Abstract: The muff with insulated holder for beverage container is an article of wearing apparel comprising of an elongated tubular member used to keep the wearers hands warm joined with a recess and pouch in which a beverage container can be placed and held. In practical use of the article of wearing apparel the hands of a wearer can be inserted into opposite ends of the muff, with either or both hands holding the recessed beverage holder, or pouch. Here the beverage can be supported as the muff and the beverage are lifted to the mouth allowing the wearer to drink.

Abstract: A glove has fingers. The glove include a spaced thumb. The glove includes an arcuate lower edge. The glove includes an opening located centrally. The glove has upwardly projecting side edges. A web is secured between the thumb and fingers. In this manner an arcuate upper edge is formed. The glove has an insert. The insert has limited flexibility. The insert is in an arcuate configuration. The insert is secured within the glove. The insert has ends. A width line is provided between the ends. An enlarged pocket is provided in the glove. Stiffener is provided below and a width line above.

Abstract: A garment protector is configured to absorb moisture and to thereby preserve a garment of a user. The garment protector can have a pad attached to the garment. The pad can absorb moisture and reduce or prevent moisture from staining the garment. The garment protector can have multiple layers to perform these functions. The garment protector can have one or more application channels. The application channel can span a seam and the associated cross-stitching of a garment so as not to add bulk at the seam that a pad would if over the seam.

Abstract: A hat formed of a casing having a pliable wire incorporated at its base opening to provide an adjustable snug fit. The wire may be bent to an appropriate configuration by the user to draw the base opening close to the neck. Hook ends of the wire may be used as grasping points or may be latched together beneath the user's chin. Also, a single or dual cords may be used with the wire to aid in its bending to a desired configuration. The single cord may be incorporated into the face opening of the hat to provide a restriction to the face opening under draw control by the wearer, and also be used to wrap about the wire ends to manipulate the configuration of the wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved garment for keeping babies, children and adults warm when in a seated position and more particularly, though not necessarily, to an improved blanket for wearing when in a chair, buggy, wheelchair or the like. It is known to use a blanket to provide warmth to the legs of a wheelchair user. Typically, the blanket is placed upon the thighs; warmth my thereby be retained by the user, albeit be subjected to draughts. However such a blanket is often at least one of bulky, loose, ill fitting, and draughty. Also, it may be dangerous because it may slip off and get caught around the wheelchair wheels, and would be liable to cause an accident. Also, an ordinary blanket often does not provide adequate heat to the user's legs. While parts of the user's legs may be warm there are many gaps allowing any heat that had been retained to be lost. Also when the blanket falls off, all heat will be lost.

Abstract: Neckbands of woven shirts, particularly when worn with a necktie, dispose abrasive seams on the wearer's neck, place pressure on the wearer's neck, and are constructed with multiple abutting layers of fabric which retain an uncomfortable amount of body heat on the wearer's neck. A resilient and compressible material (16) is added between inner neckband (14) and outer neckband (12) and is fully-enclosed within the finished neckband. Once upper neckband seam (20) is sewn to connect collar (10) to inner neckband (14) and outer neckband (12), material (16) is placed between inner neckband (14) and outer neckband (12) and adjacent upper neckband seam (20). Material (16) is held in position by either support seam (18) or lower collar seam (22) which attaches inner neckband (14) and outer neckband (12) to the shirt body (26).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foamed polymer is disclosed, the method comprising, providing a precursor dispersion comprising a precursor of a gellable polymer, particles of a water-swellable polymer and water, and gelling the gellable polymer to form a solid polymer. The method may be used to manufacture a garment, especially a glove. Also disclosed are gloves comprising a liner and at least one foamed polymer layer coated on the liner the foamed polymer layer comprising micropores formed by water swelling and contraction of particles of a water swellable polymer and mesopores formed by gas incorporated in the foamed polymer.

Abstract: A recovering sleeve adopted for a hand or a foot comprises an outer film made of an anti-permeation material and including an opening disposed thereon to put a hand or a foot therein; an inner absorbing layer including nutrition liquid attached thereon and covered on an inner side of the outer film; a banding member mounted on the opening to tightly band the opening, thereby recovering the hand or foot effectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved plexifilamentary sheet material useful in protective apparel and filtration media, which material is comprised of substantially continuous polyethylene plexifilamentary fiber strands and has a Frazier Permeability, normalized to 1.0 oz/yd2 basis weight, of at least 2 cfm/ft2.

Abstract: Multi-ply materials comprise at least two metalized layers on at least one textile, produced by (A) applying onto at least two textile surfaces, in the form of a pattern or uniformly, a formulation comprising at least one metal powder (a) as a component, (B) depositing a further metal on the textile surfaces, (C) combining with one or more plies of textile which may likewise each be metalized.

