Abstract: A kneepad is formed of a shell and a detachable cushioning pad. The shell includes a knee area and a shin area. A non-flowable gel is provided in the cushioning pad. Preferably the gel is indented at the normal pressure point of contact of the patella. The outer surface of the shell is provided with a plurality of ribs surrounding a recessed portion to direct the pressure and shocks from the ground to the outer portions of the knee. The shell may also be provided with a resilient material between the ribs and the inner surface of the shell.

Abstract: A garment for covering the front and sides of a human invalid's torso, comprising a pliant partial wrap that is sized and dimensioned to envelop the front and sides of at least the upper portion of a human torso, said wrap having spaced apart upper and lower edges and with a longitudinally centered partial split of the wrap disposed perpendicularly to and extending to the upper edge and a pair of spaced apart sleeves attached to the wrap for covering the upper extremities of the human invalid.

Abstract: A pants garment has a pair of thigh leg members for covering the thigh area of a wearer. A front thigh elastic band member is provided substantially at a front side of each of the thigh leg members and extends obliquely from an upper front portion to a lower front portion of each thigh leg member. A back thigh elastic band member is provided substantially at a back side of each of the thigh leg members and extends obliquely from an upper back portion to a lower back portion of each thigh leg member. The garment also has a front and back crus elastic band members extending obliquely on crus leg members, which cover the crus areas of the wearer.

Abstract: A safety garment that has a garment portion and at least one panel portion that is attached to the garment portion increases the visibility of the wearer by utilizing body motion of the wearer and air movement past the wearer to cause each panel portion to sway or flap. Each panel portion can be reflective, have a fluorescent pigment and/or include a luminescent pigment. At least a portion of a panel portion can include a plurality of streamers. A safety backpack has similar features.

Abstract: A central line access and support garment provides an effectively tight inner layer to support and protect central line port sites and external lines, without applying excessive pressure that would cause discomfort. The garment protects a multitude of port site locations. Releasable shoulder closures allow for easy access to the port sites and lines while providing an easy to wear garment for the patient. An inner layer is tight enough to protect the port site, securely holding the bandage, if used at the port site, against the patient's body. The garment offers the flexibility of placing the external lines anywhere on the patient's upper torso for comfort to the patient. An elastic band around the central body cavity serves as a protective shelf to keep external lines from hanging freely and thus pulling on the port site. An outer layer serves to protect the inner layer, absorbing stresses caused by outer garment movement and providing an additional layer of protection for the port site and external lines.

Abstract: An illuminated glove having a light source that is switch activated between a continuous light mode, a blinking light mode or an off mode is readily visible in low light or no light conditions. The illumination source itself has a single light source that is utilized to become broadly illuminated through use of a polymer lens or light conducting fibers so that the illumination from the system is broadly distributed across the back palm side of the glove. The light source is activated either by a voice activated system, a single point dome switch or a double contact switch having the contacts located on the thumb and index finger so that the unit can be controlled by simply pressing the thumb against the index finger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to breathable elastomeric gloves. The gloves of the present invention may allow the transmission of water vapor while still providing an effective barrier to virus, bacteria, contaminants, bodily fluids, and the like. In general, a breathability additive may be incorporated into the polymer matrix of one or more layers of the glove to improve the breathability of the layer. For example, polyethylene oxide may be incorporated into a layer as a breathability additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hair freshening apparatus that includes a hair retaining device having a compartment with a fragrance-permeable side adapted to lie adjacent the hair; and a freshening element disposed within the compartment and impregnated with a freshening substance. The compartment of the hair freshening device may include an opening, such that the freshening element may be removably disposed within the compartment through the opening. The compartment may also include a fastening means for closing the opening and thereby retaining the freshening element within the compartment. The compartment of the hair freshening device may also be removably attached to the hair retaining device by a fastener. The freshening substance may be a scented fragrance or an odor neutralizing agent. The hair retaining device may be a shower cap having a water-impermeable outer surface. Alternatively, hair retaining device may be a hair net, hair cap, or hat.

