Abstract: The present invention comprises an article of clothing that is easier to put on or remove. In one form of the invention, the article of clothing is a shirt having arm holes and a neck hole. A seam along one side of the torso and extending along an arm hole at that same side is separable to make it easier for the wearer to put the shirt on or take it off. In other examples of the invention an additional seam along the shoulder and extending to the end of the arm hole is also separable so that one entire side of the shirt may be opened for easier removal. In other forms of the invention, a similar seam and closure means is provided on other articles of clothing such as pants, coats, socks, or others.

Abstract: A towel wrap is formed with a main towel drying section with two towel tie extensions extending outwardly from the upper corners of the towel section. Once the towel wrap is wrapped around and encircled about the user's body, the tie extensions are inserted into cutout openings through the towel section and then tied together to retain the towel wrap on the user.

Abstract: A pair of underwear for use by a male includes a fabric fashioned to form a boxer-brief type undergarment, the fabric having a bilateral symmetry and including a front panel. A rear panel is formed within the fabric and positioned immediately behind the front panel to form an internal pocket. A slit-shaped portal is formed within the rear panel for providing access to the internal pocket for depositing a scrotum and genitalia of the male. Finally, an external pouch extending outward from the front panel is provided as a depository for the genitalia of the male. The boxer-brief type undergarment minimizes perspiration and irritation, absorbs accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and eliminates exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of the male. A thin layer of absorbent material can be included to minimize the effects of accidental leakage.

Abstract: A goaltender's blocker has a blocking pad resiliently attached to a goaltender's stick-hand glove, such that the glove is movable from a neutral or unstressed position toward to a displaced position nearer the lower end of the blocking pad. The blocker incorporates biasing means tending to return the glove to the neutral position. This construction allows the glove to traverse downward relative to the blocking pad when the blocking pad is pressed against a playing surface such as an ice hockey rink, thus making it easier for a goaltender to perform the paddle-down manoeuvre or to pick up a dropped hockey stick in a comfortable, economically correct, and technically sound manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to silicone articles, specifically molded silicone gloves, and methods of making of the silicone gloves. The silicone gloves may optionally comprise a reinforced material. The silicone gloves may have heat resistance and slip resistance and can retain shape after deformation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved shape of a headwear, and more particularly, to a headwear manufactured so that various patterns expressed on the headwear are appeared as if to be hidden and thus give feeling of beauty to the user to increase sense of beauty of the headwear. The headwear according to the present invention is constructed with a crown part or a main body of the headwear fabricated of a plurality of panels; and a visor part attached to a front lower portion of the crown part, wherein some panel of the panels of the crown part includes two panels which overlap on each other and are attached to each other, and the inner panel thereof is partially cut and according to a user's intension and the cut portion is removed from the inner panel, and the cut shape is shown from the outside of the crown through the outer panel.

Abstract: The inside of the multifunctional prosthetic scarves are prepared with polyurethane templates that allow the wearer to attach strips of real human hair onto them. The scarves give a realistic appearance and a firm secure fit. The multifunctional prosthetic scarves fit well without a tight or pressured feeling on the scalp reducing humidity build up on the scalp which prevents the scalp from sweating and causing irritation to the skin. The multifunctional prosthetic scarves' comfortable and distinguished feel allows the wearer to adjust the appearance by providing an appearance of having a full head of hair. Other head coverings provide a simplistic appearance for the person who is going under chemotherapy but may be uncomfortable and appear artificial. Although the velcro hair may appear to provide some hair it is a small amount of hair it provides. These headwear accessories are constraining and do not allow the scalp any breathing room causing the scalp to sweat.

Abstract: A sock which reduces and substantially eliminates creasing of the instep of footwear, such as shoes, sneakers, boots or the like when worn with such footwear. The sock includes conventional sock portions, such as an ankle portion, a heel portion, a toe portion and an instep portion, and at the instep portion one or more pads are provided such that when the sock is worn the pads override the instep of the foot of the wearer and underlie the instep of the footwear of the wearer. Pressure created during walking or running is transferred from the foot through the crease reducing pad or pads to the instep of the footwear thereby reducing or eliminating creasing thereof.

