Abstract: A system for providing alert notifications to multiple persons or to a plurality of related geographic locations. The system stores a database of information including a plurality of communications identifiers and additional information for subscribers having those identifiers, including geographic locations and/or school/organization membership information. The system responds to commands identifying alerts to be delivered to affected geographic areas or schools/organizations, by retrieving communications identifiers in the threatened geographic location or associated with the named school/organization, establishing a communications connection using each retrieved communication identifier, and delivering the alert. Alerts may be initiated by authorized personnel via telephone or Internet interaction with the system, or may be generated automatically from data feeds such as the EMWIN system of the National Weather Service.

Abstract: A protective head gear for a user having an outer panel, an inner panel, a retention pleat on the inner panel, a respirator, and an indexed fastener. The outer panel is disposed relative to the inner panel to provide efficacious spatial separation therebetween. The fastener is formed to adjustably and releasably secure at least a portion of the inner panel to the user. An indexing element is attached to the fastener, and is formed of material substantially tactilely different from the fastener, the outer panel, or the inner panel, to permit the user to unambiguously locate the point of fastening. The outer panel, inner panel, and respirator, can be composed of fabrics having one or more layer, and one layer can have a repellent characteristic different from another (e.g., hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic).

Abstract: A glove having one or more reinforcements affixed thereon that reduce restriction of movement of fingers of a user. The reinforcements cross to form at least one X-shaped pattern when projected on a plane of motion of an interphalangeal joint of the fingers. The one or more reinforcements are located substantially on one or both sides of the interphalangeal joint of the fingers. The X-shaped pattern is substantially centered over an axis of rotation of the interphalangeal joint.

Abstract: The present invention is a warming salon cape with a front planar facing and a rear planar facing, a bias binding, a pouch that is utilized to hold one or more objects, an exterior covering, a label and a plurality of fabric piping. The warming salon cape also includes one or more fasteners, a neck aperture that is formed when the fasteners are releasably engaged securing the warming salon cape around the user, a plurality of sewn threading and a plurality of vents. The present invention also includes a method for using a warming salon cape that includes the steps of asking a client being groomed their ability to self-regulate their body temperature, providing the warming salon cape to the client and having the client wear the warming salon cape.

Abstract: A medical examination dress for women that is suitable for the patient to wear in public for a physician appointment, hospital stay, recovery, etc. The medical exam dress sufficiently covers the body eliminating exposure while maintaining a woman's modesty and dignity and is designed with button mechanics for quick access to specific areas of the body or convertible to a bifurcated garment. The exam dress has buttons at the shoulders straps allowing access to both front and back upper torso areas and down both. The exam dress also buttons down both right and left sides allowing the garment to be folded up and reattached to upper side buttons for access to either front and/or back lower torso areas. There are no metal parts, thereby, allowing use in x-ray and imaging devices.

Abstract: Garments are convertible between multiple configurations so as to have an alternate appearance and/or be wearable as a different type of garment. Pants may be alternately configured so as to expose one of at least two possible surface treatments. The pants include a reversing panel having front and rear flaps that can be alternately wrapped around the left or right side. A garment alternately configurable for wear as a skirt or as a pair of short pants includes front and rear conversion tails. The front conversion tail is alternately affixable to the front or to the rear of the garment; the rear conversion tail is alternately affixable to the rear or to the front of the garment. A garment is also alternately configurable for wear in a sleeveless, wraparound manner, or for wear as a sleeved garment.

Abstract: A functional article of clothing is provided with a pocket preferably on the interior surface of the article of clothing with an access opening and a transverse slot; and a bottle opener disposed within the pocket. The mouth of the opener is oriented with the transverse slot of the pocket so that the mouth of the opener is open to the outside of the pocket when the bottle opener is disposed within said pocket and the opener can engage a bottle without being removed from the pocket. In one embodiment the pocket is formed with a rectangular sheet with a slot that is folded lengthwise over a lower hem and the sides are secured to the clothing by stitching or fasteners. The opener and the pocket may include advertising indicia.

Abstract: A glove is disclosed that includes abrasion-resistant finger elements on the inner surface of the glove, including in the finger stalls. The finger elements include abrasion-resistant elements that define extended channels between them. The finger elements are composed of an abrasion-resistant material.