Abstract: A helmet (12) includes a thermoelectric heat pump (14) mounted onto a rear surface of the helmet shell (12) for delivering temperature conditioned air to the interior of the helmet shell. A multi-layer structure (48) on the helmet shell interior distributes conditioned air across the scalp and directly onto the face. An optional scoop (38) directs ambient air to the heat pump (14). Another version locates the heat pump (68, 84) remotely and conditioned air is transmitted to the helmet apparatus (70, 78) via a flexible conduit (72, 85).

Abstract: This is a new form of non-stitch clothing, which the seam and interfacing is plastic bonding with adhesive. This plastic and material combined together can be used to make clothes that are casual and formal, included is accessories such as: hats, head pieces, and handbags; home accessories: curtains, table cloths, bed shams, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus generally used as a rescue device that a firefighter or other personnel may use to pull or carry a victim out of a fire or away from a place or peril. The device may be utilized by one single person to rescue another person. The new rescue device is made from standard web materials that are sewn in place and has a web belt feature built in to permit the rescuer to secure the victim. The belt of the device encircles the victim and is fastened at the ends of the belt. The device then is used to pull the victim to safety.

Abstract: Secret pockets are pockets put on the inside of all kind of underwear to conceal personal items of value.

Abstract: A head stabilizing system is provided. The head stabilizing system is intended to minimize loads on the head and the neck, some of which may be injurious or even fatal, by generating a reaction force that substantially opposes a force acting on the head and generated by rapid deceleration of a vehicle or a crash impact. The head stabilizing system includes a helmet, a connection structure, and at least one resisting member. A mounting element is provided to be mounted onto the helmet to connect to the at least one resisting member. The mounting element is preferably attached to the helmet by an adhesive. The resisting member generates a reaction force that opposes the crash impact force, yielding a reduced net force on the head. This reaction force can be generated as a function of position, velocity or acceleration. The resisting member may include a tether, a dashpot, or a dashpot containing a controllable rheological fluid.

Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.

Abstract: A fit element for a helmet for minimizing helmet movement on the head of a wearer is described. An embodiment of the fit element includes a base portion and an integrated stretchable material. The base portion includes at least one attachment leg, a right side arm and a left side arm, wherein the attachment leg is substantially perpendicular to the right and left arms. The base portion may also include attachment points for connecting to an interior rear area of a helmet, and advantageously has at least one cut-out section along its length to permit flexing. In an implementation, at least a portion of a lower edge of the middle section of the base portion has a curved shape for facilitating entry or the wearer's head into a helmet.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support surface having a seat portion and a back portion, wherein the seat portion and the back portion form a non-planar surface. The seat portion has an aperture opening toward the back portion so that when a human is supported on the support surface the human's anus is positioned over the aperture. A method includes supporting the human on the support surface and accessing the human through the aperture in the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double trip handle type flush control assembly, which operates to allow either a full volume of water to be drawn out of the toilet tank or a partial volume of water to be drawn out of the tank. In particular, the double trip handle type flush control assembly of the present invention is adaptable for use in any size toilet tank. Further, the flush control assembly of the present invention has been adapted to accommodate a refill tube, which directs water from a ball cock valve into an overflow tube to refill the toilet trapway after flushing.

Abstract: A pool return nozzle assembly, wherein water enters through the gear sleeve assembly causing the turbine blade assembly to turn, which then causes the oscillation of the gear assembly and which then contributes to the revolution of the rotor head for smooth rotation. The assembly focuses on circulating water along the walls of the pool down to the radius and floor of the pool; therefore, enhancing the effectiveness of pool cleaning and return distribution of the water to the pool. The assembly can also be converted into a water fountain with its optional fountain design, which includes a spray head to create aesthetic water spray and fountain characteristics.

Abstract: An automatic shampoo machine used in beauty salons and the like, having improved operability including manual finish hair rinsing operation.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling jet pump, lighting, and air blower settings in a spa or hot tub through an integrated audio system. A wireless remote control sends signals to the integrated audio system, where the signals are interpreted, and communicated to the spa through an interface.

