Abstract: An antiballistic garment for protecting a user's torso and shoulders comprises a front portion releasably coupled to a back portion, the front and back portion both include soft armor, the back portion includes shoulder and side panels which include soft armor, the front and back portion have provisions for hard armor plates. The antiballistic garment has a quick release mechanism adapted to rapidly separate the front portion from the back portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to body armor articles for resisting ballistic objects. The articles comprise woven fabric layers and sheet layers. The woven fabric layers are made from yarns having a tenacity of at least 7.3 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 100 grams per dtex. The sheet layers comprise nonwoven random oriented fibrous sheets, each of the sheet layers comprising a uniform mixture of 3 to 60 weight percent polymeric binder and 40 to 97 weight percent non-fibrillated fibers. The woven fabric layers and the sheet layers are stacked together comprising a first core section which includes at least two repeating units of, in order, at least one of the woven fabric layers then at least one of the sheet layers. The sheet layers comprise 0.5 to 30 wt % of the total weight of the article.

Abstract: A new protective device for use against biting of mosquitoes and other arthropods and in particular, a material which can be used in the manufacture of regular clothing or specialty clothing to protect an individual from bites from mosquitoes and other arthropods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a single length of cloth that is adapted to be worn as a garment in a wide range of fashion styles.

Abstract: A swaddling device can comprise a tapered, seamless infant swaddling blanket with a first opening and a second opening. The swaddling blanket can be pulled on over the head of the infant, and restrict the infant's arms from moving, flopping, and/or rotating. The swaddling blanket can allow a caretaker to easily slide a lower portion of the material up towards the infant's stomach in order to change the infant's diaper without having to completely remove the swaddling blanket. The swaddling blanket can further include a seam or seams to inhibit slippage. The swaddling blanket can be comprised of fire-resistant material.

Abstract: A multi-pocket assembly attachable to a garment and more particularly to a multipocket system for pants that allows easy access even when a user is in a seated position. One embodiment provides has a first pocket structure having an interior access opening with means for closing the top and at least one vertical side. Additional pockets can be added on top of the first pocket. Additional features that can be added to the invention include reflective tape, securable flaps, zippers, pleats, and the like.

Abstract: This invention concerns a flame-resistant garment having an outer shell fabric comprising 5 to 50 parts by weight of a polypyridobisimidazole fiber having an inherent viscosity of greater than 20 dl/g and 50 to 95 parts by weight of polybenzimidazole fiber.

Abstract: An improved fishing wader uses light weight nylon faced laminate material and taped unsewn sonic welds to achieve a durable, light weight, comfortable wader.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nursing garment comprising a leak proof layer made of a polyurethane coated fabric, an absorbent layer beneath the leak proof layer, and an inner fabric layer of a cotton fabric beneath the absorbent layer. The leak proof layer, the absorbent layer, and the inner fabric layer are stitched together. The leak proof layer prevents leakage of fluid to a surface of a wearer's outer garment. The absorbent layer is a layer of sponge or wood pulp. The absorbent layer absorbs fluid leaked from the wearer, prevents staining of the outer portion of the outer garment, and prevents discomfort caused by the leaked breast milk spreading over the wearer's body. The nursing garment is worn beneath the wearer's outer garment, constructed on upper section of the wearer's outer garment, or forms an attachable element that can be fixed onto the inner surface of the wearer's outer garment.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a textile element that defines a crease. The textile element may be knitted to have a first course and a second course that are adjacent to each other in some areas of the textile element and spaced from each other by a raised course in other areas of the textile element. The crease extends along the third course and has a length that is substantially equal to a length of the third course. In manufacturing the textile element, the raised course may be formed between portions of the first course and the second course through a knitting process, such as a flat knitting process.

Abstract: A glove having a heat insulating barrier is disclosed. The heat insulating barrier is removably inserted into a zippered pocket or a weblike pouch, the pocket or pouch being positioned proximate the back of a user's hand. The heat insulating barrier acts to selectively reduce heat conduction from the back side of the hand, thereby allowing the user's hand or hands to remain warm in cold environments. The ability to stack a varying number of heat insulating layers in the pouch or pocket further allows the user to selectively control the warmth of the hand as the ambient temperature fluctuates during use. The zippered pocket or weblike pouch can have first and second opening to permit increased cooling through the back portion of the glove.