Abstract: The combination of a headwear piece, at least one object, and a tether. The headwear piece has a crown with a surface for engaging a wearer's head to maintain the headwear piece in an operative position on the wearer's head. The at least one object has an identification thereon that relates to at least one of: a) an event; b) a location; c) an institution; d) a product; e) a service; f) a person; g) an animate object; h) an inanimate object; i) a team; and j) a participant in an event. The tether maintains the at least one object on the headwear piece. An identification on the headwear piece is coordinated with the identification on the at least one object.

Abstract: The present invention is a securing pocket for attachment to an accessory article that supports a small hands-free electronic device. The pocket further comprises an opening within the accessory article for supporting the pocket. The opening is dimensioned and contoured to support the electronic device. The pocket further comprises a first covering and a second covering dimensioned and contoured to support the electronic device. The second covering overlays the first covering and have a seamless attachment thereto with an edge being left unattached for receiving and removing the electronic device. Cut out openings extend through the base material of the accessory article and first covering1.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having magnetic coupling is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet includes at least one protective layer configured to cover at least a portion of a user's head and a pad coupled to a back plate, a back plate coupled to a protective layer, a back plate comprising a magnet.

Abstract: A protective face mask system according to the present invention comprises a flexible mask body including an opening for receiving a lens, nose portion, a central portion positioned to the rear of and extending at least partially above the nose portion, a central receiving slot located between the nose portion and the central portion, right and left temple portions, each temple portion having a shaped receiving opening therethrough, left and right cheek portions, and at least one groove located adjacent one of the left and right cheek portions. A lens is provided sized to be received upon and cover the lens opening. The lens includes right and left temple portions including openings therein positioned to correspond to and align with the openings of the mask body when the lens is positioned for attachment to the mask body. The lens including at least a portion that snappingly engages the groove when a portion of the lens is inserted into the slot.

Abstract: Laminates made from films and powders of N-halochitosan are provided. The films and laminates can be used to make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. The single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member.

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 container holder, a sprayer through which the chemical can be sprayed laterally at least halfway around a perimeter of the sprayer, means for attaching the sprayer near a rim of the toilet bowl, and a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the sprayer. The toilet bowl cleaning device can include a hand or foot actuated lever for releasing a fluid from the container into a fluid delivery system, and a clip for mounting the sprayer adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl wherein the clip can be adjusted to fit different size toilet bowls.

Abstract: A combination packet containing disposable sanitary toilet seat cover and moist wipe which comprises a flexible enclosure having a first dry compartment and a second vapor moist compartment therein. A sanitary toilet seat cover is folded and carried within the first dry compartment of the flexible enclosure. A moist wipe is folded and carried within the second vapor moist compartment in the flexible enclosure.

Abstract: A control device for automatic water discharge installed at position where water is discharged in apparatus for automatic water discharge in a kitchen and sanitary environment is provided. The device comprises a housing, a sensor unit disposed inside the housing, a water discharge unit, and an electromagnetic valve assembly. The housing comprises a first holding chamber configured to receive the sensor unit, a second holding chamber configured to receive the electromagnetic valve assembly, a third holding chamber configured to receive the water discharge unit, and a water intake chamber. The sensor unit comprises a circuit board and a sensor set at the circuit board. The circuit board is provided with a processor. The electromagnetic valve assembly comprises an electromagnetic valve electrically connected with the circuit board and a diaphragm unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drain system for a walk-in bathtub. The drain system includes a conventional drain opening in the bottom of the walk-in bathtub and a second drain opening in the side of the foot well of the bathtub. A motorized pump pumps water out of the bathtub through the second drain opening in the foot well. A first drain line provides water outflow from the conventional drain opening to a primary drain pipe. A second drain line provides outflow from the motorized pump to the primary drain pipe, and a third drain line joins the primary drain pipe from an overflow opening near the top of the bathtub. A low water sensor is coupled to the second drain line and motorized pump and deactivates the pump when the water level in the bathtub is equal to or lower than the second drain opening.

Abstract: A personal lifting device includes a housing that carries first, second, third and fourth lifting mechanisms. First, second, third and fourth lift lines are connected to the respective lifting mechanisms. Further, the device includes a controller for selectively operating the first, second, third and fourth lifting mechanisms whereby the first, second, third and fourth lifting lines are independently extended and retracted as desired to lower and lift a person.

