Abstract: A security method for an attached computer module in a computer system. The security method reads a security identification number in an attached computer module and compares it to a security identification number in a console, which houses the attached computer module. Based upon a relationship between these numbers, a security status is selected. The security status determines the security level of operating the computer system.

Abstract: A finger guard includes a first segment, a middle segment, a plurality of compound segments and an end segment. The first segment preferably has a unitary body with the plurality of compound segments spaced from such a first segment. The middle segment has a unitary body and may be intermediately disposed between the first and compound segments respectively. The end segment may be positioned at a distal end of the compound segments. An underlayment having a flexible body may further be attached to each of the first, middle, compound and end segments respectively. Each of the first, middle, compound and end segments may be independently displaced along mutually exclusive paths when the underlayment is displaced. The finger guard is adapted to the movements of the user finger when guiding the food to be cut and provides speed and accuracy for food cutting operations in a comfortable, safe and non-restrictive manner.

Abstract: A shower shirt has waterproof seals at its neck opening, arm openings and shirt bottom to prevent water from contacting a person's body that is enclosed by the shirt. The shower shirt also has one or more pockets sized to support post surgical devices associated with the patient such as drain tubes, bulbs, dialysis/external catheters, wound vac and infusion pumps. The shower shirt can also include baffles to provide additional lateral breast support to the patient.

Abstract: A shirt supports and shapes the mid-section of a wearer. Support and shape thereby provided minimizes the appearance of the waistline. The shirt includes a top-section and a mid-section having lateral regions constructed to engage with a waistline of the wearer when the shirt is worn. At least two lateral portions are integrated within the lateral regions of the mid-section. These lateral portions are appointed to minimize the appearance of the waistline to optimally provide an hourglass shape. The lateral portions are preferably constructed having a substantially elongated oval shape, and are preferably composed of a substantially non-stretching material. These lateral portions provide support for the lateral abdominal wall of the abdominal region and back of the wearer where “love handles” and thick waists sometimes develop. Advantageously, the shirt may be worn as an undershirt or as outerwear to discretely minimize the wearer's waistline.

Abstract: A protective garment comprising an outer shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The protective garment further comprising a moisture barrier layer, a thermal insulating layer and a mesh liner layer. The thermal insulating layer comprises at least one of a facecloth material, a batting material, a spunlace material and a felt material, and the mesh liner layer is unattached to the thermal insulating layer.

Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.

Abstract: A hat suitable for use in outdoor applications is provided. The hat provides protection from the elements, e.g., rain, wind, sun, while used in outdoor activities, such as hiking, while also providing enhanced ventilation features so that the hat may regulate heat that is either absorbed by the hat or generated by the head of the user.

Abstract: A headwear having a selectively adjustable visor is disclosed. The headwear includes a crown for covering at least a portion of a wearer's head. A visor is attached to the crown and includes a visor cover disposed over a unitary visor body. The visor body has a first surface and an opposing second surface to define a uniform thickness. The visor body is configured with at least one slit formed therein. The at least one slit defines a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is transitional relative to the proximal portion between a first position and a second position. The slit allows the distal portion of the visor to adjust relative to the proximal portion, thereby to enhancing the visor appearance of the headwear and providing a better shade to the wearer.

Abstract: A headscarf for women and in particular veiled women is provided which includes a garment element sewn to a predetermined formed style to covers a wearer's head and neck. The headscarf maintains the formed style of a scarf worn particularly by veiled women. Additionally, the headscarf can be provided with styling accessories.

Abstract: Protective over garment shorts including at least one pocket sized and otherwise dimensioned to removeably receive a ballistic protection panel therein and at least one ballistic protection panel configured to fit within each of the at least one pockets. The shorts are configured to be worn over existing pants and extend from a position covering the pelvic region of a wearer to a position proximate the knee region of the wearer.

Abstract: Magnetic work clothes for holding work items comprise a body having a surface and one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items. The one or more magnets providing a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects and securing them to the surface such that they are readily available for use. The body comprising a pair of suspenders, a vest, an apron or any other suitable clothing item.

Abstract: A sanitary system for a motor vehicle includes a bowl assembly, a base coupled to the bowl assembly and a mobile holding tank removably coupled to the toilet for receiving waste from the toilet and stowable within a storage area defined by the base. The sanitary system further includes a pumping arrangement having a first portion carried by the base and a cooperating second portion carried by the mobile holding tank. The first portion engages the second portion when the mobile holding tank is positioned within the storage area so as to define a fluid path from the mobile holding tank to a remote waste storage tank for pumping of waste from the mobile holding tank to the remote waste storage tank.

