Abstract: This invention is a torso-body shaped frame vest-like garment that is designed to function as ballistic armor. This garment contains inserts comprised of unitary panels of pliable ballistic material capable of stopping bullets from most handguns. The use of a torso pattern sloper as a base structure for frame design allows this garment to be adapted for all types of wearable apparel besides vests such as jackets, coats, suits, shirts, etc, and allows for an increased range of movement and level of comfort. Unlike most other types of ballistic armor that is concealed by being worn under normal clothing this garment is designed to be used as outerwear that can compliment casual, business, or other professional attire. Its function as fashionable, concealable, and comfortable ballistic armor is achieved by using design methods, sewing techniques, ornamental trim applications, and fabric applications common to high fashion casual and professional attire.

Abstract: This invention covers a method of manufacturing a composite laminate comprising the steps of (a) cutting a plurality of ply shapes from prepreg sheet stock, (b) stacking, in the desired order, the prepreg ply shapes to form a subassembly of from 2 to 8 cut plies, the subassembly further comprising at least 2 different ply shapes, (c) pre-consolidating the subassembly under heat and pressure to form a semi-rigid preform, (d) assembling a plurality of semi-rigid preforms into a mold, and (e) consolidating the plurality of preforms under heat and pressure to form a cured composite laminate. The prepreg plies further comprise from 70 to 92% by weight of a fabric made from continuous yarn having a tenacity of at least 20 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 550 grams per dtex, and from 8 to 30% by weight of a thermoplastic matrix copolymer blend. The composite laminate is particularly useful as an anti-ballistic hard armor laminate in articles such as helmets and other hard armor products.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a body armor vest, equipped with a quick-release system comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a plurality of connectors for releasably attaching the front portion to the rear portion. Each connector includes a ring and a releasable hook, wherein the ring can be releasably clasped by the releasable hook. The protective garment further includes a pull cord, which can be attached to and capable of disengaging, at least two of the plurality of connectors to allow detachment of the front portion from the rear portion.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for use with headgear that includes a headtop and a shield, and a method for coupling the headtop to the shield using the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly can include a housing, a socket dimensioned to be received in the housing and having a plurality of first engagement features, and a post having a plurality of second engagement features adapted to engage the first engagement features. The pivot assembly can further include a spring dimensioned to be received in the housing to bias the first engagement features and the second engagement features into engagement, while allowing relative rotation between the post and the socket. A method can include moving the socket in a first direction into the housing, moving the post in a second direction that is different from the first direction toward engagement with the socket, and moving the spring in the first direction into the housing.

Abstract: A welding protection mask (1) includes a structural part (2) with a viewing opening (3) for the acceptance of a filter element (5) as a visor. To this end at least one insert (6) is designed at an outer surface of the structural part (2) other than the area of the viewing opening (3), which is insertable into the structural part (2) and which covers a section of the outer surface of the structural part. Thereby it is possible to individualize the welding protection masks (1) with limited effort and cost.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics having antimicrobial properties that combat odor and/or resist hazardous microorganisms. The fabrics are particularly suitable for use in clothing and more particularly in protective garments designed to be worn by individuals, such as military personnel and emergency rescue personnel, at risk of exposure to fire and extreme temperatures as well as hazardous substances. The fabrics may be formed in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, incorporating antimicrobial fibers into the flame resistant fabric yarn or by treating the pre-formed flame resistant yarn or fabric with antimicrobial agents in a dyeing or finishing process.

Abstract: A releasable vest having a front panel; front shoulder strap elements that include at least one front shoulder strap attachment opening; a back panel; a first waist belt element and a second waist belt element that are releasably coupled to the front panel and extend from the front panel; at least one release loop that is capable of being passed through an opening formed in at least one of the waist belt elements and an opening formed in the front shoulder strap elements; and a release lanyard that is capable of being passed through the release loop so as to releasably secure the waist belt elements and the shoulder strap elements to the release loop.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the security of medical tubes (including, but not limited to, cannulae and catheters) that are inserted into a patient's internal organ or cavity and/or passed through the patient's skin. Specifically, the invention provides a patient-worn garment in the form of a vest and accompanying apparatuses which secure the tubes in order to redistribute physical and/or gravitational force away from the tube anchoring (or exit) sites (including, but not limited to, suture sites) onto the vest. This minimizes the risk of tug trauma, kinking, and accidental dislodging of the tubes. Thus the invention allows for increased patient mobility during post-operative recovery, after medical device implant(s), and during pre-organ transplant wait periods.

