Abstract: Sampling of food products and/or surfaces can be efficiently carried out by providing an apparatus comprising a bag construction incorporating a sample collection material secured to an inside surface of the bag. The bag is of a size large enough to permit inversion of the bag to expose the sample collection material for collection of samples from surfaces, followed by re-inversion to enclose the sample collection material. Methods for sampling food products and/or surfaces for detection of pathogens, microbial contaminants and/or constituents in products or on surfaces are additionally contemplated.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a self-adhesive part having a self-adhesive surface and a connecting surface which is situated on the opposite side from the self-adhesive surface. A flexible strip extends from the connecting surface of the self-adhesive part. The flexible strip is joined to the self-adhesive part by means of a connecting element disposed in a region on the connecting surface. This region faces a central region of the self-adhesive surface. Thus, a traction force exerted on the flexible strip is distributed substantially uniformly over the self-adhesive surface.

Abstract: A grout cleaning attachment configured for removably attaching to a shoe enables a user to scrub a grout line with their foot. The grout cleaning attachment includes a brush that extends out and away from a toe section of the shoe so that a person using the attachment can see where the brush bristles are and locate the brush over the grout line. The grout cleaning attachment includes a cup section that slides over the front section of the shoe and a strap on the aft section that wraps around the person's shoe and ankle to secure the grout cleaning attachment to the shoe. The grout cleaning attachment is light in weight and easy to install and remove from a shoe being worn by a person. The brush is narrow in width and long in length so that most of the bristles will be used to brush over the grout line. Also, the brush can be curved upward in order to improve the brushing performance for cleaning a grout line.

Abstract: A functional shoe insole includes: a body part located inside a shoe, and configured to, when the shoe is worn by a user, come into direct contact with a sole of a foot of the user and distribute a load applied to the foot; an arch stimulation member coupled to the body part at a predetermined position, and configured to stimulate an arch portion of the sole of the foot of the user; and a heel stimulation member coupled to the body part at a predetermined position, and configured to stimulate a heel portion of the sole of the foot of the user. The arch stimulation member includes a first arch acupressure module. The heel stimulation member includes a first heel acupressure module.

Abstract: The present invention includes improvements to a device with bristles that makes it possible to perform oral hygiene tasks to remove quickly impurities in the oral cavity, in particular when the user is travelling and does not carry a toothbrush and, due to time constraints, requires quick and effective cleaning. The cleaning device may also include luffa sponges, water-soluble films, spheres with toothpaste or channels that provide flexibility to a membrane which, when bending, generates a vacuum and is placed on the tongue in order to be used as a toothbrush handle. The device provides a better fitting and handling in the mouth of a user, since it avoids the generation of vacuum when actuated, and also has a membrane surrounded by a cylindrical section that allows its handling since it adapts to the tongue.

Abstract: A grill-cleaning tool has a water-absorbent layer fabricated from a material that is suitable for transferring a volume of water. A fire-resistant layer is disposed outwardly of the water absorbent layer. A scrubbing outer layer fabricated from a metallic-mesh material covers both the fire-resistant layer and the water-absorbent layer. The water-absorbent layer and the heat-resistant layer may be incorporated into a single unit or may be separate layers. Fasteners are provided for assembling the layers together to form an assembled grill-cleaning tool.

Abstract: Disclosed are finger-wearable oral hygiene devices having a tapered shape with a plurality of extensions extending from the outer surface of the body, with the plurality of extensions extending around at least most of the circumference of the body member, the extensions being longer near the distal end of the device and shorter near the proximal end of the device, or the extensions arranged in a staggered pattern along the length of the tubular body, or having combination of these features. The device allows gums and teeth to be massaged or cleaned more efficiently and thoroughly, and can also provide greater comfort to a subject during an oral hygiene process.

Abstract: Vacuum pump (18) for a medical aspirator (10), the pump (18) comprising a tubular member (20); a piston (22) slidably arranged within the tubular member (20); a piston rod (24) connected to the piston (22); and a coupling mechanism (36) for detachably and functionally connecting the piston rod (24) to a motor (38) for driving the pump (18), wherein the piston rod (24) is configured to reciprocate linearly during operation of the pump (18).

