Abstract: A jacket for a person engaged in a pitching activity is described herein for retaining warmth in the arm and upper extremity muscles used in pitching. It is desirable for pitchers to retain warmth in the favored arm and upper extremity muscles, in order that these muscles remain loose and flexible to prevent cramping and tightening. The jacket includes a sleeve and upper extremity portion proximate the sleeve for the pitching arm, while the non-pitching arm and the associated upper extremity portion are not covered by the jacket. The jacket includes a portion covering the upper extremity of the back that surrounds the body and helps maintain the position of the jacket during activity. A fastener element is provided to permit the jacket to be engaged and separated from the wearer. The jacket provides coverage and warmth without restricting motion and, therefore, is designed to allow freedom of movement for the athlete while actively engaged in activity or when idle awaiting return to play.

Abstract: A combination jacket and sports jersey comprises a reversible garment having first and second layers on opposite sides thereof. The first layer is formed of materials and styled to have the appearance and serve the function of a jacket that is used as outerwear. The second layer is formed of materials and styled and decorated to have the appearance of a team jersey of the type worn by members of a sports team while playing sports. The second layer is formed of a material that simulates the material used for the sports jersey for a particular sport and further includes designs, coloring, numbers, and other indicia present in the team sports jersey for that particular sport.

Abstract: The safety garment for industrial and construction workers, and hunters incorporates a safety harness in to the body of a jacket, coat, or other apparel. The garment has a safety harness with a central attachment ring receiving a safety line, anchoring a wearer to a beam or tree trunk. The safety harness is preferably sewn on the outer surface of a removable, reversible inner liner or vest attached to an outer shell such as an outer vest, jacket, shirt, parka, or other garment covering the harness by zippers. The inner liner may be blaze orange on one side and camouflage patterned on the other. During a fall, pulling forces on the harness are equalized in both directions, providing maximal distribution of force on the wearer. The waist belt or other portion of the safety harness has attachments for removable leg loop/crotch straps.

Abstract: A headwear piece having a crown with a peripheral wall which extends around the head of a wearer. The crown has a front, a rear, and a top, and a bottom. The peripheral wall has a front wall portion that projects upwardly to define a forwardly facing surface and is contiguous with a top wall portion that defines an upwardly facing surface having a substantial area to protect a wearer's head. The crown further has first and second spaced legs which project rearwardly and cooperatively and compressibly capture a wearer's head to maintain the headwear piece in an operative position on a wearer's head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilated head covering having a band adapted to encircle a wearer's head; a plurality of longitudinal supports extending away from the band in a direction substantially perpendicular to the band, each support having a proximal end affixed to the band and a distal end a distance away from the band; a sun shield support affixed to the distal ends of two or more longitudinal supports and substantially perpendicular thereto; a substantially planar sun shield disposed across the sun shield support; wherein the distance between the distal end of the longitudinal support and the band is sufficient to hold the sun shield away from a wearer's head, and wherein the longitudinal supports are space apart sufficiently to allow substantially unrestricted air flow between them and across the head of a wearer.

Abstract: An accessory for trousers worn low on the hips, for concealing otherwise exposed surfaces such as the midriff or underwear, and for retaining the trousers on the hips. The accessory comprises a panel of fabric or other flexible material, configured to encircle the waist and to overlap the top of the trousers. The accessory has an elastic waistband and an attaching element for engaging and retaining the trousers. In alternative embodiments, the retaining element may comprise hook and loop fastener or belt loops. In a further alternative embodiment, the upper edge of the accessory may bear lace. In still other alternative embodiments, the accessory may be pleated, may have an optional zipper, may be provided in a form that bulges out from the body when worn, may be elastic, and may have these features in any combination. The accessory may be provided with trousers as a visually matched set.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes a substantially rigid outer shell defining a bottom opening and an internal cavity for receiving a wearer's head; an inner ring positioned substantially within and secured to the outer shell; a suspension secured to the inner ring and including at least two suspension straps; and a headband positioned substantially within the outer shell and adjacent the bottom opening of the outer shell, wherein the position of the headband relative to the inner ring can be manipulated, effectively adjusting the vertical position of the headband within and relative to the outer shell.

Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse includes a hard shell portion. The hard shell portion is constructed so as to provide protection to a wearer's head. The inner side of the hard shell portion includes a lining portion that is secured thereto. A chin strap portion is includes for attachment to the hard shell portion at a plurality of attachment points. The hard shell port ion includes a ledge portion that extends generally forwardly therefrom. A visor portion is secured to the hard shell portion and overlies the ledge portion. A facemask portion is secured to both the hard shell portion and the ledge portion in order to improve the structural integrity of the helmet.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cap (120), skullcap (200), hat (270), and hat insert (350) devices comprising a weight-increasing layer, such as an elastomeric weight layer (114, 214, 350, 414, 454, 514). The elastomeric weight layer (114, 214, 350, 414, 454, 514) is comprised of an elastomer and weighted bodies. In some embodiments the weight-increasing layer is shaped to conform to the crown of the head of a person wearing headwear of the present invention. In other embodiments a weighted component fits within a hat. Other forms of the weight-increasing layer include a double-walled bladder structure (700), shaped to conform to a person's head, into which weighted material is added. Exercise with such devices serves to increase the bone strengthening weight stress experienced by the wearer's spinal column and to encourage the wearer to maintain an improved, healthier posture.

Abstract: A swimming mask having a plate located between the two lenses. The plate has at least one pair of protuberance that attaches to caverns or holes on the two lenses; the protuberances and caverns or holes combination allows to strengthen the structure of the two lenses and the soft skirt. This creates a useful double lenses frameless diving mask.

Abstract: UNI-SEAT is a device designed to ease the problem of having to lift up and close toilet seats. With this device you can press the foot-pedal with your foot and lift up the toilet seats, and then it will automatically close the toilet seat after you release your foot from the foot-pedal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved water closet flange for connection to a plumbing fixture. The improved flange comprises an anchoring element or outer flange, connected to a flexible conduit tube or flexible sleeve, in which is attached an O-ring type of gasket. The improved flange connects a toilet bowl outlet to a waste drainpipe outlet without any flow reduction in between both connecting elements. The improved flange allows the connection between a toilet bowl discharge and a well placed vertical waste drainpipe. The improved flange also allows the connection between a toilet bowl discharge and a waste drainpipe outlet that is offset, horizontally oriented, or diagonally placed. The improved flange may further comprise an O-ring type of gasket disposed on the exterior of the flexible sleeve to provide a tight seal between the outer surface of the flexible sleeve and the inner surface of a waste drainpipe.

Abstract: The disclosed portable plunger has an elongated shaft with a hand gripping portion adjacent one end and a plunger head fixed to the shaft adjacent the opposite end. The plunger head has an impervious flexible material defining an exterior surface sized slightly larger than an outlet passage of a toilet bowl to be plunged. The head is also resilient and elastic to allow reduction of the exterior head surface to become smaller than the bowl passage to allow plunger head insertion into the passage, while then expanding and seating against the bowl passage walls in the mode of a piston positioned in the passage. Thus, axial shifting of the plunger head in the passage hydraulically creates water/waste pressure and/or flow surges in the passage, serving to break up downstream clogs therein.

Abstract: A commode is disclosed having a specially configured pan that can be used as a splash guard when the commode is used in conjunction with a household toilet and the same configuration or shape can be used as a pail for a stand alone commode. In either case, the pan pan in intended for use with a commode seat having an elongated opening and thus has an upper opening that is generally rectangular in configuration. The pan also has a sloping front surface that directs the waste products rearwardly and downwardly to a circular bottom. The centerline of the circular bottom is displaced rearwardly with respect to the midpoint of the front to back length of the pan so that the pan can be used over a household toilet and the waste products are directed to the center of the receiving portion of that toilet.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy unit has a housing supporting a tub. The tub has an exterior sidewall configured to resemble an object of amusement for a child such as a duck or an automobile. When configured as an automobile, a steering wheel is attached to the exterior sidewall with mounting arms and thumbscrews. A bracket extends downwardly from the arms and forms an accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A hand-held shower attachment having a handgrip arranged on one side of its showerhead, where the ratio of the length of the grip to the maximum lateral dimension of the showerhead is less than unity, which will allow configuring a water-conserving shower attachment having a good rinsing action, is disclosed.

Abstract: Dual purpose lavatory units are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lavatory unit includes a first section, a second section, and a divider wall separating the first and second sections. The first section includes a commode and the second section includes at least one of a urinal and a sink. The dual-purpose lavatory may be constructed as a unit that is mountable in a vehicle such as an aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waste outlet assembly, in particular a waste outlet assembly for a urinal of the type commonly found in men's lavatories. There is described an elongate cylindrical insert having an operatively upper end and an operatively lower end and being insertable into the waste outlet of a urinal bowl or trough, which outlet includes a liquid trap, wherein the insert is radially dimensioned to provide a close fit against the walls of the waste outlet; and wherein the insert is longitudinally dimensioned such that, in use, the lower end extends into liquid in the liquid trap. There is also described a urinal including such an insert.