Abstract: A helmet and shoulder pad combination is provided with an improved helmet support and restrictor to minimize rearward hyperextension and whiplash-type head movement as well as axial compression.

Abstract: A protective device is provided for protecting the back of a wearer against injury. The device includes an array of support elements that extend along the wearer's back adjacent his spine and is held in position on his back by attachment means, which can include a neck brace attached to the upper end of array, a chest strap, a waist strap and/or webbing that are spaced apart axially along the array. The support elements are attached to each other in such a way that they can move relative to each other to allow free, but limited bending, extension and contraction of the array, but the connection means between the elements is configured to prevent further movement between them once a predetermined limited movement has taken place, so that the array becomes practically rigid and can bear further loading that may otherwise have been born by the spine.

Abstract: A collar for protecting the neck of a user, useful in particular for motorcycle riders, is envisaged, said collar comprising two half-collars which are pivotably hinged together at one end so as to be rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane and which can be connected together by means of a fastening and release lever, a safety structure which at the rear extends downwards from the bottom edge of the collar so as to be centred with respect to the spinal column of the user, and a protective shield which extends downwards at the front. The safety structure has a breakable structure made of the material with an impact strength lower than the material forming the collar so as to break in a programmed manner in the event of impacts following falls.

Abstract: A urinary directional device for improving the directional urination and health of a male user is provided, in which the device comprises a conduit for the passage of urine and having a proximal end adapted for engagement with the penis of the user and a distal end having a distal aperture to enable the passage of urine from the conduit, the device having an interior surface providing one or more of a cleansing, an anti-bacterial or antiseptic or an anti-fungal function whereby the penis of the user can be cleansed by wiping on the interior surface of the device after urination and the device optionally further comprising a health detection indicator capable of indicating abnormalities in urine indicative of disease or health-related conditions.

Abstract: A toilet booster platform for use with a regular toilet that helps children or people with disabilities to reach a regular toilet seat. The toilet booster platform is ideal for use in any home to help children maintain and learn coordination and balance, and to gain confidence while learning to use a regular toilet. The toilet booster platform is placed around the base of a toilet to assist children in safely reaching and using a traditional toilet seat to potty train. The toilet booster platform can be in the shape of a horseshoe, or other shape that places a platform area wherever a child might naturally place a foot while sitting on the seat of the toilet. The toilet booster platform shape also fits snugly against the front base of the toilet. The toilet booster platform includes a top non-slip surface.

Abstract: A splash guard assembly for removable attachment to a split-ring toilet seat elevator or split-ring toilet seat includes a base splash guard adapted to fit within the gap of the seat or elevator and a raised splash guard adapted to slip over the base splash guard to extend the working height of the splash guard assembly. The splash guards can be used together or separately and independently to accommodate a wide variety of toilet bowls as well as split-ring and solid-ring toilet seats and seat elevators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method to convert a single flush toilet system to a multi-flush system. The system comprises of a flush selector that allows user selection of at least two flush modes, a flush water volume adjuster for each flush mode that allows the user to adjust the volume of water that flows from the water tank to flush the toilet bowl for each flush mode, a lifter that lifts the flapper of the toilet and allows water to flow from the water tank to flush the toilet bowl, and a hydraulic power source that powers the lifter to allow the adjusted volume of water to flow from the water tank to the toilet bowl and to flush the toilet bowl.

Abstract: The Portable Bidet is a specially designed fixture to be connected to existing toilet plumbing, through which a light burst of water is dispensed for use in cleansing the body following use of the facilities.

Abstract: A bedpan comprises a body member defining a reservoir, the reservoir being shaped and dimensioned for receiving bodily waste, the body member including a receptacle portion shaped for receiving therein a bedpan liner and an open support section including a central opening providing access to the reservoir defined by the body member. The support section is defined by a peripheral wall extending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the central opening into the reservoir. A bottom wall may or may not be provided at a bottom of the peripheral wall. If it is provided, it is defined at a downward edge of the peripheral wall opposite to the central opening to close a bottom of the reservoir. At least one handle is provided for insertion and removal of the bedpan under a patient's buttocks, the handle including an opening extending through at least one of the bottom wall (if present) and the peripheral wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door assembly for a walk-in bathtub. The invention includes a door that fits within a door threshold in a wall of the walk-in tub. The door assembly further comprises a hinge assembly that includes a first axis mount coupled to the door threshold and a second axis mount coupled to the outer side of the door. A double axis hinge is coupled to both axis mounts, thereby connecting the door to the bathtub. The double axis hinge opens the door to the inside of the tub by pivoting about the first axis toward the interior of the bathtub as the door in turn counter rotates about the second axis at the distal end of the hinge, in the direction opposite to that of the hinge.

