Abstract: A method of promoting self-discipline of an athlete includes placing an elastic band around an arm of the athlete, the elastic band being in a first state; stretching the elastic band to be in a second state, thereby separating a portion of the elastic band from the arm; and releasing the stretched elastic band from the second state, wherein as the elastic band returns toward the first state the elastic band strikes the arm to apply a tactile sensation to the arm of the athlete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly adaptable impact absorptive mask. The present invention uses a unique padding configuration around the perimeter and any appropriate cross bars of the mask preferably positioned at contact points. The padding configuration of the present invention includes a plurality of springs that allow for the padding to adapt to any user's facial features. The use the inner springs along with the over lying padding provides superior impact resistance and adaptability as opposed to the prior art.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand protection apparatus directed toward protecting the hand, suited for use during loading of a muzzle-loading rifle where the hand is used to force a ramrod into a barrel of a rifle. Since the pressure to properly and safely seat the charge and projectile can be difficult to achieve with the unprotected hand, the instant invention improves safety. The apparatus includes a palm shield that is easily gripped by a cupped hand and a retainer to attach the shield to the wrist so that the shooter can utilize the apparatus with a single hand. One embodiment takes advantage of the anatomy of the hand and incorporates three primary edges; a thenar muscles edge along the thumb side of the palm, a hypothenar muscles edge along the little finger side of the palm, and a distal transverse arch edge along the distal transverse arch edge of the hand.

Abstract: An apron design for adjustability to provide means of increasing the protection and coverage of a user, while increasing the freedom of movement. The upper portion covers the upper body and is secured by a neck strap and the fastener. The right waist tie and the left waist tie may be tighten at the waist by the user. The lower portion of the apron is longer and wider providing means for the center cut to have proper placement. The lower portion becoming two sections of adjustable material, allows straps to be attached to each side of the center cut. The left strap and right strap are placed approximately 9½ inches from the bottom of the apron on one side of the center cut. A fastener placed on the opposite side of the center cut allowing the strap and the lower portion of the apron to be wrapped around the legs of the user. The apron wrapping around the legs gives stability and the needed protection, coverage and freedom of movement to the user.

Abstract: A liquid-tight, pull-over, protective garment, which is adapted to be worn by a wearer, under a helmet worn by the wearer, under gloves worn by the wearer, and over another garment or other garments worn by the wearer, is adapted to cover the head, upper torso, arms, and hands of the wearer even if the protective garment is worn without a helmet and without gloves. In one contemplated embodiment, substantially all of the protective garment, and particularly a portion of the protective garment that covers the eyes of the wearer when the protective garment is worn, is transparent. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the protective garment, at least where the protective garment when worn covers the eyes of the wearer, comprises a transparent window.

Abstract: A thin breathable material (14) is affixed to a collared shirt (10). The breathable material (14) is affixed with an affixing mechanism (16). The material is disposable and reusable. The affixing mechanism (16) is adhered on one side ofthe Lomas Collar (14).

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for making a decorative hat. The decorative hat functions as a traditional hat to maintain body heat. In addition to preserving body heat, the hat of the present invention also provides an attractive clothing item that may be worn to add style or character to the appearance of the user. The decorative hat includes knitted strands that resemble hair. The knitted strands create a whimsical effect that gives the wearer the appearance of a living doll in certain embodiments.

Abstract: The invention modifies conventional head coverings by adding flexible material. This material is stored and sealed within a pouch within the top of the head covering except during use. The pouch is sealed by a zipper or other closure apparatus when the flexible material is stored within the pouch. The center of the material is attached to the center of the interior of the pouch to permit full deployment of the material from the pouch. The material can be sized and shaped to enclose the either the head, the head and neck, or the head, neck and body. The material can also be selected to provide a variety of barriers useful for hunting and fishing such as providing camouflage for a hunter, transparency or other useful characteristics for outdoor use. The barrier provided by the flexible material, while permanently attached to the head covering, is stored out of the way within the pouch when not in use.

