Abstract: A motor-driven toothbrush comprises a drive unit having a motor and a transmission that simultaneously drive a shaft in rotation and a brush head extension reciprocably in a direction parallel to the axis of the shaft. A brush unit includes a brush head coupled to the extension for lengthwise reciprocating motion on which several bristle holders, each carrying several bristle tufts, are mounted individually for pivotal movement about an axis spaced apart from and parallel to the drive shaft. A crank coupled to the drive shaft imparts pivotal movement to each bristle holder individually via a crank pin for each holder.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a leather ball adapted for sport and recreational use is provided. The method includes frictionally contacting the cover of the ball with an abrasive medium sufficient to completely dislodge some of the soil and debris thereon and partially dislodge other soil and debris but insufficient to substantially abrade the cover. The method additionally includes the step of applying a substantially moisture-free particulate material comprising poly tri-sodium phosphate to the cover to completely dislodge any remaining soil and debris following the frictional contacting step. According to one aspect of the method, a conical rotating abrasive surface is oriented relative to a predetermined direction along a seam of the ball and applied to the ball laterally to each side of the seam to frictionally dislodge the soil and debris.

Abstract: An electrically-operated plaque-removing dental cleaning machine provided with an elongated rotating brush shaft having helical brush tufts strips thereon, and a partial shield spaced from the brush strips for collecting particles dislodged from the teeth when the brush strips engage and sweep the teeth and the inter-dental areas.

Abstract: A combination belt and lotion applicator includes a nylon strap having a circular handle attached to each end. A removable absorbent pad includes a hook type fastener on one surface thereof. A matching loop fastener is attached to a central portion of the strap to permit the pad to be attached and removed. A plurality of pockets with slide fasteners is disposed on the outer surface of the strap. The handles have a buckle attached thereto to permit the strap to be fastened around the waist of user. When the belt is unbuckled, loyion may be applied to the pad, and applied to the user's back by holding a handle in each hand.

Abstract: Presented is a fluid drive motor that may be attached to a conventional garden hose, for instance, to effect reciprocating motion of a drive shaft that may be connected to a utilitarian device, such as a scrub brush. The fluid drive motor is provided with a piston assembly that responds to the pressure of the fluid to translate the piston assembly from one position to another and in so doing imposes rotational reciprocation on a drive shaft that extends out of the motor block of the fluid drive motor. The reciprocating characteristics of the piston assembly are controlled by the imposition of fluid pressure, and the imposition of fluid pressure is controlled by a valve assembly cooperating with a reciprocable magnetic bar to channel fluid under pressure alternately to opposite ends of the piston assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus including a cylindrical housing retractably containing an elongate continuous web retractable therefrom. The web is mounted in a surrounding relationship to a support cylinder that is biased into a retracted position to a central port spindle. The web is retracted through a elongate flexible lip cooperative with an absorbent sponge like roller to contain and confine lotion onto the associated web. A friction cylinder maintains engagement to enhance retraction and extension of the web in cooperation with the support cylinder and exit opening defined within the cylinder.

Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for use in personal dental hygiene care includes an exchangeable toothbrush member which is removably attached to an ultrasonic power member and may be readily removed therefrom with less than one revolution and inserted on to the ultrasonic power member in a like manner. Provision is made for locking the toothbrush to the power member and is arranged to transfer the ultrasonic energy from the power member to the toothbrush with minimum energy loss.

Abstract: A back brush apparatus is provided with a flexible, helically wound wire core coaxially arranged through the brush containing a series of three separate sets of bristles, each randomly arranged with one another throughout the brush matrix defining a cylinder about the wire core. The first longest series of bristles are of a relatively soft character with the shortest and third series of bristles being of the stiffest character, with the second series of bristles being of intermediate length and stiffness relative to the first and third series. A hand loop is secured to a loop formed at each terminal end of the wire core and secured to the wire loop by means of a fastener to enable reciprocating the brush during use by an individual.

Abstract: A combination back scratcher/body massager is provided by attaching to one surface of a backing fabric a hook-portion strip of a hook-and-pile fastener, and attaching to the other surface face of the backing fabric the pile-portion strip of the hook-and-pile fastener. The pile-portion strip is usable as a massager, while the hook-portion strip is usable as a scratcher. The product may be used as a head band or robe sash.

