Abstract: A method includes in one embodiment wearing a first resilient sleeve having a first elbow pad on a first arm of the poker player, positioning the elbow pad between a surface of a poker table and the poker player's elbow of the first arm, and compressing a portion of the first resilient elbow pad between a surface of a poker table and the poker player's first elbow of the first arm to resiliently support the weight of the poker player's first arm on the first elbow pad during play of a plurality of poker games. The method may further include positioning a hot pack or a cold pack in a pocket attached to the sleeve on the first arm during play of the plurality of poker games.

Abstract: Protective elements may include a pair of material layers, a plurality of pad components, and a plate. The pad components may be located between the material layers, and the plate may be positioned adjacent to one of the material layers and opposite the pad components. Similar protective elements may also be utilized with apparel systems. For example, an inner garment may include the protective element, and an outer garment may extend over the inner garment. The outer garment may include an outer pad locatable to extend over the plate, and the outer pad may have a greater area than the plate.

Abstract: A modular snake bite protector assembly is provided comprising shin, calf and instep foot protector modules of curved metal mesh. Some embodiments comprise hook and loop fastening straps to fasten the shin and calf modules together about a user's leg. And some embodiments comprise a flexible leather ankle protector located between the instep foot protector module and the shin protector module in order to resist snake bite to the ankle.

Abstract: The Fitness & Training Weight Suit invention is a stylish one or two piece (jacket and pant) garment made of a specific blend of fabrics for comfort and flexibility. The garment has strategically located weight cells throughout designed not to interfere with normal body movement, clearances and to receive varying amounts of preformed weight material in various areas or no weight at all. The Weight Suit provides added support and directional stability in areas of the weight cells through a cross hatching web fabrication\construction into the garment thus preventing excessive movement during physical activity.

Abstract: Techniques which employ structure-from-motion modeling techniques to produce 3-D models of any desired accuracy of any surface I the techniques, a pattern is applied to the surface to be modeled The pattern includes elements which are unique within the pattern as applied to the surface and which have a density in the pattern such that when two-dimensional images are made of the surface, correlatable features having the density required for the desired accuracy may be extracted from the two dimensional images In one example of the techniques, a consumer may make the images required to produce a model of his or her body by donning a garment with a pattern having the necessary uniqueness and density, and then using any digital camera to take pictures of their body wearing the garment The model may then be produced from the pictures.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an upper garment. More specifically, the present invention relates to an upper garment having a pre-tensioned waistband.

Abstract: The application is directed to self-securing garments designed to be donned quickly and safely secured to the body in a matter of seconds. Described are garments having an opening in the back terminating at two opposite edges. Attached to the outside of the garment is at least one flexible elongated band at least partially comprised of a shape-memory material. A yoke attached to the garment allows at least one elongated band to be placed around the neck of the wearer without risk of contamination. The ends of the band are formed into dual, oppositely wound coils. To use, the wearer puts on the garment as usual and, grasping a flexible coil in each hand, pulls them so that they unwind and elongate while simultaneously wrapping them around the sides of the body. Upon release, the shape-memory material causes the coil to contract, thus embracing the body and holding the garment between the body and the uncoiled band.

Abstract: Sleepwear that increases comfort and flexibility is disclosed. The sleepwear includes an upper garment and a skirt that allows movement of the body of a user without bunching of material or discomfort. The skirt includes a slit or a plurality of slits to allow movement of the fabric and to increase air flow over the body of the user.

Abstract: A hockey shirt suitable for being worn by a hockey player and comprising (a) a torso portion having a head opening and a lower trunk opening; and (b) first and second sleeves, each of the first and second sleeves comprising biceps, elbow and forearm portions and a gripping zone provided on one of the biceps, elbow and forearm portions. The gripping zone is made of a material having a coefficient of friction sufficient for preventing movement between the hockey shirt and a hockey elbow pad worn by the hockey player.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for decreasing breath condensation on a facial garment or covering. In one aspect, for example, a system for creating a breathing space between a facial covering and a subject's mouth and nose can include a facial covering operable to at least partially encircle at least a portion of a subject's head and/or neck and a facial spacer operable to be removably positioned between the facial covering and the subject adjacent the subject's mouth and nose. The facial spacer is free to move relative to the facial covering when the facial covering is in position adjacent the subject's mouth and nose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toe sock to cover the hallux comprising: a woven hosiery, where said woven hosiery covers the entire hallux and snugly fits over the hallux; and a decorative design on the top portion of the woven hosiery. The toe sock according to the present invention may be manufactured of a stretchable material such as cotton or spandex. In another exemplary embodiment, the toe sock may be designed to cover any foot digit. In another exemplary embodiment, a group of toe socks may be designed where each toe sock fits exclusively over each individual toe digit.

