Abstract: Sports utility garment for carrying articles while swimming, paddling in water or running and walking on land. Garment 10 includes interchangeable holsters 40, attached to a body portion 11 at an angle so that mouth 71 of holster 40 is accessible over wearer's shoulder such as a water bottle or a long article such as a fishing pole extends over wearer's shoulder. Holster 40 includes guide means 70 to hold mouth 71 open and help guide the article into mouth 71. Articles are secured to garment 10 both during carrying and during use.

Abstract: A lens assembly for securing in an opening in a face plate of a face protector has a first, retainer lens of shape and dimensions configured to be secured in the front opening of a face plate and having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the face plate. A second lens of smaller dimensions is secured behind the first lens to provide a lens-in-a-lens configuration. The second lens extends across a wearer's eyes when the face protector is worn and the first lens has side portions which extend around at least part of the opposite sides of the face to provide peripheral vision. The lens assembly may be releasably secured in the face plate opening and one or both lenses may be interchangeable with sets of lenses having different properties such as lens shade.

Abstract: An apron can include an apron body with an upper portion and a lower portion. The apron has a resilient portion that extends about a central region of the apron, which can be provided at or near the junction between the upper portion and the lower portion. The resilient portion can be moved between a closed portion and at least one open position. The resilient portion can be biased to the closed position. The apron has no straps. The apron can be held in place on a wearer's body solely by engagement between the apron body and the wearer's body, particularly as the resilient portion substantially conformingly engages the wearer's body. The apron can improve the comfort of a wearer because there are no straps to rub against exposed portions of the user's body. Further, the apron can be readily donned and removed without much hassle and time.

Abstract: A garment for women adapted to be donned and removed easily by a person without assistance. Said garment being formed of an outer cloth shirt and an inner cloth camisole; wherein both the shirt and the camisole are formed from substantially rectangularly shaped cloth sheets, the longer sides being recessed centrally thereof to form arm openings. The lower ends of the longer sides of the outer shirt being each provided with releasable fastening means and the shorter sides of the camisole having elastic strips attached thereto at the ends thereof, and the ends of the elastic strips being each provided with releasable fastening means. Both of the cloth sheets having head openings located centrally thereof.

Abstract: An earmuff assembly includes a headband consisting of two headband elements each having two constraint lugs bilaterally located on one end and a coupling portion located on the opposite end, the coupling portion of one headband element being inserted through a groove on each constraint lug of the other headband element for allowing adjustment of the length of the headband, two ear cups, two connection devices that connect the coupling portions of the headband elements to the ear cups such that the angular positions of the ear cups are adjustable in X-axis direction as well as in Y-axis direction relative to the headband, and a soft fabric material covering the ear cups for an optimal wearing comfort.

Abstract: A charm hat 10 comprising an attachment 30 for attaching a charm 70 with the charm hat 10 at specific locations; an exterior covering 60; and the charm attached with the attachment for attaching the charm; wherein the exterior covering includes a material woven loose enough for the charm to be attached with the means for attaching. An interior lining 20 may be attached with the exterior covering such that the attachment 30 for attaching a charm 70 may be attached with the interior lining 20. Also included is a method for attaching charms 70 with a charm hat 10 comprising the steps of reaching through the weave of an exterior covering 60 of the charm hat to extract an attachment ring 50 attached to an attachment line; attaching the charm with the attachment ring; and reinserting the attachment ring between the exterior covering and an interior lining 20.

Abstract: The invention is directed at to a pest entrapment device for attracting and trapping flying pests around the head of a person. The apparatus includes an attachable device having at least one member, which member contains at least one cavity to hold a pest attractant. The attachable device is affixed to a head covering on the underside of a bill, brim, visor or the like. The pest attractant can be of a combination of grease, carbon dioxide, sweetener, and a sticky, viscid matter. The pest attractant also acts as a trapping substance to capture the flying insects. The pest entrapment device can be removed for cleaning and reapplication of the pest attractant.

