Abstract: An article apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics are formed by warp and fill yarns having different fiber contents. The fabrics are constructed, for example, by selection of a suitable weaving pattern, such that the body side of the fabric and the face side of the fabric have different properties. The fabrics described herein can be printable and dyeable on both sides of the fabric and are suitable for use in military and industrial garments. Methods of forming flame resistant fabrics, and methods for forming garments from the fabrics, are also described.

Abstract: A device includes a collar and at least one pad. The collar is configured for wearing by a user, the collar having a plurality of pad receptacles. The at least one pad is configured for coupling with a selected one of the plurality of pad receptacles, the pad having an elastic portion configured to limit movement of a user.

Abstract: Provided are templates, methods, and kits for installing closet flanges. The template can include a body having a sidewall and a bottom as well as a plurality of tabs connected to the body, with one or more of the tabs configured to delineate the location of a fastener hole in a closet flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a door for a walk-in bathtub, which comprises forming a tub door cap from an acrylic sheet, wherein the tub door cap has an outer shape defining a door for a walk-in tub; forming a channel into a surface of the tub door cap along a peripheral area thereof; forming a threshold portion configured to mate with the channel in the tub door cap and extend outwardly from the tub door cap; and the tub door cap is then adhered to the threshold portion of the door to form a walk-in tub door. The acrylic sheet that forms the tub door cap may be cast acrylic or it may be reinforced by co-extruding with thermoplastic, adding a reinforcing filler and/or fiberglass. A walk-in bathtub door made by the method described above and a walk-in bathtub assembly having a door made by the method described above are also provided herein.

Abstract: A baby bath seat assembly includes a support member having a mounting bracket that clamps onto a tub wall and carrying a support that extends downwardly into the tub. The support carries a base on which the seat is mounted to turn through approximately 180°, and a detent mechanism releasably locks the seat in any selected position.

Abstract: A back rest device for a bathtub comprising a rest member having a front surface and a back surface, at least one suction cup, a cover with pockets, and at least one insertable pillow. The rest member is placed against a bathtub back and on a cushioned bathmat that suctions to the floor of the bathtub. The suction cups are attached to the back surface of the rest member to facilitate the attachment of the rest member to the bathtub back. The cover with pockets is attached to the front surface of the rest member and the insertable pillow is placed inside the pockets to create additional comfort.

Abstract: A waterproof sink insert (124, 124?, 124?, 124??, 124??) for installing an under-mount sink (108) in a built-up surround (104) having a non-waterproof support structure (116) so as to inhibit water damage to the support structure. The sink support insert is mounted within an insert opening (128) formed in the support structure. The sink support insert comprises a mounting region (144) located radially inward from the outer periphery (148) of the sink support insert. The sink is secured to the sink support structure within the mounting region. The sink support insert may optionally include one or more apertures (136) for receiving a faucet or other sink appurtenance(s).

Abstract: Food preparation sinks are disclosed which have an integral raised work area that is rinsed by an automatic system. Food waste or the like present in that area can be washed into a sump above a drain, and the weight of the waste and water in the sump is enough to automatically drive them through a baffle to a garbage disposal, without requiring the baffle to be manually opened. An automatic controller system coordinates water flow and garbage disposal operation, and the water supply can be linked to the sink below the sink rim to save counter top space. In some forms multiple rinsing nozzles are provided which pulse in altering fashion.

Abstract: A bed frame end board that can be easily disassembled and reassembled to replace damaged components and reduce the cost and labor associated with refurbishment of dormitory beds including a vertically oriented rail configured to interlock with a bed frame side member, an outboard panel, and an inboard panel; and vertically spaced apart cross members having opposite ends fixed to the posts, wherein the outboard panels are releasably fixed to the rail by a fastening system having a slotted fastening clip on the rail and a stud on the outboard panel engaging a slot in the clip, and wherein the cross members are releasably attached to the posts with a threaded fastener and stabilized against rotational movement with respect to the post by dowels received in aligned bores extending into abutting surfaces of the panels and posts.