Abstract: A device for blocking or impeding the flow of water through the overflow drain of a bathtub of the type including a wall, an overflow drain opening in the wall, and a generally circular cover plate over the overflow drain opening, the cover plate having an annular skirt with at least one overflow opening in the annular skirt at the bottom of the cover plate. The device takes the form of a stopper including an arcuate surface configured so as to cover the overflow opening. The stopper is made of a material and is configured so as to be held in place, when water level in the bathtub is above the overflow opening, by water pressure or buoyancy only. As a result, the stopper, once held in place, falls away from the overflow opening when water level in the bathtub subsequently drops below the cover plate.

Abstract: A boom extension for a patient lift device is attached to the boom arm of the patient lift device and functions to extend the cantilever support of a patient in a harness or sling which is attached to the boom extension of the patient lift device.

Abstract: A fitted mattress pad for covering the top and sides of a mattress includes a first layer of material, a second layer of material and a layer of batting intermediate the first and second layers. The pad also comprises a skirt for covering the sides and ends of a mattress. One of the first and second layers is generally sized to a peripheral dimension to form the top platform of a mattress pad. The batting layer is generally sized to a peripheral dimension to form the top platform of a mattress pad. The skirt is an integral extension of one of the first or second layers of the mattress pad. The first layer, second layer and batting layer are joined together to form a unitary mattress pad.

Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location.

Abstract: A mat conveyor includes a tubular fabric member formed of a soft flexible material and having an interior passage formed therein. A plurality of handle bands are secured to the exterior surface of the tubular member. Each of the handle bands utilizes a support band secured to the exterior surface of the tubular member together with an overlying outer band secured to the support band at a plurality of spaced attachments. The portions of the outer band extending between attachments form a plurality of handle members generally spaced about the tubular member. A pair of carrying poles are receivable within the tubular member interior passage to convert the tubular member to a stretcher-like carrier.

Abstract: A bed having a base, a pedestal oriented between a top side of the base and a patient support deck to facilitate elevational movement of the support deck. The patient support deck includes a seat section which includes a deck plate. A pair of laterally spaced support brackets are provided on the patient support deck. Coupling elements are supported on each of the support brackets. Separate patient supporting devices are configured to operatively connect to a selected one of the two coupling elements is provided. A guideway is provided on each of the support brackets, the guideway supporting a frame and having a track thereon. A receptacle is mounted on the track and for movement relative to the frame, the receptacle being stowable beneath the deck plate and deployable so that the receptacle is oriented immediately below the perineal edge of the seat section.

Abstract: A method for thermally insulating a cushion can include the step of affixing a metalized fabric to an exterior surface of the cushion so as to cause a reduction in radiant heat transfer between external objects and the exterior surface. The method further can include the step of wrapping the metalized fabric with at least one additional layer of fabric. The method yet further can include the step of wrapping the metalized fabric with at least one additional layer of cushioning material. Finally, the method yet further can include the steps of placing a non-metalized fabric in a vacuum chamber; and, depositing metallic elements within fibers of the non-metalized fabric in the vacuum chamber to produce the metalized fabric.

Abstract: Methods of folding a protective cover article are described. The methods described result in a compact protective cover article that is relatively easy to unfold.

Abstract: A bedding product for use as a mattress topper has a tray formed by a bottom sheet of compressible material with a generally rectangular frame attached at the periphery of a surface thereof, formed by rails of compressible material. The tray has a generally rectangular recess therein formed by the rails, which can be filled with inserts of selected firmness characteristics, to give the overall bedding product selected characteristics related to firmness.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a system for supplying air and controlling the flow of air into and out of the chambers of a patient supporting air mattress. It includes an electric motor powered variable speed blower, a two position rotary valve, air mattress supply lines communicating between the rotary valve and the chambers of the air mattress, a continuous exhaust line also connected to the rotary valve, stepper motor controlled valves in the air mattress supply lines, pressure sensors between the stepper motor controlled valves and the chambers of the air mattress and a control unit for controlling the stepper motor controlled valves to control the amount by which the chambers of the air mattress are inflated.

Abstract: A chemical softening composition includes a amide-substituted quaternary imidazolinium salt, a nonionic surfactant, and a polyhydroxy compound for use in treating cellulosic materials including papers, textiles and fabrics. The chemical softening composition can be applied to papermaking fibers during a papermaking process to provide a softened paper web and product possessed of sufficient tensile strength for its regular employment. A chemical softening composition according to the invention can also be applied to fabric to soften the fabric, provide easier handling of the fabric, and also reduce the tendency of the fabric to generate and store static electricity.

