Abstract: A restraint-free garment comprising an upper body part having at least one hand shield that defines a space adapted to removably receive a portion of a wearer's hand. The present invention also relates to a restrain-free garment comprising an upper body part having at least one hand shield that defines a space adapted to removably receive a portion of a wearer's hand, and a lower body part.

Abstract: A baseball or softball glove includes a strap to provide a compressive force across the fingers of a hand inserted into the glove. The compressive force facilitates the snapping the glove to catch and secure a ball. Additionally, the ring finger and the pinky finger may be inserted into the same finger stall of the glove to compensate for the weakness of the ring finger in making the snapping motion. The glove is still given the appearance of providing a separate finger stall for each finger. A guide wall is placed across the entrance to the unused finger stall to maneuver the ring finger into the pinky stall.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pair of protective crawling chaps for a crawling infant or an infant beginning to walk. The chaps are worn directly over an infant's legs or over clothing and provide protection from abrasions, dirt and wear and tear when crawling on various surfaces. They also make the infant more comfortable and cooler when crawling in hot weather because they are open in the back. The chaps cover the front of the infant from the waist to the ankle and are attached with adjustable waist, knee and ankle straps. The main body of the chaps is created with an opening at the groin area for the right and left leg portions to extend to the ankles. This groin opening is in a specific proportion to the main body of the chaps to prevent the leg portions from slipping while the infant is crawling.

Abstract: A garment for storing and/or carrying one or more items, including a torso receiving portion for wearing on at least part of a wearer's torso; and one or more receptacles for receiving said item/s, the or each receptacle being at least partially comprised of a semi-rigid polymeric material, the or each receptacle being integrated with said torso receiving portion.

Abstract: Reversible sweatshirt has a pair of contiguous configurations, each of which may have distinct coloration and distinct embroidery and a secure pocket slot, the application of such embroidery is facilitated through a secure pocket slot having a secure interior pocket pouch, accessible from one or more of the contiguous configurations, for safely securing items and for facilitating the embroidery process of both contiguous configurations. A wearer may select which side of the reversible sweatshirt to wars outside and/or inside, to expose the secure pocket slot and display the distinct coloration and distinct embroidery of the exposed configuration.

Abstract: A combination garment and figure-enhancing device provides for an enhanced or more desirable appearance of the buttock region of a wearer thereof. Figure-enhancing devices are positioned within casings, which, in turn, are coupled to the garment. In one embodiment, the figure-enhancing devices are permanently attached to the garment. In another embodiment, the figure-enhancing devices may be removed from the casings. In a further embodiment, each figure-enhancing device and casing may be removed from the garment as one unit. The figure-enhancing devices may be used with unisex type garments, such as jeans, pants, shorts, and the like, or may be used with garments for females, such as skirts, Capri pants, and the like.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide pants which look like ordinary pants, have a buttocks supporting effect and assure excellent wearing comfort. [Solution] Pants, in which a lining fabric covering the region ranging from the buttock portion of the back body through the sidelines to partial portions of the front body is attached inside the garment fabric of the front and back bodies, with fasteners interposed between the lining fabric and the garment fabric, the lining fabric and the garment fabric being sewn to each other at the waist belt, the crotch and the side seam allowances for integration.

Abstract: A garment for a person to wear includes a torso enclosure and a flap. The torso enclosure has a neck opening, a pair of arm openings, and a transverse chest opening. The transverse chest opening is formed in the torso enclosure so as to be positioned over the inferior thoracic cavity of a person wearing the garment. The flap is affixed to the torso enclosure laterally of the transverse chest opening and is closeable over the transverse chest opening.

Abstract: A garment, and methods of using the garment, including a main body portion, a collar attached to the main body portion, and a hood attached to the main body portion adjacent to the collar. The collar includes first and second flaps that define a collar pocket. The hood is moveable between a non-deployed position where it is received within the collar pocket and a deployed position where it is not received within the collar pocket.

Abstract: An outer garment, worn over a jacket and other clothing, for additional warmth. The garment comprises apertures or openings instead of sleeves to allow a user to tuck his arms into the garment like a blanket, or extend his arms through the apertures noiselessly. The garment further includes interior pockets that are shaped and angled to accommodate a user to comfortably who is wearing mittens. The garment is used for hunters and sporting event spectators, to provide comfort in extreme weather conditions.

Abstract: A medical isolation gown is disclosed. The gown is to be used by medical personnel treating isolated patients with contagious diseases. The gown comprises slots and pouches that can be used to isolate the worker and his or her instruments from contamination when examining or attending the patient.

