Abstract: A sports apparatus for covering a user's mouth. Such sports apparatus includes a shield member. A securing device attached at a first end thereof to a back side of the shield member at a predetermined location thereon. A second predetermined end of such securing means is removably securable to a boom microphone arm extending from a user's audio headset communication apparatus to a space in front of a mouth of such user such that when the shield member is secured to such boom microphone arm such user's mouth will be entirely hidden by the shield member.

Abstract: A hip protector comprises a padded region and an adhesive region surrounding the padded region, and a template, the template comprising a first element for alignment with an anterior superior iliac crest, a second element for alignment with a substantially vertical axis, and a third element which is substantially aligned with the greater trochanter when the first and second elements are aligned respectively with the anterior superior iliac crest and the vertical axis.

Abstract: A wire frame supportive bathing suit bottom, athletic supporter, female undergarment or other garment held to the body by spring pressure.

Abstract: An improved wig provides a wig and bathing cap configuration such that a wearer of the wig can participate in water-related activities. The wig and bathing cap configuration includes an outer layer defining an inner surface and an outer surface, an inner layer defining an inner surface and an outer surface, and the outer surface of the inner layer is bonded to the inner surface of the outer layer. Strands of hair are bonded to the outer surface of the outer layer and the inner surface of the inner layer defines a waterproof face.

Abstract: A health care fitness underwear comprises an underwear body and at least one cushion layer formed on the underwear body. The underwear body is made of a flexible fabric and has a far infrared ray or negative ion element for fitness and health care. The cushion layer is formed corresponding to an area where blood vessels and acupuncture points of the body of a wearer exist, and a far infrared ray structure may be provided to stimulate the wear's body by using the far infrared ray and particularly to further stimulate the wear body's blood vessels and acupuncture points for blood circulation, thereby the effect of health care being achieved.

Abstract: A non-woven, flame resistant fabric and a disposable coverall made from the fabric. The non-woven, flame resistant fabric is made of a plurality of Nomex fibers, a plurality of Kevlar fibers, and a plurality of electrostatic dissipative fibers. The coverall has an upper section for covering the shoulder, chest, back and abdominal regions of a wearer. The upper section has long sleeves to cover the arms of the wearer and a collar to cover the neck region of wearer. The coverall also has a waist section contiguous with the upper section for covering the waist region of a wearer, and a pair of leg sections for covering the legs of the wearer. Each leg section has an upper portion contiguous with the waist section. The coverall also has a seat section contiguous with the waist section and the upper portions of the leg sections. The coverall has a two-way zipper extending from the collar section to the waist section.

Abstract: A foldable garment with stowage bag is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment a foldable garment with stowage bag comprises a front side connected to a back side by a substantially straight seam. A top portion is connected to both the front side and the back side by a substantially straight seam. A stowage bag is formed on the back side. A user folds the front side over the back side along the substantially straight seam connecting the front side to the back side, and the user further folds the top portion over the front side along the substantially straight seam connecting the top portion to both the front side and the back side to neatly fold the garment into the stowage bag.

Abstract: The shirt for supporting and shaping the mid-section of a wearer provides a shirt having a top-section and a mid-section. The mid-section of the shirt includes an upper and lower region each constructed having a plurality of fabric densities or integrated elasticity portions. These elasticity portions provide support for the abdominal region, back, and back-side regions of the wearer where “love handles” sometime develop. The top-section of the shirt has a substantially loose fitting construction to yield a simple, clean and comfortable fit that facilitates breath-ability and comfort to the wearer. The shirt may be worn as an undershirt or as outerwear to minimize the wearer's torso. In another embodiment, the shirt further comprises an outer portion that extends over and covers the mid-section so that the mid-section acts as an internal support structure when the shirt is worn as a T-shirt or outerwear.

Abstract: A device for use as a credit card sized containment in some instances with a card delivery system in the form of a detachable hang tab or hole for one or more collar stays, as well as a method of using such device, are disclosed. In one form, the device comprises a resilient, flexible sheet member having a first and second opposing edges and a third and fourth opposing edges, the first and second opposing edges forming a width, the third and fourth opposing edges forming a height, the width being greater than the height, and one or more detachable regions within the sheet member, each detachable region having an elongated rectangular shape including two long edges and two short edges, wherein a short edge forms a symmetrically tapered point, and with each detachable region being selectively detachable and reinsertable into the flexible sheet member is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical glove adapted to be worn by a user has a portion at the underside of the wrist area of the glove which is enlarged or expandable provides relief from pressure to the wrist of a user wearing the glove during use of the glove. A second enlarged or expandable portion positioned at the dorsal side of the wrist area of the glove further provides relief from pressure to the wrist of the wearer of the glove.