Abstract: A multi-material glove providing warmth and improved grip while not having a significant negative impact on the dexterity of the use is disclosed. The multi-material glove includes a first material constituting the index finger, thumb finger and area between the index finger and thumb finger, a second material constituting the back hand side of the glove, including the pinky finger, ring finger and middle finger, and a third material constituting the palm of the glove, including the pinky finger, ring finger and middle finger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a comfortable sock free from tightness in a sole portion. A sock is constructed so that a bottom extension portion 13 in which the number of courses on the side of a sole portion 8 is larger than that on the side of an instep portion 9 is formed between a toe portion 5 and a heel portion 3, and length in the longitudinal direction of the sole portion 8 is larger than that of the instep portion 9.

Abstract: One embodiment of a body material designated as a stripe or design (4) which contiguously mates couples and attaches to FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively. In addition 5 and 6 may also attach to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in areas 1, 2 and 3 by means of Velcro. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A baseball catcher's equipment includes a baseball catcher's uniform sized to be worn by a child, a chest guard, and a shin guard. The baseball catcher's uniform includes a baseball catcher's uniform shirt and a baseball catcher's uniform pants. The baseball catcher's uniform, the chest guard, and the shin guard include corresponding hook-and-loop fastener pads configured to removably secure the chest guard and the shin guard to the baseball catcher's uniform.

Abstract: Controls for use in association with a toilet conserve water by allowing the amount of water utilized for each flush to be varied. The controls conserve water by minimizing the amount of water lost in the event of either a minor leak or a major leak. The controls may include a magnet to raise a float connected with a water float control valve. The controls may include water level sensor apparatus. The controls may include a force transmission assembly which effects operation of water inlet and outlet valves under the influence of force transmitted from a handle of a toilet. A separate body of water may be maintained in a container in the tank. A pump may be connected in fluid communication with the container and operated under the influence of force transmitted from the handle.

Abstract: A piece of seating furniture which is able to be converted into a bed is provided with a frame (1) and at least one carriage (2, 3) which is able to be retracted into the frame (1) and withdrawn therefrom. The frame (1) and the carriage(s) (2, 3) have slats (10, 10a, 10b) fastened on one side, running in the withdrawal direction of the carriage(s) (2, 3), as a support for the seat—or lying cushions (23, 24, 25), the slats (10, 10a, 10b) having a distance from each other such that the slats of the carriage(s) (10a, 10b) in the retracted state of the carriage(s) (2, 3) lie between the slats (10) of the frame (1). A cover (26) for such a piece of furniture has a sheet (37) and a soft layer (36) situated therebeneath. The soft layer (36) has an elasticity which is opposed to rolling up, so that the layer (36), after rolling up with the sheet (37), automatically unrolls over the lying surface. An arrangement is thereby achieved which is simple and is convenient to use.

Abstract: This invention is a baby shower hammock which is designed to safely carry an infant or young baby in the shower. The hammock is designed in the shape of a cradle where an infant is placed. The hammock has one strap (there are two ends connected by a buckle). The strap is attached to the hammock by stitching (i.e. a basic straight stitch; using machine-cotton thread). The child will be placed horizontally in the “bed” of the hammock. The adult will place straps around the neck and/or shoulders, and place the infant in the hammock. The hammock has semi-permeable walls so that (while showering) the water will easily flow out of the hammock. In addition, the hammock is designed so that the baby's face is a close distance (approximately one foot) from the adult's face. The hammock is easy to wear. The adult simply buckles the straps and places the child inside. Safety of the child is of paramount concern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a springer slat suspension device formed by a cap having an upper section which comprises at least one housing for accepting the end of a slat, a lower section provided with means of anchoring the said cap on a springer frame and an intermediate section comprising suspension elements linking the lower section with the upper section, the intermediate section being essentially made of a first material of the flexible type, whereas the lower section is made of a second material of the rigid type. This invention is characterized in that the intermediate section and the lower section are made in one single piece by moulding.

Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.

Abstract: Device for furniture, preferably to provide better access to the area under the furniture, for example in relation to cleaning, which furniture includes an upper part (20, 120, 131) and a lower part (30, 126, 134), and the upper part (20, 120, 131) can be tilted about a longitudinal rotation axis, between a substantially horizontal position and a vertical position. The device preferably includes a centrally/middle arranged tube axis (40, 122) which directly or indirectly connects the upper part (20) to the lower part 30, and in which tube axis 40 and/or at suitable peripheral places of the tube axis (40, 122), a manual and/or automatic lock mechanism is arranged.

