Abstract: Continuousness and stability of an effect of preventing hip hemlines from rising in walking or a crouching posture are improved. A clothing has: a front body 11 and back body 12 which are stretchable; and a gusset 13 which is disposed between an inner crotch front portion 22 of the lower end of the front body 11 and an inner crotch rear portion 23 of the lower end of the back body 12, to cover a groin portion. The curvature of the rear end portion 13b which is formed in the gusset 13 into a convex arcuate shape is made larger than that of the inner crotch rear portion 23 which is formed in the lower end of the back body 12 into a concave arcuate shape, and the rear end portion 13b and the inner crotch rear portion 23 are stitched together to dispose a dart 26 which three-dimensinalizes so as to suit a bulged shape of a buttock lower portion.

Abstract: A method for distributing and recovering fashion-related products includes providing fashion-related products made from a recyclable material, causing the products to be distributed to consumers, accepting return of the products that have been used by consumers, and causing the used products to be recycled.

Abstract: This present invention is for cooling the forehead, face and armpit of a person or imparting cool feeling. The cooling member comprises a water-absorbing material sheet sandwiched between a flexible planar material provided with a ventilation means, having an adequate hardness, and capable of holding its shape, capable of being bent in a predetermined direction and in the reverse direction a plurality of times, and having a curvature in the predetermined direction and backing cloth having a similar area and a means for dividing the water-absorbing material sheet into parts each having an adequate area corresponding to a vent in such a way that water absorbed in the water absorbing material sheet does not flow out easily into adjacent parts and is used for cooling by allowing the water absorbing material sheet to absorb water and by using its heat of evaporation to cool the surroundings.

Abstract: A flame-resistant, camouflage knit fabric is disclosed. The fabric can include a first yarn having a first color, and a second yarn having a second color different than the first color. The fabric may optionally include a third yarn having a third color and/or an elastomeric yarn. These yarns can be knitted together to form a flame-resistant fabric having a multi-colored camouflage pattern. A method for making a flame-resistant, camouflage fabric also is disclosed. The method can include providing a first yarn having a first color and a second yarn having a second color different than the first color and knitting the first and second yarns to form a multi-colored camouflage pattern. The yarns can be knitted using a computer-controlled machine, such as a jacquard knitting machine.

Abstract: My invention is an improvement to an existing Hooded Sweatshirt. I will sew waterproof type material, such as Nylon type material or Gortex™ to the back of the Hooded Sweatshirt to create a waterproof barrier to keep the back dry. The waterproof Hooded Sweatshirt will be used for wearing and keeping the individual wearing the Hooded Sweatshirt dry from snow-melt and outdoor elements. The main components are comprised of an existing Hooded Sweatshirt with waterproof type material, such as Nylon or Gortex™ attached by method of sewing to attach to the back of the Hooded Sweatshirt.

Abstract: A garment comprising a reversible shirt and a cape is disclosed. The reversible shirt has at least an interior side and an exterior side. A first attachment means is fixed to a pair of shoulder portion at the interior side of the shirt adjacent to a collar of the shirt. A second attachment means is fixed proximate a top edge of the cape. As such, the first and second attachment means, such as hook-and-loop type fastening material, cooperate to allow the cape to be selectively attached to the shirt. In use, with the second attachment means of the cape fixed to the first attachment means of the shirt, the shirt may be worn with the cape fixed to the internal side of the shirt and hidden from view. When the shirt is placed in a reversed configuration, such that the interior side is exposed outwardly, the cape is visibly suspended from the shoulder portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for keyboarding and more particularly to glove(s) for keyboarding and data entry. Keyboards are used extensively by both non-professional and professional people. The keyboard glove(s) will provide relief from the tension of the tendons in the fingers, palms, wrists and arms, and will also assist people who have arthritic fingers or other medical conditions that hinder their ability to keyboard. The keyboard gloves invention includes finger posts to allow accurate contact to the keys without strain. The resting pad allows the user to experience comfort during keying. The keyboard gloves are made with various self-breathing, various self-adjusting material and adjusting strap to allow the user a high level of comfort while using the gloves. The keyboard gloves allow the user to experience keyboarding in comfort.