Abstract: A patient support and transport system for a multi-modality medical suite includes a track system with one track in one room aligned with another track in another room. A support carriage coupled to the track system and configured to move between the two rooms. A duplex socket interface module attached to the support carriage and flexible raceway including a first conduit management system coupled to the support carriage and configured to automatically couple with and decouple with the duplex socket interface module. A second conduit management system is coupled to electrical and data ports and include a conduit interface module configured to automatically couple with and decouple with the duplex socket interface module. The patient support and transport system also includes a vertical support member coupled to the support carriage and a support assembly coupled to the vertical support member configured to selectively articulate a patient bed.

Abstract: A counterbalancing assembly for an article of folding furniture comprises at least one piston extending between a support assembly and a furniture component, said piston being biased to resist a downward force of gravity acting on the furniture component. An upper mounting bracket secures a first end of the piston to the support assembly, and a lower mounting bracket secures a second end of the piston to the furniture component. One or both of the upper and lower mounting brackets includes a worm gear and a mounting element that is threaded onto the worm gear. Each such mounting element has a portion adapted to engage a complementary fitting defined by a respective end of the piston, such that rotation of the worm gear causes a corresponding linear movement of the mounting element, and thus, linear movement of the respective end of the piston.

Abstract: A foldable mattress support has an adjustable inner frame with a ratchet support for raising the head of a mattress. Legs are incorporated into the side and end bars of the mattress support. Upper and lower bars of the support are pivotally attached to the vertical plate of a hinge. Bolts oriented along axes of rotation pass through the bars and through the vertical plate. A first upper bar pivots about a first axis; a second upper bar pivots about a second axis; a first lower bar pivots about a third axis; and a second lower bar pivots about a fourth axis. Each of the axes is orthogonal to the vertical plate, and the third axis is spaced farther apart from the fourth axis than the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis. The distal ends of the upper and lower bars are pivotally attached to end bars.

Abstract: An infant garment including a body for covering an infant and neck padding located within the body and extending from the base of the skull of an infant positioned on the body to the top of the shoulder blades of the infant positioned on the body, and from shoulder-to-shoulder of the infant positioned on the body, wherein the neck padding includes a greater degree of padding than the body.

Abstract: A bed dressing and set includes several articles of bed linens or bed clothing. A top sheet includes a plurality of apertures configured to accept at least one fastener along ends of a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet includes straps which extend from a substantially central portion along foot and head ends to engage with multiple sidewall points to secure the bottom sheet in place on top of a mattress. Together, the bottom sheet and top sheet substantially eliminate the possibility of bed clothing moving out of a stable position when the bed is in use, creating an adjustable personal fit for the bed occupant to improve sleep quality and comfort.

Abstract: A fitted blanket fits over a mattress and secures underneath to prevent the blanket from moving off the user while sleeping in bed. The blanket can include an elastic material on at least the underside corner edges thereof. Children and adults alike can stay warm at night as their blankets cannot fall away or off of them while sleeping. The fitted blanket may further include an opening and closing mechanism to allow for easy entry and exit, rather than having to untuck the blanket, as is the case with conventional blankets. The opening and closing mechanism may also provide an easy way to make the bed. The fitted nature of the blanket prevents blanket slippage or movement. The blanket may further include a cut-out region for pillow placement. The blanket can also include glow-in-the-dark elements or illuminated elements to light up the blanket at night.

Abstract: A caddy for use with hospital staff or patients provides a rigid housing having a carriage with at least one vertically and, preferably, at least one horizontally accessible compartments. The housing provides a semi-circular opening above the carriage to act as a handle while also, for many embodiments, a back to which a pivot connects to a connector which connects to a hospital bed rail to maintain the caddy in a pre-determined relationship while the rail is angled relative to a horizontal surface.