Abstract: A bed is described having a support member for supporting an individual thereon; a base member configured to support the support member above a surface; a primary height adjusting mechanism operable to adjust the height of the support member with respect to the base member. The primary height adjusting mechanism includes an arrangement of a plurality of link arms drivably coupled to one or more actuators which raises the support frame member. During raising of the support frame member from its lowermost position to its fully raised position there is an initial lifting stage when the lifting force applied by the associated actuator to the arrangement of link arms acts at a shorter distance from a fulcrum of the arrangement of link arms to the support frame and therefore with a greater moment of force than during a later stage of lifting movement. A secondary height adjusting mechanism is operable to adjust the height of the base member with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable bladder. The valve includes a body (4) that is adapted to be integrated into the wall (1) of the bladder. The body defines a bore (8) that allows fluid to pass from the interior of the bladder to the exterior or vice versa, and which is adapted to receive a plug (10). The plug is adapted to be moved between a first position within the bore in which the first end of the passageway is in fluid communication with the bore, thereby permitting the passage of fluid, and a second position within the bore in which it is not, thereby preventing the passage of fluid.

Abstract: A scrapbooker's impact tool is provided. The tool is configured to store energy in a controlled manner until it is released by the user. The released energy is useful for punching and riveting operations.

Abstract: A package opener (10) includes first and second opposed elongate members joined together for scissor action about a pivot joint (16). The first member (12) includes a first handle grip (18) at a rear end and a first cutting element (20) having a first blade (26) at a front end. The second member (13) includes a second handle grip (19) at a rear end and a second cutting element (21) having a second blade (27) at a front end thereof. The cutting elements include a leg portion (40,41) positioned between an arm segment (30,31) on which the pivot joint is located and the blade. Each cutting element also has a gap (G) in the blade portion. The leg portions and the gap enable the cutting elements, when opened, to fit over a package lip of a blister-type package so that the package opener can cut around the interior perimeter of the package lip to open the package. The multi-function package opener may also have a miniature utility knife blade (50) and at least one screwdriver (60).

Abstract: A simple, durable, safe and effective hand-tool attachment is provided for making relief cuts in lay-down materials such as asphalt shingles, carpet, linoleum, and tile. The hand-tool attachment has an attachment-box with two thumb set-screws and a free-floating clamping-plate for securing various pre-existing, flat-shaped hand-tools such as roofing shovels, potato forks and floor scrapers; and, attached thereto is an angled knife-blade, supported by a skid plate, extending from the attachment-box. The relief cuts create smaller, workable portions of the lay-down material for easier removal and clean-up using common techniques. The hand-tool attachment may be made of any material that may provides the strength and cutting ability for attaching to a hand-tool and making relief cuts.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a travelling web of material in a predetermined gaseous atmosphere comprising a chamber (1) through which a moving web of material (2) is transported from an inlet at a first end of the chamber (1) to an outlet at a second end and a means for introducing and controlling gas (5) intended to provide said predetermined gaseous atmosphere within said chamber (1), wherein said inlet and outlet each comprise a sealing means (4a, 4b) designed to enable passage of said web of material (2) therethrough whilst minimising the ingress of an external gas boundary layer (3) around said web of material (2) characterised in that said apparatus also comprises one or more re-circulation channels (7, 8) adapted to re-circulate gases within said chamber (1) from the second end of the chamber to the first end of the chamber thereby negating or substantially negating any pressure difference within the chamber (1) between said inlet and outlet.

Abstract: Compositions for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising a medium suitable for dyeing and at least one 3-substituted pyrazole keratin dyeing compound and derivatives thereof. A method for oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising applying such compositions in the presence of an oxidizing agent, for a period sufficient to develop the desired coloration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dyeing composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, one or more oxidation dyes, aqueous ammonia, ammonium chloride and one or more additives selected from ceramides, silicas, ascorbic acid and/or its salts, fatty acids and/or salts thereof, alkanolamines and/or salts thereof, crosslinked homopolymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of dialkyldiallylammonium chloride and acrylic acid, and particular cationic polymers, or mixtures thereof. It likewise provides a method of colouring human keratin fibres, employing the said composition in the presence of a composition comprising one or more oxidizing agents. The invention further provides a multiple-compartment device appropriate to the implementation of the said method, comprising in a first compartment a dyeing composition according to the invention and in another compartment a composition comprising one or more oxidizing agents.