Abstract: A cap having a crown sized for receiving a head of a wearer and a lid connected to a front portion of the crown, the cap including a pivotably movable fan having a fan body and a motor for driving a plurality of rotateable fan blades for providing cool ambient air to the wearer. The fan may be provided with illuminated devices for illuminating light when the cap is worn in unlit or dimly lit areas.

Abstract: A splash guard for protecting a person's eyes, nose and ears from soap and other hairdressing preparations, such as shampoo, applied to a person's hair is provided having a body encircling a part of a person's head above the person's eyes, nose and ears. A sealing member preferably prevents the flow of water or hairdressing preparations between the splash guard and the head of the person. A gripping element is preferably provided to facilitate positioning and maintaining the splash guard in position. A securing mechanism can also be provided to help retain the splash guard in position.

Abstract: Transformable womens' trousers which, comprised of an upper part with means to fasten a belt around a user's waist, and having a zipper on its lower hem region with which to join other parts corresponding to the trouser legs, with side zippers that allow its extension in order to be joined in different combinations or in such a manner as to form a skirt, or even produce a handbag by joining specific parts, characterized in that the upper part has a peripheral zipper that corresponds to its lower hem region, to which a second bridge part is joined to comprise the upper part of the trouser legs, said zipper being disposed above the crotch of said bridge part or piece so as to comprise, through the separation thereof, a mini-skirt.

Abstract: A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a pair of sleeves tailored with pockets under each thigh that allow for supporting pads to be inserted in various combinations. The pads are ergonomically designed and can be designed with internal fibreglass battens, or moulded plastic, and optionally in shapes that help apply torque to the boat dynamics. The sleeves are designed with one way stretch to optimise grip to the leg, and constructed in a choice of composite materials to aid durability and comfort.

Abstract: An improved athletic helmet comprises an outer shell having an interior and an exterior surface, an inner liner attached to the interior of the outer shell, and a face mask attached to the exterior of the outer shell. In an embodiment, the face mask engages within a recess in the exterior surface of the outer shell for receiving the face mask. The face mask may comprise a flange for engaging the recess and attaching the face mask to the outer shell. Preferably, the flange of the face mask is substantially flush with the exterior of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the inner liner comprises a viscoelastic foam. In another embodiment, the face mask comprises a lightweight magnesium material.

Abstract: A new concept in cranial protection, is a device of individual protection with the purpose of protect the user's head against impact and decelerations. The Cephalic Protection Cell must be used with the objective of avoid direct injuries caused by impact and resting and, at the same time, improving the amount of time in which a contact strength is applied to the head, preventing, this way, localized injuries (by impact) or spreaded injuries (by deceleration) in the brain and in other internal structures of the cranium, and also regarding its hability to preserve the cervical spine, thanks to its less mass.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing, protective interface pad structure usable between the shell of a helmet and the head of a helmet wearer including (a) an acceleration-rate-sensitive, viscoelastic core structure made of a product having substantially the same characteristics as at least one of Confor CF-42 or Confor CF-45 manufactured by EAR Specialty Composites in Indianapolis, Ind., and (b) a water-moisture-blocking, bidirectionally gas-permeable barrier layer spray-applied to and fully enclosing the core structure, made of the a product having substantially the same characteristics as the product manufactured, and designated V-2000, by Russell Products Company, Inc. in Akron, Ohio.

Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutch mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism can prevent the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.

Abstract: A protective helmet with a helmet shell (3) which, when it is in use, at least partly encloses the user's head with the exception of the face area, a chin guard (1) which, when it is in use, encloses the lower parts of the user's face area, as well as a visor (4) preferably arranged in a pivoting manner on the helmet shell (3) for covering the visual field opening between helmet shell (3) and chin guard (1), with the chin guard (1) comprising two sections (1a, 1b) which are movable relative to each other. It is provided in accordance with the invention that each of the two chin guard sections (1a, 1b) is pivotally arranged on the helmet shell (3), and said pivoting arrangement of the chin guard sections (1a, 1b) on the helmet shell (3) takes place every time by means of a flexible plate element (2) which connects the helmet shell (3) to the corresponding chin guard section (1a, 1b).

