Abstract: A protective shield having an upper portion, which may be configured to provide ballistic protection to at least a head of a user, and a lower portion, which may be configured to provide ballistic protection to at least a torso of the user. The upper portion may have a width wider than the head of the user. The lower portion may have a width that is greater than the width of the upper portion, and therefore extends laterally beyond the upper portion (forming at least one weapon support region on the protective shield).

Abstract: A hat has a head-covering part; a forward extension extending forwardly from said head-covering part; and an additional element extending substantially downwardly from said extension so as to at least reduce falling of light radiation onto user's eyes.

Abstract: The invention relates to training trousers, for use particularly in training improving muscular condition, to increase the stress of the training and including additional weights. The additional weights are attached to the trousers (1), essentially in the form of sheet-like parts (3) that conform to the shape of the wearer's body and the sheet-like additional weights (3) are located on both sides. The additional weights (3) are formed of a relatively heavy rubber or plastic-based sheet material.

Abstract: The combination snowsuit and carrier for a baby or infant is configured to be worn by a wearer and includes a body support structure, a one-piece coverall garment, and a harness. The body support structure is configured to s support the body of the infant and includes a front support, a back support, a pair of side supports, and a seat support for supporting the bottom of the infant. The coverall garment is configured to receive the body of the infant and has a main body portion, a pair of arm sleeves, a pair of legs, and a hood. The main body portion of the garment is integral with the body support structure. The harness is used for connecting the combination snowsuit and carrier to the wearer, is attached to the body support structure, and includes a waist belt and a pair of shoulder straps.

Abstract: A heatable robe comprises a coverlet, having at least one openable partition, and including a moisture absorbent material suitable for removing moisture from a wearer's body. At least one heating element is carried by the coverlet and is configured to generate heat in at least a portion of the coverlet.

Abstract: A visor guard and brace adapted to shape and protect the visor of a baseball cap is provided. The brace preferably comprises a rigid “U” shaped plate slid over the edge of the visor, although the brace may alternatively be flat or define a shallow curve. The brace releasably attaches and constrains the surface of the visor and forces the visor to conform to one particular, user selectable shape. The brace remains attached to the visor as the cap is worn by the user to permanently guard against grime, dirt, tears, or fraying. The plate itself provides a long lasting improved esthetic appearance with or on the visor of the cap with or without additional ornamentation attached to the brace.

Abstract: A sock for diabetics that is anti-microbial and allows for wound detection is provided. The sock has a colored cuff section, a colored calf section attached to the cuff section, a colored ankle section attached to the calf section, and a foot section. The foot section has a colored top section and a white bottom section, where the bottom section includes a heel section, an instep section and a toe section. The toe section has a seamless toe and the foot section includes a plurality of materials wherein at least one of the materials incorporates silver coated fibers.

Abstract: A male underwear garment having an inner portion constructed as a brief with leg openings, a waist opening and an operable fly is attached at the waist opening to the waist opening of an outer portion constructed as a boxer short with leg openings, a waist opening and an operable fly so that the operable flies are aligned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wiper device for safety helmet that comprises a helmet housing, a touch device, a drive and a wiper. When driving on a rainy day, a user's teeth occlude and come into contact with the touch device that actuates the drive through cables, thereby making the wiper oscillate on a surface of a glass plate so as to wipe rainwater off the surface of the glass plate and enhance the visibility and safety when driving on a rainy day.

Abstract: Provided herein are urinals which are of a splash-free design to the user. A urinal according to the invention comprises a splash wall and a special collection pocket design which reduces splashing and enables a minimum amount of water to be necessary for completely flushing the units, typically less than two ounces of water.

Abstract: A shower vanity for use with a wall having spaced apart framing members. The vanity includes a housing dimensioned to be recessed between two adjacent framing members in the wall and the housing is attached to the framing members by fasteners. The housing includes an open front forming a cavity dimensioned to contain bathing products. Two mirrored doors are slidably mounted to the housing which cover the housing front when closed and provide access to the bathing products when opened.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device is provided that integrates a toilet, sink basin, and rinser into a single stand-alone, fully self contained appliance with the sole requirement of needing to be connected to a hot and cold water supply, to a vented waste (sewage) line and/or to an electrical outlet. The device encapsulates the toilet, sink basin, and rinser mechanisms within six walls with a base and ceiling. Entrance to the appliance is gained through a door that when closed forms a water-tight seal. The device can come to the consumer fully assembled and ready to use after making the aforementioned connections. The device is extremely space efficient in that it provides maximum functional capabilities in the usable interior space while consuming a relatively small amount of room area.