Abstract: A clothing system that may include a lower component of an article of clothing and one or more upper components of an article of clothing that may be sized and configured to be selectively and/or interchangeably connected to and disconnected from the lower component. For example, a first upper component may include a generally fixed waistband, and a second upper component may include an expandable maternity waistband. Desirably, a woman may connect the first upper component to the lower component to form an article of clothing that she may wear when not pregnant and/or during her first months of her pregnancy. The woman may later disconnect the first upper component from the lower component and then connect the second upper component to the lower component to form an article of clothing that she may wear during her latter months of her pregnancy and/or during her recovery from pregnancy.

Abstract: A clothing system that may include a lower component of an article of clothing and one or more upper components of an article of clothing that may be sized and configured to be selectively and/or interchangeably connected to and disconnected from the lower component. For example, a first upper component may include a generally fixed waistband, and a second upper component may include an expandable maternity waistband. Desirably, a woman may connect the first upper component to the lower component to form an article of clothing that she may wear when not pregnant and/or during her first months of her pregnancy. The woman may later disconnect the first upper component from the lower component and then connect the second upper component to the lower component to form an article of clothing that she may wear during her latter months of her pregnancy and/or during her recovery from pregnancy.

Abstract: A protective goggle assembly includes a protective goggle having two side straps, each side strap comprising a free end and a first surface attachment region adjacent to the free end on at least one surface of each side strap; and a strap assembly that encircles the user's head, on each side of the strap assembly a second surface attachment region is provided that is configured to engage the first surface attachment region of the side straps. The strap assembly includes a base band with opposite free ends and an elastic ring. The free ends of the base band are connected to the elastic ring to form a complete encircling band. The second surface attachment region is carried on two locations of the base band. The complete encircling band is configured to fit around a soldier's helmet and the elastic ring being configured to fit over and around a night vision goggle mount at a front of the helmet.

Abstract: A safety helmet (1) has ear protectors (2) which arc disposed so as to be vertically adjustable on the helmet and configured to be sound-permeable in the middle area.

Abstract: Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air.

Abstract: Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has an indicator to advise the consumer when replacement of user serviceable parts, such as the water treatment concentrate and the air treatment concentrate, is needed. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air.

Abstract: A support, particularly for a sanitary fixture comprising a sitting portion, which is constituted by an open and stackable box-shaped body, which can be arranged detachably so as to straddle only the lateral regions of the sitting portion.

Abstract: A lifting device for a toilet seat allowing the user to raise and lower the toilet seat without having to physically touch the seat. The device consists of a mounting plate, a shield, and a lifting member, with all surface being curved and without crevices. The shield extends horizontally and vertically beyond the edges of the lifting member.

Abstract: A protective toilet bowl cover for temporary installation during construction or pending maintenance. The bowl cover element includes a clear viewing window so that toilet operation can be observed with the cover in place. The bowl cover element may be adjustable by breaking off a portion of the cover along a selected score line. Two bowl rim engagement elements are pivotally mounted on the bottom of the bowl cover, and provided with toothed pull elements, so that a rim engagement portion of each engagement element may be rotated into contact with the underneath side of the bowl rim by pulling the pull elements partially through small holes in the cover. The toothed portions of the pull elements engage the holes to hold the pull elements and rim engagement elements in place, and excess exposed length of the toothed pull element may be cut.

Abstract: Drain clean-out assemblies that can be used to drain the contents of a drain line prior to removing a clean-out plug mounted to the assembly or to which the assembly is mounted. The drain clean-out assembly includes clean-out plug and a device for selectively preventing and permitting drainage of a fluid through the assembly. The assembly may include a housing having oppositely-disposed first and second ends and a drain between the first and second ends and in fluidic communication with an interior of the housing, wherein the first end of the housing is configured to attach to a drain line, the preventing and permitting device is within the housing, and the clean-out plug is removably attached to the housing. Alternatively, the preventing and permitting device may be permanently mounted to the clean-out plug.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plunger including, in combination, a handle, a plunger bell with an inner bell surface, and an elongated tubular sheath, wherein the sheath at least substantially encases the handle and plunger bell, and the sheath is at least partially secured to the inner bell surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic sink strainer with at least one magnet securely attached to the strainer, to create a magnetic field. The invention also provides a magnetic sink strainer made of a magnetized material to provide a magnetic field. The magnetic sink strainer is firmly placed over a standard sink drain and functions to capture and retain objects that are attracted by a force as a result of being subjected to the magnetic field. This prevents such objects from accidentally being discarded into the sink drain. The magnetic sink strainer also includes at least one slit to enable fluids and other non-magnetic substances to easily and rapidly flow down to the sink drain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a whirlpool cover, which comprises at least two cover elements and a transmission for pivoting said cover elements, said transmission comprising a pivot in the area of an upper edge of the whirlpool for pivoting the cover elements, said cover elements being adapted to be pivoted about said pivot to a position of rest onto an outer sidewall of the whirlpool.