Abstract: A method of decorating a fabric article such as a t-shirt or sweatshirt. The method comprises the steps of first creating a design upon the surface of the article, for example by applying a heat transfer to the article, then coloring the design using a washable ink and finally washing the fabric so that the ink is removed from the fabric article but the colorable design is retained. In this manner the present invention provides a method of providing a fabric article with a design that may be temporarily colored, washed, and then re-colored in a substantially different manner if the user so wishes. The method is particularly suitable for use with cotton fabric articles. Washable ink pens are preferred for colorizing the design.

Abstract: A pocket in the shape of a glove made of fabric and intended to be sewn inside the front panel of a garment such as jeans, trousers, shorts and/or skirts, particularly useful to allow the wearer of the garment to place their hand inside the pocket and use their gloved fingers to touch, scratch and/or adjust their genitals comfortably while concealed from view by casual observers within close proximity.

Abstract: A chinstrap assembly includes a chin protector coupled to protective headgear, such as a helmet, through a substantially inelastic strap member and a shock absorbing device. In the event of an impact on the protective headgear, a mechanical impulse is transferred from the headgear through the strap member and shock absorbing device to the chin protector. A maximum value of the mechanical impulse as received at the chin protector is moderated by the shock absorbing device.

Abstract: There is disclosed headwear comprising an endothermic reactor and a trigger to initiate an endothermic reaction in the reactor whilst being worn on a wearer's head. Such may preferentially be utilised in or in conjunction with a motorcycle safety helmet or similar crash protection device. The headwear is intended to prevent or delay the onset of brain damage as a result of serious trauma or head injury.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first surface configured to attach the apparatus to a second surface of another object, and a plurality of elongated nanofibers. Each nanofiber has one end connected to the first surface and an opposite end extending away from the first surface. The plurality of elongated nanofibers is configured to adhere to the second surface by nanoadhesion when brought into contact with the second surface.

Abstract: Swimming goggles are provided which include a hard combined frame, a soft left frame and a soft right frame receiving lenses therein, and hard buckles. The hard combined frame includes a first assembling frame, a second assembling frame, and a connecting member connecting the first assembling frame with the second assembling frame. The soft left frame and the soft right frame are respectively assembled on the first assembling frame and the second assembling frame. The hard buckles are respectively assembled on the first assembling frame and the second assembling frame for accommodating a head strap. The connecting member has first portions with bendable flexibility for fitting to users' nose profiles. The first assembling frame and the second assembling frame have second portions with bendable flexibility on parts of side edges thereof for fitting to users' face profiles.

Abstract: A chemical protective fabric garment includes a first fabric layer, and a barrier layer bonded to the first fabric layer. The barrier layer includes a nonwoven membrane that is formed of fibers with embedded particles having one or more detoxifying properties, such as being absorptive of hazardous gases and/or being catalytically destructive of hazardous gases.

Abstract: A toilet draping is formed by folding a plastic bag in half lengthwise and cutting a suitably shaped and sized opening in a medial location of the bag. In another aspect of the invention, a keyhole-shaped opening is formed in an impervious sheet to form a toilet draping.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a valve assembly for selectively sealing a drainage aperture. The assembly is configured for seating within the drainage aperture such a flow of matter that would otherwise enter the drainage aperture passes through the valve assembly prior to release into a wider drainage network. The valve assembly includes a diffuser component for defining a primary chamber. The diffuser component includes one or more apertures formed therein for passing a portion of the flow from the primary chamber to a secondary chamber. The position of the one or more apertures defines a lower portion of the primary chamber in which sediments are collected. A body component defines the secondary chamber, the body component being positioned relative to the diffuser component to receive the portion of the flow from the primary chamber.

Abstract: A waste pumping system is provided that includes a tank having a floor, a body, and a tank inlet. Embodiments include those wherein the system includes a first designated area formed by a first baffle portion and the body, a second designated area formed by a second baffle portion and the body, and a third baffle portion for directing material toward the first designated area. In some embodiments, the system includes a pump substantially disposed within the first designated area and a sensing system substantially disposed within the second designated area for activating the pump when material within the tank reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A toilet bowl system comprising an electric spigot, an electric valve, and a control unit for controlling said electric spigot and said electric valve, and for operatively synchronizing said electric spigot with said electric valve.