Abstract: The invention presented herein consists of a decorative headwear product. Statuette 4 is molded from a lightweight material such as foam and has an integral base featuring a temporary attachment means 6 such as Velcro. Stocking cap 2 of the type commonly referred to as a “do-rag” features temporary attachment means 6 mounted onto its crown which corresponds to the attachment means of statuette. Statuette 4 contains a microchip-driven sound module 8. Stocking cap 2 can also be imprinted with artistic/graphic elements for enhanced visual impact.

Abstract: Coated footwear and methods for making and using the same. An outer surface of a fabric layer conforming closely to the top, sides, bottom and individual toes of a foot is coated with a material in the areas where the fabric layer conforms closely to the sides, bottom and individual toes of the foot. The fabric layer can be elastic, breathable, ultraviolet light inhibiting, and/or chosen from the class of materials including supplex, spandex, nylon, and nylon/cotton blend. The coating can be textured, chosen from one or more of the class of materials including latex, nitrile, and polyurethane and/or including a chemical agent to insure adhesion of the coating to the outer surface of the fabric layer. The footwear can be made by immersing the fabric layer in a container filled with the coating material. Also, if desired, a second coating can be adhered over the first coating.

Abstract: New methods of providing embroidered indicia on patches which are mounted to articles of manufacture. After the patch is mounted to a substrate which is a functional element of the article of manufacture, the patch is embroidered to provide the embroidered indicia. Embroidering on the patch after the patch is mounted to the substrate passes the embroidering threads through both the patch and the substrate, such that the embroidery threads provide at least supplemental, optionally primary, attachment of the patch to the substrate. The substrate, thus the corresponding product, can be, without limitation, a piece of wearing apparel, namely a garment. Any product which is susceptible of receiving an embroidered patch is susceptible of benefiting from the methods of the invention, along with the corresponding resultant inventive products.

Abstract: A Harness for towing a golf cart includes an adaptable part, which attaches to the different types of handles of golf bag pull carts. Another adaptable part of the Harness fits around the waist/hip of any size golfer and is easily and quickly attached and detached to facilitate use of the Harness while walking the golf course and playing golf. A final adaptable part of the Harness connects the two previously mentioned parts to one another and adjusts for pull cart balance characteristics and golfers' physical dimensions and stride lengths. Using this Harness facilitates comfortable walking with upper body completely unencumbered by carrying a golf bag or grasping the handle of the pull cart.

Abstract: An undergarment having releasable and reattachable side seams for use by immobile or bedridden patients. The edges of the side seams are reinforced by twill tape and are released and reattached by a series of spaced apart snaps secured along the twill tape.

Abstract: An undergarment with an improved elastic waistband comprises a fabric garment body defining a pair of shorts with a circular waist portion, and a waistband which includes an annular band of longitudinally elastic tape. The waistband has a lower edge contiguous to the circular waist portion and a free upper edge, and a plurality of laterally oriented upward V-shaped notches therein providing openings in the upper edge. The undergarment can further include a fabric covering coextensive with elastic tape which is elastically stitched to the elastic tape.

Abstract: The motorcycle helmet flag assembly is a decorative assembly for use with any type of motorcycle helmet that allows the user to decorate the helmet with a variety of different flags. The assembly includes a receptacle member that can be permanently attached to a rear portion of the helmet and engagement member with an attached flag that is designed to engage the receptacle in a detachable manner, resulting in the visible display of the flag near the rear of the helmet while the user is riding his or her motorcycle. The receptacle and engagement structure makes it easy for the user to change the decorative appeal of the helmet by interchanging flags. The user is also provided with the option of using more than one receptacle and engagement structure on a single helmet in order to display more than one flag at a time.