Abstract: An example tub divider includes a wall moveable between an installed position and an uninstalled position. The wall partitions a tub when in the installed position. A lock pin moves between a first position and a biased position. The lock pin limits movement of the wall when in the first position. An example divided tub assembly includes a plurality of tub sidewalls and a tub at least partially defined by the tub sidewalls. A removable wall is moveable to an installed position for partitioning the tub. A wall extension of the removable wall is receivable within a sidewall aperture defined by one of the tub sidewalls. The wall extension guides movement of the removable wall. A cap has a cap extension for receipt within a cap aperture defined by one the tub sidewalls. The cap limits relative movement between the removable wall and the tub.

Abstract: A sauna apparatus includes an air blower, a blow channel and a humidifier. The air blower suctions and blows air. The blow channel conveys the suctioned air and humidified air. The humidifier has a sprayer spraying humidifying water into the air passing through the blow channel for humidification, and a spray-water droplet splitter installed in a direction to which the sprayer sprays the water for humidification. By letting the sprayed water droplet collide with the splitter, the water droplet is split into much finer water droplets.

Abstract: A tub includes a wooden bottom plate having a top surface and a peripheral edge defining a perimeter; and a plurality of wooden side-wall elements connected to the bottom plate at the perimeter. Each of the side-wall elements defines an inner and an outer side, and they are interconnected to form a continuous peripheral wall encompassing the bottom plate. A groove is defined in the inner side of each of the side-wall elements below the top surface of the bottom plate, and a resilient, waterproof member is received in each of the grooves. A first multitude of apertures is defined in the peripheral edge of the bottom plate, and a second multitude of apertures is defined in the side-wall elements at a distance below the groove. A set of the first and second multitudes of apertures are in registration and receive fastening devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel optical sensors and the novel optical sensing methods are used, for example, for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers (including control electronics and valves) require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.

Abstract: An outlet element (1?) for a sanitary fitting (17) is provided. The outlet element includes a connecting part (2) that is detachably fastened on the sanitary fitting (17) on the outlet side, and an outlet part (3). The outlet part has a liquid outlet (44) forming the fitting outlet. A sanitary functional unit is configured as an insertable cartridge (6) and can be inserted into the liquid outlet (4). The connecting part (2) and the outlet part (3) are connected in an articulated or rotating manner. The outlet element (1?) is characterized by the liquid outlet (4) of the outlet part (3), in terms of the internal width, being adapted to the insertable cartridge (6) and in that the insertable cartridge (6) can be inserted in the liquid outlet (4) from the outlet side and is detachably held therein.

Abstract: A water drain assembly includes an embedding ring and a seal washer, such that when a force is applied to press onto a water drain body, the deformation of hooks disposed at a lower edge of the embedding ring latches the edge of a drain through hole to abut the water drain body and fix the water drain body in position, and a rubber seal ring and a pressing member are installed into an internal hole of the water drain body, and a jam-on member is pressed into the internal hole of the water drain body, so as to press the pressing member down to a predetermined position to deform the seal ring, and achieve a tight pressing relation with a drainage pipe inserted therein to achieve a seal waterproof relation between the drainage pipe and the water drain body, and complete the overall installation of the water drain.

Abstract: A new and useful system and method of raising and lowering a bed is provided. A bed system comprises a bed, and a balanced movement system for raising and lowering the bed and for maintaining the bed in a stopped position when application of force to the bed is stopped. The balanced movement system is (i) configured to enable the bed to be raised or lowered by application of force to the bed in a selected direction, and (ii) configured such that when application of the force ceases the bed will come to a stopped position and be maintained in the stopped position by the balanced movement system. In order to raise or lower the bed, a relatively modest force is applied (preferably manually) to the bed in a selected direction.

Abstract: A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures.