Abstract: A protective pad for infants and toddlers to lie upon when away from home comprises a large rectangular textile assembly similar in size to a beach towel having a water-resistant bottom surface, a comfortable inner layer of foam rubber, and a top layer of soft fabric. The top layer is held in place via a perimeter zipper which enables removal and laundering thereof. The pad is provided with a raised foam rubber edge to serve as a barrier to dirt and debris. The pad may be folded up compactly and secured using hook-and-loop-type fasteners and transported or attached to a stroller using a pair of carrying handles. The pad also provides an on-board stake-style umbrella to provide shade for an occupying infant or toddler at park or beach settings.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring. Slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. A second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. A levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.

Abstract: A duvet cover assembly includes a duvet and duvet cover that appear like a traditional duvet and duvet cover but are connected into a single unit that is entirely machine washable. The duvet cover assembly prevents the duvet from clumping or pooling within the duvet. The duvet cover assembly is useable in home and commercial (e.g. hotel) settings. The duvet cover assembly improves hygiene and shortens the time taken for changing the bedding.

Abstract: A cushioned head support device for safely and comfortably supporting a patient's head during procedures where the patient is positioned face down. The device affords easy access to the patient's face, providing multiple suitable openings for inserting medical devices as well as for viewing the patient. A mirror is provided so that medical personnel may view the patient's face conveniently and easily while working above the patient. The device is readily adjustable in multiple dimensions, providing for adjustment to accommodate any size face or head, as well as adjustments to raise or lower the height of the device or to tilt the device in any direction. The invention further comprises disposable cushions in various sizes to accommodate children as well as adults.

Abstract: A cushioning element has a first gelastic cushion element made from a flexible, resilient, gel cushioning media having shape memory. The first gelastic cushion element has a first hub section, and a first spoke and a second spoke. Each spoke has a proximal end that extends from the first hub section. Each distal end and the spoke area between the distal end and the proximal end does not interconnect to the other spoke, and/or a second gelastic cushion element having a second hub section and corresponding spokes. Each distal end is positioned near and/or contacts the second gelastic cushion element. At least one of the first hub section, the first spoke and the second spoke is capable of buckling beneath a protuberance that is located on the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sleeping restraint for a child that can be used to secure the child to the chest of an adult who is in a substantially horizontal position as well as to methods of using a sleeping restraint. In certain embodiments, the sleeping restraint comprises a chest strap for encircling the chest of an adult, first and second child restraining walls extending from the chest strap, and a restraining strap attached to the first child restraining wall for restraining a child in place on the adult's chest between the walls when the adult is lying on his back.

Abstract: An inflatable bed having a primary body, a backrest selectively inclinable relative to the primary body, a slit defined at a junction of the primary body and the backrest, and a pouch received in the slit to be selectively inflatable to move the backrest relative to the primary body. The slit is defined in a manner that when the pouch is inflated and the backrest is lifted by the pouch, friction of a bottom face of the backrest to a top face of ground where the inflatable bed is rested is minimized so as to facilitate the inclinable movement of the backrest relative to the primary body.

Abstract: A multi-function hand tool having a housing comprising two housing halves pivotally connected with disconnecting pliers. Each housing half contains a plurality of selectively removeable pivoting tools therein to perform a plurality of functions. Pliers having two releasable portion provides a pivotable connection between the two housing halves and are releasable to facilitate use of two tools simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for producing a shoe that can be adapted to the foot of a wearer, is made of hard, thermoplastic synthetic material and is worn for sports, includes heating a prefabricated shoe at least in sections and adapting the shoe by applying pressure from the outside and by shaping the heated area. The shoe is then cooled, a correction strip, which is made of a hard material and is taken from the foot, is introduced in to the prefabricated shoe and the heated shoe is pressed onto the correction strip by applying pressure. A strip correction and a shoe are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with a tilt-able hopper frame and hopper bag that includes a handle such that an operator may tilt the hopper frame and hopper bag, using the handle, to empty the hopper bag contents. The hopper bag and hopper frame are connected to a lawn sweeper unit using a hopper rod which is inserted into two slots at the ends of two hopper support bars and secured within the slots by two corresponding latch plates, one latch plate at each end of the two hopper support bars. The latching mechanism allows the hopper frame and hopper bag to be easily removed from the lawn sweeper unit for storage.