Abstract: A traveling toilet apparatus for both male and female users to relieve themselves of waste is provided. The traveling toilet apparatus comprises a hollow receptacle having a top surface and a bottom surface. An opening is formed in the top surface. A cover is movable to cover the opening. An aperture is formed in the hollow receptacle between the top surface and the bottom surface. A cap is positionable over the aperture wherein a user can relieve themselves in the hollow receptacle through either the opening or the aperture and wherein the opening and aperture are closable to maintain waste inside the hollow receptacle.

Abstract: A movable sink is provided with a body which is connected with a discharge element. The movable sink also includes at least one sink and one moving device, and the sink is located inside the body and is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to the discharge element, and the moving device is located at a bottom of the body. After a water supply has been replenished from the inlet, the movable sink can be moved to any place to provide the water supply by the moving device.

Abstract: A bunk bed having a staircase and chest unit that can be mounted to either end of the bunk bed frame. The staircase opens to the front side of the bunk bed whereas drawers pull outwardly in a direction from the end of the bunk bed. The drawers may be mounted to either end of the bed frame with the drawers being reversible.

Abstract: A patient transfer device has an annular swivel ring rotatably mounted at one end of a base and located above a non-slip surface of that base, while the base rests on a support surface by means of a second non-slip surface. A hand-hold is located closely adjacent another end of the base so the overall device is stable and has a large non-slip surface presented both toward the user and toward the support surface; however, the device is not so large as to be cumbersome to maneuver. Thus, a balance has been made between stability and maneuverability and the locations of the hand-hold and the swivel are chosen to achieve this result. The covering of both the top and bottom surfaces of the base with non-slip material also permit the device to stably support a user while remaining as small and maneuverable as possible.

Abstract: The instant invention is an inflatable, portable crib, comprising: a bottom most member parallel to the floor, at least one vertical member operationally connected to said bottom most member, at least three struts arranged around the perimeter of the bottom most member, and at least one horizontal member, said horizontal member(s) connecting at least two struts toward the tops of the struts, and said horizontal member(s) operationally connected to said vertical member(s), wherein said vertical member(s) and said bottom most member create an enclosed space; and wherein said struts and horizontal member(s) consist of an outer shell of dimensionally stable material and at least one inner bladder; and when said inner bladder(s) are inflated with air under pressure, said struts and vertical member(s) create a rigid structure for supporting said enclosed space.

Abstract: A portable bed assembly of a disc and an elongate support, and the disc has a body having a central hole having an axis, and the central hole being sized for slidably receiving the elongate support, with the disc body and the elongate support having a cooperable flexibly mounted retractably extendable lock pin and the disc body has two transversely disposed through holes for receiving the lock pin and locking the elongate support in the disc body and preventing rotational movement of the elongate support in the disc body.

Abstract: An internal corner structures for mattress foundations that sit at each corner between the frame and the grid. The rigid member contains a base, body and grid support deck. The base member sits atop the foundation frame and contains two flanges that overlap the frame and guide the positioning of the internal corner structure relative to the frame. The body structure supports the grid deck and has a rounded exterior profile to provide a rounded smooth contour to the mattress foundation corners, and has a plurality of square shaped openings that extend in both a vertical and horizontal direction. The grid support deck sits atop the body structure and provides support to the mattress foundation grid, and has engagement clips that engage and position the grid and an edge guard that functions to disperse a load and protect the engagement clips from impact.

Abstract: Provided is a heating and sterilizing apparatus. The heating and sterilizing apparatus for a bed mattress having a surface sheet constituting a top surface, a built-in elastic member for elastically supporting the surface sheet, and walls forming a front surface, a rear surface, and both side surfaces includes a mattress body providing a inner space, the mattress body having an installation hole, in which a portion of either side surface thereof is cut, a partition disposed inside the mattress body to partition the inner space defined inside the mattress body, a case disposed on the installation hole defined in the mattress body, and a heating and sterilizing part disposed in the case to heat and sterilize the inner space of the mattress body partitioned by the partition and calculate air within the inner space of the mattress body.