Abstract: An article for overcoming the inward deforming tendency of the big toe of a person suffering from bunions is herein disclosed. The article is constructed of stretch fabric in the form of a tube sock which transitions in the region encompassing the toes, into two distinct pockets. A first elongated pocket encompasses the second through fifth toes, while the other pocket encompasses the big toe. A gap between the pockets works in combination with multiple layers of elastomeric material knit in a long but narrow band on the outside of the big toe and running down the side of the sock. When the sock is donned, the band of elastomeric material creates compressive restoring forces that draw the big toe pocket, and thus the big toe, outwardly from the other toes. Continuous use of the article serves to stretch tight tendons and toes muscles, and deter bunion pain and deformity.

Abstract: A stabilizing sock has a foot section having a shape corresponding to a human foot and comprising a rearfoot portion corresponding to human calcaneous and talus bones and to tibial and fibular malleoli, a forefoot portion corresponding to human metatarsal and phalanx bones, and a midfoot portion between the rearfoot portion and the forefoot portion and corresponding to human cuboid, navicular and cuneiform bones. The sock has a medial stabilizer region on a medial side of the sock and a lateral stabilizer region on a lateral side of the sock. The medial stabilizer region covers a forward medial region of the rearfoot portion and a rearward medial region of the midfoot portion, and the lateral stabilizer region covers a forward lateral region of the rearfoot portion. The sock may also include lace bite protector regions and boot bang protector regions. Kits for assembling stabilizing socks are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hosiery article that is worn on the foot and is completely hidden or essentially hidden from sight when a shoe is worn over it. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a hosiery article that is designed to be worn on a foot such that it will not be visible or at least is essentially hidden when a shoe is worn, comprising: (i) a heel portion that accepts a heel of the foot and covers the back of the heel up to just below ankle-height and a portion of the sides of the heel; (ii) a sole portion that is attached to the heel portion and covers most of a sole of the foot; and (iii) a toe portion that is attached to the sole portion and covers the tops of the toes and a side of the big toe and a side of the smallest toe; and wherein the hosiery is made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers.

Abstract: A flat sock with a unique layering system that is able wick moisture away from the sole of a user's feet. The present invention is flat sock that is able to replace the conventional tube sock. The present invention is a disposable insertion that can easily be replaced.

Abstract: An insulated composite fabric that includes an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an insulating-filler fabric layer enclosed between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer. The insulating-filler fabric layer is a textile fabric with a raised surface on at least one side of the fabric.

Abstract: A fabric construction includes sensory transducers, such as light-emitting diodes, for sensory effects while maintaining the look and feel of a conventional fabric item. The construction is especially adapted for implementation as a garment. The construction has a fabric layer and an appliqué on a front surface of the fabric layer. A plurality of electrical sensory transducers are arranged in a desired pattern with an electrical harness electrically interconnecting the sensory transducers to a drive and control circuit. The transducers and harness are located between a rear surface of the appliqué and a front surface of the fabric layer, while the drive and control circuitry is positioned at a rear surface of the fabric layer. The fabric layer and appliqué are bonded together to seal the transducers and harness in place. Releasable connectors extend through the fabric layer to operatively connect the harness to the drive and control circuit.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a length of an article of clothing is provided. The device includes a first end, a second end, and a recessed area between the first end and the second end. The recessed area accommodates a part of the article of clothing. When the first end overlaps the second end, a circumference of the device that substantially matches a circumference of the part of the article of clothing is created.

Abstract: The present invention is an enhanced undergarment that enables easier dressing and undressing by disabled individuals by allowing the user to don the garment from the buttock area. The garment is configured with a unique back panel at the buttock area that it is divided into two separate panels, a right panel and a left panel. The left and right panels of the undergarment are not seamed but remain open; this opening is from the top of the elastic band to the crotch. Seams are placed to attach the sides of the two separates panels to the front panel, joining the right and left sides. The undergarments are configured with standard leg openings. A seam is also at the crotch. Before the seam is placed at the crotch area, the bottoms of the back panels are designed to overlap. The overlap facilitates better closure and provides space for extra fasteners if needed. The left and right panels include male and female fasteners which allow the user to manually open and close the back panels.

Abstract: A balaclava for employment in an as-used position worn upon the head of a user. The balaclava is formed of plurality of layers of woven or knitted fabric preferably formed of carbon fibers. A structural component occupies a pocket positioned in front of the mouth of a user when the device is in the as-used position. The structural component provides a support to maintain a gap between the layers of fabric and easing the airflow through the fabric to the user. Filter media may be included within the structural component to remove harmful contaminants in the airflow communicated to the user.