Abstract: A cleaning device for golfers has a towel body and a brush member is secured at one corner thereof. The brush member carry perpendicular bristles for scrubbing golf implements and equipment, and the towel body provides a water absorbing medium to remove water from the implements and equipment. In the apparatus and method of this preferred invention, the brush member is mechanically fused to the fibers of the towel body, but in an alternate form, the brush member includes a mounting plate that is mechanically fused to the fibers of the towel body and a brush element is releasably secured to the mounting plate. This is accomplished by melting back web portions of the brush and compressing the molten portions and a portion of the towel body together to fuse the fibers and molten portions to one another. The brush member is contoured to fit the golfers hand and to simulate a golf green; the towel body is printed with graphic elements to simulate a golf hole.

Abstract: This cloth is for bathing one's face, other areas of the body, and also, the back. Primarily, it consists of a panel of cloth which is stretchable and is provided with a handle on the ends for using it on one's back, or when folded, the handles may be used to carry the cloth with toilet or other articles inside. The ends of the panel are also provided with velcro fasteners for keeping the cloth closed when it is folded.

Abstract: An apparatus for concrete finishing to be used primarily in application involving large surface areas. A concrete finishing broom is adapted to wire, cable, rope or other means for pulling the broom across the concrete surface. The broom is fitted also with a second cable or similar pulling means, allowing the imposition of an opposing tensional force while it is drawn across the concrete surface for purposes of stability and uniformity in the finishing pattern, as well as to permit the broom to be drawn across the surface in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A lotion applicator system is described for applying lotions, oils and the like to various parts of the human body. The system includes a container and a continuous lotion-carrying strip therein. The free end of the strip is accessible through an aperture in the container. Separable, disposable portions of the strip can be removed from the container and used to apply lotion to various parts of the human body. Optional clips or holders may be used to grasp and hold the ends of the strip portion being used.

Abstract: A non-slip soap bar construction (10) comprising: a bar of soap (13) having an upper half (14) and a lower half (15); and, an elongated generally I-shaped fabric member (16) captured between the upper and lower halves of the bar of soap (13); wherein, the enlarged ends (17) of the fabric member (16) project beyond the sides of the bar of soap (13) and form non-slip flap portions (18) that provide positive gripping surfaces for the bar of soap.

Abstract: A wiping and cleaning pad gripping apparatus for use for wiping proofs, developed films, or related materials in the printing and graphics industry, including a length of polygonal bar, having hand gripping elements, preferably coated, provided laterally and to either side, the bar incorporating adhering material, in the form of either hook or pile connector means, to the various exposed surfaces of the bar, and to which the wiping pad, fabricated of either a cloth or foam texture may be wound about the apparatus in preparation for its usage for cleaning these identified materials. The hook or pile connector means may be adhesively applied to the bar surfaces, for permanent retention thereagainst, and to prevent any removal or loosening even after repeat wiping cloths are applied thereto, and cleaning solutions saturated thereupon for prudent and reasonable lengths of time.

Abstract: A body care appliance fixed to a backing element is removably and replaceably mounted on a human body encircling frame of flexible plastic tubular material. The frame is separable at a junction. A segment may be inserted at the junction to enlarge the frame. The backing element chordally straddles the frame. A plurality of units having a body care appliance fixed to a backing element are provided which enable the use of the invention for diverse self-treatment body care functions at the dorsal area of the body such as scrubbing, massaging, application of a heating pad and application of body care creams and lotions.

Abstract: A sports accessory which can be used as a towel comprises a sheet of absorbent material which can be folded along lines (6) in a concertina fashion to form an elongate portion. The accessory may be in the form of a belt provided with an end region (1a) having a buckle (2) and, at the other end, a flap (3) which, with the sheet folded into the form of a belt, can be passed through buckle (2) for securing around the waist of a wearer.In another embodiment, the pleated sheet is permanently secured in the form of an elongate portion, but can be opened out for use as a towel for wiping hands and/or face of a person taking exercise. This embodiment may be used as a belt or may be provided with attachment means for attachment to sports equipment.

