Abstract: A garment with two improved, underarm perspiration shields each including an inner comfort layer, at least one middle absorbent layer, and an outer water-proof barrier layer. The inner comfort layer is placed against the user's skin and designed to readily absorb perspiration from the skin and immediately transfer it to the middle absorbent layers. The middle absorbent layers draw the perspiration away from the comfort layer and dissipate the perspiration thereover. The outer barrier layer is located on the opposite side of the middle absorbent layers and designed to prevent perspiration from being transferred to the surround garment material. During manufacturing, the layers are aligned, registered, and sewn along their center axis to the garment's side seam. The outer edges of the layers are unattached thereby forming side flaps that are exposed to air and able to dry quickly. The upper edge of each shield may be contoured and sewn to the edge of the garments sleeve opening.

Abstract: A safety vest is sized to be worn by a human, wherein the vest has a front and back and left and right sides each having a shoulder portion. An EL strip is provided on each side of the vest extending from the bottom of the vest upwards toward the shoulder portion. A power source is supported by the vest and connected to the EL lamp strips to supply electrical energy to the strips so that they emit EL light, wherein the EL light emitted by the EL strip is a safety yellow color, and wherein other portions of the vest are a safety orange color. Further safety articles of clothing and devices are also described, including a power pack unit.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for use in a work glove includes a planar plastic body having palm, thumb and finger areas, and a plurality of resilient, compressible projections extending outwardly from at least one surface of the body. Planar areas or webs in the knuckle and finger joint areas of the body make the device flexible for easy grasping of a tool and bunching of projections in such areas. Bunching of the projections is also avoided or reduced by arranging the projections in parallel, arcuate rows extending from the thumb side rearwardly toward the wrist end of the body.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a glove in which palm-side and back-side fiber materials are formed as materials that have different tensile elongation percentage or drying shrinkage percentages, a stitched liner is manufactured by stitching these fiber materials together, in a state in which this stitched liner is mounted on a hand mold, specified locations on the surface of this liner are covered with a rubber or resin coating material so that the stitching seams on the fingertips are fixed in positions that are shifted further toward at least the back side than the positions corresponding to tips of the fingernails, and the method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of a shade cap are disclosed herein. In general, the cap may include a crown with a pair of side regions and a bill extending from a front region of the crown. The cap may further include a pair of ear shades with each ear shade having an inner side coupled to an associated side region of the crown with the inner side of each ear shade positioned above a bottom edge of the crown so that the inner side is spaced above the bottom edge of the crown. Each ear shade may also be positionable between a lowered position and a raised position. When positioned in the lowered position, each ear shade may cover an upper portion of a wearer's ear. When positioned in the raised position, an outer side of the respective ear shade may be located adjacent the associated side region of the crown and above the inner side of that ear shade. Embodiments of the cap may further include a neck flap detachably coupled to a back region of the crown.

Abstract: A collapsible drawstring hat including a head engaging portion and a brim extending outwardly from the head engaging portion. A band is located about a periphery of the hat. The band defines a closed channel. A drawstring is located within the closed channel, opposed ends of the drawstring extending outwardly from the band, and is slidably received within the closed channel. The head engaging portion, the brim and the band are secured together to form a main hem line. Upon pulling the opposed end of the drawstring, at least a portion of the drawstring engages at least a portion of the main hem line which, in turn, collapses the brim.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material adapted to reduce vibration and, more specifically, to a material adapted to dissipate and evenly distribute transmitted vibrations. The material is particularly suited for impact and/or heavy load vibration resistance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a strap. The strap can be connection to a collar that is put around the neck of a pet. The strap includes a cover, a reinforcement layer and a lining. The cover is made of polyurethane. The lining is sandwiched between the cover and the reinforcement layer. The lining is compressible.

Abstract: A safety cap comprising a plurality of rigid plates, a foam insert, and an outer covering. The rigid plates are embedded within the foam insert, and the foam insert comprises foam joints. A safety cap comprising a plurality of cushions, a rigid shell, and an outer covering. The cushions are attached to the inside of the rigid shell, and they comprise a plurality of nozzles. A safety cap in which rigid plates and cushions are embedded within a foam insert. The cushions are positioned on the inner surface of the rigid plates and may contain air, foam, fluid or a combination thereof. The outer covering is preferably made of fabric, and the cap preferably comprises an adjustable strap. The cap optionally includes ventilation holes, ear cutouts, eye cutouts, a ponytail cutout, an eye protector and/or a face protector.