Abstract: In order to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus in which a mechanism for drawing a top plate into a gantry can be connected to the top plate without the collision, a pin 17 is provided in an end portion of a top plate 70, and a hook 12 that is connected to the pin 17 is provided in the connecting mechanism 82 that is moved on a top plate receiving portion. According to a position of the connecting mechanism 82 on the top plate receiving portion, the position of the hook 12 varies to connect to the pin 17.

Abstract: A convertible patient bed is disclosed that includes: a middle section, a top section, and a bottom section, each section further includes a first lateral subsection and a second lateral subsection; a push-pull motor coupled to push the top section and to pull the bottom section to transform the patient bed into a chair, a sliding motor coupled to slide the said first lateral subsection and said second lateral subsection in and out of each of the middle section, top section, and bottom section respectively at a predetermined angle to change the width of the patient bed; and a motor coupled to an opening and a cover in the middle of the middle section to accommodate to the needs of a patient.

Abstract: An evacuation sled for non-ambulatory patients preferably including a sheet having a plurality of handholds disposed about the left and right side edges of the sheet, each handhold comprising an opening with a reinforcement above the opening. A plurality of patient retention straps are coupled to the sheet and are configured to secure a patient in the sheet when the sheet is curved upward about the patient. A pull strap is coupled through a head of the sheet and is configured to permit a person to drag the patient strapped to the sheet. Preferably, a foot strap is affixed to the head pull strap and coupled to the foot of the sheet. The foot strap is configured to cause, when tension is applied to the head pull strap, at least one portion of the plastic sheet foot to raise upward and at least partially enclose the feet of the patient.

Abstract: A head and neck support device is disclosed for positioning about a neck of an individual. A generally U-shaped pillow encircles the neck. The head and neck support device comprises a rear supporting panel, primary supporting panel and a secondary supporting panel for defining a pillow enclosure frame and a pillow cavity. The pillow cavity receives the generally U-shaped pillow. The primary supporting panel applies a first opposing force for supporting the head and neck in a generally vertical position. The secondary supporting panel applies a second opposing force for supporting the head and neck in a generally vertical position.

Abstract: An encounter and contact mattress or pillow, is made up of at least one cloth-like or blanket-like base body having two functional sides that are configured to be the same, similar, or different, and serve for support, wherein the one side is suitable for facing toward a contact person and the other side is suitable for offering a premature or newborn baby or infant a support surface. The base body is divided up into at least three regions, namely into an edge zone region (8), a transition region (6), and an encounter region (5), and the encounter region (5) is configured in such a manner that a transfer of tactile and/or acoustic stimuli and/or heat from one side to the other side of the encounter and contact mattress (1) is possible.

Abstract: An elevation structure system possesses anti-decubitus ulcer characteristics, and may cooperate with a mattress overlay also having anti-decubitus ulcer capabilities as part of a mattress overlay system, in which multiple elongate, positionally adjustable, relatively moveable risers are configured for selective placement in conditions of transverse, subposed, under engagement with the sides of an overlay to create substantially non-inclined, elevated, depth-supplemented regions at locations along the length of the overlay. The evelation structure and overlay may each include a dynamic-response core expanse formed of an open-cell, compressible viscoelastic foam coated with elastomeric, moisture- and gas-flow-managing, differential-thickness coating structure load-transmissively bonded to the entirety of the outside of said core expanse to function as a dynamically-responsive unit therewith.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a body portion, a portion of which is gripped by a user, and a brush part that is exchangeably attached to the body portion. The body portion includes a switch that is a contact-type sensor unit arranged on a portion that excludes the gripped portion, and that receives operations from the outside, and a control unit for controlling operations of the electric toothbrush in accordance with an operation received by the contact-type sensor unit. If a first operation is received by the contact-type sensor unit, the control unit outputs an indication that operations can be received for a certain time period, and if a second operation received by the contact-type sensor unit in the certain time period is an operation that corresponds to a predetermined operation pattern, the control unit controls operations of the electric toothbrush in accordance with the second operation.