Abstract: Examples of a nursing cover are described, including a sheet having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a stiffener pocket, a first strap and a second strap are disposed along the top edge of the sheet, the first strap and second strap being configured to detachably couple together, and a stiffener housed within the stiffener pocket and being configured to bow outward from the top edge of the sheet, the stiffener comprised of a material comprising a material memory associated with a pre-determined shape, the stiffener assuming the pre-determined shape during a resting state and, when a force is applied, the stiffener is configured to temporarily deform and, when the force is removed, the stiffener reassumes the pre-determined shape, the stiffener having a first end cap formed at a first end and a second end cap formed at a. second end, wherein the stiffener, the first end cap and the second end cap collectively comprise a single member.

Abstract: A disposable isolation hospital gown is provided having a main body and a pair of sleeves. Integrally formed with the hospital gown is a disposable wrapper that is particularly positioned or placed such that the gown can be rolled or folded into a bundle, after which the disposable wrapper is reversed and in the process of reversing the disposable wrapper, the bundled gown is stuffed or placed into the reversed disposable wrapper for disposal.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a branded glove and a method for producing the same. In one embodiment, the branded glove includes an upper portion having a first circumferential edge, and a lower portion having a second circumferential edge, wherein the first circumferential edge of the upper portion joins the second circumferential edge of the lower portion to define an enclosure for placing a hand. The upper portion includes a securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanism secures the hand within the enclosure. The securing mechanism provides a first brand placement area, and the upper portion provides a second brand placement area.

Abstract: Gloves for handling razor sharp materials such as barbed tape, barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire comprise a liner for a hand; an outer shell affixed to the liner; and a plurality of metal fasteners on a palm-side of the outer shell configured in a substantially staggered arrangement.

Abstract: A therapeutic glove is provided whereby a resistive stress relieving article is positioned in or on the glove in order that a user may wear the glove and use the stress relieving article.

Abstract: The convertible mask and cap relates generally to a head cover device for teams, groups, squads, players, companies, troops, sporting events, and more particularly to a unique type of cap that has the option of converting to a face mask when pulled forward from the head to the face.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a sock for substantially covering a foot or footwear. The sock has a wall defining an opening and a recess, the opening leading to the recess. The wall has an inside surface and an outside surface and is flexible, elastic and waterproof.

Abstract: An article of clothing (10) comprising: a first portion (14) shaped to cover at least part of a wearer's groin or buttock region during use and extending into a gusset region of the article, and a second portion (16) shaped to extend around a wearer's body so as to hold the article against the wearer during use. The first portion (14) comprises a carbon textile layer and a backing layer, the filter layer comprising a knitted material comprising activated carbon. The second material (16) comprises one or more textile panels adjacent said first portion (14) and having elasticity greater than the elasticity of the first portion such that the second portion conforms to the shape of the wearer's body.

Abstract: In a goggle lens interchange system, a goggle frame has a ledge on which a lens is removably placed, wherein the ledge is able to be exposed so that a lens of the goggles is able to be removed from the ledge, and another or replacement lens is able to be placed on the ledge.

Abstract: A device and system for protecting a surgically implanted medical port from damage during daily physical activities consisting of a protective shield that may be placed at any location on a port protection shirt.

Abstract: A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap, a plurality of hooks, and an adjustment buckle. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the second end includes a plurality of adjustment holes, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks is attached to an inner wall of the strap, wherein the hooks extend at approximately 45-60 degrees away from the strap. The adjustment buckle is attached to the first end of the strap, wherein the second end of the strap slides through the adjustment buckle to adjust the diameter of the strap.

Abstract: A flexible sink strainer having a cupped body completely comprised of a flexible material including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to pass therethrough, wherein the body is capable of attaining first and second configurations, the first configuration being suitable for capturing material entrained within fluid as it passes through the apertures and the second configuration being suitable for removing material captured on the body as fluid passes through the apertures, is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drain having an opening, the opening having an outboard edge, a cover having an underside having a portion including a downwardly extending curved section and an outer edge, wherein the portion extends a first distance beyond the outboard edge and wherein cover extends a second distance above the drain such that a ratio of the second distance to the first distance is about 1 or less and such that splash and aerosolization from under the cover beyond the cover is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a realistic granite or other pattern on a substrate, such as a sink, bath, or piece of furniture. The apparatus and method may use gelcoat to create a regular or irregular pattern. The apparatus may use pressurized air or gear pumps to pump paint from tanks to a spraying device.