Abstract: Tilting Bowl Toilet comprises a frame, a toilet basin, and a tilting bowl. The tilting bowl is supported below the toilet basin to receive and hold water/waste delivered from the toilet basin. The tilting bowl tilts to discharge its content to drainage. The tilting bowl at standby is sustained to stay in a horizontal position by a sustaining turning moment about its support axis. When water is added, the turning moment produced by the tilting bowl with its content becomes larger than the sustaining turning moment, and the tilting bowl moves to a tilted position to discharge its content. As the tilting bowl tilts, the sustaining turning moment is simultaneously reduced to accelerate bowl tilting for efficient discharge of waste to sewage.

Abstract: An artificial surfing facility for producing a standing wave, with an inclined ramp, to the upper end of which water is conveyed by at least one pump and at the lower end of which the water discharges into a wave pool. A standing wave is easily attained by there being an adjustable guide device in the wave pool at a distance from the bottom end of the ramp in the flow direction as a wave initiator. The wave pool, during operation of at least one pump, has a liquid level which is located above the liquid level of a main pool which surrounds the wave pool and the amount of water in the wave pool offers a defined resistance to the water flowing down the ramp so that the formation and height of the standing wave are influenced by the change of the flow velocity.

Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.

Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.

Abstract: A bathtub seat that includes a platform upon which a bather sits formed from a plurality of watersealed planks. The planks are chosen of an appropriate length which length corresponds to the width of the bathtub. The platform planks are attached to feet, which feet rest on the top of the bathtub. The back edge of the platform includes a guide rail with a guide slot. The guide slot is utilized to position suction cups which suction cups are employed to adhere the platform to the back wall above the bathtub. Attached to the back of the suction cups are studs and nuts, which are used to attach the suction cups to the guide rails. The suction cups are positioned along the guide rails by loosening the stud from the nut, moving the suction cup along the guide slot and thereupon re-tightening. Once the suction cups are positioned appropriately for the particular application, the bathtub seat is positioned over the bathtub with the feet on the top of the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a touch or proximity sensitive device, specifically one which controls characteristics such as the temperature and flow rate of water or other liquids. An apparatus for controlling a flow characteristic of a flowing liquid by a user, the apparatus comprising a two-dimensional control surface for sensing the proximity of a user in two dimensions, means for determining a position of the user, and means for controlling the characteristic of the liquid responsive to said determining.

Abstract: A portable, personal lifting device (10, 100) includes a central member (12), a seat (14) attached to the central member (12) in such a way that the seat is capable of translating linearly along the central member (12), an actuator (16) for causing translation between the seat (14) and the central member (12), and a support member (24) to stabilize the central member (12). The central member (12) is positioned between a user's legs in such a way that the user straddles during operation of the device (10, 100), thereby providing an inexpensive, lightweight lifting device that can be used in very close quarters.

Abstract: A convertible wheelchair having two self-propelling rear wheels and two front casters, electric controls for converting from a chair position to a reclined position by an electric actuator connected between a bottom panel of a frame and under a seat support, a backrest connected pivotally at intermediate points between sides of the frame, and a leg support pivotally connected to front corners of the frame and front ends of the seat support. The wheelchair may be secured adjacent to a bed by a mount disc on a center portion of the rear wheels enabling a user to safely convert the wheelchair to the reclined position by moving a switch of the electric controls. When reclined, the user may move over onto the bed without a caregiver's assistance, unless necessary.

Abstract: A bedding system for use with a bed that includes at least a base support member. The bedding system includes a base layer of bedding material that is for support on the base support member; an overlying piece of bedding material for positioning on the base layer; first indicia on the base layer; second indicia on the overlying piece; with said first and second indicia defining, when placed adjacent to each other, a predetermined matching contour that indicates an alignment between the base layer and the overlying layer.

Abstract: The comfort quilt and a pillowcase combination has features that permit easy and efficient cleaning thereof. The quilt incorporates a housing or cover member that encapsulates an insert therein. The insert includes plastic sheathing that is stuffed with a soft insulating material. When the quilt is soiled, the insert is easily removed from the cover member so that the cover member can be cleaned (wash and dried). An electronic device (battery operated) is attached to the insert for emitting spiritual music or prayers for comfort. The pillowcase includes a facing member attached thereto. The facing member can be easily removed from the pillowcase.