Abstract: A protective garment ensemble comprising a suit having arm-receiving and leg-receiving portions, a hood portion and an opening adjacent the hood opening through which the suit can be donned and doffed and which mates with a removable face portion, the ensemble having mating fastener components around the suit opening and the face portion to form a seal between the suit and the removable face portion.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation system for efficiently removing odors from a toilet. The toilet ventilation system includes a ventilating unit attachable to a toilet having a front opening and a passage fluidly connected to the front opening, and one or more connector tubes fluidly connected to the ventilating unit for removing the odors from the toilet. The connector tubes are fluidly connected to a fan for drawing the odors through the connector tubes. The ventilating unit preferably includes a receiver opening that receives a cover opening for allowing cleaning of the passage within the ventilating unit. The cover member has a front lip that extends downwardly to prevent fluids from entering the passage within the ventilating unit.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation apparatus attachable to a toilet of conventional design. In one illustrative embodiment, the ventilation apparatus comprises a housing having an intake port and an outlet port. Flanges disposed on opposing sides of the housing are utilized to mount the apparatus on the toilet utilizing the same fasteners that secure the hinge support assemblies for the toilet lid and seat. When installed, a thin front portion of the apparatus fits in the gap formed between the toilet bowl rim and the seat bottom. Elongated holes in the flanges allow the apparatus to be adjustably position to provide optimum placement of the intake port. The ventilation apparatus may include a switch for controlling a fan or vacuum pump.

Abstract: A self cleaning toilet is constructed such that the water of the water closet is the power source and main element for the cleaning, drying, disinfecting and sanitizing of the toilet seat and toilet bowl (upper edge included). The toilet uses its cover lid and seat as its primary tools to accomplish all the operations described above. The optional self flushing system uses pH sensors working in conjunction with motion sensors to automatically activate the operations described above. The sonar sensors determine whether or not there is any solid waste inside the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifter comprising brackets which are bolted to the base of the toilet and connected to a foot pedal lever system. The foot pedal is connected to one end of a lever, while the other end of the lever is connected to a lift bar member. When pressure is applied to the foot pedal, the lever pivots on a fulcrum to move the lift bar member upward. This movement elevates the lift bar member which is connected to a bar that is placed under the toilet seat to raise the seat as the lift bar member is elevated.

Abstract: A compact, smooth surfaced, flexible and formable, elongate apparatus that has a hair-clog snagging end portion for insertion into drains for snagging and removing the common hair clogs that exist in the upper portion of drains typically around the drain pop-up mechanism and drain trap. The elongate shaft (10) may be bent along it's complete length into any shape and remain fixed in that shape to accommodate compact storage as well as forming a grasping and twisting handle for the shaft while it is in the drain or bending the hair-snagging end of the shaft for easier insertion and navigation within the drain. The hair-clog snagging portion, which is at the distal end of the shaft, is in the form of a pad (12), which maximizes the surface area of hair hooking members (38).

Abstract: A handheld apparatus for personal hygiene is described. The apparatus includes a handle having a fluid supply inlet and a fluid supply outlet, and a tube coupled to the fluid supply outlet of the handle to enable the flow of a first fluid through a nozzle coupled to one end of the tube and the flow of a second fluid through an opening on the surface of the tube, wherein the handle enables the user to direct the flow of the fluids to the underside of the user's torso for proper cleansing.

Abstract: The present invention is a swimming pool comprising a pool member having an outside annular channel portion and a sunshade member rotatably engaged about the pool member. The sunshade member comprises a sunshade body portion and an annular tube portion. The annular tube portion is rotatably engaged and retained with the annular channel portion of the pool member. In use, a person may rotate the sunshade body portion about the pool member without having to move the pool member filled with water.

Abstract: A liner system for a bathing enclosure includes at least one wall portion configured to be received on a wall of a bathing enclosure and to hold water in a bathing space bounded by the bathing enclosure. The at least one wall portion has a top edge and a bottom edge. The at least one wall portion includes a wall pattern and a border pattern with the border pattern including a first plurality of images having a first appearance. The wall pattern extends to the border pattern and toward the bottom edge. The border pattern has a second plurality of images including a second appearance with the border pattern extending to the top edge.