Abstract: A hollow pedestal bed end for a rise and fall patient's bed is made of reduced width to fold over the mattress frame and pass through a door opening. The inner faces of the paired bed ends each have a slot through which a mattress frame bracket projects. A wheeled carriage inside the bed end rides on an upright guide and the bracket projects from the guide. The rise and fall motion is supplied by a linear actuator whose small movements are multiplied by a third order lever. The frame is thus lifted by a pair of such pedestal ends.

Abstract: A convertible bassinet has a frame with a bottom and spaced apart sides extending from the bottom. A first chamber is attachable to the frame and has a first bottom panel and a first plurality of walls with a first minimum wall height. A second chamber is attachable to the frame and has a second bottom panel and a second plurality of walls with a second minimum wall height. The frame can be arranged in a first position resting on one of the sides and supporting the first chamber and in a second position resting on the bottom and supporting the second chamber. The second minimum wall height in one example is greater than the first minimum wall height. A first elevation of the first bottom panel is greater than a second elevation of the second bottom panel in another example.

Abstract: The patchwork baby blanket is especially adapted for use by infants and toddlers. The blanket incorporates patches or sections that are detachably connected to create the blanket. The sections are fabricated from soft, pliable, washable material. The sections are decorated with colors and designs that are pleasing to infants and toddlers. Fasteners are provided around the perimeter of each section so that the sections can be easily interlocked.

Abstract: A patient line management device to manage one or more patient care lines is provided. The line management device includes a line manager coupled to a support. The support is adapted to be coupled to a patient support such as a hospital bed.

Abstract: An operating table has a column on which a table top is supported so that it is pivotable about an axis extending transversely to the table top and about an axis extending longitudinally to the table top, with the table top being connected to the column via joint parts which are rotatable.

Abstract: A massage table (210) for supporting a person above a surface (16) during a massage includes a table top assembly (212) and a headrest assembly (224). The table top assembly (212) includes a table aperture (212A) and the headrest assembly (224) is positioned substantially within the table aperture (212A). The headrest assembly (224) can include a headrest (232) that supports a head (25B) of the person during the massage and a coupler assembly (234) that couples the headrest (232) to the table top assembly (212). The headrest (232) includes a support frame (236) and a resilient assembly (238). The resilient assembly (238) is positioned substantially above the support frame (236) and is supported by the support frame (236). The support frame (236) and the resilient assembly (238) cooperate to adjustably support the head (25B) of the person during the massage.

Abstract: An operable stabilization device for a rescue stretcher and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention is especially but not exclusively used in an aircraft rescue of an injured person that is carried in a rescue stretcher suspended from a helicopter by a cord. The stabilization device is configured to adjust direction of a downward airflow from a main rotor of the helicopter to control rotation of the rescue stretcher, and includes a manually operable stabilization sail configured to accept the airflow, an airflow passageway configured to allow and direct the airflow through the stabilization sail and an airflow regulator configured to restrict the amount of airflow being accepted by the airflow passageway.

Abstract: An improved support for use by a pregnant woman to achieve greater comfort while resting or sleeping on her side. The support comprises two pillows connected together by a piece of stretchable fabric. The pillows are shaped to provide greater comfort to the woman, especially over long periods of time, compared to prior designs that employ rounded pillows. Different types of foam are used for the two pillows to tailor the degree of support for the part of the woman's body that is being supported by each pillow. The stretchable fabric enables the support to adapt to the growth of the woman during pregnancy (particularly late term pregnancy). The support may be assembled into a compact, attractive unit for storage.

Abstract: A bedding product including an upper surface defining a sleeping position, a plurality of capsules, each including a phase change material, a first layer including latex foam and the plurality of capsules distributed throughout the latex foam, at least one second layer adjacent below the first layer, and wherein the first layer is less than about 2 inches below the upper surface.

Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is the method of use as well as a device or fixture for positioning and manipulating a patient's lower extremity for surgical and diagnostic procedures where alignment is critical and minute adjustments may be required. Once firmly attached to the operating table, the device prevents the patient's extremity from moving after the physician has selected the precise position for the elected procedure. This is achieved by a combination of a fracture reduction plate, posts, shimming blocks and an articulating and rotating frame or cradle with an adjustable and lockable rack and gear configuration and pivot joints attached to a foot assembly which acts as a leg and foot splint. The cradle is attached to the patient via a series of adjustable straps preventing the extremity from moving independently of the cradle.