Abstract: A mattress encasement with improved bed bug protection includes an encasement body configured to cover a mattress and a zipper disposed at an opening in the encasement body and movable between an open condition permitting insertion and removal of the mattress and a closed condition preventing bed bugs from traversing the zipper. The zipper has a zipper head and a zipper pull pivotable on the zipper head. A clasp is at least partly fixed to the encasement body. A hook-and-loop fastener is associated with the encasement body and the clasp for locking the zipper pull to the clasp with the zipper in the closed condition to prevent movement of the zipper head and opening of the zipper.

Abstract: A bed structure includes a frame 28, a deck framework 50 moveably connected to the frame, a panel 72 moveably connected to the deck framework, and a motion converter 100. The motion converter translates the panel relative to the deck framework in response to either or both of a) relative translation between the deck framework and the frame, and b) relative rotation of the deck framework and the frame. In one detailed embodiment the motion converter includes a rack 102 secured to the frame, a primary gear 124 meshing with the rack, a panel drive sprocket 170 rotatably mounted on the deck framework coaxially with the primary gear, an idler sprocket 192 rotatably mounted on the deck framework remote from the panel drive sprocket, a slider connected to the panel, and a chain 220 engaged with the panel drive sprocket and the idler and connected to the slider.

Abstract: A mattress structure able to adjust elastic support forces comprises: a fixed plate, which has a plurality of flexible accommodating holes and a plurality of first flexible members and is fixed in the mattress body, the flexible accommodating holes are at the bottom of the first flexible members respectively; a moving plate, which has a plurality of second flexible member corresponding to the flexible accommodating hole, the moving plate is below the fixed plate; and a support plate, which is below the moving plate and has an air compressor at the bottom thereof, the air compressor has a plurality of air bags disposed between the support plate and the moving plate and a plurality of tubes connecting the air compressor with the air bags, the moving plate is thus moved up and down through that the air bags pump gas.

Abstract: A hybrid imaging system and a patient bed for same are disclosed. The hybrid imaging system includes a magnetic resonance scanner and a second modality imaging system spaced apart from the magnetic resonance scanner by a gap. In some embodiments, the gap is less than seven meters. The patient bed is disposed at least partially in the gap between the magnetic resonance scanner and the second modality imaging system, and includes a linearly translatable patient support pallet aligned to be selectively moved into an examination region of the magnetic resonance scanner for magnetic resonance imaging and into an examination region of the second modality imaging system for second modality imaging. In some embodiments, a linear translation range of the linearly translatable pallet is less than five times a length of the patient support pallet along the direction of linear translation.

Abstract: A mobility assist assembly, consisting of a transportable patient support module including a support surface which is modifiable by at least a plurality of upwardly extending and individually height adjustable and articulate-able posts integrated into a supporting carriage. A power transport module can be docked to the carriage. The patient support surface further includes a plurality of individual height or width adjustable sections. A headboard proximate docking module interfaces with the patient support module and a power assist modules.

Abstract: A surgical support system including a positioning pillow to support a patient in a lateral position on an operating table. The positioning pillow includes a head supporting surface having an opening to accommodate an ear of the laterally positioned patient and a channel intersecting the opening to accommodate an eye of the laterally positioned patient, a shoulder supporting surface disposed adjacent to the head supporting surface and oriented substantially perpendicular to the head supporting surface to accommodate a shoulder of the laterally positioned patient, and a bottom surface disposed opposite to the head supporting surface and adjacent to the shoulder supporting surface, the head supporting surface being angled relative to the bottom surface to align the patient's thoracic and cervical spine at a predetermined angle with respect to the operating table when the patient's head is positioned on the head supporting surface in the lateral position.

Abstract: A socket system includes a socket having a first end and a second end. The first end has a first socket opening having a first inner configuration. The second end has a second socket opening having a second inner configuration different than the first inner configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toothbrush (710), in particular a mechanical toothbrush (710) more commonly known as an electric toothbrush (710), which includes a spherical brush head (712) which is capable of undergoing at least first (720) and second (722) independent brushing motions in order to improve the overall brushing effectiveness.

Abstract: The curved-head electric toothbrush includes an elongate housing having a drive assembly contained therein. The housing provides a handle portion and a tapering section that holds a curved brush mount. The curved brush mount has a plurality of rotatable brush units mounted thereon. The brush mount is shaped to conform to the curved row of teeth of a user's mouth. The drive assembly drives one of the brush units, and the rest of the brush units are driven by the driving brush unit so that adjacent brush units rotate in opposite directions. Each brush unit includes curved, outer bristles and straight, inner bristles, the former for cleaning the outer side surfaces and the latter for the top surface of teeth. In use, the curved-head electric toothbrush simultaneously cleans substantially the whole row of teeth with minimal manual manipulation.