Abstract: An improved water-saving toilet flapper valve (20) that calls for an end to automatic toilet flushing; instead it is operated manually. By manually depressing the toilet flush handle (72) for a desired amount of time, the user regulates the amount of water flushed down the toilet in a single session, thus saving water. A short flush interval or full flush interval can be achieved. This is accomplished by designing the flange body (50) of the toilet flapper valve to house a solid inner core (54) containing a weighted mass (56). This allows the toilet flapper valve to become non-buoyant when submerged underwater in a toilet tank (60). The flange body design is an improvement on prior-art since it acts as a flange to create a positive seal with the valve seat (68) of the toilet tank; thus preventing water leakage. This improved toilet flapper valve design can replace a standard toilet flapper valve without the need of additional tools or costly modifications.

Abstract: A flush toilet is provided having a bowl portion with a bowl-shaped waste-receiving surface and a rim portion the inside wall surface on the top edge of which protrudes inward. A trap pipe is connected to the bottom portion of the bowl portion. A first shelf portion is formed to follow the rim and a second shelf portion is formed on the waste receiving surface below the first shelf portion projecting above the initial accumulated water level. An orifice for issuing water into the first shelf portion and forming a swirl flow in the waste receiving surface is provided along with a second orifice for issuing water into the second shelf portion for forming a flow to swirl water within the bowl portion is further provided with first and second flow paths for respectively supplying water to the first and second orifices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable spa with a throttling system having a throttling parameter, a sequencing parameter, and a time parameter, wherein water is discharged at varying rates and pressures through different sequences of jet groups for an interval of time. The throttling system includes a variable speed pump that supplies water to a manifold associated with a grouping of water discharge jets. The throttling system also includes a throttling module having a plurality of programmed operating modes that control the operation of the variable speed pump for throttle controlled distribution of water consistent with the throttling, sequencing and time parameters. During operation of the throttling system, the variable speed pump, the manifold, and the throttling module collectively interact to supply water to the plurality of jets, whereby the plurality of jets, discharge the water into the shell according to the operating mode and parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a child bath that can be used either as a stand alone bath or as a conversion unit for conventional bathtubs. The child bath includes a vertical front panel and a horizontal top panel with a wash basin that holds a smaller volume of water than a convention bathtub. A support frame provides structural support to the horizontal and front panels. In one embodiment of the invention, the support frame fits within a conventional bathtub and holds the horizontal panel across the top of the bathtub, while holding the front panel in front of at least a portion of the side of the bathtub. In another embodiment of the invention the support frame holds the horizontal panel higher than the height of a conventional bathtub, thereby allowing an adult to stand next to the tub while bathing a child.

Abstract: Soap bar holders having a receiver with walls having inner surfaces which converge and include support features that engage with peripheral portions of a soap bar and hold it in a suspended position across the receiver interior chamber. The receiver is preferably provided with vents which allow air to dry a wet soap bar. The vents may also include multiple vent passages extending through the receiver walls thereby further facilitating drying of the soap bar. The receiver support features may be configured in different shapes. The soap holder may further include a drip catcher in a bottom wall of the receiver to hold any soap and water which may drip from the soap bar. There may also be a base upon to which the receiver sits and it may alternatively be integrated into a sink or other washing fixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drainage trapping device which can prevent waste gas or poisonous gas containing bacteria from flowing backwards. The drainage trapping device comprises a water inlet pipe, a drainage trapping cartridge, a water outlet pipe, a float valve and a retaining component. The drainage trapping cartridge is provided with a water outlet which is connected to the water outlet pipe. A lower end of the drainage trapping cartridge is connected with the water inlet pipe. The float valve is disposed inside the drainage trapping cartridge and hermetically engages with a lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge when the drainage trapping cartridge is devoid of water. The retaining component is disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or in the water outlet pipe, for preventing the float valve from running out.

Abstract: A drain support plate adapted to fasten to a receptacle body of a drain. The support plate includes a body having an inner surface and an outer surface and defining a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the body defines a peripheral edge and the second portion of the body is attached to the peripheral edge of the first portion and axially extends therefrom. The inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the body define an interior cavity. The first portion of the body defines a center passageway spaced radially apart from the peripheral edge and is adapted to receive a pipe. The first portion of the body defines at least one slot adapted to be aligned with the receptacle body for receiving a member for attaching the receptacle body to the body of the support plate.