Abstract: A pedicure spa including a fluid retaining basin. An impeller operatively coupled to the basin. An enclosure removably coupled to the basin, the enclosure including an upper region and a lower region, and defining a plurality of orifices in the upper region and the lower region, with the enclosure configured to enclose the impeller and direct fluid flow towards a foot region of the basin defined between a wall of the basin and the lower region of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for sanitary exiting of public restroom facilities. In particular, the present invention provides a device for convenient, sanitary use of public restroom door handles during opening the door while exiting. A device is configured to the interior of a restroom door where a dispenser is mounted above a receptacle unit. The dispenser may contain antibacterial wipes, paper towels, or facial tissues. A restroom patron, after washing their hands, removes a towelette from the dispenser and applies it to the restroom door handle as a barrier between their hand and the handle. The restroom patron then deposits the towelette in the receptacle unit prior to exiting the restroom.

Abstract: A seating unit includes: a frame; a backrest section having a backrest cushion; body, hinge and foot sections sharing a common cushion; and a folding mechanism comprising a series of pivotally interconnected links configured and arranged to move the backrest, body, hinge and foot sections between folded and unfolded positions. In the unfolded position, the backrest, body, hinge and foot sections are generally horizontally disposed and serially aligned, with the backrest cushion and the common cushion facing upwardly.

Abstract: A docking station includes a column and a docking port coupled to the column. The docking port is coupleable to a hospital bed. A service is deliverable to the hospital bed through a service outlet coupled to the docking port. A communication and control unit is coupled to the column. A patient table is coupled to the column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame-retardant removable cover which may be applied to a mattress. The removable cover, when applied to mattress, may reduce the peak heat release rate and/or total energy released in accordance with 16 CFR 1633 testing protocols. The cover may comprise a non-woven material. The removable cover may also comprise a non-woven type construction and an elastomeric material. The removable cover may therefore be designed with respect to the different requirements of those mattresses to which it may be applied to assist in meeting open flame mattress flammability standards.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for lifting a bed mattress, the apparatus comprising a carriage including a mattress support structure upon which a bed mattress can be carried and an elevating mechanism operatively connected to the mattress support structure for moving the mattress support structure between a lowered and a raised position. The apparatus further includes a bedding retention device operatively connected to the carriage so that when the mattress support structure is in the raised position, the bedding retention device is disposed at a lower position than the mattress support structure, and in the lowered position it is caused to adopt a retention position as a result of relative movement between the bedding retention device and the mattress support structure.

Abstract: An asymmetrically disposed pillow formed of tube-like construction provides an over ear arch with cervical support depending from the rear end of the arch. The arch includes an upper cranial support section that lies along a horizontal axis and fits above the ear. A rear end of the cranial support section connects to a depending occipital support section, which depends behind the ear. A lower end of the occipital support section connects to a cervical support section that is disposed at a forward angle that is less than a right angle. Optionally, the forward branch of the arch depends from the cranial support section as a temporal support section. Optionally, the temporal support section further depends as a cheek support.

Abstract: A localized patient support comprises a base, an annular ring supported above the base and defining a cavity, and a gel pad having a plurality of sections located in the cavity. In some embodiment, the localized patient support includes an insert received in the cavity and located between the base and the gel pad. At least some of the sections of the gel pad located in the cavity are vertically movable substantially independently of adjacent sections of the gel pad. In some embodiments, the base, the annular ring, and the insert comprise foam elements. In other embodiments, the base and the annular ring comprise foam elements and the insert comprises individually inflatable and deflatable air bladders.

Abstract: A mattress cover that enhances an existing mattress is comprised of a skirt and a pad formed from textile material and dimensioned to cover a non-pillow top mattress. The pad is formed from textile material and includes a compressible fill material. The pad is for being positioned over the top of the mattress and is secured to the skirt. The pad includes a trough that extends around at least part of the outer periphery of the pad. The trough has a generally planar lower face that extends generally perpendicular to the skirt and includes an outward end secured to the skirt. The trough has a generally planar upper face connected to the lower face at an inward seam and angled from the lower face at an acute angle such that the trough is generally v-shaped in cross section.