Abstract: A sleep-aiding device for restricting stretching of a wearer's legs to full extension to reduce leg muscle cramping during sleep includes an adjustable belt worn about a wearer's waist during sleep, with leg members extending between the belt at the wearer's waist and attachment at lower portions of the wearer's legs, generally below the wearer's knees, e.g. in a particular implementation by engagement of the wearer's feet through end loops positioned midway between the toes and ankle. The leg members have predetermined lengths between the belt and attachment at the lower portions of the wearer's legs that are adjustably selected to restrict stretching of the wearer's legs to full extension during sleep.

Abstract: A method and kit for communication using a leg covering. The method includes: selecting a one or more graphical displays presenting a desired message; removably coupling the graphical display via a coupling mechanism to a thigh portion of a leg covering normally covered by another article of clothing; and selectably displaying the graphical display. The one or more graphical displays may comprise a game; evoke a particular emotional response; include textual or graphical images; and/or may comprise a color contrasting to the leg covering. The kit for communication using a leg covering includes a leg covering and a communication system which includes: one or more graphical displays and a coupling mechanism. The one or more graphical displays may be removably coupled to a portion of the leg covering selected from the groups consisting of: a thigh portion, a calf portion, a shin portion, and a knee portion.

Abstract: A helmet having a shell configured to fit about a head of a wearer of the helmet. The shell includes a top portion that defines a front edge and a bottom portion adjoining the top portion. The bottom portion defines a first side edge integral with a first end of the front edge and a second side edge integral with a second end of the front edge. The front edge, first side edge, and second side edge define a segment of a circumference of the shell. The helmet includes a faceguard comprising a faceguard assembly formed in a substantially closed loop. A top portion of the faceguard assembly overlies the top portion of the shell and substantially overlies and coincides with an entire shape of the front edge. At least a segment of a top portion of the faceguard assembly makes direct contact with the top portion of the shell.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed include a method and device for the display of information on a facemask used by the participants in sporting events. An embodiment comprises a means of applying text or graphical information to the crossbars and vertical bars of a facemask and having the user of the helmet wear the facemask in the usual manner and a means to display the information.

Abstract: A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet bowl; a toilet seat; and a hinge pivotally connecting the toilet seat to the toilet bowl, the hinge including a base portion connected to the toilet bowl, the base portion being made of a relatively rigid material; a leaf portion connected to the toilet seat, the leaf portion being made of a relatively rigid material; and a living hinge portion pivotally connecting the base portion to the leaf portion, the living hinge portion being made of a relatively flexible material.

Abstract: An automated toilet seat used in combination with a toilet. It comprises a housing assembly. A motor assembly has a motor that is housed within the housing assembly. The motor assembly also comprises a control box that has a switch and an electrical wire that extends from the control box to a sensor. The sensor comprises an optical switch that emits a continuous laser-beam. A moving arm assembly has a shaft having a fixed sleeve at a distal end. Extending from the fixed sleeve is a connector, and extending from the connector are first and second arms that are mounted to an underside of a seat of the toilet. Automatic toilet seat lifting/lowering means comprise the continuous laser-beam being interrupted to activate the motor to engage the moving arm assembly to lift the seat to a lifted position or lower the seat to a lowered position.

Abstract: An automatic hinge module and apparatus for opening and closing a toilet bowl. The module includes: a motor, which generates a driving force; a housing, of which one end is coupled to a body of the motor; a drive shaft, which is rotatably coupled to the housing, and which has one end coupled to an output shaft of the motor, such that the centers of rotation of the drive shaft and the output shaft coincide, to allow the drive shaft to transfer the driving force to the exterior; and a spring, one end of which is coupled to the housing, and the other end of which is coupled to the drive shaft, such that the spring provides an elastic force to the drive shaft in a direction of rotation of the drive shaft. Using this module, the cover and seat of a toilet can be opened and closed automatically.