Abstract: A device for producing a waterfall comprising a waterfall waterjet with at least one chamber, at least one primary outlet, at least one debris outlet, a water source fluidly connected to the waterfall waterjet, a means of opening and closing the debris outlet, and a means of anchoring the waterfall waterjet to a spa.

Abstract: A device for producing a waterfall comprising a waterfall waterjet with at least one chamber, at least one primary outlet, at least one debris outlet, a water source fluidly connected to the waterfall waterjet, a means of opening and closing the debris outlet, and a means of anchoring the waterfall waterjet to a spa.

Abstract: A water jet assembly for in-ground pools or spas that includes a first chamber with a water inlet and a second chamber with an air inlet and a water outlet. Water and air flow from the respective inlets to the water outlet such that a water-jet effect is achieved.

Abstract: A multiple nozzle moving jet structure for a spa, attached to flexible tubes encased in an articulated sleeve exhausts pressurized water into the spa in a vertical whipping motion, in reaction to the water exhaust. The multiple nozzle structure utilizes one air supply tube to aerate water streams of the multiple nozzle structure. The combination of the multiple nozzle structure with the articulated sleeves on the flexible tubes, confines movement of the nozzle structure in one plane, eliminating the requirement for a guide body to confine direction of nozzle movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for tempering the temperature of a liquid in a fluid conducting system. More particularly, the invention relates to tempering the temperature of water supplied to a fixture from a water heater in a fluid conducting system.

Abstract: A bed can be switched between a form of a rocking baby bed, a form of a fixed baby bed, and a form of a large-size bed, using a frame of a baby bed comprising a rectangular floorboard and a surrounding frame which surrounds the rectangular floorboard. In the form of the rocking baby bed, a baby is supported and rocked in a space above the rectangular floorboard. A first connection member connects one side end of a bed member to an upper end of a head part frame and holds the one side end of the bed member which is suspended above the rectangular floorboard. A second connection member connects the other side end of the bed member to an upper end of a foot part frame, and holds the other side end of the bed member which is suspended above the rectangular floorboard. In the form of the fixed baby bed, the bed member is dismounted and the baby is put on the rectangular floorboard. In the form of the large-size bed, a person lie down on a floorboard having a larger bed area positioned at a lower place.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is opened, so as to deflate the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A cot for a bed pad to be fixed therein is provided. The cot comprises an outer member, a bottom member, and at least one corner member connected to a corner of the bottom member. The outer member and the bottom member are connected and formed as a containing space, and the corner member and the bottom member are connected and formed as a pocket for the bed pad to be inserted and positioned therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a cabinet-crib combination. In one embodiment, a combination apparatus comprising a housing structure, a crib railing structure, and a mattress tray. The crib railing structure includes a front railing, a left railing, and a right railing. The left and right railings are coupled to the housing structure at a first end of the left and right railing via a swivel. The left and right railings are coupled to the front railing at a second end of the left and right railings via a swivel. The crib railing structure is capable of folding in and out of the housing structure via the swivels. The mattress tray is coupled to the left and right sidewalls of the housing structure via a swivel that allows the tray to fold in and out of the housing structure by pivoting at the left and right sidewalls. When the tray and the crib railing structure are folded out the housing structure, they form a crib.

Abstract: A foldable bed has a joint, which has a main body, a block up and down movably fitted to the body, two supports pivoted to the body, and two plates; two rods of a frame of the bed are pivoted to the body; the block is biased to a lowermost position by a spring, and the bed can be folded only when the block is kept in a highest position; the supports will be made to engage the block by the rods immediately after the bed is stretched, thus preventing the block from moving to the highest position; the plates are co-movable with the rods, and can make the block kept in the highest position immediately after at least one rod part is folded; thus, after the block is moved to the highest position, the rods can be folded one after the other without having to operate the block twice.

Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises: a hub movable between a raised and a lowered position and a pair of structures, pivotally mounted to a common bracket. Sector gears engage each other rotate in unison. A locking assembly mounted upon the common bracket moves between a locked position preventing rotation of said structures and a released position allows rotating of said structures. At least two rods are pivotally joined to one of said structures. When the lock button is unlocked, and the hub is lifted, the rods are moved together to be substantially parallel, and when the hub is lowered, the gears rotate and the rods are pushed away from each other until the rods lie substantially in a common plane, enabling, the locking button to be moved to its locked position to prevent movement of the hub from the lowered position.

Abstract: The play yard has a hub movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with at least two lower rods pivotally joined to the hub, wherein when the hub is lifted toward the raised position, the outer ends of the lower rods move together so as to be substantially parallel, and when the hub is pushed toward the lowered position from the raised position, the outer ends of the lower rods are pushed away from each other until the rods lie substantially in a common plane. The play yard also has an upper frame with upper frame rods substantially parallel to the lower rods when the hub is in the lowered position. Finally, the play yard has at least one of the upper frame rods pivotable between a raised and lowered position, the pivoting axis being substantially perpendicular to an axis of the vertical rails.

Abstract: A sleeping bag with an integrated air mattress includes outer and inner shells, an inflatable tube grid, insulation, and means for selectively inflating the tube grid. Both the outer and inner shells have inner and outer surfaces, and each defines an opening. The inner shell's outer surfaces are positioned adjacent the outer shell's inner surfaces, and the inner shell's opening is aligned adjacent the outer shell's opening. The tube grid defines a plurality of grid cavities and is sandwiched between the outer and inner shells. Insulation is positioned in the grid cavities and sandwiched between the outer and inner shells. When the tube grid is inflated, the user may enter the sleeping bag through the inner shell's opening. To pack the sleeping bag, the tube grid is deflated, causing the tube grid and insulation to shift from an expanded to a compressed configuration, taking up a minimal amount of space.

Abstract: A new and improved bed covering has an opening across horizontally at about midpoint of the vertical length of the bed covering as a result of a generous overlapping of an upper portion and a lower portion of the bed covering. The overlapping of the two portions of the bed covering gives a traditional /conventional concept of whole-body coverage and at the same time the overlapping layers resulting the opening offers a new concept of a variable coverage by providing an easy access to the occupant's body part(s) to be exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human body cover wherein a human body cover main unit such as a quilt or a blanket is divided into a plurality of parts in a longitudinal direction thereof, and the divided parts are detachably formed to overlap in such a manner that the part closer to an upper side of a human body is positioned on the top of the part subsequent thereto, whereby the intravenous drip administered part can be exposed and a condition of the drip infusion can be checked without pulling off the human body cover main unit.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient in a horizontal position is provided. The patient support includes a frame and a deck. The deck includes first and second ends and longitudinal sides extending therebetween. The deck also includes a first portion configured to extend laterally from the deck to widen the deck. An actuator is coupled to the deck and configured to move the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A frame elevating mechanism having first and second frames vertically spaced from one another. The first frame is configured to be supported on a floor surface. The second frame has a pair of longitudinally spaced elongate guide tracks extending coextensively with each lateral side of the second frame. Lever arms are provided on the first frame and include at the distal ends thereof a follower member operatively coupled to a respective one of the guide tracks. Each of the aforesaid lever arms has thereon an elongate second guide track configured to receive thereon a distal end of one of the arms of a two arm lever pivotally mounted on the first frame. Drive mechanisms are provided which operatively engage the second arm of the two arm lever to effect a change in elevation of the second frame relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A hospital bed including a frame, head and foot supports, and a deck coupled to the frame. The deck includes a lowerable foot portion disposed between the head and foot supports in a first position and outside the head and foot supports in a second position.