Abstract: At least one foldable opaque shade device is disposed adjacent to an upright post of a playard that can block lights from coming into the playard and provide a comfortable environment for a baby/toddler inside. The at least one shade device is capable of selectively setting in a folding status or an unfolding status. When the at least one shade device is set to the folding status, it is folded adjacent to the standing post at one side of the playard via a rotary axle or other type of folding mechanism. The at least one shade device can be unfolded from the standing post(s), and the lateral surface of the playard between the two standing posts is fully covered by the shade device.

Abstract: In a playard, the bassinet has adjustors with one ends connecting to a first side of the bassinet body and the other ends to a second side of the bassinet body. The adjustors extend from the first side toward and cross a first side rail of the frame body, reaching to the bottom panel of the frame body and into the frame body, and connecting to the second side of the bassinet body. The playard includes two retainers, each mounting on the second side rail of the frame body. Pulling the adjustors brings the first side and the second side of the bassinet body to move up or down by the same distance. The bassinet can therefore maintain horizontal and be adjusted to an arbitrary height during height adjusting.

Abstract: Rotation device is configured at the bottom of the body of a diaper changer so that the diaper changer is capable of rotating horizontally relative to the playard frame via the rotation device when mounting thereon. The rotation device includes a rotator and a supporter where the rotator connects to the body and mounts on the supporter for allowing the body to rotate relative to the supporter. The supporter is further configured at one side of the playard frame. The body can also be rotatably mounted on the playard frame by mounted the rotator directly into a shafting hole on the playard frame. With the rotation device, the diaper changer can be selectively set in a first using status for changing a baby's diaper or a second using status for allowing a babysitter for easy holding the baby up.

Abstract: Ruffled or pleated fabrics have been commonly used as interior design elements many years to accentuate the aesthetic appearance of items such as dust ruffles, bed skirts, draperies, valances, and table skirts. The ruffles or pleats add volume to the design features, increasing their aesthetic appeal. However, due to age and wear, over time the ruffles or pleats lose their volumizing effect. A volumizing slip is provided, composed of a material stiffer than the existing fabric article. Thus, fulfillment of the long felt need for extending the usable life of design elements such as volumized dust ruffles, bed skirts, draperies, valances, and table skirts is provided.

Abstract: A mattress encasement made of bug impervious fabric provides a zipper opening for removal of the mattress. A foam pad is stitched at an end of the zipper closure such that when the zipper is located at or near the end, a channel is provided to prevent or obstruct the escapement of bed bugs via the channel and out from a mattress encased by the mattress encasement.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system includes a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad and a pair of reinforcing end members. The system also includes a torso assembly, a leg assembly and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads and reinforcing members.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus comprises a control system, a receiver configured to detect a signal from the badge when the emitter is proximate the patient-support apparatus, and a voice recognition module configured to provide inputs to the control system to control at least one function of the patient-support apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient-securing strap and to a patient-supporting device with a patient-securing strap. In one illustrative embodiment, the patient-securing strap is made mainly of plastic and has an electrical conductor made of substantially radioparent plastic, an electrical sensor which is connected to the conductor and which is made of a substantially radioparent material, and transmitter which is connected to the conductor and which is designed such that sensor signals output from the sensor to the conductor are sent to a data transmission line. In another illustrative embodiment, a patient-supporting device comprises one such patient-securing strap. The fact that the patient-securing strap is for the most part made of radioparent material means that it does not cause interfering image artefacts during an X-ray examination.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a lift mechanism, a drive mechanism, and an upper frame. The lower frame includes a lift drive configured to at least one of expand and contract the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is pivotably coupled with the lower frame to rotate about a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is coupled between the lift mechanism and the lower frame. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the lift mechanism about the rotational axis. The upper frame is supported on the lift mechanism and responsive to the rotation of the lift mechanism to rotate a patient about the rotational axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient-supporting device for a diagnostic and/or therapeutic appliance, with a bench which is mounted so as to be vertically adjustable, and with a spindle drive which is designed for adjusting the height of the bench. According to the invention, the spindle drive is mounted on a base plate in a ball joint in order to avoid a situation where errors of alignment between spindle nut and spindle can be caused by a patient not being centered on the bench.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system includes a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad, and a torso assembly with a pair of covers each enclosing a pair of pads. The system also includes a leg assembly with a cover enclosing pads and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads. The system further includes multiple sets of coupling members that couple the covers together.