Abstract: A gas powered incineration toilet is disclosed with a burner of the premixed full air type. The burner (9) includes an outer air chamber (20) which is closed at a first end and has a first exit for combustion air at a second end and which is connected with a channel (17) for supply of air, an inner gas mixing chamber (21) of smaller diameter than the outer chamber (20), which has at least one opening (22) proximate a first end for supply of air and a second exit for combustion gases at a second end, as well as a nozzle (16) for supply of air, as there is provided at least one backfire prevention system (23, 24, 25) in the form of a perforated plate and/or screen at the second combustion gas exit.

Abstract: A device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a cleaning and/or deodorizing chemical is disclosed. The device includes a container for the chemical, a spray nozzle through which the chemical can be sprayed laterally around a perimeter of the nozzle, a conduit in fluid communication with the container and the spray nozzle, fluid delivery means for delivering chemical from the container through the conduit and to the spray nozzle, and means for attaching the spray nozzle near a rim of the toilet bowl. The spray nozzle of the automatic or manual toilet bowl cleaning device can operate such that the chemical is applied to the entire circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl whereby the entire toilet bowl is cleaned around the inner circumference of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A toilet assembly utilizing a toilet bowl having an opening at a top. A seat portion is swivelly connected to the toilet bowl and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is visible when the seat portion is in an open position; this lower surface has an artistic cosmetic design imprinted thereon which ideally compliments a design on the lid portion.

Abstract: An apparatus mounted to a toilet is configured to lift and lower a seat assembly of the toilet. The apparatus includes a motion sensor that outputs a detection signal in response to motion, a motor driving unit, a motor, a first gear, a second gear interfaced with the first gear, an output shaft connected to a clutch coupled to a lever exiting the apparatus, a wire rope wrapped around hubs of the second gear and the output shaft, and a micro-controller. The motor driving unit is configured to drive a shaft of the motor in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction based on receipt of a direction signal. The microcontroller is configured to send the direction signal to the motor driving unit based on the detection signal.

Abstract: A germ trapping device is constructed for preventing germs from spreading due to coughing or sneezing. The germ trapping device includes a receptacle having a closed position and an open position. The receptacle is made of a material hindering liquid from passing through the receptacle. The receptacle has an interior with a germicide. The receptacle has a plurality of biasing members biasing the front wall and the rear wall of the receptacle toward each other such that the receptacle is normally in the closed position. The method of using the device includes applying a force to the biasing members to move the front wall and the rear wall apart and to place the receptacle in the open position. When the receptacle in the open position, a person can sneeze or cough into the receptacle of the germ trapping device to prevent germs from spreading.

Abstract: A screw-tight plug for a sink has a plug body having a tube body with a drain hole and one end edge extending outwards to form an inclined flange. The drain hole of the plug body has an internal connector, and the connector has a threaded hole at a center portion and a plurality of drain gullies disposed around the opening of the threaded hole. A stop cock has a rounded disk-shaped cock head and a screw having a threaded portion, and the screw couples with the threaded hole of the connector. Based upon an engagement depth between the screw and the threaded hole, the cock head of the stop cock pushes against the flange to form a containment space, or the cock head separates from the flange to drain water.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stool flush control device, which comprises a main pipe, an independent casing pipe, an indirect connecting pipe, a lock ring and a valve assembly. The main pipe includes flow passage, inclined kerf and screw-thread section. The casing pipe has penetrating hole, a plurality of hollow-out holes, U-shaped tying collar, and two flat kerfs. The lock ring is screw-coupled with the screw-thread section of the main pipe so as to fix in water reservoir tank. The valve assembly connects top flat kerf of the casing pipe. The tying collar ties the manifold. The top of the indirect pipe connects the casing pipe, and the bottom has an inclined opening couplably connecting the inclined kerf of the main pipe. A bolt and a nut are tightened together to press the tying collar so that the valve assembly, the casing pipe, the indirect pipe and the main pipe are closely couple-connected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a surface such as a swimming pool, a sports field, a glazed surface, a vehicle body, including: (a) a drum rotatingly mounted and capable of winding or unwinding a cover, said drum being mounted on longitudinal translation mechanisms including rails provided on either side of said surface; (b) an attachment system for said cover at one transverse end of the surface to be covered so that the translation and the rotation of the drum results in the winding/unwinding of the cover above the surface to be covered; (c) a system for continuously locking the longitudinal edges of the cover onto said rails that is progressively fitted during the unwinding operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a massage apparatus with a music player for use in the bathroom. More particularly, the present invention relates to a massage apparatus for use in the bathroom which is equipped with a massager that sprays water through a plurality of nozzles to provide a massage effect, said massage apparatus comprising: a bathtub with the massager installed in the lower portion thereof, having a bottom surface tilted upwards; a transfer pipe, one end of which is arranged vertically to the bottom surface of the bathtub and the other end of which is bent toward the ears of a user; a music box having an interior into which the transfer pipe is inserted, and in which a music player is embedded, and a lower portion with an outlet hole; and a drain pipe, one end of which communicates with the outlet hole and the other end of which is connected to a drain.