Abstract: A floor cleaning tool is disclosed that provides for an improved method of gathering and picking up debris from the floor. In one embodiment, the floor cleaning tool has a handle, a wiping body wiping body comprised of a solid and continuous material connected at one end to the handle and a capture sheet covering the wiping body. The wiping body includes a first wiping side and a second wiping side, opposite the first wiping side wherein a length and width of the wiping body are each at least five times larger than a thickness between the first wiping side and second wiping side. The capture sheet covers the wiping body by wrapping continuously around the first wiping side and second wiping side. In one embodiment, the capture sheet includes a tacky surface outwardly facing from the wiping body.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a multi-component handle, and method of manufacturing the same. The invention can be an oral care implement having a handle which comprises at least four components constructed of different materials. The invention may also be an oral care implement having a handle comprising a core structure constructed of a first rigid material and an elongated handle body constructed of a second rigid material, the core structure disposed within a through slot of the elongated handle body; and a grip cover constructed of a resilient material that covers a front surface, a rear surface and a proximal end surface of the elongated handle body. The grip cover may be used to conceal through-holes in the elongated handle body that result from supporting the core structure during the injection molding of the elongated handle body about the core structure.

Abstract: A brush for applying a powdered cosmetic composition, comprising: a tuft of synthetic hairs comprising at least two groups of hairs having, at their free ends, cross-sections of different surface area; and a handle supporting the tuft of hairs from a connecting portion of the hairs, characterized in that the groups of hairs have, in cross-section, the same surface area along their connecting portion.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic.

Abstract: A mop system incorporating a replaceable foam-based mop head. The mop head is adapted to wrap at least partially around a curved support mandrel and to be held in place by releasable engagement between the mandrel and connection elements disposed in localized relation along edge portions of the mop head.

Abstract: A window wiper device for a vehicle has a driving motor, the motor shaft of which is kinematically coupled to an output shaft, wherein the motor shaft and output shaft are releasably drive-connected via a connecting means.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, and an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, and a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part. The windscreen wiper device is provided with first and second retaining means for retaining the connecting device onto said oscillating arm. The first retaining means comprises at least one resilient tongue provided on the joint part engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in the oscillating arm. The second retaining means comprises a least one first stop surface provided on the oscillating arm and at least one second stop surface provided on at least one of the joint part and connecting device.

Abstract: A spot cleaning apparatus has a housing, a fluid distribution system, a fluid recovery system, an agitation system, at least one UV light emitting element, an optional steam generator, and a controller to automatically monitor and control inputs and outputs to the systems for spot and stain removal and surface sanitization without attendance by a user. A suction nozzle, agitation machine, and optionally, at least one UV light emitting element are mounted to the housing for movement over the surface to be cleaned relative to a stationary housing. Optionally, the spot cleaning apparatus can be operated in manual mode.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with wind-driven lighting is characterized in that an interior of an ordinary vacuum cleaner is installed with a wind-driven power generation device constituted by fan blades, an acceleration gear set and a generator. When the vacuum cleaner is operating, a suction force of the vacuum cleaner is converted into wind-driven power to provide electricity needed by an LED. Therefore, at a same time when the vacuum cleaner is operating, by this energy-saving device for the generation of wind-driven power, light can be illuminated on blind spots inside a house where a light intensity is insufficient.

Abstract: An illuminated leaf blower having a light disposed upon a handle, the handle disposed upon a pipe section of a blower tube at an angle deviant from the perpendicular by means of a pivotally securable attachment member, the attachment member disposed upon a lockable collar, said lockable collar securably moveable along the pipe section to position the handle as desired for a particular person wielding the device, the handle having a switch disposed on a rearward haunch of a head piece, said head piece disposed atop the handle configured to be ergonomically accessed by means of a thumb of the person wielding the device, whereby the light selectively illuminates an area over which an airflow from the illuminated leaf blower is directed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a visualization device for dust collection of a vacuum cleaner, the visualization device includes a collecting unit mounted on one side of a pathway on which the suction force of a vacuum cleaner for sucking dust is transmitted, and moves at least some of the sucked dust in one direction, a dust collecting unit of transparent material coupled with the collecting unit and exposes a state of dust received by the collecting unit to the outside, a discharge unit which guides air and dust, which has passed through the dust collecting unit, to be discharged into the pathway that transmits the suction force of the vacuum cleaner, a foreign material separation unit provided in the dust collecting unit to generate cyclonic flow, and a foreign material discharge unit inserted into the inside of the foreign material separation unit by the manipulation of a user from one side of the dust collecting unit and allows the inflow of air from the outside into the inside thereof to discharge dus