Abstract: A robot cleaning system for mopping floors is disclosed. The mopping assembly includes a reservoir with a dispenser for outputting fluid to a cleaning cloth. The rate at which fluid is dispensed is regulated with an air inlet in contact with the cleaning cloth. When the cloth is dry, more fluid is dispensed. When the cloth is damp, less fluid is dispensed. The dispenser in the exemplary embodiment also includes a wick configured to conduct the cleaning fluid directly to the cleaning cloth.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning substrates is provided. The cleaning device includes a generally cylindrically-shaped brush mandrel and a cylindrical brush. The brush mandrel has a body section with an outer surface positioned about a central axis. The outer surface is interrupted by an engagement member having primary features adjacent secondary features. The brush has a hollow bore formed around the brush mandrel with an inner surface interrupted by a second engagement member which mates the first engagement member. The primary features flow in a direction generally perpendicular to a rotational direction of the brush mandrel around the central axis and include a first surface which is generally perpendicular to the outer surface. The secondary features include a second surface which flows in a direction generally perpendicular to the first surface and along the central axis. No primary feature includes a radially obstructing feature formed over any secondary feature.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a coagulator has a housing defining an interior chamber with a prong extending along a central axis to receive a coagulator bore. An insertion guide with an opening along the central axis guides insertion of the tip of the coagulator onto the prong. Pliable wipers extend inward from the sidewalls of the chamber toward the prong, so that the wipers deform by contact to wipe against the coagulator in operation. The wipers can be formed as part of a pliable tubular member that is inserted into the chamber in the housing and held in place by an end cap that incorporates the insertion guide.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for cleaning tools, utensils, and other objects. The apparatus comprises a container, a first wiping element that is submerged in a liquid in the container capable of removing undesirable material from at least a portion of the object and a second wiping element mountable to the container that is capable of removing excess moisture from the object. The object undergoes at least a two-step wiping comprising a first wiping against the first wiping element while submerged in the liquid and a second wiping against the second wiping element after being at least partially removed from the liquid. The apparatus of the invention reduces the potential for serious injuries from cuts or abrasions from contact with the objects and is more sanitary than systems currently used in the prior art. The apparatus of the invention may also be easily disassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: A disposable skin cleansing finger sleeve cleans and maintains a clean face, removes facial make up, and applies medicine to the face in the treatment of skin conditions. The skin cleansing finger sleeve includes an elongated body formed from water impermeable material wherein the body has an open proximal end and a closed distal end capable of being removably positioned about a user finger. A viscous skin cleansing agent may be pre-applied (impregnate, coated, soaked, etc.) or applied after-the-fact (applied by the user) to the body for treating the user skin. Advantageously, the finger sleeve is capable of cleaning a user face by applying the skin cleansing agent to the user face and removing facial makeup therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper blade of a motor vehicle, comprising an elongate flexible strip, wherein at least one end of the strip is covered by a cap with a built-in conduit provided with a nozzle offset on the side of the flexible strip relative to the longitudinal median plane of said flexible strip.

Abstract: A wiper blade includes a main lever, a movable member, and a rubber blade. The main lever can be coupled to a wiper arm. The main lever includes a longitudinally intermediate portion, a first end defined by at least one of two longitudinal ends, and a first holding portion. The first holding portion is arranged closer to the first end than the longitudinally intermediate portion. The movable member is pivotally coupled to the first end and includes a second holding portion. A rubber blade is held by the first holding portion and the second holding portion. A coupling portion between the main lever and the movable member is located outward from the first holding portion in the longitudinal direction of the main lever.