Abstract: A sanitation unit for use with a commode. The sanitation unit has a thin portion, and a thick portion. The thin portion and the thick portion are detachably connected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary device equipped on a toilet seat. The device is used mainly to solve the sanitary problem that, the seat ring of the toilet seat will contact with a lot of people's body, so virtually it becomes a spreading medium of the pathogen. The device comprises a seat frame, a mantle, a mantle recovery device and a turning cap. And the whole device is attached on the base of the toilet seat. An opening/closing part is provided at the fracture on the seat frame of the seat ring type or of the framed type. The long and tubular mantle is put on the seat frame via the fracture, and then it moves around the seat frame by a round. At the connecting part that connects the seat frame with the base the mantle is cut open from the outer side by a blade. Subsequently, the mantle covers the other part of the seat frame. Finally, it comes into a recovery device via the fracture. Consequently, the opening/closing part forms a completely circular seat frame as a conventional seat frame.

Abstract: A toilet seat cover comprising a sheet of polymeric material configured essentially in the shape of a toilet seat. The sheet has a portable form and a usable form. The sheet is of flexible material, and has a surface that allows the sheet to be secured on a toilet seat when in a usable form by pressing the same onto the toilet seat. The sheet is removable from the toilet seat by peeling the sheet from one peripheral portion of the sheet to an opposite peripheral portion of the sheet. The sheet is transportable by being placed into a portable form for carrying in one's pocket or carrying case.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of controlling the flow of water from a fill valve in a toilet tank to a toilet bowl of a toilet using a bowl fill valve are provided. An inlet of the bowl fill valve is coupled to a bowl fill outlet of the fill valve and the outlet of the bowl fill valve is channeled to the toilet bowl. In illustrative embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of determining when the toilet tank has been substantially drained of water during a flush cycle, and opening the bowl fill valve for a predefined period of time after the toilet tank has been substantially drained of water to fill the toilet bowl of the toilet with water. The predefined period of time is less than a total time of the flush cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet bowl water level gauge and associated methods. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a gauge assembly having a stem with a float, and a sleeve, wherein the stem is inserted in the sleeve and slides through the sleeve. Also, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a support attached to the gauge assembly, the support being adapted to engage a rim of a toilet bowl. In addition, bowl level sensors are employed for automated calibration of an automated bowl fill system.

Abstract: An enclosure for concealing the presence of a portable urinal includes a housing having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and having a hollow interior portion for receiving such portable urinal. An aperture is formed in an exterior surface of the housing for accessing the hollow interior portion and a door is hingeably attached to the housing and selectively movable between a first position for covering the aperture and a second position for uncovering the aperture. A drawer is slideably mounted adjacent a base member of the housing for collecting accidental spillage from such portable urinal.

Abstract: A portable sauna system includes a portable sauna enclosure defining an enclosed body receiving interior volume and defining a head opening, two hand openings, and two foot openings. A divide, or entryway, extends from the head opening to a point spaced apart from the bottom end for entering a body into the enclosure. Opposing sides of the divide include a closure device, such as a zipper or buttons, to close the enclosure about a body. A hot air inlet is formed in the portable sauna enclosure and designed to receive a hot air outlet of a hot air supply for communicating hot air from the hot air supply to the body receiving interior volume. A hot air unit has a hot air outlet nozzle attachable to the hot air inlet of the portable sauna enclosure, the hot air unit includes a thermostat control.

Abstract: A holder device has a base plate with a rear face for mounting to a wall surface in a bathtub or shower and a receptacle on the front of the base, sized and configured for placement of toys and bath accessories therein. Drain holes are provided in the bottom of the receptacle to prevent water accumulation, reduce mildew and promote drying of the articles placed therein. In one embodiment, the holder device is manufactured from ceramic and is installed as a permanent fixture with the surrounding wall tile, similar to a wall mounted soap dish. In another embodiment, the holder device is manufactured from a moldable material, such as a plastic composition, and is installed to an existing wall surface with an adhesive backing. In this embodiment, a bead of caulking may be applied about the edge of the base plate to seal the adhesive from contact with water.

Abstract: A flexible human bathing cushion adapted for use in or near a bathing facility, wherein the cushion is flexible and easily rolled; the cushion not substantially buoyant; and the cushion has a plurality of passages spread across the cushion between an upper and lower planar surface thereof to facilitate placement and removal from a wet surface. The cushion of the present invention is a portable, comfortable cushion that can be easily stowed in a beach bag or suitcase. The cushion is relatively thin, yet thick enough to support a person and provide an adequate barrier between the bathing suit of the person and a potentially rough surface. The cushion is preferably made of a material which has some resilience to water, can dry off quickly, and be very flexible. Though the material may be buoyant, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is not particularly buoyant to facilitate its use under water, i.e., on a submerged seat in a spa, bath tub or hot tub.