Abstract: A toilet bowl plunger includes a fluid reservoir for containing a disinfectant fluid and a fluid dispensing mechanism for dispensing the disinfectant fluid from the reservoir out from the toilet bowl plunger upon activation by a user.

Abstract: A method or apparatus to restrain hair entrapment or body entrapment in a suction fitting or an existing faceplate of a suction fitting on a whirlpool bathtub, spa or swimming pool. The device may include a filter, or a cover, or a suction housing or a combination thereof. The filter or cover will not restrict a water outlet fitting by more than a certain percentage, if at all, when a specified amount of a specified test dirt is running through the cover or filter.

Abstract: A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert is provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes a flexible sheet material bathtub liner. The bathtub liner has an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface. The bathtub insert includes an air and/or water conduit having an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow and/or water flow. The air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a control panel for a bathing installation includes a housing with a peripheral wall defined by a plurality of overlapping arc-shaped wall portions, and a top cover portion attached to the top edge of the peripheral wall and including a flange portion extending outwardly from the peripheral wall and including a flange lower surface adapted to be secured to a surface of a bathing installation tub surrounding a panel mounting opening in the tub.

Abstract: The present invention is a display apparatus for affixation to a shower or bath water supply piping or incorporated within a shower, or bath or faucet head, in an aesthetically pleasing format and comprised of fabrication materials e.g., a polymeric or metallic bases with chrome, brass white or colored finishes or combination of these finishes and materials of construction. The display apparatus includes a power generation, CPU or microprocessor, temperature sensor and/or water flow sensors, timing circuits and a display means. The display means can be an analog or digital display or combination of display means. Ergonomically placed buttons can be incorporated into the display means to change parameter units (e.g. metric to US), set alarm conditions (e.g. temperature over set point, time past a set point, flow rate set points). The display means must be able to provide sufficient lighting in shower conditions. In addition, the display means must be able to sustain capability in moist wet conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a sink cover including a body portion having a drain sleeve thereon that is positioned in engagement with the drain of a sink. The sleeve is engaged with a collar the holds the body portion in the sink over the drain, and allows the body portion to be rotated. A shroud is connected to the body portion or the collar at one end and to the edge of the sink at the opposite end to provide a continuous surface over the surface of the sink that directs fluids and other materials on implements being cleaned over the sink cover through cover and into the drain opening without contacting the surface of the sink.

Abstract: The inflatable air mattress is placed on top of a conventional mattress, and is retained in place by straps that are secured to the bed frame. In the preferred embodiment, the inflatable air mattress includes a pair of identical chambers, the chambers being of rectangular shape and separated by a hinge line. Each chamber is divided into several, parallel cells, and a separate air pump is connected to each chamber. When energized, the pump forces pressurized air into the chamber and rapidly fills same. As the chamber is filled, it expands and is capable of rotating a patient positioned thereon, through a 90° arc of motion. With the intervention of a health care worker, or a nurse, the patient may then be rolled over from his front to his back, or vice versa.

Abstract: A foam bed for toddlers that is constructed entirely of non-toxic, soft and durable foam material. The foam bed consists essentially of a flat base portion which has its entire perimeter enclosed by one or more side panel portions that have an operative height attached integrally to the base portion by an attaching means.

Abstract: An infant cradling device having a curved support member such that the support member can be rocked side-to-side. Preferably, the upper surface of the support member is provided with a layer of padding, and both are preferably encased within a removable cover that is washable. An infant seat is provided on the upper surface at one end of the device, the seat formed as a waistband and a crotch member positioned on the upper surface of the cover whereby two leg holes are defined to receive the legs of the infant therethrough. Preferably, a hand strap or pocket is provided on the rear of the device to secure the device when held.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bed framework is described which includes an upper bed frame and a lower bed frame that can fold between a usable position and a stowed position. The upper bed frame is connected to a stationary support frame so as to pivot and slide, minimizing the height of the upper bed frame in the stored position.

Abstract: A wheel-mounting device comprises a pair of attached plates each having a substantially flat surface. The flat surface of each plate has therein an elongated indentation including an inwardly projecting dimple element. The dimple elements hold in position a shaft of a wheel. The flat surfaces abut and the indentations are aligned and face each other to form a cavity with an open entryway that receives the shaft of the wheel.