Abstract: A device and methods for making and using an oral procedure apparatus include a tubular member and a flange. The tubular member forms a lumen extending from a first end of the tubular member to a second end of the tubular member, the lumen having a lumen cross-section sized to admit a human finger extending through the lumen, the tubular member having a tubular cross-section sized to be admitted into a mouth of a patient, the tubular member formed from a material substantially resilient against a bite from the mouth of the patient. The flange is coupled to the first end of the tubular member, the flange having a flange cross-section sized larger than the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: The sanitary wipe glove is a pre-moistened wipe. The sanitary wipe glove is configured for use with a patient. The sanitary wipe glove is worn on the patient. The patient uses the sanitary wipe glove for personal cleansing and hygiene. The sanitary wipe glove comprises a glove, an elastic band, and a cleansing agent. The elastic band attaches to the glove. The cleansing agent is a liquid phase solution that is absorbed into the glove. The glove is worn on the hand of the patient.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush disclosed herein includes a vibrator having a housing and a motor. The housing encloses the motor and a portion of a switch operably coupled to the motor. The electric toothbrush also includes a head portion including a brush. A cap is coupled to the head portion. The head portion and the end cap enclose the vibrator.

Abstract: The tactical hand warmers may have a first glove portion defining a first glove recess that is detachably connected to a second glove portion defining a second glove recess for allowing an individual to warm their hands within the first and second glove recesses either closely together when the first and second glove portions are attached or apart when the first and second glove portions are detached.

Abstract: A cleaning mitt has upper and lower material cleaning layers attached to form an interior pocket. The lower material cleaning layer has a bottom exterior side having a moderately abrasive first cleaning surface for light duty scrubbing and cleaning and a top interior side having a second cleaning surface less abrasive than the first cleaning surface for streak-free polishing. The upper material cleaning layer has a bottom interior side having a third cleaning surface which has the identical abrasiveness as the second cleaning surface and a top exterior side having a fourth cleaning surface which is more abrasive than the second and third cleaning surfaces for medium duty scrubbing and cleaning. A fifth cleaning surface partially circumscribes the cleaning layers for heavy duty scrubbing and cleaning. The fifth cleaning surface may also be provided as a scrubber patch on one of the cleaning layers.

Abstract: A glove with a sleeve is provided in which the bonding strength between the glove main body and the sleeve is great, allowing easy wearing and removal as well as easy overlapping of the glove main body and the sleeve upon bonding. The glove with a sleeve includes: a glove main body compromising rubber or a resin as a principal component; and a cylindrical sleeve comprising a thermoplastic resin as a principal component that is arranged to protrude from a cuff portion of the glove main body, in which the cuff portion of the glove main body is bonded to one end portion of the sleeve through a moisture-curing urethane-based hot melt adhesive. The moisture-curing urethane-based hot melt adhesive is preferably crosslinked. A post-curing thermal deformation temperature of the moisture-curing urethane-based hot melt adhesive is preferably no less than 80° C.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for preventing an animal's fur from getting caught in a nail grooming tool. The device may include a sock configured to accommodate an animal's paw therein, the sock being made of a mesh layer attached to a fabric layer, wherein an edge of the mesh layer and the fabric layer are not attached, forming an opening into the interior of the sock. Some embodiment of the device may further include at least one elastic loop extending from the sock, the loop being configured to secure the sock onto the animal's paw.