Abstract: A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material and a translucent covering surrounding the core. The core is visible through the translucent covering, and the covering includes a translucent fabric having a rip stop pattern woven therein. One of the padding material and the translucent covering is impregnated with a color change composition. The color change composition is changeable from an initial color to an activated color. The activated color is visible through the translucent covering.

Abstract: An air-inflated mattress, comprising a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, wherein said shroud band connects the top and bottom layers together to form an inflatable bladder; further comprising a middle layer below said top layer sealed to the top layer. The mattress may also comprise a middle shroud band and an inner shroud band, a plurality of joint spots welded on the bottom side of the top layer, alternatively arranged with anchor separators and a plurality of joint spots welded between the shrouds and means to pass air between the bladder and a plurality of half-sealed sub-chambers created by the joint welds, which slows the spreading speed of the air to the bladder and the chambers, so that the air mattress is even and level and the supporting strength of the air mattress is greatly improved.

Abstract: An air bed is disclosed. The air bed includes an air pump, an inflatable body and a cabinet detachably or fixedly connected to the inflatable body. The cabinet is a rollable and foldable airbag having at least one valve for inflation and deflation and includes at least one recess for receiving an air pump and other articles.

Abstract: A three-piece combination bedding system made from a plurality of differing foundations, a plurality of differing support base elements and a plurality of differing comfort layers. By selecting one of each of the three different pluralities, many different combinations of bedding systems may be created having many different firmness or comfort levels to suit individual consumer preferences and price points.

Abstract: A device for correcting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shaped cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas of bony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces on the areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth. This causes the cranium to return to a normal symmetric cranial shape. The material that contacts the infant's cranium is semi-rigid, relatively non-flexible, and maintains its overall shape under stress. For an infant with an already normally-shaped cranium, the device causes the infant's cranium to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape, and thus prevents abnormal cranial shaping.

Abstract: An escape implement assists a firefighter in exiting a burning building through a window by securing an elongate bar extending longitudinally and juxtaposed with a corner of the window. The bar is secured in place with sharp-ended members projecting from the bar in the same lateral directions for piercing the wall to anchor the bar to the wall so as to span the corner, with an intermediate portion of the bar placed relative to the corner for enabling the attachment of an escape line to the intermediate portion of the bar. The escape line is attached to a looped member coupled with the bar for swiveling about the longitudinal direction so as to avoid the transmission of torque from the escape line to the bar which otherwise could tend to dislodge the sharp-ended members from the wall.

Abstract: A machine and method for processing animal hides with a vessel to hold animal hides, processing animal hides in a closed container held under vacuum, rotating a container allowing for the repeated emersion of the animal hides, paddles within the container which move a hide through a tanning solution, paddles within the container aligned to minimize the damage to the hides by abrasion, a process of tanning using a vacuum which eliminates the need for heating the tanning solution, and a process of tanning using a vacuum which reduces the time necessary to prepare animal hides. A preferred embodiment includes a vessel made of materials resistant to the corrosive action of the tanning solution.

Abstract: A method of operating a fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generation step and a steam generator cleaning step. In the steam generator cleaning step, a chamber of the steam generator can be flushed by introducing a volume of liquid into the chamber greater than the internal volume. The steam generator cleaning step can also involve thermally shocking scale formed within the chamber.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises a pre-wash step; a heating step comprising introducing steam into at least one of the tub and the drum; and a washing step. The pre-wash step comprises recirculating liquid between the tub and the drum; rotating the drum at a first spin speed to distribute the clothing within the drum; and rotating the drum at a second spin speed greater than the first spin speed to draw the liquid through the fabric load.

Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises introducing liquid into the drum to wet the fabric load and spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum prior to the introducing of the liquid.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load and a liquid recirculation system configured to recirculate liquid from the tub to the drum comprises a pre-wash step; a heating step comprising introducing steam into the tub and/or the drum; and a washing step comprising washing the fabric load with a second volume of liquid greater than the first volume of liquid. The pre-wash step can comprise recirculating a first volume of liquid between the tub and the drum without submerging a portion of the drum in the liquid and rotating the drum. In another embodiment, the pre-wash step can comprise recirculating a first volume of liquid between the tub and the drum to achieve a fabric load weight to liquid weight ratio of between about 1:0.5 and 1:2.7.