Abstract: A enclosure assembly with a support for a mattress of a bed to accommodate a person on the mattress, the enclosure assembly including a framework having connectors to secure the framework in an upstanding relation peripherally about the mattress, the framework including corner posts each extending a generally common distance above the mattress, and frame members spanning the corner posts. A net having inside and outside surfaces is supported on the framework and has at least one normally closed opening provided with a closure member which may only be opened from the outside of the net, thereby at least partially defining a “safe zone” about the periphery of the mattress. The enclosure assembly also comprises a coverlet which overlies the mattress and is removably interconnected along its periphery to the inside surface of the net, thereby further defining the “safe zone” about the mattress on which the person may rest without risk of falling off the mattress and harming themselves.

Abstract: A combination jackknife bed and couch for a mobile vehicle. The jackknife bed and couch allows drivers to wake up and fold their sheets and pillow away from a seamless sleeping surface without the need to remove the sheets, blankets, pillows or other bedding materials. The sheets stay made within the folded up bed now turned into the couch. The couch may be unfolded with the sheets fully made so the driver may catch some well deserved post socializing rest without having to re-install the sheets. These features are made possible by folding the bed in and half and keeping it in the backrest of the couch. The sheets are held in place by stretchable retaining surface that may be extended over the bedding materials. When returned to the bed mode, the stretchable retaining surface must be released and potential energy in the winder may be used to retract the retaining surface.

Abstract: The finger grip assembly for moving large appliances provides a user with a place to grasp the appliance at its sides and slide the appliance forward on a floor or other support surface. The finger grips are arcuately shaped cups disposed on opposing sidewalls of the appliance. The cups each have a generally C-shaped base and a peripheral wall arising from the base, the peripheral wall including a back wall, a front wall and opposing sidewalls. The sidewalls join the front wall to the back wall, forming a generally C-shaped configuration. The front wall and the back walls are arcuately shaped. The front wall may have finger depressions or grooves defined therein for separating the fingers, thereby improving the grip.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mattress retainer system for adjustable beds which includes a mattress-retention bracket housed within a pocket of a mattress accessible in an upward direction through an opening along a bottom edge of the mattress. The pocket is formed by attaching a separate piece of material along a bottom edge of the mattress at one or both of opposite head/foot ends thereof and permitting an overlying downwardly projecting portion of a peripheral covering of the mattress to remain free thereby defining the opening into the pocket.

Abstract: A bed safety sheet for use on mattresses and particularly beneficial for use on a toddler bed is disclosed. The bed safety sheet includes a securement pocket at one end and side flaps along opposed sides which drape down over opposed sides of the mattress. The side flaps may include a fold to provide hospital corner looking appearance when the bed safety sheet is installed on a mattress.

Abstract: A stirrup apparatus for use on a birthing bed is provided. The support apparatus has a bracket configured to be coupled to the birthing bed, an adjustable length member, and a foot support. The bracket is pivotable in a plurality of axes to allow the support apparatus to be adjusted. The stirrup apparatus may provide lateral support for a leg of a patient.

Abstract: A bariatric bed having extensible side portions and extensible end portions which facilitate an expansion of the overall width and length of the bed to comfortably support an obese patient, the side portions capable of being retracted to reduce the overall width of the bed to fit through a standard hospital door opening, the bed including a plurality of load cells which transmit a signal to a weigh scale to provide a readout of the weight of the patient.

Abstract: A bed having a frame, a deck, and a siderail. The deck having a head seat and foot sections.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide sanitary patient support device of medical equipment such as the headrest, chinrest, and head support constituted of antimicrobial material, to fulfill the desire to improve hygiene. The present invention of patient support device of medical equipment, as the headrest, chinrest, and head support of said patient support device constituted of powdered antimicrobial material tempered with thermoplastic resin, as polypropylene resin, polycarbonate resin, and polystyrene resin, will be provided.

Abstract: An infant positioner comprising a mat and supporting opposed pillows. This combination creates a cradle for positioning an infant within the device. While the infant rests or sleeps in the device, ventilating channels are provided in each of the opposed pillows for regulating the temperature of the infant and, thereby, reducing the risk of the infant becoming overheated. The device further provides opposed pillows that are adjustable for accommodating various positions for the infant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inflating and deflating cellular support cushions and methods of use thereof for providing comfort and protecting against the development of pressure sores and bedsores for persons who are bed ridden or use a wheelchair for long periods of time. The present invention is particularly adaptable as a support cushion in the form of a mattress, mattress cover, seat cushion, or seat cushion cover. The present invention can be combined with any mattress or seat, including wheelchair seat, to provide inflating and deflating cellular support cushions.