Abstract: A protective face guard for use in playing sports. The guard includes a shield having a transparent portion extending over an unobstructed viewing area to enable the wearer to have a clear line of vision. The unobstructed viewing area is preferably greater in diameter than about 44 mm for baseball play and greater in diameter than about 60 mm for softball play so as to enhance visibility over more conventional face guards. The transparent portion of the shield is constructed of a material that will withstand the impact of a ball, and is preferably made of clear or tinted polycarbonate material. The guard is configured to be secured to a helmet or other headgear in a manner to further support the shield upon impact and minimize flex.

Abstract: A substantially clear cycle face shield adapted for use with a cycle helmet comprised of: a mesh face cover adapted to be secured to the cycle helmet, either temporarily or permanently, for protecting the user's face when bicycling, which is manufactured using a process having a bleed rate of no more than 0.1 centimeter and which is anthropometrically designed to conform to the face and head of a user. The cycle face shield can be rigid or flexible, flat or arcuate, and can cover just the face or extend downward to protect the throat and/or extend rearward along the sides of the helmet to protect the ears and neck.

Abstract: Cold weather garments include one or more zones with increased thermally insulative and/or thermally resistive properties. Such garments reflect different gender needs. Such garments can allow wearers to maintain a necessary or desired degree of warmth with decreased garment weight and bulk. Methods of making such garments also are described.

Abstract: Tilting Bowl Toilet comprises a frame, a toilet basin, and a tilting bowl. The tilting bowl is supported below the toilet basin to receive and hold water/waste delivered from the toilet basin. The tilting bowl tilts to discharge its content to drainage. The tilting bowl at standby is sustained to stay in a horizontal position by forces applied to the tilting bowl creating a resultant sustaining turning moment about its support axis. When the turning moment produced by the tilting bowl with its content becomes larger than the sustaining turning moment, the tilting bowl moves to a tilted position to discharge its content. The effective support axis shifts with respect to the tilting bowl as guided by a motion guide.

Abstract: A flush valve assembly includes a valve body in which a flexible film, a hollow tubular member and an activation member are received. The flexible film has a weight enclosed therein which includes a neck extending from an underside of the flexible film and the neck is threadedly connected to the hollow tubular member located beneath the flexible film. An annular flange extends from a top of the flexible film and defines a recessed area. A central hole is defined through the flexible film and communicates with the neck. A plurality of ribs extend from an outer periphery thereof and a collar is mounted to the tubular member and rested on a radial flange of the tubular member. A disk of the activation member is engaged with the recessed area and a shank extending from the disk extends through the central hole and tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a grating for an overflow drainage channel of a swimming pool including a plurality of bars having a passage extending in a transverse direction therethrough, a plurality of spacer elements having an aperture substantially aligned with the passage and positioned between the plurality of bars, and a connecting member extending through the passage of the plurality of bars and the aperture of the plurality of spacer elements securing the plurality of bars and the plurality of spacer elements together.

Abstract: A child bath chair includes a base member having a seating surface portion, and a back member having a backrest surface portion and detachably attached to the base member.

Abstract: A steambath system is responsive to verbal commands to control the various aspects of the shower and steam environment such as water flow rate, water temperature, steam activation/de-activation, lighting intensity and/or color, music volume, music content, quantity and type of fragrance released, showerhead selection, radio activation, volume and station selection, television activation, volume and channel selection, DVD player activation and DVD selection, CD player activation and CD selection, and humidity control.

Abstract: A modified shower head provides a timepiece imbedded within a shower head insert allowing a person showering to keep track of time and also to monitor water usage. It also provides the person showering with a timing mechanism to determine the length of time for use of hair products, tints, dyes and treatments without having to reference an outside timepiece. The insert comprises a timepiece within an encased water-proof enclosure within the shower head insert.

Abstract: There is provided a water discharge system. A water discharge system includes a water discharge portion; a sensor unit which acquires movement information about an object based on a radiated electric wave, and outputs a detecting signal; and a control unit which controls water discharge of the water discharge portion based on the detecting signal. When it is detected that the object is decelerated to a first threshold velocity or less, the control unit controls the water discharge portion to start the water discharge.

Abstract: A sleep sofa includes a main frame, a seat unit, a back unit and a supporting linkage assembly that can move the back unit along an arc to the front of the seat unit when the sleep sofa is converted to a bed state, the supporting linkage simultaneously lifting the rear side of the seat unit, which is mounted in the main frame to slope downwardly from horizontal at about a 50 angle, up to horizontal. Once positioned in front of the seat unit, the back unit can be pushed downwardly so as to rotate into a locked parallel orientation with the seat unit. The seat cushion of the seat unit and the back cushion of the back unit form the bedding surface. Pushing a back release tube will unlock the back unit to allow it to be returned to a sitting positioning above the seat unit (tilted rearwardly to define an angle of about 115° with the seat unit). During its arc movement over the seat unit, the back unit will rotate around pivots on the side backs thereof.