Abstract: A sports towel constructed in the form of bag having an interior surface and an exterior surface wherein soil on the interior surface is prevented from transfer to the exterior surface is provided. The towel includes a bag-shaped body constructed of a fabric material. The body has opposing first and second ends and a continuous peripheral wall extending between said first and said second ends. The first end being closed and together with said peripheral wall defining an interior space within said body. The second end being open and providing access into said interior space. The peripheral wall including an interior surface that includes two areas of dissimilar surfaces.

Abstract: A barbecue grill cleaner, including a head member having a front end and a rear end, a cleaning element coupled to the head member and extending downwardly therefrom, and a barrier flap. The barrier flap is coupled to the head member and extends downwardly therefrom, the barrier flap being formed of a flexible and resilient material and positioned rearwardly relative to the cleaning element. The barrier flap is configured to obstruct debris that is projected rearwardly by the cleaning element.

Abstract: A toothbrush head having a bristle carrier, and bristles held in bristle holders, the bristle holders being connected to the bristle carrier by resilient connectors which cause the holders to move resiliently as brushing pressure is applied to the bristles and also cause the bristle holders to rotate. A suitable form of connector follows a conical surface between the bristle holder and bristle carrier.

Abstract: A dusting cloth structure for use with a duster includes a sleeve body whose outer surface is provided with a pile layer or a cloth strip layer and which has a receiving groove therein for receiving an external duster shank. One end of the sleeve body is formed with a sleeve opening. A portion of the sleeve body that is away from the sleeve opening is formed with a dividing portion extending toward the sleeve opening. The dividing portion defines two end grooves in the sleeve body, wherein the end grooves are divided from each other and communicate with the receiving groove. Moreover, the inner wall of the receiving groove is formed with a joint accommodating groove along the vertical direction of the surface of the sleeve body to prevent the sleeve body from coming off the shank.

Abstract: A collapsible pivot body having a housing that includes a channel defined therein and a mounting bracket that is adapted to attach the pivot body to a portion of a vehicle. The collapsible pivot body further includes a sleeve operatively disposed within the channel. The sleeve includes an internal passage that is adapted to receive a pivot shaft assembly of a wiper system. The collapsible pivot body further includes a plurality of bridges that connect the sleeve to the housing. The bridges are adapted to fail in response to a predetermined load acting on a pivot shaft assembly and cause the sleeve to collapse within the housing, thereby displacing the pivot shaft assembly and a portion of a wiper arm below the impact line of a vehicle.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner having an air filter provided on a suction side of an indoor fan has a construction in which dust removed from the air filter by a dust removing part can be recovered easily and reliably. The construction includes a dust removing part (51) for removing dust captured by an air filter (30) provided on the suction side of an indoor fan (21), storage containers (60), (81) having the dust removing part (51) stored therein, a nozzle insertion part (110) into which a nozzle (150) of a cleaner can be inserted, and a suction passage (95) for making the storage containers (60), (81) to communicate with the nozzle insertion part (110).

Abstract: A debris collection system is disclosed comprising a vehicle and an articulating vacuum hose. The articulating vacuum hose includes a vacuum hose assembly and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is configured to support the vacuum hose assembly which is comprised of a vacuum hose, support bands and support cables. The articulating arm includes a first arm extension and a second arm extension. The first arm extension is mounted to the vehicle and rotatable with respect to the vehicle about two perpendicular pivot axes. The second arm extension is pivotally connected to the first arm extension and is rotatable with respect to the first arm extension about a third pivot axis. The first and second arm extensions can be moved to a folded position wherein both extensions are parallel to each other and to an exterior surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vacuum electronics system is provided including an electronic water sense circuit for sensing the water level and preventing the vacuum source from operating when the water level approaches the vacuum filter.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes a floor engaging rolling assembly including a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid flow and a device for acting on the fluid flow received through the inlet, and a steering mechanism including a chassis connected to and projecting from the rolling assembly, a plurality of floor engaging steering members connected to the chassis and a control mechanism for changing simultaneously the orientation of the steering members relative to the chassis.