Abstract: A washing machine control method prevents the setting of an incorrect water level, when laundry is added to the washing machine after manipulating a wash command key, by setting an accurate water level and wash pattern. The water level and wash pattern are repeatedly reset according to a differential present in consecutively sensed wet laundry amounts, if a substantial differential is detected between dry and wet laundry amounts. That is, if the difference between consecutively sensed wet laundry amounts is reduced to a predetermined value, within a predetermined number of repeated sensings, the washing step is controlled according to reset values for the water level and wash pattern.

Abstract: A clothes freshening device includes an enclosure to hold at least one garment to be freshened. A chemical mister is in fluid communication with the enclosure, the chemical mister producing a fog that is circulated around the garment to freshen the garment. If desired, a steam generator can be in fluid communication with the enclosure, the steam generator producing steam that is circulated around the garment to de-wrinkle the garment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting water leakage in a washing machine, and for controlling a main inlet valve accordingly, are provided. The apparatus includes a leakage container for accumulating leaking water; and a leakage detector for detecting an accumulation of leaking water in the leakage container. The method includes steps of supplying water to a tub; determining whether a water leakage condition exists; and shutting off the supply of water to the tub, if it is determined that a water leakage condition exists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, for example of human keratin fibers such as the hair, containing, in a medium suitable for dyeing:

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, for example of human keratin fibers, such as the hair, containing, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, a) at least one oxidation dye, b) at least one associative polymer, and c) at least one aminosilicone, wherein the at least one aminosilicone/at least one associative polymer weight ratio is greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: A system and method for formulation of a personalized permanent hair color product. The system and method are used to produce on-site at the salon or home, a permanent, semi permanent and/or stained hair color custom mixed to according to features and individual parameters for each person, based upon an assessment test completed by the individual or a professional, based upon the person's “map” and characteristics. The person is then able to choose the quadrant of color (i.e. light blonde, blonde, red, brown, dark brown), and receive a unique color based upon his or her own “colormap”. Colormapping cannot only determine what colors work best with an individual's features, but also how best to structure it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dyeing and/or printing textile material containing non-split and/or at least partially split micro-fibres and/or micro-filaments, composed of at least one polyamide component and optionally at least one additional polymer component. According to said method, the textile material is treated with formic acid and is dyed and/or printed using at least one dye, selected from the group containing anionic acidic dyes, metal complex dyes, reactive dyes, direct dyes and cationic dyes.

Abstract: A method and device are presented for forming areas of enhanced traction on boots, particularly fishing boots. The method includes the method of applying adhesive and hardened particles to the adhesive onto a boot. The method can also be used as part of the process of fabricating a boot or as a kit to apply to an existing boot.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush which has been designed for improved ergonomics and for assisting the user in using a powered brush in an improved and gentler manner. The powered toothbrush includes a handle portion having a base member at one end thereof. A neck portion extends from the other end of the handle portion with the head coupled to the neck portion. The head includes at least one bristle carrier connected to a drive shaft rotating the at least one bristle carrier in a first rotatable direction. In order to improve the ergonomics and stability of the powered toothbrush, the handle portion is formed asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the powered toothbrush and the base member of the handle portion is substantially flat.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pig scraper for cleaning the inside wall of a coating agent conduit. The pig scraper includes a body insertable in the conduit and at least one sealing lip that seals against the inside wall of the conduit and extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. A space is defined between the sealing lip and the body to form a pocket for enhancing the sealing of the sealing lip with respect to the conduit. The length of the sealing lip substantially prevents the lip from folding over on itself in response to a change in the direction of movement of the pig scraper in the conduit.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a paint brush is adapted for opening a paint can. The paint brush comprises a handle having a built-in tip opposite the brush's bristles and substantially thinner in at least one dimension normal to the brush's axis than portions of the handle intended to be gripped by the user. The tip is thin enough to fit in a gap between a lip disposed along an outer circumference of a lid of the paint can and an upper edge of a container of the paint can.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first cleaning member attached to a lower end of an elongated rod, and a second cleaning member mounted slidably on the first cleaning member. The second cleaning member is slidable in a transverse direction relative to the rod between an extended position, in which the second cleaning member is moved away from a free end of the first cleaning member, and a retracted position, in which the second cleaning member is moved toward the free end of the first cleaning member.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a head, and a handle; the head is formed with upper and lower portions joined to each other, which together have an inverted L shaped cross-section. The upper portion of the head is joined to the handle such that the head is rotary. The head has first and second bristles on a lower side of the upper portion, and an inner side of the lower portion respectively. Thus, the first and the second bristles can be pressed against, and moved over, top and one of lateral surfaces of a row of teeth for cleaning both of them respectively at the same time; the head turns to change orientation thereof relative to the handle according to curvature of different sections of a row of teeth, on which it is being moved along, thus increasing smoothness of movement thereof.