Abstract: A cut protection glove, made of a textile material having a cut resistant fibre, characterised in that the textile material has a bamboo fibre.

Abstract: The cap is made into pyramid shape, and made use of the thin permanent magnet iron flake with intensity magnetic field. It can strengthen the effect of the biological magnetism of the human body and strengthen the human brain with magnetic field. This is a new type and practicable cap.

Abstract: Provided are a size adjuster and a headwear using the same having advantages of increasing exterior aesthetical features and automatically adjusting a circumference of a wearing portion of a headwear. The size adjuster may include: a first guide having one end connected to the wearing portion; a second guide having one end connected to the wearing portion corresponding to a position of the first guide; a case having an inner portion connected to the respective other ends of the first and second guides and where the first and second guides move through; and an elastic band extended or contracted by connecting to the first and second guides.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet vent and venting system that is low profile and does not take up much space on the helmet shell. A motorcycle vent that pivots internally to allow air flow and pivots such that the vent tab may penetrate the outer plane of the helmet shell.

Abstract: In combination, a hard hat lanyard and a hard hat for securing the hard hat to a wearer includes a lower strap having a first end and a second end, a lower strap fastening mechanism fastened to the lower strap second end where the fastening mechanism is adapted to fasten the lower strap second end to an article of a wearer's clothing, an upper strap having a first end and a second end, an intermediate release mechanism fastened to the lower strap first end and the upper strap second end that is adapted to releasably secure the lower strap to the upper strap, and an upper strap fastening mechanism where the lower strap, the lower strap fastening mechanism, the upper strap, the intermediate release mechanism, and the upper strap fastening mechanism form the hard hat lanyard that attaches to the hard hat where the upper strap is fastened around a non-separating portion of an inner brim of the hard hat without modifying the hard hat.

Abstract: Goggles capable preventing fitting bodies (4) from being disconnected from bodies (2) against the intention of a user since hooks (3) are not easily separated from the bodies (2). The goggles comprise the bodies (2) and the fitting bodies (4) having the hooks (3) and connecting the hooks (3) to the outer end parts of the bodies (2). Vertical walls (7) rising roughly perpendicular to lens faces and pedestals (8) positioned roughly perpendicular to the vertical walls (7) and outwardly extending from the base parts of the vertical walls (7) are formed at the outer end parts of the bodies (2). Hook bodies (9) having hooking grooves (9a) facing toward the vertical walls (7) are projectedly formed on the pedestals (8). The hooks (3) form hooking holes (12) for the hook bodies (9), and hook parts (12a) to the hook grooves (9a) of the hook bodies (9) are formed at the inside parts of the hook holes (12).

Abstract: A garment, such as gowns, face masks, gloves and headwear for personnel involved in surgical operations. In accordance with the invention, the garment includes a skin friendly element for the sealed attachment of parts of the garment to the skin of a wearer of the garment.

Abstract: A protective garment is provided and includes a jacket having various releasably mounted protective components. The jacket includes a protective collar of ballistic resistant fabric for protecting the neck of a wearer and has front and rear portions which are releasably connected together at opposed side portions of the collar so that the front and rear portions can fold down when not in use. A protective plate is releasably fastened to the front of the jacket and the fastening mechanism allows the plate to be held in a number of different vertical positions. The jacket also includes a rear pocket for housing a rear protective plate. The sleeves of the jacket include a sleeve extension which is slideably mounted to the main sleeve to vary its effective length.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a toilet bowl including a toilet seat assembly having a toilet lid and a toilet seat, a UV-light source producing UV-light of a wavelength of approximately 360 nm secured to an interior side of the toilet lid, a first switch for turning the UV light source on when the toilet lid is placed in a closed position, and a second switch for turning the UV light off upon expiration of a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed from a first material. The base has an outer surface and an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface. The base further has a non-circular periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger further includes a handle extending from the outer surface of the base.

Abstract: A toilet flapper valve has a rigid bulb insert and a surrounding flapper top, the latter being preferably made of an elastomeric material. The flapper valve of the present invention can be used as equipment in toilets of original manufacture and as replacement after-market devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bidet apparatus. The apparatus includes a second water supply source in addition to a source utilizing existing hot and cold supply lines. Dependent on the situation, these two sources can independently or cooperatively supply the water to a spray head mounted on the underside of a toilet seat.