Abstract: A subject-matter of the present invention is compositions of use in the dyeing of human keratinous fibres, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one dye having a hydrophobic nature and at least one compound chosen from those of following formula (I): in which X represents O or CH2, R? represents a hydrogen, a C1-C8 alkyl or a C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl and n has a value of 1, 2 or 3. The compound of formula (I) can in particular be an alkylene carbonate or a lactone, the pH of the composition being between 2 and 6. Another subject-matter of the invention is a method for dyeing keratinous fibres involving such a composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in constructing a bridge comprised of a superstructure and a substructure that supports the superstructure and is comprised of foundations and piers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of a truss structure, a trolley that is supported by the truss structure and used to move materials used to build the bridge along at least a portion of the truss, a support structure for supporting the truss structure, and rotatable lead that can receive a substructure related element from the trolley and be used to rotate the element to a desired position to further the construction of the bridge.

Abstract: A method for spans launched, as self-supporting bridge beams, approximately horizontally from support structure to successive support structure without significant temporary false work or scaffolding between permanent support structures. Bridge spans assembled atop previously constructed roadbed are launched individually onto supporting structures or columns spaced at span widths beyond said roadbed. 3 individual spans are placed or assembled with a longitudinal girder into a unit atop the roadbed surface, the assembly becoming a launching truss. Load moving air cushion pallets are placed upon the roadbed beneath and before the 3 spans. The launching truss moves forward one span length beyond the roadbed end placing one span and assembled girder in cantilever. That span is disconnected from the truss and emplaced upon supporting structures, at eventual roadbed level, beyond the previously constructed roadbed. Repeated, the process completes the bridge.

Abstract: An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water.

Abstract: Toothbrush heads, e.g., for power toothbrushes, are provided.

Abstract: A produce bin washer for washing produce bins of an open-box type may include a housing and a conveyor for advancing a plurality of empty produce bins along a path of travel through the housing. The produce bin washer may include at least one scrubbing brush within the housing adjacent the conveyor and along the path of travel. The produce bin washer may also include a positioner within the housing for sequentially lifting and rotating each empty produce bin form the conveyor onto the at least one scrubbing brush to scrub the interior, and returning the empty produce bin to the conveyor. A sprayer may be within the housing for spraying a cleaning solution onto the empty produce bins, and a collector may also be within the housing for collecting sprayed cleaning solution.

Abstract: A snow remover for the roofs of trucks and tractor trailers in which a structure of two vertical supports and a cross piece spanning them in supporting a plow rests upon a connected base plate provided with pairs of pockets on each side of the structure to allow for its lifting by a pair of forklifts operating in tandem and moving to a truck terminal access lane when snow build up removal is warranted, and thereafter moved into storage, in which the snow plow is in the configuration of an elongated-V from side-to-side angled forwardly toward the vehicles to meet substantially one-half way between the two vertical supports.

Abstract: The boiler cleaning apparatus and method provides for cleaning the exterior surfaces of a heat exchanger. The apparatus includes tools for temporarily spreading and holding open a tube bank to form and gain access to tube lanes. Once access to a lane is attained, a nozzle assembly having an outlet for blowing high velocity cleaning fluid is selected from a group of nozzle assemblies. The selected nozzle assembly will have an outlet for blowing fluid in a direction that effectively cleans the tubes adjacent the opened lane. After the tubes are cleaned the tool for holding the lane opened is removed and the process is repeated for another lane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for cleaning an out of reach window of a structure, which window might be otherwise difficult to reach without utilizing a ladder, said apparatus comprises: a) a receptacle for holding a spray bottle containing window cleaning fluid; b) an armature to which can be attached a cable enabling the user to pull the cable thereby compressing the handle of the spray bottle and spraying cleaning fluid onto the window; c) a device for holding paper towels, fabric or other material for cleaning and drying the window; d) a receptacle for receiving a fixed or extending pole, enabling the user to extend the device above his head and clean windows which are otherwise out of reach.

Abstract: A transversely elongated mounting bar curved rearwardly from a centerline and mounting longitudinally projecting bristles on the front side thereof to terminate in free ends deposed in a working plane.

Abstract: Adjustable angle cleaning brush comprised of a handle and rotatably attached first longitudinal brush head and a second longitudinal brush head that are side by side and parallel to each other in one configuration and rotate out to a T position with respect to the handle in a second configuration. One end of each brush head is fixedly attached to a pinion gear within the handle. The pinion gears engage a centrally located rack so that when a user pushes up on an actuation button attached to the rack, the brushes rotate out into a T position. They are held in a T position by a spring biased post. The user can press on the post to return the brush heads to the side by side position.