Abstract: A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game, blow bubbles, or view other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device in one mode features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. In a hand powered mode of the device, a compressible shell is employed to blow bubbles while squeezed and concurrently washing the user's hands. The controller or the shell may be employed with components providing a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a bed (1) provided with a device (2) suitable for facilitating the straightening of blankets and sheets when making the bed. Said device (2) is of the type with a frame, or surround, comprising two rods (2a, 2b) and a third transverse rod (2c) which joins the second ends of said two rods (2a, 2b), capable of rotating around an axis (4) from a horizontal to a vertical position and vice versa, the axis of rotation (4) being horizontal, transverse with respect to the length of the bed and situated in the vicinity of the head (5) of the bed; means are provided suitable for hooking the covers (7) in the highest position of the frame, i.e.

Abstract: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. The patient support includes a bedframe and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel pivotably coupled to the bedframe and a wheel position holder. The wheel position holder has a cam and a cam surface that includes recesses configured to cooperate with the cam to position the wheel.

Abstract: A support 56, 256, 356 for use with a surgical table 40, 140, 240, 340, 400 includes a first radiolucent beam 58, 258, 464 having a longitudinal axis and a second radiolucent beam 59, 259, 466 having a longitudinal axis. The first beam 58, 258, 464 and second beam 59, 259, 466 are each coupled to the deck 52, 252, 352 and extend outwardly therefrom in a cantilevered configuration.

Abstract: A gap protection device for an examining table includes a guide rail, a protecting chain and a rigid rope. The guide rail is fixed onto the non-moving part of the examining table. One end of the protecting chain is fixed onto the body of the examining table and is movable along the guide rail so as to cover the gap between the body and the non-moving part of the examining table. The two ends of the rigid rope are respectively connected to the two ends of the protecting chain. When the examining table is moved, the closed loop formed by the protecting chain and the rigid rope circulates synchronously under the drive of the examining table, such that the protecting chain covers the gap between the body and the non-moving part of the examining table.

Abstract: A collapsible, foldable transport surface capable of supporting an individual when carried by one or more assisting personnel utilizing hand hold components. The transport surface includes a primary body support surface and a secondary leg extension support surface that are connected together. The primary body support surface incorporates an array of straps extending across the back side thereof to form loop based hand holds positioned on the side edges of the transport surface. A set of longitudinally oriented straps are positioned on the support surface and extend from a top edge to form two loop based hand holds which further together terminate into a single loop hand hold at the opposite edge. The secondary leg extension support surface includes a smaller array of straps that extend across the extension support surface forming additional hand holds on either side. The secondary leg extension surface may be retained against the primary support surface when not in use.

Abstract: An infant bed includes a flexible mat and combination units mounted along circumferential edges of the mat to form hinge sections between the combination units and the mat that allow the combination units to be erected along the edges of the mat to joint to each other and form a surrounding wall. Each of the combination units includes at least one elastic body and forms an access opening through which the elastic body is insertable into and removable from the combination unit for the purposes of cleaning. Each of the combination units is further provided with a folding section along which the combination unit is foldable, whereby the mat and the combination units are collectively foldable along the hinge sections and the folding sections to convert into a sized-reduced pack like article that is hand- or shoulder-carryable to provide advantages of aesthetics and being easy to carry.