Abstract: A mattress system has a cover, a crib, and a fluid bladder system. The crib surrounds the perimeter of the fluid bladder system and the cover overlies the top surface of the crib and fluid bladder system. The fluid bladder systems provide at least one conventional bladder therapy to a patient positioned on the mattress system. The fluid bladder system interconnects to the crib to not form a hammock effect so the crib functions as a restraint. The fluid bladder is also designed to bottom out to form an exterior cavity. A second cushion is inserted into the exterior cavity and positioned so the crib continues to function as a restraint. The second cushion provides a therapy to the patient that is different from the fluid bladder system.

Abstract: A fitted mattress covering for a mattress includes lower edge portions, which may be inverted J-shaped portions, mirror-image inverted J-shaped portions, portions that terminate at an end, or inverted U-shaped portions. The covering side and end portion lower edges may join one another to form a continuous lower edge of the covering. For the J-shaped portion, an elastic binding may be disposed under a downwards folded portion. The elastic binding may extend at least partially along the length of the lower edge of the covering. An elastic band may be disposed at each corner of the covering and extend diagonally across the associated corner and have opposite ends secured adjacent one of the side portions and adjacent one of the adjacent end portions, respectively. The bands may be secured in place by stitching and/or by supplementary securing means to ensure that the bands do not pull away from the covering.

Abstract: A fitted mattress covering for a mattress includes lower edge portions, which may be inverted J-shaped portions, mirror-image inverted J-shaped portions, portions that terminate at an end, or inverted U-shaped portions. The covering side and end portion lower edges may join one another to form a continuous lower edge of the covering. For the J-shaped portion, an elastic binding may be disposed under a downwards folded portion. The elastic binding may extend at least partially along the length of the lower edge of the covering. An elastic band may be disposed at each corner of the covering and extend diagonally across the associated corner and have opposite ends secured adjacent one of the side portions and adjacent one of the adjacent end portions, respectively. The bands may be secured in place by stitching and/or by supplementary securing means to ensure that the bands do not pull away from the covering.

Abstract: A fitted mattress covering for a mattress includes lower edge portions, which may be inverted J-shaped portions, mirror-image inverted J-shaped portions, portions that terminate at an end, or inverted U-shaped portions. The covering side and end portion lower edges may join one another to form a continuous lower edge of the covering. For the J-shaped portion, an elastic binding may be disposed under a downwards folded portion. The elastic binding may extend at least partially along the length of the lower edge of the covering. An elastic band may be disposed at each corner of the covering and extend diagonally across the associated corner and have opposite ends secured adjacent one of the side portions and adjacent one of the adjacent end portions, respectively. The bands may be secured in place by stitching and/or by supplementary securing means to ensure that the bands do not pull away from the covering.

Abstract: A fitted mattress covering for a mattress includes lower edge portions, which may be inverted J-shaped portions, mirror-image inverted J-shaped portions, portions that terminate at an end, or inverted U-shaped portions. The covering side and end portion lower edges may join one another to form a continuous lower edge of the covering. For the J-shaped portion, an elastic binding may be disposed under a downwards folded portion. The elastic binding may extend at least partially along the length of the lower edge of the covering. An elastic band may be disposed at each corner of the covering and extend diagonally across the associated corner and have opposite ends secured adjacent one of the side portions and adjacent one of the adjacent end portions, respectively. The bands may be secured in place by stitching and/or by supplementary securing means to ensure that the bands do not pull away from the covering.

Abstract: A chiropractic head cushion. The head cushion is used in combination with a chiropractic table having a frame and having a pair of oppositely spaced cushions affixed to the frame. The oppositely spaced cushions define a channel therebetween. The head cushion comprises a top side, a bottom side, and sidewalls connecting the top side and bottom side. The bottom side has a protrusion that extends outwardly from the bottom side wherein the protrusion is removably insertable within the channel and rests upon the pair of oppositely spaced cushions such that when the patient rests upon the cushioned surface the removable head cushion uniformly supports the patient's head across the channel.