Abstract: A method of operating a fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generation step and, after the completion of the steam generation step, a draining step comprising draining liquid remaining in a chamber of the steam generator to a tub of the fabric treatment appliance. The steam generator in one embodiment can comprise the chamber, an inlet configured to introduce liquid into the chamber, an outlet configured to exhaust steam from the chamber, and a drain coupling the chamber to the tub and configured to drain liquid from the chamber to the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine and an operating method thereof are provided. The washing machine detects an input voltage, and increases or reduces a wash time according to the input voltage. Thus, the washing machine can precisely calculate a wash time by reflecting a heating time that varies according to the input voltage. In addition, the washing machine can improve user convenience by enabling a user to easily determine the progress of a washing operation and the end time of the washing operation.

Abstract: With a method for determining the load of a washing machine, the load can be determined in a simple and exact manner in that the load is calculated by a comparison between suspension forces of the at least one suspension element and damper forces of the at least one damper with a non-linear characteristic in the unloaded and loaded state of the washing machine.

Abstract: A foldable boarding ramp is operatively connected to a door opening provided in a body and is selectively extendable to the ground. The foldable boarding ramp is stored in a folded state inside a fairing covering a connecting portion between the body and a main wing. Thus, a reduction in the space of a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment due to the storage of the folded boarding ramp is prevented. In addition, an increase in air resistance can be suppressed without providing a dedicated fairing for covering the boarding ramp. Further, an interlocking member connects together a door for opening and closing the door opening and the boarding ramp when the door is opened. The boarding ramp may be automatically deployed to improve convenience.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a flat panel display and a roll brush used therein are provided. The apparatus includes an internal wall, hollow cylindrical joint parts, each of which is joined with the internal wall and having an opening therein, and roll brushes, each of which includes a rotation shaft passing through the opening of the hollow cylindrical joint part, a hollow cylindrical liquid blocking member integrated with the rotation shaft to have an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the joint part, and a brush.

Abstract: A novel wipe for use in wiping inanimate surfaces that may be contaminated with a wet residue, comprises a towelette that is impregnated with a solution for the promotion of a quick drying cleansing of the surface. The solution is an alcohol matrix, which is predominantly comprised of a preferred alcohol (isopropyl) and a wetting agent and a water fraction. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a wipe is comprised of a cellulosic absorbent layer and a barrier film, where the barrier film and the absorbent layer are bonded together to form the wipe. The barrier film is selected from a group of plastic films that are biodegradable.

Abstract: A disposable finger mounted instrument cleaner (2) of the type having a semi-circumferential protective body (4) with a swiping expanse (6) to generously occlude lateral and extensor aspects of a finger and a tapered gripping coil (10) to wrap around the flexor aspects of a finger. Attached to the swiping expanse is an adherent foam body (14) with a number of pressure sensitive grooves (18) and debris traps (16) so that an instrument can be inserted into the pressure grooves to deposit debris in the debris traps. In Addition, the foam body has a pocket (20) for thorough instrument immersion and for holding desired medicaments.

Abstract: A disposable nonwoven implement that is retained on a user's hand during use is provided. The disposable nonwoven implement can be associated with a composition.

Abstract: The invention includes a toothbrush head having an end proximal a toothbrush handle, an end distal to the toothbrush handle, a dorsal surface for holding at least one toothbrush bristle, a ventral surface opposite the dorsal surface, first and second sides disposed between the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the toothbrush head, and a plurality of gum cushions disposed on each of the sides of the toothbrush head, where the height of the respective gum cushions tapers from the proximal end of the toothbrush head to the distal end of the toothbrush head.