Abstract: An open-ended, cylindrically configured dusting-cleaning device having elasticized openings at both ends for the purpose of securing the device, as positioned, on the hand, wrist or forearm of a user. The elasticized openings provide ready accessibility to the hand when dusting or cleaning, or immediate withdrawal to the wrist or forearm for temporary storage when not in use. The elasticized openings allow instant finger protrusion and retraction while the device remains on the hand of a user.

Abstract: A coating applicator assembly is disclosed for coating fasteners ends protruding from a surface of a structure, the fasteners extending a specific distance above the surface. In detail, the applicator assembly includes a handle. A coating member made from open celled compressible foam having a coating transfer surface in a generally W shape is attached to the handle. Preferably, the central V of the W shaped surface has an included angle of between 40 and 50 degrees and a depth of between 65 and 85 percent of the specific distance and the outer surfaces of the W shaped surface extending outward at an angle of between 40 and 50 degrees and the depth of coating member is at least 4 times the depth of the central notch.

Abstract: In a method for producing wiper arm and a wiper arm produced by the method a tongue for a rotary angle limiting is punched on a hinge part and correlates with a recess in the hinge part.

Abstract: A steam cleaner includes a water pump to supply water from a water tank to a heater, and the heater heats it up to become steam to be shot out of a base so as to be used for washing a floor. The steam cleaner also has a water volume button for controlling operating frequency of the water pump to change steam volume to be shot out, by handling of a switch button fixed on a handle to control start and close of washing and operating condition. The grip of the handle is pivotally connected to the base with no limited stages so that the handle can be inclined to one of numerous angles to suit to the height of a user for conveniently using the steam cleaner. And a support base is provided for the steam cleaner to rest thereon for storing away when not used.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a housing, a dirt collector, a suction generator, a wand, a hose, a light source, a light director and a light transmitter. The light source is provided on the apparatus at a first point while the light director is provided on the apparatus at a second point remote from the first point. The light transmitter extends between the first and second points. The light source, transmitter and director all function together to direct light from the light source past the wand onto a work area to be cleaned.

Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner includes a selectively removable dirt cup, and an airstream flows rotationally through the dirt cup between an interior wall of the dirt cup and a filter assembly selectively mounted in the dirt cup so that entrained contaminants are separated from the airstream flowing through the dirt cup and collected by the dirt cup. The filter lies substantially parallel to the support surface on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. A cover member is connected to the main housing, and the cover member is selectively movable to and held in an operative position in covering relation with an open first end of a dirt cup. The main housing defines a base conformed to self-support the main housing on a support surface with the dirt cup arranged with its open first end at a higher elevation than its closed second end. The removable dirt cup includes a handle adapted for being held by a user, and the dirt cup defines or includes a spout to facilitate emptying dirt therefrom.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner main body, a suction tool main body connected to the vacuum cleaner main body and having an suction inlet which is open at a lower surface thereof, a dust box connected to the vacuum cleaner main body, and a grip portion for operating the vacuum cleaner main body. The suction tool main body, an interior of the vacuum cleaner main body, the grip portion and the dust box are directly connected in this order such that circulation of air is permitted. The interior of the vacuum cleaner main body and the grip portion are connected in a freely attachable and detachable manner. It is possible to perform both ordinary use (floor cleaning) using a suction tool main body and use of an attachment through a grip portion by utilizing one successive flow path so that it will not be necessary to provide a flow path switching mechanism to thereby simply the arrangement.

Abstract: A car vacuum cleaner has a handle pivotally joined to an upper side of a housing at a first end thereof. The handle can be moved between a first position for allowing the user to hold to lift the cleaner, under which a second end thereof is joined to the housing and a second position, under which the second end thereof is separated from the housing, and under which it is turned to a direction opposite to the first position. The handle can be hung on a window of a car while the vacuum cleaner is positioned outside the car so that small dust, particulates, and hot exhaust are discharged outside the car directly which have been sucked up and passed through the filtering net while the vacuum cleaner is working.