Abstract: The pillow includes at least two substantially identical pillow shell layers secured to each other around the peripheries thereof. Each layer has corner configurations defined by approximately straight, inwardly directed tapered end portions of adjacent edges, which meet at corner points, wherein the angle between the meeting end portions of adjacent edges is in the range of 120°-140°.

Abstract: There is realized a configuration in which, even when pressure is concentrated, the pressure can be adjusted based on accurate and precise detection of pressure distribution, thereby providing sleeping comfort. An air mattress device has a sensor that detects the distribution of pressure applied to an elastic sheet, by means of light emitting parts and light receiving parts of optical fibers uniformly distributed in the elastic sheet. Based on pressure distribution detected by the sensor, the air mattress device adjusts the amount of gas filled in an air mattress. The sensor can be disposed above the air mattress of the air mattress device.

Abstract: A self-contained gatching mattress having a gatching mattress sleep deck, a first air bladder cushion, a second cushion material, a control box having an air pump system and a manifold, a conduit distribution unit, a sliding bridge, and a cushion material positioned above the sliding bridge and the control box. The sliding bridge forms a gap area for conduits to extend from the control box to the conduit distribution unit which decreases the chances of the conduits being kinked or altering the cushion's tissue interface pressure to patient's positioned on the cushion when the sleep deck is gatched and/or portions are retracted or extended.

Abstract: An overlay for a patient support is provided. The overlay is coupled to an air supply and includes an air permeable three-dimensional fiber network. The overlay is integrated into or coupled to the patient support in some embodiments.

Abstract: A mattress comprising asymmetrical coil springs with nonlinear spring rates provides comfort to users with different weights. The lower portion of the spring is cylindrical and the upper portion is conical or frustoconical. This arrangement causes the spring to undergo linear compression before undergoing nonlinear compression. The result is a mattress that is sufficiently soft for lighter users and sufficiently firm for heavier users.

Abstract: A multi-purpose utility tool which may include an elongated body member configured to slidably house a tool bit mounting device inside of the body member. The body member may be operable to receive the tool bit from within the body member and to expose the tool bit for use outside of the body member. The tool may also include a support device slidably cooperating within the body member. The support device may cooperate with the mounting device for rotatably holding the mounting device within the body member. In addition, the tool may include a locking device which also slidably cooperates within the body member. The locking device may also slidably mate with the support device and lock the support device within the body member at a desired location within the body member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a class of polyesters that are lightly crosslinked polyesters made by reacting alkoxyglyceryl units (linked by the reaction of their hydroxyl groups) to the carboxyl group of dimer acid. As will become clear, lightly crosslinked as used herein relates to reactions in which there is an excess of hydroxyl groups on a molar basis to carboxylic groups on the dimer acid. The polymers and a contribute softness, lubricity and antistatic properties when applied to hair, skin, textile fiber and paper.

Abstract: A drum washing machine is provided to automatically wash out dirt on the door of the washing machine upon an operation of the washing machine. The drum washing machine comprises a cabinet having a door unit; a tub disposed inside the cabinet, the tub being configured to store water; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub; and a circulator for simultaneously or selectively spraying wash water into the drum and toward the door unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a motor, the method comprising: operating a motor at a first speed; operating the motor in negative slip; imbalancing at least one phase of the motor to dissipate regeneration energy using windings of the motor; and wherein a next motor speed is decreased to a speed less than the first speed. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also presented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining a measurement of a portion of a load in a basket that is rotatably supported provided, the method includes: a) determining, a dry load measurement; b) spinning, the basket that is rotatably supported in order to gradually remove the liquid from the load, wherein the liquid is removed substantially by centrifugal force on the basket that is rotatably supported; c) determining a wet load measurement, wherein the dry load measurement is less than the wet load measurement; d) comparing the dry load measurement to the wet load measurement to determine a remaining liquid measurement; and e) repeating c) and d) until the remaining liquid measurement substantially is within a predetermined percentage threshold of about 0 percent to about 50 percent of the wet load measurement.