Abstract: A debris capturing device includes a glove including an open end, a plurality of finger extensions including finger slots, and a thumb extension including a thumb slot. An adhesive pad is coupled to the glove. A removable pad cover is disposed on the adhesive pad. The removable pad cover is configured to expose an adhesive surface of the adhesive pad when removed. The adhesive surface faces away from the glove. The adhesive pad is dimensioned, shaped and positioned with respect to the glove to fold a distal end of the adhesive pad to contact a proximal end of the adhesive pad. The glove is dimensioned, shaped and positioned with respect to the adhesive pad to be inverted upon removal of the glove from a user's hand.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator includes a first body having a hollow, unpressurized interior, wherein the first body is made at least in part from a material that is resilient. In one aspect, the cosmetic applicator further includes a cover removably securable on the first body. A coating for a cosmetic applicator includes a first body made at least in part from a material that is resilient and has a hollow, unpressurized interior.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for reducing the stresses applied to the hands of a therapist and improving the ability of the therapist to accurately apply a desired level of pressure to a patient when performing massage therapy on that patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hand apparatus, such as a glove or a mitten, with attachable securing members is disclosed. The hand apparatus can have a hand receiving portion, one or more finger portions, a thumb portion, and a body portion. The body portion comprises a dorsal side, a palm side, a first securing member, and a second securing member. The body portion can also comprise of a third securing member attached between the far side and near side of the body portion. The securing members can be attachable to the other securing members by fasteners.

Abstract: A hand applicator of liquids from openable capsules includes (from top to bottom) a semi-rigid membrane (1), an unfolding impermeable membrane (5), an openable capsule (6), a non-collapsible concave dissector (8), and an absorber (9) and is welded with a rounded edge seam (10). The semirigid membrane (1) comprises a fixed portion (11), a raisable grip (2), and a means for raising the grip (2)—a bending segment (3) or an edge cut-out (4) of the grip (2). The grip (2) and the segment (3) are congruently cut-through and connected by breakable bridges (15). The segment (3) bends down to enable a finger access under the grip (2) to raise the grip (2) and break the capsule (6). The grip (2) includes stiffeners (14), a diametrical hinge (12) with a more pliable central part (13), and a means (21) for opening the capsule (6). The impermeable membrane (5) unfolds and elongates to allow the finger to break the capsule (6) and includes a flat edge (16). The capsule (6) contains a liquid (7) and an actuator (20).

Abstract: A device for sanitary collection of materials features a bag having a closed bottom end, side walls that extend from the closed bottom end to delimit a collection space above the closed bottom end, and a hand protector that is attached to one of said side walls and has a hollow interior that is open or openable at one end to enable insertion of one's hand into the hand protector. A handle is provided in an opposing side wall so that that bag can be suspended in an open state between a wrist or forearm on which the hand protector is worn, and the hand of the user's opposite arm. A stamping operation performed on a continuous plastic web is operable to efficiently create the bag and hand protector as integral parts of a unitary bag construction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dual-density insole (or sock liner) for a shoe. According to aspects set forth herein, the insole includes a carrier with two cavities. Two inserts with a density or hardness level that is different from that of the carrier are positioned in the cavities for increased performance. The disclosed insole further exhibits a molded geometry marked with shaped protrusions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an abrasive material in the form of a mesh, which is obtained by means of a method of impregnating an open mesh support with a binder, followed by the application of a suitable abrading material and subsequent drying or consolidation. The present material, due to the open mesh structure, allows the suction of the dust and residual material that is formed during the use thereof, and has optimum values of elasticity, resistance and efficacy.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cleaning materials are provided. The device may include a cloth having a first textured surface and a second textured surface with the second textured surface being coarser than the first textured surface, and a compartment housed in the cloth having an opening on the outside of the cloth. The compartment is configured to enclose a hand of a user, and wherein the second surface is positioned on the outside of the cloth over portions of the compartment configured to house a thumb and at least one finger of the hand of the user.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pair of intelligent massage shoes, each including a vamp, a sole composed of a sole plate and a cushion plate, and massage columns arranged in the sole plate and stretching out of the cushion plate. The massage columns are matched with positions of acupuncture points of a sole, and are driven to carry out a reciprocating motion up and down through a lifting power device, thus massaging the sole. The lifting power device is fixed on a bottom plate, which is connected with an adjustment power device that pushes the lifting power device to move back and forth, thus adjusting the front and back positions of the massage columns to adapt to feet with different sizes. Each shoe has an air pocket charged with air through an electric air charging apparatus, thus forming a space in the shoe adaptive to accommodate the feet with different sizes.