Abstract: A doctor blade holder system is disclosed that includes a doctor blade holder that includes a doctor blade receiving region for receiving a doctor blade, and an actuation system for causing the doctor blade receiving region to be selectively moved toward or away from a roll surface by rotating the doctor blade holder about a first axis, wherein the doctor blade holder system is generally circular shaped in cross-sectional area and wherein the first axis is generally centrally locate with the generally circular cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An apparatus including a housing having at least one window, an air burst nozzle positioned atop the housing and aimed at the window, a compressed air source, an air control solenoid connected to the air burst nozzle, the compressed air source, and a support box. The compressed air source provides compressed air to the air control solenoid. A timer module directs a magnetic valve of the support box to supply power to the coil of the air control solenoid in order to engage the solenoid. When the air control solenoid is engaged, compressed air is provided to the air burst nozzle. The air burst nozzle directs a burst of air at the window of the housing to clear it of any particulates. In accordance with user programming of the timer module, the process is then repeated at regular intervals.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system which has particular application to the oil-field industry. The system includes a vacuum unit for suctioning material from a surface to recycle, reclaim or cleanup said material. The system also includes a collection and discharge unit operable to automatically discharge, into an open atmosphere, an amount of the suctioned material collected while suctioning continues by the vacuum unit. The automatic discharging cycle of the collection and discharge unit allows drilling fluid to be rapidly vacuumed up and discharged to minimize settlement of debris in the collected material.

Abstract: An plug storage structure of a cleaning robot is presented. A charging structure includes a charging base and a main body of an electronic device. The charging base includes a charging terminal and a projecting portion. The main body has an external housing, charging plugs and an plug storage device. When the main body reaches the charging base, the projecting portion triggers the plug storage device, so that the charging plugs protrude from the external housing, so as to be connected to the charging terminal. When the main body leaves the charging base, the plug storage device automatically receives the charging plugs inside the external housing, so as to keep the plugs of the cleaning robot received inside the external housing during cleaning, thereby preventing the plugs of the cleaning robot from colliding with and damaging adjacent furniture.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes a substantially spherical surface engaging rolling assembly having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid flow and a system for drawing the fluid flow through the inlet, and a plurality of support members for supporting the rolling assembly as it is maneuvered over a surface. The center of gravity of the cleaning appliance is located within the rolling assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a body including a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. The dirt collection vessel includes a dirt cup having a side wall and a bottom wall, a tangentially directed inlet in the side wall and an axially directed outlet. An inside surface of the side wall includes ribbing to help remove dirt and debris from the airstream and improve vacuum cleaner performance and efficiency.

Abstract: A cyclone separator useable in a surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone casing defining a cyclone chamber and having first and second opposed ends and a sidewall extending between the first and second ends. A separated material collection chamber surrounds at least a portion of the cyclone chamber and is communication therewith via a separated material outlet. The separated material collection chamber is spaced at least about 0.5 inches from the cyclone chamber. In addition, the separated material collection chamber is spaced from the bottom of the cyclone by at least about 0.5 inches.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner has a rotating brush bar driven by an air-cooled motor, which is mounted inside the cleaner head with at least a section of the motor being located inside the brush bar. To cool the motor in use, an external casing of the motor is provided a plurality of air-cooling holes comprising at least one air intake and at least one air exhaust. These cooling holes are connected—intake to exhaust—to form one or more air-cooling paths through the inside of the motor. Each air intake is connected to an upstream clean air inlet by a stationary—not rotating—intake duct, and each air exhaust is similarly connected to a downstream clean air outlet by a stationary—not rotating—exhaust duct. This avoids the problems associated with using the rotating brush bar itself as a duct for carrying cooling air to the motor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a secured tube secured horizontally to the front surface of the main body of the cleaner and sucks in dust from the outside due to a motor in the main body; a pair of securing members which secure two ends of the secured tube to the main body and convey the sucked-in dust to a filter in the main body; and a suction tube which is rotatably provided on the outer circumferential surface of the secured tube and rolls along the surface to be cleaned, and in the cylindrical surface of which are formed dust-suction holes for sucking in dust. Because the suction tube in which the plurality of dust-suction holes are formed is rotatably provided on the outer circumferential surface of the secured tube, the suction tube continuously turns while cleaning bedding by pushing or pulling the main body, and thus the bedding is not sucked into the secured tube.