Abstract: An air cushion with selectively deflated chambers has a base, multiple air pouches, multiple attachment devices, at least two air tube, an air pump and a cover sheet. The air pouches are mounted on the base, and each air pouch has an inner space and multiple compression straps. The inner space is divided into multiple chambers that communicate with each other. Each compression strap keeps a selected chamber of the air pouch from inflating. The attachment devices are mounted on the base to attach the air pouches to the base. The at least two air tube connects to the air pouches and communicates with the inner spaces of the air pouches. The air pump connects to and pumps air through the air tube into the air pouches. Any one of the chambers can be kept from inflating if the chamber contacts injured skin of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pressure relief patient support for use in combination with a bed frame. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional fiber material positioned above a plurality of vertical air cells.

Abstract: An improved method for a synthetic fiber reduction treatment comprises a reagent-immersing treatment and a supersonic impact treatment. A synthetic fiber is immersed in a reagent and a supersonic impact treatment is used to impact the reagent simultaneously.

Abstract: A product and process for imparting stain and water repellency to fabric, wherein a heat-curable resin which has the property of imparting stain and water repellency to fabric when applied in proper amount to the fabric and cured, and that can be dispensed as an aerosol, is mixed in suitable proportion with a diluent and placed in an aerosol container along with a suitable propellant. The composition is then sprayed onto the fabric until the fabric is wet. The concentration of the resin in the composition is such that when the fabric is wet with the composition, an appropriate amount of the resin is on the fabric to impart stain and water repellency to it when the fabric is dried and the resin cured. Curing of the resin can be accomplished by ironing the fabric, or by drying the fabric in a clothes dryer at normal settings. A gaseous propellant is used to pressurize and discharge the composition, and a reserve supply of gaseous propellant is stored on a gas adsorbent material placed in the container.

Abstract: An article comprising a polyvinyl alcohol film encapsulating a fabric care composition is useful for conditioning laundry.

Abstract: A washing machine and a suds sensing method thereof, in which a generation of suds is precisely sensed using discharge characteristics of suds in a water discharging operation. The suds sensing method of a washing machine includes determining whether a water level reaches a water discharge completion level in a predetermined water discharging time in a water discharging operation, determining whether the water level reaches a suds sensing level in a predetermined suds discharging time by controlling a drainage device such that the drainage device is turned on and off when the water level does not reach the water discharge completion level in the predetermined water discharging time, and sensing the suds by controlling the drainage device such that the drainage device is turned on and off in a predetermined range of the water level when the water level reaches the suds sensing level in the predetermined suds discharging time.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new improved process for the production of Bis-DMTD (5,5?-dithiobis-(1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol)).

Abstract: A shoe tree includes a front piece, a heel piece, a coupling device adjustably coupled between the front piece and the heel piece, and two side pieces coupled to the front piece, and movable and expansible and adjustable relative to the front piece, for suitably forming various curvatures or contours or shapes for the shoes. The side pieces are pivotally coupled to the front piece with a pivot axle. The side pieces each includes a spring member engaged with the front piece, to bias the side pieces away from the front piece. The side pieces may be guided to move relative to the front piece. The coupling device includes a link having a latch adjustably coupled to the front piece.

Abstract: A motorized hand washing device (1) having a body (2), a plurality of brushes (4), preferably having nylon bristles, connected to gears (8) and a centralized motor (3). A center shaft (11) is connected to the motor (3) on one end and to the gears (8) on the other. The gears (8), which have individual shafts (7) for the movement of each brush (4), allows for the movement of the brushes (4) in a circular motion when a user presses his or her hand on the brushes (4). Optional means for fastening the device to surfaces, such as the preferable use of suction cups (9), allow for the easy transportability and adaptability of the present invention in schools, work environments, bathrooms, kitchens, garages or anyplace where hand cleanliness is of importance.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush for brushing teeth and gums having a generally cylindrical handle having a longitudinal axis and a generally hollow interior, a stem attached to the handle, a head connected to the stem and having a front portion with a plurality of tufts of bristles anchored to the head, and a motor housed in the hollow interior of the handle, wherein the stem is operatively moved by the motor such that the stem pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical handle by a predefined angle ? within a plane generally normal to the plurality of tufts of bristles to impart a measured up and down sweeping motion to the head relative to the teeth and gums being brushed.