Abstract: Described herein is a fingertip cleaning apparatus comprising a fingertip receiving portion including a conical wall defining a cavity having an open end configured to allow a fingertip of a user to be inserted into the cavity, the conical wall extending along and surrounding a cone axis, the conical wall forming a cone angle with the cone axis, a gripping portion comprising a flap that extends from the conical wall of the e fingertip receiving portion along a grip axis that forms a grip angle with the cone axis; and the grip angle being greater than the once angle.

Abstract: A method and a protective removable cover are presented. The protective removable cover comprises a number of sheets of fabric joined together in a toroidal shape such that an interior of the toroidal shape and an exterior of the toroidal shape have a same surface. The number of sheets of fabric joined together in the toroidal shape is configured to roll over a monument such that the monument is substantially covered.

Abstract: A glove with an enhanced gripping textured surface is disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, the glove contains a palm region adapted to cover the palm of a person's hand, a thumb region extending outwardly from the palm region, an index finger region disposed adjacent the thumb region, a middle finger region adjacent the index finger region, a ring finger region adjacent the middle finger region, and a little finger region adjacent the ring finger region with each region containing a textured surface. In preferred embodiments, the textured surface is formed by a plurality of dimensionally hierarchical structures superimposed in layers. The textured surface of the invention, when in contact with wet tissue, repels water at a first texture layer and traps tissue at a second texture layer, such that when in tissue contact, especially exudative tissue, tissue fixatively localizes to the glove surface.

Abstract: An exfoliation and body cream application mitt is configured to apply a thickened liquid to a human user. The exfoliation and body cream application mitt has a back side and a front side joined to one another forming a pocket therebetween. The front side is adapted to accomplish exfoliation and the back side is adapted to accomplish lotion application. A soft fabric arranged within the back side and configured to gently spread body creams, foams and lotions to a skin surface. A wrist section is arranged between the back side and the front side, defining an opening for receiving a hand of a user.

Abstract: In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a dental finger glove device can include a first finger portion configured to fit on a first digit of a user and a second finger portion configured to fit on a second digit of a user and connected to the first finger portion. An outer surface of the finger portion can include a mesh material for massaging teeth. The mesh material can include gauze or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A pet cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a portable lightweight self-contained pre-pressurizable fluid control and mix delivery station 12, a glove device 24 for outputting fluid, and a connecting member 26 for connecting the station 12 and the glove device 24, thus facilitating simultaneous petting, holding and cleaning of a pet with a single hand. Preferably pressurizing is achieved via a hand pump 32. Preferably the glove device 24 incorporates a pressure activated system, so that fluid is outputted when pressure is applied to a coat of a pet. Distance outputting may also be provided, thus providing multiple variable output options for a user.

Abstract: A lip exfoliator includes an exfoliant with one or more dry abrasive materials for exfoliation of the lips, which may be provided as a single compact unit. Embodiments of a lip exfoliator may include an attachment surface—such as an adhesive sticker, suction device, or cup mechanism—for attaching the lip exfoliator to a lip balm or other cosmetic. Thus, a consumer may use embodiments of the lip exfoliator with a lip balm or cosmetic of their choice easily while on the go.

Abstract: A cleaning pad for a robot cleaner includes a back piece, an absorbent sheet, and a water permeable web. The water permeable web has a web body which is of such a dimension as to form a downward draping unit to shield the absorbent sheet. The downward draping unit is embossed toward the back piece and along at least one line oriented in a lengthwise direction to form successive downward draping members each defining a height between a lowermost area thereof and a lower major surface of the back piece. The heights of the successive downward draping members are incrementally decreased from a rearmost one of the successive downward draping members to a frontmost one of the successive downward draping members.

Abstract: A modified glove includes a glove portion and a wipe portion. The wipe portion is attached to the inner or palm surface of the glove, and comes in wet and dry varieties. The wet variety contains water or mild cleaning agents or some combination thereof, and can be scented or unscented. An embodiment of the modified glove is a single modified glove, while another embodiment is multiple modified gloves, such as three modified gloves in one. One aspect of the modified glove is for cleaning the rectal area of an individual. Another aspect of the modified glove is for cleaning other areas of an individual.