Abstract: A combination toilet and bidet unit. The unit has a toilet base which is surrounded in front by a skirt portion of the base. A toilet bowl is supported by the base as are water control valves. A bidet water line leads from the valves, passes through the bowl and terminates in a nozzle within the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable spa comprising a shell having a plurality of seats and an arrangement of water jet assemblies. At least one overlay panel is removably secured to a portion of the shell by the jet assemblies, wherein the jet assemblies extend through both the overlay panel and the shell. In one embodiment, the overlay panel is secured to an upper portion of a seat. The upper portion of the seat has a receiver that is recessed from the outer surface of the seat and cooperatively dimensioned with the overlay panel. The jet assembly comprises a stem that extends through a shell opening and a panel opening. Each jet assembly includes a sealing element that engages the panel and the shell to seal the shell opening. The jet assembly also includes a securing element that provides a clamping force to secure the overlay panel against the shell.

Abstract: A poolscape is disclosed that comprises at least two of a plurality of pre-fabricated shell elements, each of said shell elements having a wall that conforms to a wall of one or more other shell elements comprising said plurality, wherein said at least two shell elements are conformably combined, and where the shell elements may be one of a swimming pool, a tanning ledge, a hot tub or spa, a fountain, a sun shelf, and a thermal ledge or variants thereof. The poolscape may include in-pool features, such as a pre-fabricated bench or pre-fabricated stairs.

Abstract: A grate construction for a swimming pool placed at a top edge of the pool at its water level. The grate consists of a wet deck edging profile having a hollow grate bar at its forward edge. A finger grip groove follows the hollow grate inwardly, that is, away from the edge of the water further inwardly there is a flat section which is fastened to the concrete from which the pool is constructed. The flat section is being fastened to the concrete by way of a lag screw. Also, the flat section has two upstanding hook ribs thereon. Another hollow grate bar has at its bottom side two depending hook ribs thereon. The upstanding hook ribs and the depending hook ribs, when pressed together, will fasten the another hollow grate bar to the flat extension. A connector element will fasten two longitudinal grate bars together to extend its length.

Abstract: A bathtub lift device for assisting an individual, especially an elderly, handicapped or convalescing individual, in getting into and out of a bathtub includes a rectangular-shaped inflatable and deflatable cushion comprised of interconnected sections that deploy in accordion-like manner, with the cushion disposed within the bathtub and having an underside that includes suction cups to secure the device to the bathtub floor and an upper side that includes a non-slip surface for safety whereupon inflation of the cushion by an electrical air pump connected to the cushion by an air line, and which also includes an air flow control and release valve, causes the sections to expand in accordion-like manner thereby elevating the cushion to a height adjacent to the bathtub sidewalls and deflation of the cushion causes the sections to collapse in an accordion-like manner thereby lowering the cushion, and the individual seated thereon, within the bathtub.

Abstract: A spraying head for bathing comprises an outer housing and an inner housing. In a center of a top edge of the outer housing is mounted a locking seat having plural water outlet openings and outer threads, and an engaging section mounted with a water-stop ring is formed on a lower end of the locking seat. The inner housing is mounted in the outer housing, and the inner housing is combined with a water outlet panel and is mounted with a locking assembly having inner threads and an abutting flange. The inner threads of the locking assembly are threaded with the outer threads of the locking seat in such a manner that the abutting flange is abutted against the water-stop ring, so as to form a sealing condition. And a bolt cooperates with a spacer and a nut enabling the water outlet panel to fix in the locking seat.

Abstract: A shelf structure adapted to be detachably secured adjacent a windowsill to provide a perch for a cat(s). The shelf structure comprises a tray having a floor. Walls extend upwardly and peripherally from the floor. A plurality of vertically adjustable adjustment tracks is disposed on an exterior surface of one of walls of the tray. A thin, flexible, elongate adjustment and retaining strap adjustably extends from each of the adjustment tracks. A collapsible support strut assembly depends from the undersurface of the floor of the tray. The support strut assembly is adapted to engage the vertical wall adjacent the windowsill.