Abstract: An adjustable spatula for forming a smoothly arcuate concave contour in a viscous material and a smoothly arcuate convex contour in the viscous material, independently of each other, with a certainty that the contour of the viscous material is consistent, and with using only one hand. The adjustable spatula includes a blade, a handle, and an apparatus. The handle extends from the blade and is gripped by a user. The apparatus bends the blade to form the blade into a smoothly arcuate convex contour to form the smoothly arcuate concave contour in the viscous material and bends the blade to form the blade into a smoothly arcuate concave contour to form the smoothly arcuate convex contour in the viscous material, independently of each other, without a need for the user to have to manually bend the blade, with the certainty that the contour of the viscous material is consistent, and with using only the one hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for actuating a wiper system. The device comprises a drive unit (2) for driving at least one wiper arm (4), and a control unit (6), wherein the control unit (6) is designed to set a wiping frequency of the wiper arm (4) as a function of a load variable which is dependent on the torque which is to be applied by the drive unit (2) during a wiping operation.

Abstract: A device is proposed which is used to detachably connect a wiper blade (12) to clean windows, particularly of motor vehicles, to a driven wiper arm (10) featuring a wiper blade holder (50 or 150), whereby the wiper blade (12) that can be placed on the window (20) with a long-stretched-out, rubber elastic wiper strip (18) features a band-like, long-stretched-out elastic supporting element (16) that is curved in the longitudinal direction over its band surfaces (15, 17) on whose lower, concave band surface (17) the wiper strip (18) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis. On the outer convex band surface (15) of the supporting element (16) sits a connecting element (26), which features two parallel wall surfaces (36) mat are aligned in a vertical plane on the band surface and extend in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade and that a pivot pin (42) projects from each wall surface, whereby the longitudinal axes of the two pivot pins are aligned with one another.

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 neighboring 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, as well as a spoiler, a special feature of which is that the spoiler as a separate constructional element is detachably connected to the wiper blade.

Abstract: A handheld cleaning appliance includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from an airflow in an airflow path leading from the air inlet to the air outlet. The appliance also includes a body housing a fan and motor for drawing air into the appliance via the dirty air inlet. The separator includes at least one cyclone. The separator and the body are releasably connected together around a chamber in the airflow path which is formed partly by the body and partly by the separator, the chamber housing a filter which is located upstream of the fan and motor and downstream of the cyclone.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt tank, a tank cover mounted on the dirt tank, and a blower detachably mounted on the tank cover and including a main body. The blower forms a single handle which is located on a top face of the main body. Thus, the vacuum cleaner can be easily lifted up by one single hand of an operator due to the single handle located on a top face of the main body of the blower. A locking assembly for a vacuum cleaner including a tank cover and a blower detachably engaged with the tank cover is arranged between the tank cover and the blower. The locking assembly includes a latch, a resilient member and a locking shoulder, the resilient member being connected between the blower and the latch, the latch being pivotally mounted at the blower and engageable with the locking shoulder. Therefore, the blower is easily and reliably attached with or detached from the tank cover via the locking assembly which includes the latch and the locking shoulder simply latching with or detaching from each other.

Abstract: Filtering means for filtering out impurities contained in an air stream, and comprising an inner filter plate or sieve, an outer frame that houses said filter plate thereinside, a structure for retaining said filter plate and conveying the shaking motion, a support socle applied on to said structure, a rotary electric motor, whose rotor is provided with one or more unbalanced masses, and which is fixedly mounted on said socle. The invention is based on the fact that said electric motor is operated in an intermittent manner, preferably with a direct-current, substantially square-wave supply voltage according to an ON-OFF cycling pattern, so as to generate a very broad spectrum of shaking frequencies that proves more effective in enabling the filter plate to be freed from the impurities being retained thereupon.

Abstract: An autonomous blower is described that utilizes GPS signals for blowing ground debris from a clearable area to a target area. A controller coordinates motors that propel and steer the autonomous blower. A database created in a teaching mode defines clearable, target, and no-trespassing areas with respect to GPS coordinates. An algorithm in the controller computes a serpentine trajectory for the autonomous blower so that it traverses the clearable area while transporting ground debris to the target area.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a base. A bracket is attached to the base. Wheels are rotatably attached to the base for wheeling the base across a floor. A cleaning attachment is configured to be attached to the base and moved against the floor to clean the floor as the base is wheeled across the floor. The base is manually pushed by a handle to wheel the base across the floor. The handle is configured to be removably attached to the base by being hooked onto the bracket and then pivoted relative to the bracket into an installed position.

Abstract: An accessory for use with an air gun to effect particulate pick-up on a surface comprising a flexible member having one end fitted about the end of the air gun and with the other end having a substantially larger opening. The air gun is operated and the second opening is kept close to the surface to be cleaned such that particulate matter is forced upwardly into the flexible member from where it may subsequently be discharged.