Abstract: In tunnel-type washing machines (10) for commercial laundries, the main-wash liquid is heated by steam in particular. This means a steam-generating system is required in the laundry. The invention makes provision for the main-wash liquid to be heated up by means of a flow heater, preferably a heating device (26) which has a gas burner (28). As a result, the tunnel-type washing machine (10) can also be used in laundries which do not have a steam generating system. The invention also makes provision for the gas burner (28) of the flow heater to be operated continuously since treatment liquid which is required for other purposes, preferably treatment liquid which is temporarily stored in a storage tank (31), is heated up after the main-wash liquid is heated up. Uninterrupted, economical operation of the gas burner (28) is ensured as a result.

Abstract: The present invention concerns coloring keratin fibers, especially human hair, with colored metal complexes.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprising i) 1-70% of an anionic or nonionic surfactant, ii) 1-75% of a builder, iii) 0.001-5% of at least one compound of Formula (1) wherein R represents a C1-C4alkyl residue and M represents hydrogen or an alkali metal cation, optionally with further FWA's, iv) 0-30% of a peroxide, v) 0-10% of a peroxide activator, vi) 0-5% of a bleaching catalyst and vii) 0-5% of an enzyme, each component by weight, based on the total weight of the detergent composition, use thereof for domestic washing of textile fibre materials and a process for the fluorescent whitening of textile materials.

Abstract: A system for transporting a span on a road vehicle capable of being transformed into an amphibious vehicle enabling crossing of a dry or water-filled gap by any road vehicle. The vehicle for transporting the span is amphibious to allow any vehicle to cross a gap filled with water by transferring and transporting the vehicle on the span supported on the amphibious vehicle operating as a floating ferry. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of civil or military engineering.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes an elongated frame sized and shaped to extend between a first door and a second door aligned opposite each other on opposed sides of a vehicle; a first sectional ramp section having a first end and a second end; and a second sectional ramp having a first end and a second end. The first sectional ramp is slidably moveable along the frame from a stored position to a deployed position on either of the opposed sides of the vehicle. The second sectional ramp is positioned adjacent the first sectional ramp and is slidably moveable along the frame from a stored position to a deployed position on either of the opposed sides of the vehicle. The ramp assembly also includes a first locking mechanism coupled to the first end of each of the first sectional ramp and the second sectional ramp; and a second locking mechanism coupled to the second end of each of the first sectional ramp and the second sectional ramp.

Abstract: A painting tool for attachment to an extension has a head attached to one end of a handle. The other end of the handle terminates in a threaded female adaptor which mates with a threaded male adapter on the extension. The head can be a brush head containing bristles or sponge material or, in the alternative, the head can support a scraper blade for cleaning surfaces prior to painting. Another embodiment provides a combination hammer/scraper for attachment to an extension for use on painting surfaces.

Abstract: The Present Invention is a class of pads used for both cleaning and scouring. The pad has one or more usable faces and may have one or more unusable faces. Alternatively, all faces of the pad may be usable. The pad is sized conveniently to fit into the palm of a person's hand. The usable faces are also sized to enable manual washing of dishes, scouring of pots and pans, and cleaning of surfaces. Each usable face comprises a plurality of diverse materials. At least one of these materials is sponge-like, and at least one of these materials is suitable for use in scrubbing or scouring. However, all of these materials are on the same usable face. The user does not have to turn the pad over to access one material in place of another. All washing, cleaning, scrubbing, and scouring may be accomplished from contact with a single face of the pad.

Abstract: An applicator device includes a primary handle and a detachable handle. The applicator device also includes a telescoping element situated between the primary and detachable handles, the telescoping element having a first end coupled to the primary handle and a second end coupled to the detachable handle. The detachable handle is removably coupled to the telescoping element second end. An applicator arm is pivotably coupled to the detachable handle. An applicator is coupled to the applicator arm. In addition, the telescopic element includes at least one telescoping section selectively movable between a position inside the primary handle and a position outside the primary handle. A pad is removably coupled to the applicator.