Abstract: A swing apparatus for children and an oscillating device used in combination with a swing apparatus according to the present invention are aimed to solve the problems such as the motor is damaged due to overloaded current and a sitting device in the swing apparatus is stopped on a higher place when electric power is suddenly cut off. The oscillating device includes a base, a driving assembly mounted to the base, a first friction piece connected to the driving assembly, a second friction piece operatably driven by the first friction piece depending a friction force therebetween, an elastic piece urging against one of the first friction piece and the second friction piece, a first shaft passing through the transmitting assembly, and an output member cooperated by one of the first shaft and the second friction piece. The swing apparatus includes a first frame supported on the ground, a second frame in which the sitting device is mounted, and the oscillating device connecting the first frame to the second frame.

Abstract: A crib bumper for use in a baby crib is presented. The crib bumper includes at least one bumper section of dense non-absorbent material. The crib bumper may include a plurality of bumper segments abutting each other lengthwise to extend the length or width of a crib. The crib bumper may include a cover having an aperture through which a crib bumper section or crib bumper segments may be placed inside the cover. The cover may be formed of a washable material and may include a mechanism for closing the aperture to prevent the crib bumper from slipping out of the cover. In addition, the cover may include one or more connectors for connecting the cover to the crib.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating table having a support column and a table panel mounted on the support column. In order to facilitate improve monitoring of a patient on the table panel, the operating table has a force measurement system for determining the weight of the table panel and of the patient on the table panel.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or the like, includes a support deck having a plurality of pivotable sections adapted to support a patient thereon. A head section of the support deck generally supports a patient's torso and is movable between a generally horizontal orientation and a raised orientation. A CPR drop assembly allows the head section to be pivoted relatively quickly to the horizontal orientation in order to allow CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to be administered to the patient. The drop assembly may include a foot pedal having both a mechanical and electrical link to an actuator. The drop assembly may also be configured to operate in different manners depending upon the angular orientation of the head section at the time the drop assembly is initially activated.

Abstract: A support for use with the upper extremity of a patient is disclosed. An upper extremity support including a wedge for supporting the upper extremity is provided. The upper extremity support may include a block for supporting the wedge. The upper extremity support may also include straps and may define apertures and grooves for fastening and positioning the upper extremity in relation to the upper extremity support, the patient or another support. The upper extremity support may position the upper extremity in a substantially scaption position.

Abstract: A prone positioning apparatus includes a support member for supporting an infant in a prone position. The support member has first and second ends, first and second sides having first and second opposing recesses, respectively, a top surface facing the infant, and a bottom surface. A first portion disposed at or about the first end, supports the infant's head or trunk. A second portion extends from the first portion and supports the other of the infant's head or trunk. The infant's head and trunk are, therefore, aligned and elevated with respect to at least a portion of the infant's arms and legs, in order that the infant's spine is substantially straight. The first and second recesses receive at least a portion of one of the infant's arms. A support system including at least one accessory for securing the infant in the prone position, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rigid folding device for rolling up sleeping bags, self-inflating sleeping pads, airbeds, flexible foam mats, bed covers, other similar beddings, or the like is provided that consists of a rectangular or oblong shaped frame-like construction, with adequate opening for the thickness-wise insertion of the short end of a sleeping bag, or pad, or airbed, or mat, or bed cover, or similar bedding, or the like. The frame device is sufficiently strong and rigid to allow adequate force to be applied for the rolling up process. This invention can be fabricated from a single piece or from an assortment of attachable and detachable rod, pipe or strip-like members. When using this folding device, the bedding or the like is first inserted into the middle open space, between and parallel to the two longer sides of the frame device. The shorter sides of the frame are gripped and turned to compress the roll.

Abstract: A mattress includes a plurality of individual foam blocks which are secured together using one or more plastic fasteners to form a five-sided foam encasement. A spring unit is fittingly disposed within an interior cavity defined by the foam encasement. One or more top layers of foam rubber are mounted on the foam encasement over the spring unit and are secured thereto using additional plastic fasteners. An outer layer of quilted cotton material is sewn over the foam encasement and top layers of foam rubber to yield the finished one-piece mattress. As can be appreciated, the outer periphery of the mattress is defined by foam material, which is substantially rigid in its construction, rather than the spring unit, which is highly susceptible to warping. In this manner, the foam material serves to preserve the shape of the outer periphery of the mattress over time.