Abstract: A safety grab bar, such as may be used in a shower or a tub enclosure, comprises an inner liner, preferably formed of an extruded metal, and an outer overlying layer, preferably formed of a polymeric material such as plastic. The inner and outer liner mate together with a tongue and groove arrangement to prevent relative rotation between them. The inner liner and the outer overlying layer define the grab bar portion, and terminate at each end in a female receptacle, adapted to receive a male portion of a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket smoothly curves to complete a 90° turn, in order mount into a wall of the shower or bath enclosure. The male and female mating portions are flush at their outer dimensions to provide a smooth, unbroken profile. The male and female portions also include tongue and groove mating surface to prevent rotation of the grab bar within the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly includes a filter that is removably receivable by the showerhead. The showerhead includes a receiving opening defined within the downstream face of the showerhead, which opening is functionally adapted to receive the filter within it. The opening of the showerhead is interposed between the water inlet and water outlet of the showerhead and within the flow of water through the showerhead such that, when a filter is inserted into the opening, all water flowing through the showerhead also flows through the filter. The filter is readily insertable within the opening and it is easily removable from it. The filter includes means for securing it within the opening when the filter is inserted.

Abstract: A filter guard for a pop-up plunger for the drain of a sink or the like which comprises a thin sheet of springy metal having an array of openings therethrough. The sheet is rolled into a cylindrical shape and fitted over the radially extending vanes of a conventional pop-up plunger. The springiness of the sheet causes it to grip the plunger vanes and keep it in place. The openings in the filter guard allow liquid waste to exit the sink but block the passage of discrete articles, such as rings or contact lenses, which may inadvertently fall into the sink.

Abstract: A bedding apparatus has an inflatable base and a sleeping bag. The sleeping bag has a base portion and a cover that define a sleeping space between the base portion and the cover. The sleeping bag is supported by the base. The base can be folded into a different configuration and retained in this folded configuration for use as a different article of use.

Abstract: A collapsible apparatus is provided that includes a frame configured to form a closed loop, the frame being moveable between a coiled configuration and an uncoiled configuration. A sleeve is configured to receive the frame and to define an opening within at least a portion of the closed loop. An attachment mechanism is coupled substantially about the periphery of the sleeve. A fabric member is removably coupled to the sleeve such that it is easily removed. A method of making mats according to an embodiment of the invention includes cutting fabric members from a first sheet of material, cutting body membranes from a second sheet of material such that the amount of excess material from the second sheet of material between adjacent body membranes is minimized, and attaching one of the body membranes to one of the fabric members.

Abstract: Improved non-fitted (flat) and semi-fitted top bedsheets, or similar articles of bedding, having a one-piece construction which provides for a seamed generally rectangular foot-accommodating tunnel-like space at or near the foot of the bed when the article is positioned on a mattress, with said tunnel-like space running generally across the width of the mattress. In use, the tunnel-like space of the top bedsheet comfortably drapes and encloses the feet while giving the feet freedom of movement. The bottom end of the flat top bedsheet stays tucked under the mattress even when the user's feet move during sleep. The contours of the tunnel-like space are located completely on top of the mattress and do not touch or interfere with parts of the top bedsheet that are hand tucked under the mattress (for flat top bedsheets) or fitted unto the bottom end of the mattress (for semi-fitted top bedsheets).

Abstract: A medical examination device (1) comprising an examination space (3), a combination of a frame (5) and a patient table (4), and displacing means (8) which can be driven by driving means (9, 10) to displace a patient on the patient table into and out of the examination space. The displacement means comprise an elongated push-pull member (8) which is connected to the patient table and which has a length that exceeds the length of the patient table. As a result, the patient table can be displaced from the frame into the examination space over a distance that is larger than the length of the patient table.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a tabletop is provided for positioning a patient for diagnostic imaging of a body part. The tabletop preferably rests on a diagnostic imaging table for supporting a patient during diagnostic imaging. The tabletop is defined by (a) a top support surface for supporting a patient being imaged and (b) a bottom support surface for contacting the diagnostic imaging table. A recess, defined in the top support surface, is configured to accommodate a patient support. The recess has a depth sufficient for allowing for vertically positioning a patient on the patient support.