Abstract: A cleaning mitt includes a base layer, a cleaning cloth layer, and a cover layer. The base layer has first and second portions interconnected by a connector. The first and second portions are folded and sealed to define a shell having an open proximal end and an interior pocket. The shell defines a palm section, a fingers section extending distally from the palm section, and first and second thumb sections extending from opposed sides of the palm section. The connector is disposed within the interior pocket. The cleaning cloth layer has a cleaning solution disposed thereon and/or therein, is secured to an outer surface of the shell, and extends about a portion of the palm section and fingers section of the shell. The cover layer is removably disposed about the cleaning cloth layer and secured to the outer surface of the shell about a portion of the cleaning cloth layer.

Abstract: A glove comprises a pair of fabric members of the same size and configuration in registration with each other and including opposed ends, with one end narrower than the other end. The fabric members are detachably connected by a two-component connector with one component of the two-component connector being on an inside face of one fabric member and the other component of the two-component connector being on an inside face of the other fabric member. The one fabric member includes a pocket extending along a longitudinal axis of the glove. The pocket is configured to receive a hand of a user and, at the narrower end, includes an entrance for the hand. The pocket comprises a ceiling formed of a first fabric material and a floor of the same first fabric material. The other fabric member has an exterior surface opposite its inner face comprising a cloth material covering an absorbent foam material.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tactical hand warmer apparatus having a first glove portion defining a first glove recess that is detachably connected to a second glove portion defining a second glove recess for allowing an individual to warm their hands within the first and second glove recesses either closely together when the first and second glove portions are attached or apart when the first and second glove portions are detached are disclosed.

Abstract: Various implementations include a towel with a T-pocket and/or a method to sew a “T” pocket into a towel. The pocket in the towel may orient, support and/or secure the towel draped over a seat back or frame structure. The frame structure may be capable being accessibly and removably coupled to suitable objects, such as car seats and other seating having back rests or frames used to display advertising messages or items placed on display resting in the T-pocket. The T-pocket component may include a first end and a longer second end, the longer second end employed to provide a level of protection for the underlying seat and comfort to the seated person, but also allow the person to dry himself and maintain warmth.

Abstract: A scrubbing patch set for gloves is provided including an inner hand patch sized and configured to generally cover the index finger, the thumb and an inner palm portion extending from the index finger to the thumb on the palm side of the glove. The patch set can also include a middle finger patch sized and configured to generally cover at least a distal end of the middle finger on the palm side of the glove; a ring finger patch sized and configured to generally cover at least a distal end of the ring finger on the palm side of the glove; and a little finger patch sized and configured to generally cover at least a distal end of the little finger on the palm side of the glove.

Abstract: A media-bearing polisher and restorer removes surface and subsurface contaminants from one or more vehicle surfaces. In one or more embodiments, the media-bearing polisher and restorer comprises a body having a hemispherical shape. The body comprises a resilient or rigid material and one or more flutes for receiving one or more user fingers. One or more mediums, which absorbs and extracts contaminants from the surface, are attached to a bottom of the hemispherical body. A variety of media may be used with the media-bearing polisher and restorer.

Abstract: A disposable pad for treating or cleaning various types of surfaces is presented. The disposable pad has one or more flaps that are operatively affixed to the first surface on the first sheet of the pad and is rotatably movable between a first configuration and a number of second configurations to expose one of many surface pairs having a cleaning material unique to the desired application. A second sheet is operatively affixed to the second surface of the first sheet on at least two edges to form a mitt-like cavity and provides for ambidextrous wielding of the disposable pad.