Abstract: A mattress includes reduced-firmness materials along a central region thereof in order to mitigate the occurrence of a central ridge following repeated use of the mattress as a sleeping surface. An associated box spring may also, or instead, present a central region with reduced firmness. An adjustable member may be employed to controllably compensate for the development of a central ridge.

Abstract: In an air mattress (1) including a plurality of levels of air mattress layers (5, 7) which are vertically stacked, in each of the levels of air mattress layers (5, 7), flexible hollow air cells (43, 23) each extending along the width of the air mattress (1) are arranged in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction of the air mattress (1), air cells (43, 23) in each of the upper air mattress layer (7) and the lower air mattress layer (5) are divided into a plurality of groups such that the air cells (43, 23) are expanded or contracted in units of the groups by supplying or discharging air to/from these air cells (43, 23).

Abstract: A fisherman's tool includes a housing having front and rear ends, a finger side having a plurality of channels for receiving a user's fingers, a thumb side opposite the finger side, and opposed proximal and distal sides. A knife is coupled to the housing for movement between a storage position stowed in the housing and a use position outside the housing. A user input is in data communication with the motor for selectively activating the motor. The fisherman's tool includes a rotatable actuator operatively coupled to the motor whereby the actuator rotates relative to the housing when the motor is activated, the actuator having a distal end with opposed arcuate walls to engage a fishing reel. A battery is in electrical communication with the motor.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose tool that may provide the utility of a plurality of tools at a reduced weight and volume through the interchangeability of distinct tool attachments. A multi-purpose tool may comprise an elongated member including a handle and a plurality of universal connectors, wherein each universal connector is adapted to securely attach to a plurality of distinct tools, a first distinct tool including a first universal connector securely mated to one of the universal connectors of the elongated member, and a second distinct tool including a second universal connector securely mated to another of the universal connectors of the elongated member. A plurality of tool attachments may be attached to and removed from the elongated member in order to provide a specific utility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the processing of animal skins to create leather and results in improved leather quality, in terms of softness, and markedly increased area yield. According to the present invention there is provided a process for improving area yield and/or softness of leather which comprises treating chromium (III) or aldehyde tanned skins with an enzyme composition which is a mixture of at least one protease and at least one elastase. The invention applies particularly, although not exclusively, to clothing leather and upholstery leather production.

Abstract: A permanent body epilation process comprising a step for skin preparation, for cleansing and degreasing the cutaneous layer of the skin, and a step for the application, by means of a poration machine, of a liquid solution that comprises the active ingredient lauryl isoquinolinium bromide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to one embodiment for operating a laundry treating appliance includes determining a parameter representative of a rotational speed of laundry in a drum and determining a laundry load size based on the parameter.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment relates to a method for operating a washing machine having a heating unit, wherein the heating unit comprises a carrier and at least one planar heating element disposed thereon. At least one first heating element is attached to the carrier in a planar manner, wherein the carrier has a recess extending in the longitudinal direction in the center region. The washing machine has a washing machine barrel and a drum therein, wherein the heating unit is displaced at the bottom in the washing machine barrel outside of the drum. A heating element is provided on the outside of the carrier in the region of the recess in the region along an apex, or along an apex of the recess, wherein only said heating element is operated in the region of the recess for creating steam in the washing machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dyeing composition comprising, in a medium appropriate for dyeing: A) one or more specific cationic cellulose ether(s), B) one or more metasilicate(s), and C) one or more benzene, heterocyclic or naphthalene oxidation dye(s). The present invention also relates to a method for dyeing keratinous fibers employing such a composition and to the use of this composition for the dyeing of keratinous fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thiol/disulphide azo quinolinium compounds for dyeing keratin fibres. The invention relates to a dye composition comprising a particular thiol/disulphide azo quinolinium chromophore-containing thiol or disulphide dye, and to a process for dyeing keratin fibres such as the hair, using said composition. It similarly relates to novel particular thiol/disulphide azo quinolinium chromophore-containing dyes and to the uses thereof in dyeing keratin fibres. The dyeing process according to the invention makes it possible to dye keratin fibres without damaging them, in a manner which is particularly persistent with respect to shampooing operations and common attacks. Moreover, the novel dyes according to the invention extend the colour range to violets and blues. This process also makes it possible to dye bleached keratin fibres in a strong and chromatic manner.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a mechanism for cleaning the interior surfaces of pipes/tubes. The mechanism comprises a power transfer shaft, a power generator, a power transmission means attached to the power generation means and the power transfer shaft, an electrical valve and pump, an electrical unit to generate a dynamic force, a controller for remote force controlling, a liquid guidance system integrated to the power transfer shaft, a movement conditioner for the power transfer shaft; and at least one cleaning tool removably attached to the power transfer shaft. The at least one cleaning tool includes a predefined structure to convert a turning movement of the cleaning tool into a rotational movement of the power transfer shaft for cleaning of the deposits in the pipe/tubes without any damage to an internal body of the pipe & tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning tool for a cleaning device, the cleaning tool being subject to wear during operation. In order to make it easier to identify wear, the invention proposes that the cleaning tool comprise a sensor device with a sensor element which has a physical characteristic variable which changes as a function of the degree of wear of the cleaning tool. The invention also proposes a cleaning device having such a cleaning tool, the cleaning device having a detector device which is coupled to the sensor device for the purpose of sensing the change in the physical characteristic variable of the sensor element, and having an indicator device which is connected to the detector device.