Abstract: A foam spring for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like, the foam spring having a tubular resilient body made of foam with holes extending inwardly from an outside surface to an inside location, wherein the holes extend at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a line perpendicular to the outside surface of the spring at the position of the hole. The foam spring is manufactured by a method which comprises providing interrupted slits along lines extending in the longitudinal direction of a foam layer; cutting a transverse strip out of this foam layer; bending two opposite ends of the strip towards each other; and fixing the two opposite ends into a tubular shape to form the tubular resilient body, wherein the slits are made in a direction forming an angle with the direction perpendicular to the surface of the foamed layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a surface of a support that is mounted on a frame. Said device comprises a first means for delivering a cover that is embodied in the form of a textile web to the support surface as well as a second means for receiving the cover. A section of the cover extending between the first and the second means is guided over the support surface while the first and the second means are mounted below a level defined by the support surface.

Abstract: A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining member that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the shape-defining member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a piston and connecting rod assembly in a cylinder of an engine block includes a frame, an installation rod and a guide defining a channel complementary to the rod. The frame is disposed about an opening at the bottom of the engine block and the guide is positioned on the frame in alignment with a cylinder. The installation rod is coupled to the connecting rod and the rod and the piston and connecting rod assembly are slid into the cylinder. The installation rod is received within the guide channel and maintains the connecting rod perpendicular to the crankshaft and away from the cylinder wall. As the connecting rod moves toward the crankshaft, the guide and rod move the connecting rod into proper alignment and contact with the crankshaft.

Abstract: Depilatory compositions comprising a depilatory agent , fatty alcohol and VP/hexadecene copolymer provide improved resistance to rinsing of the compositions from the skin. The compositions provide for a method of depilation in wet conditions using a tool to apply and remove the compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of formula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use, for the dyeing with lightening effect of human keratin substances, and in particular of human keratin fibres such as the hair, of a composition comprising at least one fluorescent cyanine dye. The present invention allows human keratin substances to be both dyed and at the same time lightened without detriment to said substances. The fluorescent dyes employed in the context of the invention also have high tinctorial affinity for keratin substances and good properties of resistance towards external agents, and especially towards shampoos.

Abstract: Provided is a hair dye composition containing a dissociative direct dye (1): (wherein Ar represents an aromatic group or heterocyclic aromatic group which may have a substituent, Ar? represents an aromatic group which may be substituted by an alkyl group or an electron drawing group, or a specific heterocyclic aromatic group, and W represents an electron drawing group); or salt thereof.

Abstract: A method for preventing color loss from oxidatively dyed hair comprising the steps of: a) contacting said hair with a shampoo composition, said shampoo comprising: from about 5% to about 50% of an anionic surfactant; from about 0.025% to about 5% by weight of a synthetic cationic polymer having a cationic charge density of at least about 3 meq/gm, wherein said synthetic cationic polymer form lyotropic liquid crystals upon combination with said anionic surfactant; and water; and b) rinsing said composition from said hair. An article of manufacture comprises the shampoo composition and is promoted to consumers.

Abstract: The invention provides a dye-containing curable composition that has the property of high sensitivity, and that even when formed into a thin film at high dye concentration, excels in patternability, and is free from dye elution and ensures high productivity; and a color filter making use of the dye-containing curable composition and a method for producing the same. The dye-containing curable composition contains an organic-solvent-soluble dye (A) and a curing agent (C), wherein a content of the organic-solvent-soluble dye (A) is 45% by mass or more based on a total solid content and a content of the curing agent (C) is 20% by mass to 55% by mass based on the total solid content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coloring composition which comprises pigment particles whose average particle size is not more than 200 nm and binder polymer particles. The composition permits the formation of a thin and uniform colored and coated layer on the surface of a fibrous structure without forming any color spot and without impairing the aesthetic properties and the flexibility of the fibrous structure and it has a good color-developing ability and excellent fastness of color. The method for coloring a fibrous structure using this composition permits the coloration of even a mixed material using a single coloring composition and at a single coloration step and the method is quite simple, it can ensure a high working efficiency, a high energy efficiency and quite effective use of water resources and it is free of any environmental pollution.