Abstract: A leg support apparatus is herein provided for use in the health care industry for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons having leg injuries. The apparatus includes a vertical support member having a base and a clamp which is slideably positionable on the vertical support member. The clamp is pivotably coupled to at least one cradle having a sling member. The sling member is independently pivotally coupled to the cradle permitting the sling member to tilt in an arc up and down, depending of the need of the patient. The adjustability of the vertical support assembly further provides for greater positioning thereby increasing the general comfort of the patient while providing for the patient's medical needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable seat cushion for furniture that can be customized to an individual level of comfort by the user of the furniture. The adjustable seat cushion has an auxiliary support member that can be inserted into or removed from the support member of the cushion. The auxiliary support members come in a variety of firmnesses so that a desired level of comfort or firmness for the adjustable seat cushion can be achieved by selecting the appropriate auxiliary support member. The cushion can come with a piece of furniture as part of a kit that includes a group of auxiliary support members of varying firmnesses for each adjustable seat cushion on the piece of furniture.

Abstract: A width-adjustable alternating air inflation mattress has a body. At least one lateral side of the body is added with tubular air cells for increasing the width of the bed body. The inflation of the tubular air cell is controlled by air valves. When the tubular air cells are inflated, the width thereof is increased. By above mentioned alternating air inflation mattress, in normal use, the alternating air inflation mattress has a sufficient wide and thus the patient can lie upon the bed comfortably. If it is desired to pass the alternating air inflation mattress through the door, it only needs to evacuate airs in tubular air cells at two sides of the bed to reduce the width of the bed. Other than the inflation of the tubular air cells being controllable, if the patent needs a first aid, the air in the tubular air cell can be evacuated out rapidly for executing CPR.

Abstract: A split support mattress configuration with hidden divider is disclosed. The mattress has an accessible interior cavity that utilizes a divider to separate the interior cavity into lateral halves. Each of the lateral halves is operable to receive interchangeable auxiliary support members to provide a desired level of comfort for a user of each of the two halves of the mattress. The divider is coupled to the top portion of the mattress in a manner that provides for the exterior surface of the top portion to be free of visual indications of the coupling of the divider to the top portion.

Abstract: A multi-purpose ice tongs includes a handle and a pair of tongs that extend from the handle and that collectively are able to pick-up an ice cube or other item typically used in the preparation of drinks. One of the tongs includes a grater surface for grating a food item. The multi-purpose ice tongs can also include a bottle opener that extends from the handle, a knife stored within the handle, and a zester component within the knife. The surface of the handle of the ice tongs may be utilized as an ice hammer, and one end of the handle is made of a suitable material to enable it to crush a food item contained within a drink glass without breaking the glass.

Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.

Abstract: A combination electrician's tool which is substantially a pair of pliers having a first plier portion pivotally attached to a second plier portion. The first plier portion having a first handle and a first jaw, and the second plier portion having a second handle and a second jaw. The second plier further including a cutting edge in cooperation with the first plier, which cutting edge is used before cutting items such as, but not restricted to wire. The first and second jaw portions further include a hammer formed on the outside surface, such that the tool can be used as a hammer. The first and second jaws further define cooperating groove portions having cutting surfaces sized to cut varying sizes of wire and cable, including ROMEX multi-conductor cable.

Abstract: A washing method in a steam injection type washing machine in which wash water is heated to generate high-temperature and high-pressure steam while passing through the steam supply unit in the wash or rinse cycle, and the generated steam is injected into the wash tub at the top of the wash tub. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly achieve the wetting of clothes with wash water while achieving an enhancement in sterilization and washing performances. In addition, consumption of water and electrical energy can be reduced.

Abstract: A temperature control for a washing machine that includes a tub and hot and cold water valves is provided. The temperature control includes a first pressure sensor positioned to sense a full fill level in the tub and configured to generate a full fill signal when the tub is full and a second pressure sensor positioned to sense an intermediate fill level, less than full, in the tub and configured to generate an intermediate fill signal when the intermediate fill level is reached. A controller is operatively coupled to the first and second pressure sensors and the hot and cold water valves. The controller is operable to control the valves based on the fill signals from the pressure sensors to control a wash water temperature.