Abstract: The device is for washing and massaging body portions of a user, and, particularly, for such difficult to reach areas as a user's back. The washing device includes a new and improved composite wash body structure having opposing handle members extending therefrom. The composite wash body structure is for the releasable absorption of washing fluids, and it includes a flexible, elongated encasement member and a compressed-in-thickness, liquid expansible sponge member juxtaposed within the encasement member. The encasement member has generally opposing exterior surfaces for washing contact with the skin of a user. The opposing handle members extend from the wash body member in generally its longitudinal direction, and they provide a user with outer gripping portions to manipulate the wash body member. Upon initial contact of the composite wash body member to washing fluid, the sponge member within the encasement member expands in thickness to form a cushioned and resilient structure.

Abstract: A washing aid in the form of either a soap tablet or a sponge is covered with a fabric layer formed from spandex yarn. A raschel knit LYCRA.RTM. is stretched over the soap tablet or sponge by firstly manufacturing a tube of the fabric and then injecting the sponge or soap into the tube and sealing the ends of the tube. Heat sealing is used for the transverse seams and heat sealing or sewing can be used for the longitudinal seam of the tube. The apparatus includes an injector, retracting rollers and the heat sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A towel support for a standard, preferably large, bath-type towel, consisting of at least one slot formed through that towel at a minimum distance from a towel corner and cut on the bias to the towel weave.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drying towel which incorporates a thin sewn-in or unitized layer of slippery material which lines the two inner surfaces when the towel is doubled-over. When applied to a wet surface the hand pressure and combined lateral hand movement causes the top layer of the doubled-over towel to slide over the lower layer of the towel (along the two inner slippery surfaces) which is in contact with the wet body thereby producing a roll-blotting action. Drying of the body is effected without producing any lateral movement of that part of the towel which is in contact with the body. As a consequence the wet body is dried with no rubbing or abrasive action of the skin surface.

Abstract: A back scrubber formed of terry cloth comprises a generally wider central scrubber section from which transverse open-ended pleats extend alternatingly from opposite sides; elongated hand grasp members extend from opposite ends of the central scrubber section and are also formed of terry cloth. The open-ended pleats receive air on their interior so as to be easily dried and avoid mildew. Both the hand grasp members and the central scrubber section are formed of a folded over and stitched double thickness cloth construction.

Abstract: An elongated flexible strip is provided having at least one side thereof defining a rough scrubbing surface and the aformentioned one side includes a transversely extending convexly rounded hump centrally intermediate the opposite ends of the one side. The strip includes a pair of thin opposite side panels of flexible material and a central thicker panel of flexible resilient material sandwiched between the opposite side thin panels. The thin panels include registered side marginal edges and end marginal edges sewn together whereby to encase the central thicker panel fully within the confines of the thin panels. The transversely extending and convexly rounded hump is defined by a transversely rounded body of resilient material disposed between the thin panel defining the rough scrubbing surface and the adjacent side of the thicker panel. The thin panels are sewn together through the thicker panel along transverse zones of the strip extending along and disposed on opposite sides of the rounded body.

Abstract: A device for scrubbing algae and other marine growth from boat hulls comprising a one-piece belt of fibrous fluorocarbon abrasive material and a plurality of floats mounted along the belt undersurface. A number of the floats are of oval cross section and are mounted to pivot at right angles to the belt longitudinal dimension. As the belt is drawn in the direction of its length back and forth beneath a hull, the floats urge the belt into frictional scrubbing contact with the hull surface. The pivotal floats operate synergistically to combine buoyant forces and water drag forces to provide enhanced scrubbing contact with surface irregularities such as stabilization chimes.

Abstract: A velvet-like covered sponge inner-layer bathing brush having a pair of opposed retractable handles each connected to the body of the brush by a set of strings, with retracting means located within said body.

Abstract: A back and body washer comprising a cloth material having a long handle attached to one end and a short handle attached to the opposite end, the long handle can be grasped by the user's hand and the short handle can be grasped by the thumb or fingers of the user's other hand to allow the user to wash the user's back. When not in use, the cloth material flaps fold over each other when the cloth is supported by the long handle.