Abstract: A hinge device for rotatably moving a closing element includes a fixed element anchorable to a stationary support structure coupled to a movable element anchorable to the closing element for rotating around a first longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position. The device further includes at least one slider movable along a second axis between a compressed and an extended position. One between the movable element and the fixed element includes at least one operating chamber defining the second axis so as to slidably house the slider, the other element including a pivot defining the first axis. The pivot and the slider are reciprocally coupled so that to the rotation of the movable element around the first axis corresponds the sliding of the slider along the second axis and vice versa.

Abstract: A product and a method employing a block having a downwardly angled front surface suitable for covering the top surface of a continuous geared door hinge after the door is installed in a frame. The block has one or more recessed counter bored holes in the front surface to accommodate security screws without compromising the angle of the front surface.

Abstract: A push-button, locking hinge assembly includes a base element, a push-button element, a cap element, an assembly to lock these three elements about a central axis, and a release assembly allowing the cap element to pivot 360 degrees transversely to the central axis and in relation to the base element. Geometric ends of the hinge assembly allow insertion into any two components to be so releasably pivoted and repositioned, and then locked into a desired position relative one to the other.

Abstract: A reclaimer cylinder for use in reclaiming cotton seeds containing spinnable lint from partially ginned cotton seeds utilizes channel saws mounted axially on a cylindrical body with axially closely spaced teeth that virtually eliminate the variation in likelihood the teeth will fail to grasp the fibers present on such cotton seeds. Triangular grid bars facilitate removal of fully ginned seeds that are not entrained in fibers of other seeds.

Abstract: An integrated rockably released leverage snap fastening system may be removably fastened to the male snap to hold at least one item such as a tarpaulin in place to a boat or the like. To facilitate unfastening, male snap and rockable lever snap assembly cooperatively combine to create a class 1 lever system which may permit a user to rockably release the snap while reducing risk of damage to the tarpaulin. Various embodiments are discussed.

Abstract: An improved seatbelt adjuster for holding the lap seatbelt to the shoulder belt of an automobile seatbelt. The seatbelt adjuster prevents the shoulder belt from rubbing against the neck of a wearer. The adjuster is made of a single unitary piece and therefore cannot be separated. A frame member formed of resilient material has a front portion, rear portion, top edge, bottom edge and space between the front and back portions for containing the lap seatbelt. A parallel pair of dual gussets and rails is molded into the back portion to increase the stiffness of the flap member particularly to prevent it spreading open in hot weather. A snap clip has been added to the flap to avoid inadvertent release in hot weather. A horn gate has been added to the slot to prevent snagging on clothing.

Abstract: A clip capable of connecting to the panel member may include a clip body and a sealing body. The clip body includes an anchor that is capable of being engaged with an attaching hole formed in the panel member, and a support portion that is arranged and constructed to be pressed to a surface of the panel member when the anchor is engaged with the attaching hole of the panel member. The sealing body includes a lip portion that is positioned in an inner side of an outer circumference of the support portion.

Abstract: A mounting device with one metallic base plate, from which a plurality of mounting eyelets protrude. The mounting device is obtainable by incising a plurality of arc-shaped eyelet blanks while leaving two connection sections per eyelet blank into the surface of the base plate and production of the mounting eyelets by bending the eyelet blanks out of the base plate around a bending edge in the area of the connection sections. At least part of the eyelet blanks are arranged as groups of eyelet blanks with the latter being nested to each other. Preferably, the groups of eyelet blanks are arranged rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.

Abstract: A touch fastener has a base and an array of discrete fastener elements each extending from the base and together forming with the base a contiguous mass of resin. Each discrete fastener element includes a stem rising from the base, and a head overhanging the base from a front side of the stem to a distal edge, the front side of the stem, an underside of the head, and an upper surface of the base together forming, in side profile, a generally curved retention space boundary surface such that the boundary surface forms, at its innermost extent, a retention cavity defined between curvature discontinuities spaced from both the base and the distal edge.