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support is configurable to support a patient in a horizontal position and a seated position. The patient support includes a back section, and a thigh section coupled to the back section. The patient support also includes an adjustment member coupled to the thigh section. The adjustment member is movable to lengthen the thigh section. The patient support also includes a foot section coupled to the adjustment member. The foot section is pivotable into a first position substantially parallel to the thigh section to a second position substantially perpendicular to the thigh section.

Abstract: A bed apparatus having a base and two inflatable members for elevating the torso and legs of a user is provided. The inflatable members are removably attachable to the base and can be selectively spaced apart, making the bed spatially adjustable. The extent to which a user's body is elevated is controlled by inflation of the inflatable members, making the bed vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A pillow of an appropriate height, resiliency, and hardness, which is light in weight and excellent in strength and does not impose too much stress on a user's head and neck while enhancing air permeability and heat dispersion properties, provides good comfort to the user. The pillow 1 includes a pillow body 10 having a head-supporting section 11 for supporting the user's head and a neck-supporting section 12 for supporting the neck, and frame bodies 20A and 20B disposed at both sides of the pillow body 10 to support it. The pillow body 10 is a woven article of resin long elements and the neck-supporting section 12 is harder than the head-supporting section 11.

Abstract: Glass fiber products used to reduce the flammability of mattresses and upholstery are provided. In one embodiment, a veil formed of glass fibers, comfort enhancing fibers, and optionally a combination of synthetic fibers is positioned on the bottom of a mattress to provide fire resistance or prevention. The binder composition used to form the veil may include a binder with a low glass transition temperature and a flame retardant additive. In a second embodiment, a glass veil is utilized in a fire retarding composite formed of an encapsulating layer, a fire retarding veil, and a backing layer. Preferably, all of the fibers in the veil are glass fibers. The fire retarding composite is positioned on the mattress with the encapsulating layer against the cushioning material, the backing layer facing externally, and the veil sandwiched between the encapsulating layer and the backing layer. A fire retarding insulation product is also provided.

Abstract: The process for making a leather article structure consists of homogeneously applying a layer of substantially uniform thickness of an unpolymerised acetic silicone-based material onto the back of a leather layer, making it penetrate into the natural pores present on the back of the leather layer, and polymerising the acetic silicone-based material so as to make a support layer for the leather layer.

Abstract: Compositions for imparting a performance enhancing property to a fabric comprising a complex between an anionic polymer and a cationic polymer, wherein either the anionic polymer or the cationic polymer comprises a functional group that is capable of imparting the performance enhancing property to the fabric are disclosed. The performance enhancing properties are durable and can withstand many home launderings. In addition, methods for applying polyelectrolytes complexes to fabrics to impart a persistent performance enhancing property to the fabric are disclosed. Fabrics having durable performance enhancing coatings are described, where the coatings are formed from polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: There are known drum jacket constructions that consist solely of perforated sheet metal. There are also known constructions, which, in order to increase the distance between the drum and the surrounding perforated sheet-metal wire gauze, consist of sheet metal with trusses configured e.g. as sheet-metal rings, or of honeycomb sheet-metal strips that are welded together, or of screwed constructions devoid of welding joints. The simplest solution for increasing said distance is a construction comprising a normal screen drum with struts bent into a U-shape that are screwed to the exterior, whereby the wire gauze lies on the external edges of said struts. Said drum however has a low buckling resistance, which is a required characteristic for the drying of tissue or paper. The novel drum jacket construction thus consists of an intersecting structure of sheet-metal strips, whose rings and strips are provided with corresponding insertion slots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neutral phenol oxidase showing small changes depending on a substrate in optimum pH for various substrates and having high enzymatic activity at pH around neutral region, a method for producing the same, and an antibody raised against the neutral phenol oxidase. According to the present invention, dyeing of fibers, coloring of hair or the like can be achieved. In addition, according to the present invention, effects on the environment, the human body, and the like can be reduced.