Abstract: A method for conserving carbon dioxide vapor in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution to clean articles, where the method includes removing carbon dioxide vapor from a wash tank to a vapor tank, storing the carbon dioxide vapor in the vapor tank; and charging the wash tank with carbon dioxide vapor from the vapor tank. The method may be performed as part of a wash cycle that includes filling the wash tank with cleaning solution, washing articles to be cleaned in the wash tank, and emptying the cleaning solution out of the wash tank.

Abstract: A method for drying articles is provided comprising, providing a wash basket within a wash drum inside a washing machine and an air stream which follows an air flow path through the wash basket and through the machine. Then engaging a heater located along the air flow path, engaging a cooling unit located along the air flow path, and spinning the wash basket with the heating unit and cooling units engaged. Also provided is an apparatus for drying articles comprising, an air stream which follows an air flow path through a washing machine comprising a wash basket, a heating unit located along the air stream, a cooling unit located along the air stream, and a supplemental heater located along the air stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of increasing liquid extraction from fabrics having a first liquid content through the use of a mechanical extraction means and a liquid extraction agent.

Abstract: Methods for treating a fibrous structure in need of treatment with a chemical additive, a chemical softener, and products produced therefrom, are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds derived from diaminopyrazole of formula (I), wherein: Ar is a 5- or 6-membered heteroaromatic radical capable of being condensed with one or several heteroaromatic cycles each comprising 5 or 6 members, and their physiologically acceptable addition salts with and acid. The invention also concerns compositions containing such a compound for oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibres and the method using said compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a one-part air-oxidative hair dye composition containing (A) 5,6-dihydroxyindoline-2-carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, (B) an alkali agent selected from sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonia, guanidine, basic amino acids and carbonates, and (C) from 10 to 50 wt. % of a water compatible organic solvent, said composition being substantially free of an alkanolamine, and having a pH of from 8 to 12.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for coloring hair. The method includes applying and thereafter removing from the hair a composition which includes a colorant formula incorporating an oxidation dye precursor and a developer formula incorporating an alkoxylated taurate copolymer in combination with hydrogen peroxide. The colorant and developer formulas are applied to the hair separately or together in a relative weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:10. Particularly preferred alkoxylated taurate copolymers are hydrophobically modified copolymers of acrylamidopropane sulphonic acid or salt and methacrylate esters of ethoxylated or propoxylated fatty alcohols.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the preparation of a dyeing composition intended for dyeing keratinous fibers comprising percolating pressurized steam through a suitable pulverulent compound, as well as a device for packaging such a compound and a dyeing process using such a dyeing composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibres, and in particular human keratinous fibres, such as hair, comprising, in a medium appropriate for dyeing, at least one oxidation base, 2-amino-4-N-(&bgr;-hydroxyethyl)aminoanisole as coupler, and at least an enzyme of the laccase type, as well as the dyeing method using this composition.

Abstract: Compositions for dyeing keratinic fibers, which contain p-phenylene-diamine derivative substituted by an imidazolyl group, the use of these compounds for dyeing keratinic fibers and a process for dyeing keratinic fibers using these compounds.

Abstract: Primary intermediates for hair coloring compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair are compounds of the formula (1): 1

Abstract: Reactive dyes containing at least one structural unit of formula (I), wherein Y is vinyl or a radical —CH2—CH2-U and U is a group removable under alkaline conditions, are suitable for dyeing cellulosic or amide-group-containing fibre materials.

Abstract: In order to produce a shoe, an outsole is firstly inserted in a hollow mold. This outsole has fixing means, which are formed by upwardly projecting neps and which fix a shoe upper of the shoe inside the hollow mold. The hollow mold is covered on the top by an upper mold, which rests on an upper sole while leaving a free space open between its edge and a lateral wall of the hollow mold. A wedge-shaped element is inserted into said free space from the top. This element leaves a narrow gap open through which a cork-latex mixture can exit during expansion.