Abstract: A sponge for personal washing comprising a sponge body having opposite surfaces of different textures and/or compositions. Preferably, the sponge is composed of a thicker part of soft material and a thinner part of coarse-textured material. The thicker part has a through-slot for accommodating an elongated strap having handles at opposite ends. The sponge body is adhered to the strap midway of its ends. The handles are in the form of D-shaped rings made of soft plastic tubing and a dowel connecting the ends of the tubing.

Abstract: A combination hand washer and back scrubber, comprising an elongated strip of fabric, having two lateral edges, transverse, expansible strips attached to a first side of said fabric strip, each transverse strip extending substantially the entire width of said fabric strip, said transverse, expansible strips including sponge strips and abrasive strips aligned on said first side in an alternating manner, a water absorbent strip attached to an opposite second side of said fabric strip, said water absorbent strip being non-abrasive to skin, and a transverse elastic hand strap of elongated dimension, attached at opposite ends to said respective lateral edges of said fabric strip at approximately the midpoints thereof to form a loop for retaining said fabric strip in a folded position and for allowing the hand of a person to fit within said loop to use said combination hand washer and back scrubber as a wash cloth.

Abstract: A massage belt has pimples on one side and bristles on the other, and is made of soft synthetic plastics material. The bristles are anchored in recesses in bosses directly opposite pimples, and the bristle anchoring means extend through the base of each boss and partially into the associated pimple, thereby being safely embedded.

Abstract: First and second identical hand grips each comprise a square U-shaped member having a hand-gripped head part and a pair of spaced parallel arms extending perpendicularly from the ends of the head part. A plurality of bars are affixed to, and extend perpendicularly between, the arms in the area of the free ends thereof, parallel to the head part. An endless closed loop strip of body scrubbing cloth is mounted on and looped around selected bars of the hand grips and extends between such hand grips.

Abstract: A friction massage member in the form of a strap or mitten which includes a rubbing surface to be rubbed over the human body. The member is composed of strands knitted in a pattern defining a surface with high and low areas adjacent to one another and which strands are composed of a mixture of vegetable and animal fibers at a ratio of about 50% each and wherein the vegetable fiber component is about 50% sisal and 50% alfa and the animal hair is about 50% coarse animal hair, such as horse hair, and 50% fine animal hair, such as elephant hair.

Abstract: A massage belt is provided with nipples or nodular protuberances on one side and with brush bristles on the other side with a pair of thickened portions at the end of the belt defining ducts or passages through which rope handles may be passed to enable manipulation of the belt by a user.

Abstract: A sponge-like body having an elongated cord extending therethrough, said cord having handle elements at its opposite ends. Stop elements on the cord at opposite ends of the body restrict movement of the body longitudinally of the cord.

Abstract: Two pieces of nylon net of predetermined dimensions are superimposed on a piece of terry cloth of the predetermined dimensions. The terry cloth and nylon combination is folded over on itself to form a strip-like configuration in a manner whereby the net is on the outside. Each of a pair of handle members is affixed to a corresponding end of the strip-like configuration of terry cloth and nylon.

Abstract: Apparatus for use by a person for applying liquid preparations, such as lotions, creams, and the like, across portions of the body of such person is disclosed. The apparatus includes an integral elongated reticulated fabric folded along its major axis to form a body of double thickness so that one edge of the fabric along its length is characterized by the fold, and the opposite edge is characterized by overlapped bare terminations. The fabric has two spaced lines of transverse stitching centrally located so as to form a pocket. The fabric has longitudinal stitching along the bare terminations extending outwardly from the pocket. Loops are formed on opposite ends of the fabric by transverse stitching of folded-over ends of the fabric. A disposable pad, such as paper, is adapted to be inserted into the pocket.

Abstract: A cord extends through a cylindrical member. A pair of rubber washer stop devices are frictionally mounted on the cord and are movably positionable on the cord for holding the member in a desired position on the cord. Handles are affixed to the ends of the cord. Sleeve-type covers are provided on the cylindrical member for application to the back of a user.