Abstract: A mobile robot operable to move on a surface in a room is provided. The mobile robot includes a shell and a chassis including at least two wheels. At least one motor is connected to the wheels for moving the mobile robot on the surface. A cleaner is operable to clean the surface as the mobile robot moves on the surface. A wall sensor is operable to detect a wall in the room as the mobile robot moves on the surface. A controller is operable to control the motor to move the mobile robot on the surface in accordance with a wall following mode and a bounce mode. In the wall following mode, the mobile robot moves generally adjacent to and along the wall in response to detection of the wall by the wall sensor. In the bounce mode, the mobile robot moves away from the wall.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle having a neck. A head is mounted to the neck and has a first surface and an opposed second surface. At least one fixed tuft block is mounted to the head in a fixed orientation and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A movable tuft block is flexibly connected to each fixed tuft block and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A drive assembly is operably connected to the movable tuft block to move the movable tuft block with respect to each fixed tuft block.

Abstract: A rotatable root saw blade for routing through a sewer line for purposes of cutting debris or roots from the interior wall of the sewer line includes a body having an arcuate portion having a forward cutting edge which moves along a substantially circular path when rotated, and the forward cutting edge defines a series of V-shaped teeth therealong. Each V-shaped tooth has a leading cutting edge and a trailing edge which meet at an apex. The leading cutting edge of each tooth is substantially parallel to the direction of axial movement of the saw blade along the length of the sewer line, and the trailing edge of each tooth forms an angle with the direction of axial movement of the blade which is between about 22° and 63°. Furthermore, a notch is defined between each successively-arranged pair of teeth wherein the notch has a depth of between about 0.5 and 1.0 inches as measured from the apex of an adjacent tooth.

Abstract: A bolt brush includes a housing, a scraper and a ring plate. The housing has a holding space which is provided with an opening at an end and emplaces the scraper, an inner wall of the housing, close to that opening, is surrounded with a ring groove, and a side of the scraper is provided with plural brush hairs. The ring plate is locked in the ring groove, a side of the ring plate is an opening, and more than one pick-up member is formed close to that opening.

Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush includes a head, tooth cleaning elements and tissue cleansing elements. The tooth cleaning elements may be provided on a first face of the toothbrush head while the tissue cleansing elements may be disposed on a second face of the head. The head may further include one or more splits that provide flexible and non-flexible regions. Various configurations of splits may be used to create different effects such as more responsive flexion, regions of differing flexibility and/or different degree of flexion.

Abstract: A replacement head for an electromagnetic toothbrush drive includes a mechanical linkage assembly for converting linear drive motion into rotational movement of the brush head. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a fixed shaft and a lever arm that extend between a movable bottom member and a fixed top member, and a link member rotatably connected to the top member and the brush head. The lever arm pivots about a fulcrum formed in the top member, and engages the link member. When the bottom member oscillates as a results of the actuation of the electromagnet in the drive unit, the lever arm pivots about the fulcrum and drives the link member to rotate in an arc shaped pattern. The rotation of the link member consequently rotates the brush head.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a mechanical vibratory element and a head having a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning effect. In one aspect, the invention is a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head connected to said handle by a neck element; a mechanical vibratory device which causes the head to vibrate; and wherein said head comprises movable elements attached thereto for providing an enhanced cleaning effect upon vibration of said head by said mechanical vibratory element.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a top side, an opposite bottom side, a head on which tooth cleaning elements are provided, a handle having walls and a recess, and a neck which connects the head to the handle. The recess is located on the side of the handle opposite the side having the tooth-cleaning elements and is open only toward the bottom side so that the handle walls bordering the recess form an inverted u-shaped cross-section.