Abstract: Devices and methods for managing the contaminants to which an individual's face is exposed when sleeping or resting on a pillow and/or pillowcase. The device may comprise a disposable pillow cover configured to receive a pillow and/or pillowcase therein such that an individual need not rest his or her head directly against the pillow or pillowcase. This may be beneficial to travelers, persons suffering from skin disorders or patients who are recovering from medical or cosmetic dermatologic procedures and thus have compromised skin. At least one embodiment of the methods disclosed herein comprises the steps of providing a disposable pillow cover, wrapping at least a substantial portion of a pillow and/or pillowcase within the disposable pillow cover to provide a barrier between the individual's skin and the pillow and/or pillowcase, and using the disposable pillow cover to prevent contaminants from coming into contact with the individual's skin.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation reactor for the treatment of wastewater. The electrocoagulation reactor typically engages a DC power source and a source of wastewater to be treated. It has a housing with walls and a wastewater inlet, and a treated wastewater outlet. There is at least one anode/cathode pair of oppositely charged spaced apart plates that engage the power source to charge the anode with a positive charge and the cathode with a negative charge. Between each anode/cathode pair is at least one segmented intermediate plate, which is not engaged to the power source of electrical energy, and which intermediate plate is segmented into multiple segments, which multiple segments lay generally in the same plane.

Abstract: A patient support device of a radiation therapy treatment system includes an electromechanical motor and control system for moving the support device. The control system utilizes regenerative braking concepts, converting the motor into a generator as the support device is moved such that no matter the load, the support device will be moved at a constant speed. The control system also allows for moving of the support device in the powered off situation (i.e., when there is no power to the support device).

Abstract: A negative pressure care bed, including at least a worktable, an armrest, a rocking bed having an upper bed surface and a lower bed surface, a mattress, a body including an upper part and a lower part, multiple excretion holes, a pair of trousers, a bed pan, a waste container having an inlet and an outlet, and a noise reduction oven. The upper part is connected to the lower part via a hinge. A first lifter is disposed on the upper part. A groove is disposed at the bottom of the negative pressure care bed and formed via the worktable and the armrest. The rocking bed is disposed on the groove via multiple bearing supports. The excretion holes are disposed on the mattress and on the lower bed surface of the rocking bed. The trousers are disposed on the excretion hole. The bed pan is disposed in the excretion hole and on the trousers.

Abstract: An apparatus has a back section, a center section pivotally connected to the back section so that the back section is movable between a first position coplanar with the center section and a second position approximately perpendicular upwardly relative to the center section, a leg section pivotally connected to the center section so that the leg section is movable between a straight position coplanar with the center section and a bent position approximately perpendicular downwardly relative to the center section, a cushion slidably positioned on the center section so that the cushion is movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the cushion between the backward position and the forward position.

Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongate pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to rest at a back side of the individual when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual. The attachment structure provides sufficient flexibility to allow the pillow to rotate with respect to and rest against the individual's back to a laterally offset and suspended configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine.

Abstract: A cushion designed to alleviate or counteract the so-called forward head posture and/or its effects has a region sized and shaped to fit between a user's shoulder blades when the user lies in a supine position on a bed, a table or floor and the cushion is placed under the user's thoracic spine, especially upper thoracic spine. The height and/or firmness of the cushion is selected to cause the head and shoulders of the user to sag towards the substrate, thus counteracting the so called forward head posture and its effects, as well as opening the user's chest for improved wellness. And a therapeutic method for helping user reverse forward head posture and relieve its effects such pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

Abstract: A baby crawling aid is provided that includes a flat, rectangular pillow having a removable, washable cover for the pillow. The cover has a top side and a bottom side, and two opposite edges. Two flat straps are attached to the cover, each strap having an attachment means located distal from the cover. When the cover is placed on the pillow, the cover fits closely around the pillow and the straps extend outward from the pillow from the two opposite edges and may be attached together with the attachment means around the mid-section of a baby positioned on the pillow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire resistant composite materials and to fire resistant fabric materials and mattresses made therefrom. The composite materials include (a) a substrate selected from the group consisting of cotton, rayon, lyocell, wool, silk and blends thereof; and (b) a coating consisting essentially of water, ammonium polyphosphate, binder material and cellulose filler material. The binder material bonds the ammonium polyphosphate and cellulose filler materials together and to the substrate such that the substrate is coated with the coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire resistant composite materials and to fire resistant fabric materials and mattresses made therefrom. The composite materials include (a) a substrate selected from the group consisting of cotton, rayon, lyocell and blends thereof; and (b) a coating consisting essentially of water, ammonium polyphosphate, binder material, cross-linking material, aluminum trihydrate, prefarbricated microcells, thickener material, a surfactant, surfactant-generated microcells and a catalyst. The binder material bonds the ammonium polyphosphate, cross-linking material, aluminum trihydrate, prefarbricated microcells, thickener material, surfactant, surfactant-generated microcells and catalyst together and to the substrate such that the substrate is coated with the coating.