Abstract: The invention includes a toothbrush including a toothbrush handle and a toothbrush head having an end proximal a toothbrush handle, an end distal to the toothbrush handle, a dorsal surface for holding at least one toothbrush bristle, a ventral surface opposite the dorsal surface, first and second sides disposed between the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the toothbrush head, and a plurality of gum cushions disposed on each of the sides of the toothbrush head, where the height of the respective gum cushions tapers from the proximal end of the toothbrush head to the distal end of the toothbrush head.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a longitudinal axis, comprising a handle, the handle including a neck, a head including a bed and bristles extending from the bed, a socket enclosure forming part of and extending outwardly from a rear of the bed, the socket enclosure having a socket defined therein, a rotator connected to the neck and extending into the socket capable of moving freely within the socket while still being unable to leave said socket, the head capable of rotating, upon the head being pressed against a teeth and/or gums of a user, in a front and back direction in relation to the handle and/or a side to side direction in relation to the handle or to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. The rotation reduces an amount of manual rotation of the toothbrush performed by the user.

Abstract: A water-wiper apparatus has a handle having a height, width, and length with a substantially oval shape in cross-section orthogonal to the length, a major axis of the oval shape in the direction of the height, the handle formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, a first engagement interface along the length of the handle in a region bisected by the major axis, the engagement interface comprising a channel having a shape and a first width and an opening of a second width less than the first width to the outside of the handle, and a wiper blade of the length of the handle, formed of a flexible material and having a second engagement interface shaped to engage the first engagement interface, engaging the wiper blade with the handle, the wiper blade having a curved side in cross section from the handle to a tip end of a wiper leg away from the handle, the curve of the side having a radius of from one-half inch to one-and-one-half inches.

Abstract: A programmable control unit for a vacuum cleaning system, such as central vacuum cleaning system. A control unit is programmed after manufacture to execute a particular control program for performing various diagnostic and operational functions including user interface, voltage level detecting, voltage monitoring, current monitoring, user interface, power supply control, temperature monitoring, AC line frequency detection, operation data recording, speed control program selection, expansion bus interface and service tool interface. Power control to the vacuum motor is facilitated by the control unit directly through a triode for alternating current (TRIAC). Manufacturing costs are reduced by producing a single programmable control unit that can be programmed with a control program corresponding to a variety of different vacuum cleaning devices across a manufacturer's product line.

Abstract: A brush apparatus capable of controlling a drive of a brush member with a simplified structure and a vacuum cleaner having the same. The vacuum cleaner includes a rotatable brush member, a driving unit to drive the brush member, and a blocking unit disposed between the brush member and the driving unit to selectively block a driving force transmitted between the brush member and the driving unit. The driving unit includes a suction motor to generate a suction force, and a single continuous connecting belt connecting the suction motor and the blocking unit.

Abstract: A moveable body includes at least one caster. The caster has a yoke, a wheel supported on the yoke, and an interface member for attaching the caster to the moveable body. Additionally, the caster is configured so that a noise level of the moveable body as the moveable body travels over a surface is approximately 85 decibels or less.

Abstract: An automatic door closer for a sliding door. The closer mechanism includes a base mounted onto one of a sliding door and a door frame, a spring-biased block and tackle mechanism mounted within the base and a cable that is connected to the other of the sliding door and door frame. The closer includes a selectively activated locking mechanism that engages the cable and prevents its movement into or out of the base, thereby preventing the closer from automatically shutting the door.

Abstract: A kit (1) for assembling a variety of different door configurations adapted to be installed within a predetermined range of dimensions, onto a specific door opening (7) defined within a fixed structure (9) and contained within said predetermined range of dimensions. The kit (1) includes first components (11) for assembling a specific door leaf (13) shaped and sized for substantially covering the specific door opening (7). The kit (1) also includes second components (15) for mounting onto the fixed structure (9) of the specific door opening (7), the second components (15) including components (15) for assembling a track system (17) along which the specific door leaf (13) is configured to travel. The kit (1) also includes third components (19) for assembling a counterbalancing system (21) operatively connectable between the specific door leaf (13) and the fixed structure (9) for counterbalancing the specific door leaf (13) with respect to said fixed structure (9).

Abstract: A handle (10) for controlling a machine, has a largely vertical shaft (12) forming a grip part (11) and has an upper end forming a receptacle (14) that holds switch units (15-17) and a lower end forming a hand rest (20). The hand rest can be adjusted along the shaft (12) and can be detachably clamped to the shaft. The hand rest (20) comprises front and rear rest part (26, 27) that are pivotally, or swivelably, connected to one another. To prevent unintentional opening of the hand rest (20) by axial pressure on the latter, the two rest parts (26, 27) can be moved relative to one another in the axial direction to effect a locking and unlocking of their relative pivotabilities.