Abstract: A nursing pillow system for providing support to one or more children during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The system preferably includes a cover-up which provides privacy during feeding. The cover-up may be removably attached and stored in an integrated pocket in the nursing pillow system. Other features, such as a bolster, belt, back pillow, elastic bands, and pockets may be included to increase the comfort and utility of the system.

Abstract: A tool, such as a multipurpose tool, is provided that includes a carabiner having a spring that is configured to be sufficiently rugged to withstand the anticipated utilization of the carabiner. The tool may include at least a first handle, including a carabiner defining an opening thereto, and at least one tool carried by the first handle. The tool may also include a spring connected to the first handle proximate the carabiner and a gate urged by the spring to extend at least partially across the opening defined by the carabiner. The first handle may also include a tab, and the spring may include a corresponding engagement member configured to engage the tab such that the tab resists movement of the spring relative to the first handle. A corresponding handle assembly may also be provided.

Abstract: A specialized bottle opener provides a cap opener for opening screw tops, and a corkscrew attached to the cap opener, for opening traditional wine bottles sealed with corks. A lever arm, common to both tools, extends radially outward to provide torque when using either the cap opener or the corkscrew. The cap opener comprises a customizable ring and a pedestal having an interior cavity. Disposed on the inner surface of the cavity is one or more gripping members, such as vertical ridges, which serve to grip the cap and retain it within the cavity after the cap is removed from the bottle. After pouring the wine, the waiter may release the cap by accessing it through openings in the pedestal. Regardless of how a wine bottle is sealed, the multi-function bottle opener serves to maintain the sophisticated wine-drinking experience that consumers have come to expect.

Abstract: A manually held firefighting tool has an elongated staff section having a first working member at one end and a second working member at the other end. The first working member has a claw element and a spike element, each extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the staff section and protruding from the staff section in opposite directions. The second working member extends from the second end of the staff section and has a U-shaped yoke element supporting an arcuate cross bar element positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staff section. The second working member has its own claw element at one end and a spike element at the other end. A flat bar element is affixed perpendicularly to the cross bar element between its two ends. The firefighting tool is configured to be used in a variety of firefighting applications, allowing the firefighter to carry a single tool rather than a multitude of tools performing different functions.

Abstract: Reduction of damage to textiles caused when bleach active catalysts are used when washing the textiles, without influencing bleaching performance. The invention relates to a method for washing textiles in the presence of a peroxygenated bleaching agent and a bleach boosting transition metal complex, wherein the method is carried out when water hardness is between 0° dH-3° dH.

Abstract: A washing machine in which the poor heat-resistant laundry is sufficiently wet so that a plurality of water curtain layers are formed at the laundry, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam. According to the present invention, cold water is supplied simultaneously with injection of the steam so that the real temperature of the steam contacting the surfaces of the laundry is lowered, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry treating appliance having a drum and a torsionally flexible drive mechanism. The drum simultaneously rotates in a first rotational direction and oscillates about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: Powder hair coloring or bleaching composition comprising: a) at least one solid source of carbonate ions, carbamate ions, hydrogencarbonate ions, or mixtures thereof; b) at least one solid source of oxidizing agent; c) at least one solid source of ammonium ions; and d) a crosslinked carboxylic acid polymer thickener having a particle size of no more than about 10 microns in an amount which, upon admixture of the powder composition with water to provide a concentration of from about 1% to about 3%, provides the dispersed composition a viscosity of from about 10000 mPas to about 20000 mPas when measured at 0.5 rpm using Brookfield viscometer spindle S52, and a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.4.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of laundering fabric which uses a pourable liquid detergent composition comprising 10-40% wt of surfactant, essentially consisting of nonionic and/or anionic surfactant (typically less than 90% wt LAS and at least 10% wt of nonionic surfactant) in which 10-40% wt of surfactant preferably passes the Calcium Tolerance Test described in the patent. The composition comprises no more than 15% wt of soap, (present as a minority in wt % terms of the total surfactant). In the method, the composition is diluted by a factor of greater than 500 to obtain a wash liquor which comprises 0.8-0.05 g/l of surfactant, and, the wash liquor is contacted with fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boarding bridge with a minute approaching device and a shock absorbing part and an operation method thereof. The boarding bridge comprises a rotunda; a tunnel which contractably extends from the rotunda and forms a passage; a cab which is rotatbly coupled to the tunnel and connects the tunnel and aircraft; a main moving device which moves the cab by contraction and extension of the tunnel from a standby location of the cab and an adjacent location of the aircraft; and a minute approaching device which is provided in an end part of the cab and minutely moves the end part of the cab from the adjacent location to a contact location of the aircraft while the contraction and extension of the tunnel stops.