Abstract: A device that enables a user to install most any hardware item into any structure. The inventive apparatus includes a core portion with a standard female ACME thread so the core may be threaded onto a standard extension pole. At the upper end of the core is a cavity designed to accept wafers for various purposes. Hardware installing wafers are designed to accept pieces of hardware in a particular class and size such as eyebolts, hooks, right-angle hooks, and other suspension hardware. Tool wafers are wafers with various tools attached to them for performing different operations such as prying, lifting, nailing, tacking, threading, scrapping, grasping, cutting, drilling, marking, hole punching, and so on. Attachment wafers attach various implements and devices to the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for chemically cleaning textile material, characterized in that the textile material is treated with a compound of formula (1), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 identically or independently denote C1 to C22-n- and/or iso-alkyl, C5- or C6-cycloalkyl, phenyl-C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C9-alkylphenyl or phenyl, A is (CH2)a, and a is an integer from 0 to 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous composition for bleaching keratin fibres, and in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair, having a viscosity of less than 2×103 poises and comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, hydrogen peroxide and at least 20% by volume of suitably selected inert particles, to a bleaching process using this composition, and also to the use of this composition for bleaching keratin fibres. The composition in accordance with the invention makes it possible rapidly to obtain substantial lightening of keratin fibres, while at the same time limiting the degradation of the keratin fibres and the skin irritation.

Abstract: Novel energy transfer dyes which can be used with shorter wavelength light sources are provided. These dyes include a donor dye with an absorption maxima at a wavelength between about 250 to 450 nm and an acceptor dye which is capable of absorbing energy emitted from the donor dye. One of the energy transfer dyes has a donor dye which is a member of a class of dyes having a coumarin or pyrene ring structure and an acceptor dye which is capable of absorbing energy emitted from the donor dye, wherein the donor dye has an absorption maxima between about 250 and 450 nm and the acceptor dye has an emission maxima at a wavelength greater than about 500 nm.

Abstract: A shoe insert for maintaining the shape and structure of a shoe. When placed in a shoe, the shoe insert applies pressure to the walls of the shoe, preventing the shape of the shoe from deteriorating over time. The shoe insert is made from a compressible form-fitting material that allows the shoe insert to form itself to the contours of a variety of shapes and sizes of shoes.

Abstract: Separate covers for protruding portions of discs of automatic swimming pool cleaners are addressed. The covers may be placed onto protrusions, such as fins, and removed from the fins as needed. Version of the covers are made of material more rigid and having lower coefficient of friction than the fins to discourage lateral bending of the fins and decrease frictional contact of the fins with pool surfaces.

Abstract: Applicant discloses a broom that comprises at least one particle capture sheet. In various embodiments, the particle capture sheet can comprise a nonwoven material, a woven material, a knitted material, or a synthetic polymeric membrane. The particle capture sheet can be air permeable or air impermeable, and can comprise an electret material and/or an adhesive.

Abstract: An application substance reservoir for a toothbrush is provided. The reservoir has a data carrier and may be filled with toothpaste or another application substance. An electric toothbrush is also provided. The data carrier of the application substance reservoir may contain, for example, information regarding the prevailing filling level of the application substance reservoir and the type of application substance. The electric toothbrush has a data receiver for reading the data stored in the data carrier, a data transmitter for writing to the data carrier, and a control unit which may display the filling level in the application substance reservoir or the particular application substance used.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an apparatus for cleaning a thin disk is provided. The apparatus includes a support roller for supporting a rotating wafer within a wafer cleaner. The support roller comprises a guide portion, for receiving an edge of a wafer, having an inclined surface comprising a low-friction material and adapted to allow the wafer edge to slide thereagainst; and an edge-trap portion for retaining the edge of the wafer and having a transverse surface comprising a high-friction material and adapted, when in communication with the edge of the wafer, to resist sliding thereagainst. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A cleaning method is provided for brush cleaning a surface of a substrate. The method comprises scrubbing a first surface of the substrate with a brush having a first surface geometry; and then scrubbing the first surface of the substrate with a brush having a second surface geometry, wherein the first and the second surface geometries are different. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a component, especially a heat exchanger, operatively disposed within a process air circuit of a household tumble dryer, the cleaning device comprising a rotatable brush device for removal of lint deposits from the component; a linear drive mechanism for driving the brush device along the component; and a rotary drive mechanism for driving the brush device about an axis of rotation.