Abstract: A character-shaped porous mitt for housing and dispensing soap comprised of an outer body formed from terry cloth or similar material and a sponge-like material lining an interior cavity containing a soap pocket in which to hold bar or liquid soap that is fastened using a hook-and-loop fastener. An area at the mouth, the body or the rear of the mitt through which the bar of soap or the liquid soap can be received and housed until the soap mixes with water to produce a rich lather with which to cleanse a user's body. Finger pockets or loops are configured to receive the fingers of a user to allow the user to securely hold the mitt, even in the presence of rich lather. A rough-textured portion of the outer body provides added friction between the outer body and skin of a user to allow the user to scrub or exfoliate his or her skin.

Abstract: The foot mop is a cleaning implement that is adapted for use with a foot. The foot mop is adapted for use in cleaning a surface, especially a floor. The foot mop is worn on the foot. The foot mop cleans the surface by using the foot to rub the foot mop against a surface that needs to be cleaned. The foot mop comprises a plurality of bristles. The foot mop is further adapted for use with cleaning products. The foot mop comprises a plurality of shoes.

Abstract: A fishing glove/mitt device comprises: a fingers component; a thumb netting support, a flexible netting element between the wearer's fingers and thumb, and a palm-cuff wrap. The wearer of this device can manipulate the netting portion between his/her fingers and thumb to at least partially close it about the fish being caught. An optional net frame support may extend angularly outwardly and upwardly between the thumb and fingers or between side supports of this netting element.

Abstract: A bodily washing assembly for inhibiting cross contamination between patients in a medical environment includes a mitt that is selectively worn on a hand. A cleaning unit is coupled to the mitt. The cleaning unit washes the user when the user wears the mitt. The cleaning unit contains a fluid soap. The fluid soap is selectively dispensed onto the user.

Abstract: An ambidextrous or hand-specific glove including a wrist region, a palm region, and a digit region. The glove may be fabricated of nitrile rubber that is free of or essentially free of zinc, sulfur and accelerators to reduce allergic reactions in populations required to frequently wear protective gloves. A band region that partially or fully encircles a user's finger knuckles may be provided for easier finger bending. Texturing may be provided on glove surfaces that are used to grip articles. The tip regions on the front surface of the index and middle finger regions may be un-textured or smooth to enable a user to take a patient's pulse. These tip regions may be of reduced diameter and circumference so as to pull the glove material tightly around the tips of the user's finger so that even a faint pulse in a patient may be detected.

Abstract: Method and device for disposal of waste including, without limitation, human or animal waste. Disposal device includes a bag-like member coupled to an absorbent member. The bag-like member may be folded for compact storage prior to use and unfolded during use thereof. A method for collecting, removing, and/or disposing of waste utilizing the disposal device including the steps of: unfolding the bag-like member; inserting a hand therein; collecting waste with the absorbent member; inverting the bag-like member so as to effectively wrap the absorbent member and waste within the bag-like member; optionally sealing the bag-like member; and disposing of the disposal device, the waste contained within the disposal device.

Abstract: An inputting fingertip sleeve includes a sleeve and an inputting end. The sleeve has a curved linear structure. The inputting end is fixed on the sleeve. The inputting end includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. A material of the sleeve is conductive, can be metal, alloy or conductive polymer. The inputting end is electrically connected with the sleeve.

Abstract: A media-bearing polisher and restorer removes surface and subsurface contaminants from a vehicle, household or other surface. The media-bearing polisher and restorer comprises an ovoid body with a planar bottom. The body comprises a resilient or rigid material and one or more flutes for receiving one or more user fingers. A permeable elastic medium is removably attached to the planar bottom of the body, which absorbs and extracts contaminants from the surface. A variety of media can be used with the media-bearing polisher and restorer.

Abstract: Various implementations include a towel with a T-pocket and/or a method to sew a “T” pocket into a towel. The pocket in the towel may orient, support and/or secure the towel draped over a seat back or frame structure. The frame structure may be capable being accessibly and removably coupled to suitable objects, such as car seats and other seating having back rests or frames used to display advertising messages or items placed on display resting in the T-pocket. The T-pocket component may include a first end and a longer second end, the longer second end employed to provide a level of protection for the underlying seat and comfort to the seated person, but also allow the person to dry himself and maintain warmth.