Abstract: A sleep support system including: a sleep support member having an inflatable member, wherein the inflatable member communicates with a first connector and a second connector, and a control unit having a terminal; wherein the terminal is configured to be connected to the first connector, if the sleep support member is in a first position, and wherein the terminal is configured to be connected to the second connector, if the sleep support member is rotated to a second position. Accordingly, a sleep support member having zoned support characteristics can be conveniently rotated without losing the proper zoned effect.

Abstract: Stepped-edge and side-support members, systems, assemblies, and related methods for an innerspring assembly or other core are disclosed. In one embodiment, an innerspring assembly or core is provided having an interior area of a first height surrounded by one or more exterior, perimeter area(s) of shorter height(s) to provide a stepped-edge innerspring assembly or core. At least a portion of side-support members are placed onto at least a portion of the top surface of the perimeter area to provide edge-support for the innerspring assembly or core. In this manner, a greater portion of the side-support members can be disposed in the sleeping area of the innerspring assembly or core since the underlying perimeter area provides spring support to the side-support members. Further, this support can assist in retention and/or recovery of the shape of the side-support members to further prevent or reduce compression set of the side-support members.

Abstract: A portable tool kit comprising a self-releasing clasp such that the clasp is released as a main body is rotated about a handle axle from a closed position to an open position with reference to a handle assembly. The main body and handle assembly cooperate to wholly enclose a set of tools when in the closed position. When in an open position, the tools of the main body are exposed to selection and rotation about a rivet of the main body cooperating with a biasing device of a biasing rivet of the main body to hold the tool in place. When fully extended, the main body and handle assembly permit the selection of a plurality of tools such as Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers of different sizes for extension from within the main body for use. Moreover, lamps may be provided on either end of the handle assembly for illuminating a work area.

Abstract: A method for spinning and washing aramid fiber and for recovering sulfuric acid by (a) spinning an aramid polymer from a sulfuric acid spin dope to a yarn and coagulating the yarn in a coagulation bath having an inlet for water or diluted sulfuric acid and an outlet for sulfuric acid enriched water; (b) washing the yarn with water to obtain a washed yarn and a washing water containing sulfuric acid; (c) recycling the sulfuric acid enriched water and optionally the washing water to a sulfuric acid recovery unit; (d) increasing the sulfuric acid content of the recycled sulfuric acid enriched water, and optionally the washing water, by evaporation to obtain 20 to 98% sulfuric acid and water; (e) mixing the 20 to 98% sulfuric acid with oleum to obtain 98-105% sulfuric acid; and (f) recycling the 98-105% sulfuric acid to the spinning unit for use as sulfuric acid spin dope.

Abstract: There is provided a process of dyeing yarn or cloth comprising fibres, comprising dyeing at least part of the fibres with at least two types of dyestuff that dye the same fibres substantially the same colour. One of the types of dyestuff chemically bonds with or is at least partially incorporated into the fibre structure and the other type of dyestuff does not chemically bond with or become at least partially incorporated into the fibre structure.

Abstract: A humic substance dispersion fluid is obtainable by at least milling at least one of a humic substance and a humic substance derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compounds, which are molecular combinations of a phthalocyanine and a mono-azo dyestuff linked via specific linking groups and to a process for their preparation. Further aspects are shading compositions using these compounds.

Abstract: A thermal barrier system for a dock leveling system includes an insulative blanket is dimensioned to be larger than the ramp plate of a dock leveler system at a loading dock. The insulative blanket is removably attached to at least a portion of the door when positioned over the ramp plate. The insulative blanket can be attached to the door when the door opens, lifting the blanket out of the way during loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, poly-styrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Data is transmitted between an electric toothbrush and an external terminal, for example, a data processing and/or display unit, in some cases through an adapter connected to the toothbrush handle in place of a releasable attachment such as a brush head or application substance container. In some cases the data is transmitted wirelessly, such as in accordance to a wireless USB standard.