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body capable of standing and inclining, an electric blower accommodated in the cleaner body, a floor nozzle capable of cleaning a surface while the cleaner body inclines, a mode detector detecting whether the cleaner body stands or inclines, and a controller controlling a power supplied to the electric blower. The controller is operable to supply a first power the electric blower if the mode detector detects that the cleaner body inclines, and to supply a second power lower than the first power to the electric blower if the mode detector detects that the cleaner body stands. This vacuum cleaner prevents the electric blower from overheating.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a floor washing-drying machine, in particular of the drives-on-board kind, provided with at least a front driving and steering wheel (3), a pair of rear wheels (5), a brush-carrying head (4) positioned between the front driving wheel and the supporting axle of the rear wheels, and a wiping and vacuuming device (6) arranged behind the rear wheels. The brush-carrying head (4) is connected with the machine frame through a support and steering system of four-arm linkage type (X,Y,J,W; 17,19) which is driven by a gear steering device (11,12,14,15). The technical solution allows to solve efficiently the problem of collecting washing liquid and to dampen impacts of the machine against obstacles which it may encounter along its path.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; a body with a handle; a dirty air duct with a dirty air inlet; a battery pack housing at least one rechargeable cell for powering the motor; and a dirt separating means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan, wherein the dirt separating means comprises: a hollow substantially cylindrical dirt container with a longitudinal central axis; and an air inlet port to the dirt container, wherein the air inlet port is in communication with the dirty air duct and wherein the battery pack has a curvilinear or annular cross-sectional profile transverse to the central axis and a curvilinear inner wall embracing the dirt container.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner with a container for the storage of dirt and debris therein. To provide improved efficiency and performance, the hand-held vacuum may employ a primary HEPA filter, a device for swirling a dirt and debris laden air flow and/or a mechanized filter cleaning device. Swirling may be employed to direct entrained dirt and debris in a desired direction relative to the container to slow the rate with which dirt and debris accumulates on the primary filter and/or to centrifugally remove dirt and debris from the air flow. Mechanized cleaning is employed to shake, scrape or otherwise remove accumulated dirt and debris from the primary filter.

Abstract: A hollow wheel set, comprising mainly a wheel rack, a hollow rotation wheel, a restricting sleeve, and a restricting and fastening ring. The wheel rack includes a fixing arm, on said fixing arm is provided with a wheel fork. The hollow rotation wheel is sleeved onto the wheel fork. One end of the restricting sleeve is a sleeve connection portion, while the other end is a ring-shape blocking portion. The sleeve connection portion is sleeved and fixed on the outer perimeter of the wheel fork, and is located between the wheel fork and the hollow rotation wheel. The ring-shape blocking portion is on a side of the hollow rotation wheel. The restricting and fastening ring is fastened around outer perimeter of the wheel fork, and is locate on the other side of the hollow rotation wheel, to reduce size and weight of the hollow wheel set.

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 and formed by a pair of bent sheet-metal brackets. Rivets secure together the brackets to form a cavity in which one of the leaves is engaged. A pair of rotatable and externally threaded spindles extend across the cavity and 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.

Abstract: A hinge including first and second hinge members movable between an open position and a closed position, the first hinge member including a substantially cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal axis about which the second hinge member is rotatable to move the hinge between the open position and the closed position; the body portion housing biasing means having an end fixed relative to the second hinge member, the biasing means being in engagement with an adjustment member, the adjustment member being fixed with respect to the first hinge member; wherein the adjustment member includes a ratchet means to move the adjustment member in a first direction to increase the tension in the biasing means.

Abstract: A long stroke tilting hinge module for the portable terminal includes a main body which is vertically formed with an elongated hole-shaped moving hole; a cover which is slid and tilted on an upper surface of the main body; a main lever of which one end is hinged to the main body and the other end is rotatably hinged to the cover; a sub-lever of which one end is hinged to the main body and the other end is rotatably hinged to the cover; a moving shaft which is inserted into the moving hole so that one end of the sub-lever is hinged to the main body; a cam which is coupled to the moving shaft; a support member which is coupled to the main body and contacted with an outer surface of the cam; and a spring which presses the moving shaft toward the support member.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a receiving seat, a control member, a clutch member, a follower, a main shaft and an elastic element. The receiving seat includes a first cam surface. The control member is releasably latched with the receiving seat. The cam includes a second cam surface. The follower includes a third cam surface engaging with the first cam surface or the second cam surface. The receiving seat, the control member, the cam and the follower are placed around the shaft. The elastic element provides an elastic force for the follower. After the control member is unlocked, the second cam surface engages with the first cam surface.

Abstract: A friction hinge assembly includes a spring that assists the opening of a first member relative to a second member by storing energy in the spring during the closing operation. The spring is of a unique multilayered torsion bar design.