Abstract: A surface treating device includes a member adapted for engaging a surface to be treated and a driver operatively associated with the member. The driver is adapted for imparting a linear reciprocating motion to the member, wherein the member engages the surface in a manner substantially perpendicular to the surface to be treated. The surface treating device further includes a dispenser for delivering a fluid drawn from a discrete fluid source to the surface being treated by the member.

Abstract: A car wash brush comprising a motor and a rotatable vertically-depending brush shaft is provided with a spherical bearing which allows universal swivel movement of the brush shaft away from a normal, essentially vertical orientation. To limit the degree of swivel permitted, a plate with three angularly spaced bumpers is attached to the top of the swivel bearing and a C-shaped stop plate is arranged on a brush mount over the bumpers in fixed spaced relationship to the bearing seat such that excessive swivel motion brings one or more of the bumpers into contact with the under surface of the C-shaped plate. The bearing support structure is attached to a swing arm by means of an extra pivot which provides a breakaway function. An alarm and/or event recorder is provided to trigger an inspection in the event the breakaway function is brought into play.

Abstract: A gun bore cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system may be easily transported by a user, is convenient to work with, involves virtually no equipment malfunction problems, and is accessibly priced. A cleaning member is provided to be inserted into a gun barrel, a wire is connected to either end of the cleaning member, and the free end of either wire is connected to a wire moving device at the breech and the muzzle, respectively, of the gun barrel. Thus, when a wire is selectively wound at one of either end of the barrel, the cleaning member is moved to remove soots and other deposits from inside the gun barrel to conveniently clean the barrel. Thus, fast and accurate gun bore cleaning can be achieved for the sake of combat readiness, by reducing personnel requirements and the time taken for cleaning gun barrels by about 30%.

Abstract: The broom having a bottom rod and an offset top rod is provided. Bristles are attached to the bottom of the bottom rod to contact a floor. Connecting the top and bottom rods is a grip rod. The grip rod desirably slants downward toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. Desirably, the grip rod is attached at its bottom end to the bottom rod at an angle ? of from about 100° to about 150° preferably 100° to 140°. The grip rod is attached at its top end to the top rod at an angle ? of about 100° to about 150°, preferably 100° to 140°. As a result, the grip rod slants downward toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. The grip rod is located a predetermined distance above the bristles so the grip bar can be grasped when the bristles contact the floor by the user in a standing position.

Abstract: A cleaning device to assist in cleaning wheels and lug nuts comprising: a stem, where said stem includes a first end and a second end; a bristle assembly at the first end; and a sponge at the second end. The bristle assembly may include a base and a plurality of bristles. The base may be circular in shape and the plurality of bristles extend around the perimeter of the base leaving an opening in the inside the perimeter of the bristles. In one exemplary embodiment, the bristles may be evenly spaced and the sponge may be conical shaped with a pointed tip.

Abstract: A V-spring member (18) for use in a driving system for a personal care appliance has regions (34, 36) at the ends of the spring which are large enough to support a contact with an end clamping assembly, the spring member including a cross-piece (40) extending between the longitudinal edges of the spring at the end regions, such that the ends of the spring member define a closed line. End clamping assemblies (16, 24) provided for such a V-spring member include a body portion (64) having a lower support portion (66) on which the V-spring is supported and a mating clamping member (88) positioned in registry with the support portion on top of the V-spring.

Abstract: A brush includes: a brushing unit including a bristle-retaining member that has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, a plurality of bristles retained on the bristle-retaining member and disposed on the first side, and a pivot connector provided on the second side of the bristle-retaining member; a handgrip having a pivoted portion that is pivotally connected to the pivot connector, a grip portion that is opposite to the pivoted portion, and a positioning portion that is disposed between the pivoted portion and the grip portion; and a resilient component disposed between the brushing unit and the handgrip, and providing a biasing force for urging the positioning portion of the handgrip to abut against the bristle-retaining member.