Abstract: A bed is disclosed having an adjustable base support with an adjustable panel adapted for adjustment between raised and lowered positions, a mattress positioned on top of the adjustable based support, and a mattress retainer disposed under the mattress between the adjustable base support and the mattress. The mattress retainer holds the mattress in a constrained position in relationship to the adjustable base support as the adjustable base support panel is adjusted between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: “Binket” A miniature Security blanket with an attachment device to be used to attach a soothing apparatus such as a pacifier or teething toy, to aid in the comforting of children. It consists of two fabric sheets sewn together, small in size to be held by the child and easy for travel. One or both of the sheets preferably is a very soft or silky feeling washable fabric. Additionally, one corner of the blanket body has an attachment device comprised of child friendly material, such as snap ribbon or Velcro to attach a soothing apparatus (such as pacifier of teething device.) The device used to attach a soothing apparatus is firmly attached to the fabric sheets. The attachment device creates a loop which will open and close allowing a pacifier or other soothing toy to be attached and detached.

Abstract: Medical device with a patient tunnel lined by a lining and a patient couch that can be moved into and out of the tunnel and accommodated in a recess in the lining enclosing the sides of the patient couch, with the patient couch having a clearance from the lining when fully withdrawn from the tunnel, with an element that can be moved against a resetting force being provided at both sides in each case in the area of the recess near to the couch, it being possible for said element during a vertical movement from a lowered position into the completely withdrawn position or at the start of the inward movement to be deflected by the patient couch against the resetting force to a position separated from the patient couch by a narrow gap or to a position abutting against the patient couch.

Abstract: A face-down recovery apparatus for use in rehabilitation of patients, particularly vitreoretinal surgical patients. The apparatus has a base and a housing that is pivotally connected to the base by an actuator. A support is positioned contiguously on the housing for received a user in a face-down position. The apparatus is moveable between a substantially vertical, upright orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation. The apparatus is in a substantially upright vertical orientation when the support receives a user in a standing position. The face of a user is secured in a face-down position in a face support, and the rest of the user is secured to the support in a standing position in an unrestricted manner permitting mobility. As the housing is tilted into a horizontal position, the user is positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A panel segment is provided for a multipart patient supporting panel, with a radiotransparent support panel and at least one electrical connecting line, which extends at least over a partial region of the support panel. In order that the connecting lines cannot be seen as troublesome shading on x-ray images, the at least one connecting line is configured as a strip conductor that is disposed in a recess in the support panel. A patient supporting panel and an operating table with such a panel segment are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretcher having a brake mechanism that can be selectively activated to influence the movement of the stretcher supported by an inclined surface. The brake mechanism of the stretcher progressively increases the amount of friction between the stretcher and the surface of which the stretcher is supported to reduce or stop movements of the stretcher. The stretcher further includes a pulling member influencing the position or the activation of the brake mechanism on the stretcher and high friction means associated with the bottom side of the stretcher. The present invention also provides a size reduction mechanism requesting limited storage space for the stretcher when not in use and a foot restraint to secure the feet of the patient on the stretcher and offer additional volume to carry additional material with the patient. A method for braking a stretcher on an inclined plane is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical support pillow and method for supporting a patient in the lateral position while maintaining an open airway. The Lateral Airway Support Pillow includes a chest support, a shoulder recess, a head support, and a posterior bolster. The orientation of these components support the patient in the lateral position, with the spine and airway in a straight position, thus eliminating possible airway obstruction. One embodiment of the invention contains a head support with a posterior recess and a neck support which provides for straightening the neck and airway and aligning the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes of the airway. Other embodiments position and elevate the patient in such a manner to treat or prevent soft tissue pressure injury, gastroesophageal reflux, congestive heart failure, or sleep apnea.

Abstract: A washable and height-adjustable pillow is disclosed. The pillow includes a pillow case and an embossing mat which is enclosed in the pillow case. The embossing mat is quilt-sewn in at least one direction to have a plurality of embossed portions and folded in multi-layers. The pillow may further include embossing mats for supporting a cervical spine or a side of a head. Accordingly, the pillow can be washed for a sanitary use, and is comfortable. Further, regardless of whether the user has a habit of sleeping on the back or on the side, or although the user unconsciously changes the sleeping posture, the height of the pillow can be widely adjusted according to the user's body shape and sleeping posture. Therefore, the pillow enables the user to fall into deep sleep and prevents neck and shoulder aches and deformity.

Abstract: A contoured pillow for use by a person that applies a facial cream. The pillow consists of a first major section and a second major section, the second section having a width less than that of the first surface, which supports the user's neck and head such that the user's face will hang over the edge and not touch the pillow.

Abstract: An air inflation cushion with cells having helical edges comprises a lower sheet; an upper cushion portion adhered upon the lower sheet; the upper cushion portion including at least one air inflation cell; each air inflation cell having an approximate rectangular cross section and being supported by four helical edges for enhancing the structure of the cell; upper ends of the helical edges being formed as rectangular upper planes; the four helical edges dividing the air inflation cell into four lateral surfaces; a lower portion of each lateral surface being formed with a convex cambered protrusion; and an air tap at one of the cells and extending from one of the helical edges. The air inflation cushion is made of black rubber. The cell is extended with a communication trench which causes two adjacent cells are communicated to one another.