Abstract: The linear actuator for both vibrating and rolling movement according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a shaft supported so as to be movable reciprocally in an axis direction and a rotation direction about the axis, a first linear driver including a cylindrical stator having a winding wire thereon and a movable member arranged inside the stator so as to reciprocate the shaft linearly in the axis direction, a second linear driver including a cylindrical stator having a winding wire thereon and a movable member arranged inside the stator so as to reciprocate the shaft rollingly in the rotation direction, one of the movable members being secured on the shaft and another one of the movable members being movable relative to the shaft, and a coordinating member for enabling the shaft and the one of the movable member to move in opposite phase to the another one of the movable member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning device for cleaning a person. The device includes a head driven by a motor. A housing retains the motor and the head such that the head is moved with respect to the housing by operation of the motor. The device also includes a cleaning implement for cleaning the person, the cleaning implement secured to a resilient member and the resilient member removably secured to the head. In another configuration, a cleaning device for cleaning a person includes a cleaning implement for cleaning between toes of the person. A motor is operatively coupled to the cleaning implement to move the cleaning implement in a washing motion. A housing retains the motor and the cleaning implement, the washing motion moving the cleaning element with respect to the housing.

Abstract: In a pipe-cleaning system for sludge pumps, which comprises an importation station that is installed in a delivery line and has a movable component driven by an external drive for introducing a cleaning element into the delivery line, the safety means include, according to the invention, at least one switching element that registers the insertion or removal process and at least one switching means actuated by said switching element, said switching means preventing movement of the movable component by the external drive in the event of the at least one switching element being in a state or generating a signal representative of an insertion or removal process.

Abstract: A cleaning tool assembly and method of use are disclosed for cleaning hard surfaces, such as bathroom surfaces. The cleaning tool assembly includes a cleaning tool and a cleaning pad that combine to define at least three distinct cleaning surfaces. The cleaning tool includes a handle connected to a head assembly that otherwise maintains the cleaning pad and provides a cleaning implement and a compliant cleaning edge surface. In one embodiment, the handle is expandable. In another embodiment, the cleaning pad includes a dry bleach composition.

Abstract: A bendable bathing scrubber includes a scrubber and a stem which contains a flexible metal strip. The metal strip is covered by a foamed outer layer to facilitate safety grasping without slipping. The scrubber is fastened to the stem to provide scrubbing and cleaning function. The stem may be bent to any desired angle and maintained a fixed condition after bent to meet the cleaning requirements of individual users.

Abstract: A cleaning tool assembly is disclosed for cleaning hard surfaces, such as bathroom surfaces. The cleaning tool assembly includes a cleaning tool and a cleaning pad. The cleaning tool includes a handle and a head having a plate and a support pad. The plate includes a first side connected to the handle, a second side opposite the first side, and a perimeter. The support pad includes a first side connected to the second side of the plate, a second side, and a perimeter extending beyond the perimeter of the plate. The support pad is a compliant, closed-cell foam.

Abstract: A double-face usable duster and the method for making the cleaning cloth thereof for cleaning dust off various articles comprises a first surface cleaning layer and a second surface cleaning layer and a central layer, each of the surface cleaning layers being formed by two layers of non-woven fabric through a hot-melt process. The central layer is an electrostatic precipitating portion sandwiched between the surface cleaning layers made of hot melt yarns. The three layers are combined to form the cleaning cloth of a double-face usable duster. Each of the surface cleaning layers is further provided with a plurality of sleeves for retaining a handle.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning element of a substantially flat configuration having a first cleaning surface provided by a portion of the flat surface and a second cleaning surface provided by radially projecting prongs or tines for reaching into and pulling out dirt and debris from seams, openings and crevices on a vehicle. The first cleaning surface and second cleaning surface may be divided by water and dirt channeling grooves and utilize stiffeners and means for varying the radial forces on the prongs or tines for reaching into and cleaning openings, seams and crevices. The novel vehicle cleaning element may be employed to retrofit existing automatic car washing devices or in equipment of a new design. The vehicle cleaning element can be configured for application to mitter cleaning elements and rotatable cleaning elements in automatic vehicle cleaning operations.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination squeegee (i.e., a scraper) and hand trowel tool. The tool can be conveniently used to first remove a material from a can, bucket or other material container and then used to spread the material evenly on a surface or substrate. The tool has a blade having a curved edge portion for removing material from cans or buckets and a separate notched edge portion (preferably with indentations or serrations) for evenly spreading the material on a surface. The invention further contemplates a method of using the tool to remove material from a can, bucket or container and applying the material to a surface.