component that forms an outside retaining leg and a spring component that forms the inside clamping leg and the spring component includes a fastening leg offset at a right angle from the clamping leg that is inserted into a fastening guide of the carrier main component and locks positively on the carrier main component.