Abstract:
Various appliance models are made by installing a control console onto a base unit. The base units of the appliances are all identical, with the control consoles having different control features, so that different appliance models are made by the different consoles installed on the standardized base units. The console is selected by a purchaser and is mounted by the dealer or retailer or by the manufacturer at a regional warehouse. The appliance can be easily upgraded by removing the first selected console and exchanging for a second selected console having additional control features.
Abstract:
A helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders includes features to protect a player's head and face from being struck by a batted ball. The helmet optionally includes side protection, which may include cheek, jaw, temple, or chin protection. The helmet also may optionally include a face mask.
Abstract:
An improved front loading washing machine is provided with a front panel having a round access opening. A glass door is reversibly mounted on the front panel via a hinge. The hinge can be moved to the left or right side of the access opening by rotating a carriage ring which extends around the access opening and which supports the hinge. A door lock is provided on the carriage opposite the hinge. Accordingly, the door is reversible for opening on the left or right, as desired by a user.
Abstract:
An integral multi-dispenser liquid container includes a plurality of hand pump dispensers positioned linearly, triangularly or squarely above a lower container compartment having a centrally-located liquid fill port. A central portion of the lower compartment is removed to cause residual liquid to pool at the suction tubes of the hand-pumps. One or more reinforced grip handles span between the hand-pump dispensers above the lower compartment. The hand-pumps can dispense different liquid volumes as needed in the field and do not need to be removed to refill the container. An internal baffle can be installed within the inside the lower compartment so that different liquids can be carried and dispensed.
Abstract:
A helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders includes features to protect a player's head and face from being struck by a batted ball. The helmet optionally includes side protection, which may include cheek, jaw, temple, or chin protection. The helmet also may optionally include a face mask. The helmet may be used in lacrosse and other sports, as well.
Abstract:
A drying rack assembly, for use in a clothes dryer with a rotatable tumbler, is constructed with a perforated tray to support clothing in a stationary manner within the tumbler. A duct is attached to the perforated tray to direct a primary airflow through the perforated tray and to at least a portion of air outlet opening in the tumbler cavity. The duct further includes openings to provide a secondary path by which a portion of the total airflow is allowed to bypass the perforated tray. A movable damper is provided to allow variable bypass airflow. An air outlet cover, attached to the combination of the duct and perforated tray, is adapted to cover the portion of the air outlet opening that does not interface with the duct. The air outlet cover is movable to a second position to enable compact storage. A hanging feature is further provided on the side of the dryer cabinet to provide a convenient storage space.
Abstract:
An improved bicycle carrier is provided for mounting to the rear end of an automobile to receive and support one or more bicycles. The bicycle carrier has a frame formed from a unitary convolutely-shaped metal bar that defines a pair of bicycle support members on one end and a vehicle engaging member at the other end. The frame is shaped such that the vehicle engaging member can be positioned to engage and rest against the rear end of an automobile with the support members projecting rearwardly for receiving one or more bicycles. A stabilizer is secured to the frame and extends away from the support members for resting on the trunk of a car to stabilize the carrier. The stabilizer is selectively movable in the vertical direction and can be locked in place to insure that the support members extend at a predetermined attitude relative to horizontal. A leveling indicator is provided on the frame for indicating an optimum attitude of the support arms during adjustment of the stabilizer. When the leveling indicator indicates optimum attitude, the stabilizer is locked into position and the carrier is lashed to the automobile with straps.
Abstract:
A method and device for stabilizing cervical vertebrae includes a plate with at least two slots. The device also includes at least two screws including a lower threaded bone-engaging shaft, a shoulder which will not pass through said plate slots and an upper threaded shaft. The screws are positioned and the plate rests on top of the screw shoulders. Locking, low profile caps secure the plate to the screws.