Abstract: Handle has status indicators viewable by operator while viewing location being cleaned and using handle in ordinary cleaning position, and light illuminating location being cleaned. Indicators are LED lamps. Light is an LED lamp. Microphone senses particles and illuminates an indicator. Indicators and light are provided in a housing section that forms part of a housing for handle. Housing section may be integrated with the remainder of the housing, or may be unit that fits into remainder of housing. Light has central axis generally parallel, within approximately five degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. Indicators each have a central axis generally parallel, within approximately 5 degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. The indicators have limited beam angle. Indicator viewable over grasping section of handle from towards distal end of handle. The cleaner may be a vacuum cleaner, which may be a central vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner system includes at least one air flow control valve coupled to a vacuum motor, a pressure chamber and a filter. The at least one valve is operable to couple the at least one filter to the vacuum source to provide suction therethrough when the at least one valve is in a first position, and alternately to couple the at least one filter to the pressure chamber when the at least one valve is in a second position to supply pressurized air from the pressure chamber to the at least one filter to clean the at least one filter.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor engaging portion and a handle portion pivotally mounted to the floor engaging portion. The handle portion includes an input device. An agitator is rotatably mounted in the floor engaging portion to agitate a floor surface being cleaned. A first motor has an output shaft and an agitator belt selectively drivingly connecting the motor to the agitator. A tensioning arm pivotally mounts to the floor engaging portion for motion between an agitator-on position in which the tensioning arm engages the agitator belt, to place the agitator belt under tension whereby the agitator belt drives the agitator, and an agitator-off position in which the tensioning arm does not engage the agitator belt, to place the agitator belt in a slack condition whereby the agitator belt does not drive the agitator.

Abstract: A combination castor includes a control unit, a linking unit, and at least two castor units. The control unit includes at least one mounting seat, at least one bushing mounted in the at least one mounting seat, and a pedal pivotally located at a side of the at least one mounting seat. The linking unit includes a propeller shaft extended through the at least one bushing and locked onto the pedal, at least one rotation plate secured on the propeller shaft, and at least two links each pivotally connected with the at least one rotation plate and the respective castor unit. Thus, when the pedal is stepped, the propeller shaft is driven to rotate the at least one rotation plate which drives the links to operate the castor units so as to brake or position the castor units simultaneously.

Abstract: A hinge device prevents breakage of a structuring part from an increase in an internal pressure during overload. In the hinge device, first and second members are rotatable relative to each other. A case is fixed to either the first or second member, and a shaft body capable of rotating relative to the case is fixed to the other. A first chamber and a second chamber formed between the case and the shaft body are filled with viscous fluid. An orifice between the first and second chambers narrows a flow path for the viscous fluid moving from the first to second chamber, resisting rotation of the shaft body. A space region is provided in the shaft body, with a valve body movably placed therein. When pressure of the first chamber reaches a predetermined level, the valve body moves in the space region to increase the volume of the first chamber.

Abstract: A door hinge has a knuckle defining a pivot axis, a pair of leaves extending from the knuckle and pivotal relative to each other about the axis, a housing fixable in a door jamb or door edge, and a holder in the housing. The holder is formed by a pair of bent sheet-metal brackets together forming a cavity in which engages one of the hinge leaves. One of the brackets has a face forming an acute angle to the axis. A pair of rotatable and externally threaded spindles extending across the cavity are threaded to the one leaf such that rotation of the spindles adjusts a position of the one leaf in the cavity relative to the holder. An adjustment screw threaded in the housing bears on the angled face so that the screw can be rotated to press against the face and cam the holder axially.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for a refrigerator door including a side edge defined by an upper inner edge portion and a lower inner edge portion which are offset by a lateral portion, front and back sides, and an opening between the front and back sides at the lateral portion. The handle assembly includes a handle having a first end leading to a second end through a gripping portion. The second end is provided with in-turned portion having a projection. The handle assembly also includes an attachment member fixed to the front side of the door and a cap positioned in the opening of the door. When assembled, the first end of the handle is secured to the attachment member and the projection extends into a socket formed in the cap.

Abstract: A cable tie is revealed. The cable tie includes a slot base with an insertion hole, a belt and at least one fastener. At least one surface of the insertion hole is a slanted surface. Locking teeth is arranged at a surface of the belt. The fastener is mounted into the insertion hole of the slot base correspondingly. The fastener includes a slanted surface corresponding to the slanted surface of the slot base, and projecting teeth corresponding to the locking teeth of the belt. When the belt is inserted through the insertion hole of the slot base to bind objects tightly, the fastener is mounted into the insertion hole so that the projecting teeth of the fastener are engaged with the locking teeth of the belt so as to lock and fix the belt. The cable tie can be used again once the belt is released from the fastener.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for joining the ends of the retainer band that does not damage the band ends may help prevent separation of the ends as the band is compressed, and corrosion of the band when it is exposed to a chemically-charged environment. A retainer structure for use in a fluid-holding tank comprises a main band body having a first end portion and a second end portion and a connecting member for receiving the first and second end portions so that the main band body forms a loop shape. The connecting member is configured to directly secure the received first and second end portions without deforming the first and second end portions.