Abstract: The featherbed includes upper and lower outer fabric sections, which are substantially identical in configuration, secured together along their respective longitudinal and end edges. A plurality of baffle members extend between and are secured to the upper and lower layers substantially from end to end of the featherbed. The baffle members are arranged in pair forms a substantially hourglass configuration.

Abstract: A health care air bed having a mattress. The mattress includes several support air cells which are assembled at intervals on the mattress and are mutually connected with each other. Furthermore, a spongy mat is laid on the mattress so as to provide a level surface for the bed. A mouth is utilized for extracting and inflating air. The mouth is assembled at a side of the mattress. The support air cells are divided into five strips which support the neck, back, waist, hip and leg of human body respectively. This invention is applicable to a single air chamber or a double air chamber. The mattress for queen size and king size beds have two separate air chambers. In accordance with physiological characteristics of the human body, this invention designs support points at an interval so that the neck, back, waist, hip and leg of the human body can be effectively supported that is helpful to a person's health and extends human life.

Abstract: A pliers has specifically configured elongate jaws of about rectilinear construction with multiple position adjustability to variously operatively engage a plurality of slack adjustment services of diverse commercial air brakes to check the slack.

Abstract: A synthetic-rich fabric (e.g., polyester, polypropylene, nylon, acrylic and elastane fibers—including lycra, spandex, etc.) useful in the manufacture of commercially launderable items is described. The fabric has many of the properties that make cotton fabrics desirable including hand feel, and wicking, but retains the best properties of synthetic fabrics, m addition, the soil release properties, pilling resistance and UV protection offered by the present items makes the fabric ideal in manufacturing apparel and non-apparel (e.g., pillow cases, bed sheets, aprons, tablecloths, napkins, etc.) items.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. A method for washing laundry with the washing machine enhances washing performance and enables sterilization of the laundry by using steam while preventing damage of cloth due to the steam. The method comprises primarily supplying water into a tub, and supplying steam by heating the water using a heater installed in the tub to generate the steam.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam not a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash course) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: A method to improve the cleansing effect on non-delicate washing which is to be washed in a washing machine comprising a washing drum. The washing drum is driven in at least one A phase (intensive wetting) and in at least one second B phase (high wash mechanics) within the washing and/or rinsing processes. Said phases are successive at least once during said washing and/or rinsing processes. In the A phase (intensive wetting), the washing drum accelerates in the first rotational direction (+) up to a rotational speed n1 which is significantly greater than the applicational rotational speed and in the other rotational direction (?) up to a second rotational speed n2 which is significantly less than the applicational speed. In the B phase (high wash mechanics), the washing drum accelerates in both rotational directions up to rotational speeds whereat the individual items of washing are highly spun and are rubbed against each other.

Abstract: A hair dye composition containing an azo dye (1) or a salt thereof wherein R represents a coupler moiety, R1 and R3 each independently represent —SO3M, —SO2NR4R5 or a hydrogen atom, R2, R4 and R5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and M represents a hydrogen atom, metal atom or ammonium, with a proviso that R1 and R3 are not hydrogen atoms at the same time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic process for wash-protecting the color of keratin fibers comprising applying a composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one zinc-based compound chosen from zinc-based mineral compounds and zinc-based non-nitrogenous organic compounds to keratin fibers previously dyed. Also disclosed is a cosmetic process for wash-protecting the color of dyed keratin fibers, comprising applying to the keratin fibers, after dyeing, at least one zinc-based compound chosen from zinc-based mineral compounds and zinc-based non-nitrogenous organic compounds. The present disclosure further relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers comprising applying to the fibers at least one dye composition (A), optionally in the presence of an oxidizing agent, for period of time that is sufficient to develop the color, and applying a composition (B) comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one zinc-based compound as defined herein.

Abstract: Tricyclic 5-6-5 heteroaromatic keratin dyeing compounds having two heteroatoms. Compositions for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising a medium suitable for dyeing and one or more tricyclic 5-6-5 heteroaromatic keratin dyeing compounds having two heteroatoms. A method for oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising applying such compositions in the presence of an oxidizing agent, for a period sufficient to develop the desired coloration.

Abstract: An animal brush and method of manufacturing same.