Abstract: A convertible furniture unit constituted by a sofa having an exposed wall and that can be converted into a folding double bed or into two mutually separate single beds. The conversion from double bed to two single beds occurs in the day version, with the beds arranged vertically, by virtue of the sliding movement on a rail (6) of the two portions (2, 3). The spring-based balancing system, the levers (18) and the fulcrums (22) of rotation are inside the supporting structure. The shoulders (8, 9) of the piece of furniture that embed the sprung bases in the day position are fixed to the sprung bases themselves and, by rotation, become the side boards of the bed in the night position; in this manner, the unit does not have, in the night version, the appearance of exposed wall-mounted furniture. The unit also allows, in the day version, to join without gaps the two seats into a sofa and, in the night version, to join the two single beds to form a double sprung base.

Abstract: A device for assisting a caregiver in lifting and moving a patient. The device comprises a waist belt that includes a separate “glute” strap, which wraps around the patient's buttocks. Both the waist belt and the glute strap are fully adjustable to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. The device may further include a unitary garment member having a plurality of integral, reinforced support straps that enhance the structural strength of the garment member. The unitary garment member includes two flap portions extending laterally on opposing sides of a rear panel section that can be pulled forward and attached to a front panel section transforming the device into a vest-type garment that completely surrounds the patient's torso. The device includes a plurality of strategically positioned hand holds, which provide enhanced leverage enabling a caregiver to more easily assist a patient wearing the device to move from one position to another.

Abstract: An improved sleeping or camping cot construction is provided in which the end rails of the cot frame are pivotally mounted along their center along a channel member so that downward forces on the cot in its normal operating position improves the stability of the cot by forcing the end rails into engagement with the channel member. The channel member also encloses the pivot points of the end rails from inadvertent contact a user during the pivot operation of the end rails.

Abstract: A mummy sleeping bag which allows the user to free his/her arms and upper torso while the hood and lower portion of the bag remains in place. This allows the user to complete tasks outside of the sleeping bag without completely exiting the bag through the hood end.

Abstract: This invention relates to flat bedding top sheets having releasable corner fasteners adapted to releasably secure sheet to an underlying mattress by having male elements placed on one side panel brought into alignment and contact with female elements located on opposite corresponding side panels to form corners. Specifically, the bed sheet of the present invention is a fitted flat sheet having a cutout portions at both of its bottom corners that permit, with the aid of separable fasteners located at the cutout portions, to convert the sheet from a planar configuration to a configuration comprising two pockets adapted to retain the sheet on the mattress. The top sheets of the present invention do not require elastic strips around the corners of the sheets to secure the sheet to the mattress.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved removable cover for a duvet, comforter, or other bedding material that includes an opening along at least two adjacent sides that may further include a hidden closure mechanism running along the length of the opening, and a method for effectively arranging and enclosing the bedding material within the removable cover.

Abstract: A baby pad or surface having baby wipes is disclosed. A stowage section is at one end of the pad or surface. The stowage section has a first storage volume. The stowage section may have a second storage volume. A container of baby wipes is housed in one of stowage sections and dispenses wipes through an opening in the surface of the pad.

Abstract: A multi-purpose hand held tool is provided which allows an individual to perform several tasks and reduces the need for additional tools. Specifically, the tool includes a hammer and a claw with an extension providing additional leverage to the claw for prying objects apart and for pulling nails. Additionally, the tool provides a ring and catches useful for pulling fence wiring, such as barbed wire during the installation of a fence.

Abstract: A multi tool with a handle arranged along a longitudinally aligned axis. The handle has a first end and a second end and a housing for containing a first tool. The multi tool also has a prop which interoperates with the first handle and provides stability against overturning of the multi tool when supporting a device. The multi tool also has a mount which is interoperable with either the handle or the prop. The mount will maintain a device in an upright position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a control method of the same. The control method includes detecting a position of a coupler coupled to a rotor of a drive motor in a first mode in which power from the drive motor is transmitted to a washing shaft and a spin-drying shaft and coupled to a rotation prevention unit of a water tub in a second mode in which the power from the drive motor is transmitted to the washing shaft, determining based on the position of the coupler whether the coupling of the coupler is abnormal, shaking the coupler at a present position or moving the coupler to a position before mode switching and shaking the coupler such that the coupler is moved to a position where the mode switching is to be performed.

Abstract: Fabric conditioning compositions such as those that are typically provided to the consumer in liquid form are disclosed. The fabric care conditioning composition is in the form of a porous, dissolvable substrate. The substrate comprises diester quaternary ammonium compound, water soluble polymer and Remaining Water. The substrate may take any number of suitable shapes.

Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus having a liquid reservoir comprises a body having a drum therein, a liquid spraying means configured to spray liquid into the drum, a reservoir installation portion disposed at an inner upper portion of the body, a coupling means slidably installed in the reservoir installation portion, and a liquid reservoir detachably fixed into the coupling means and having an outlet on a side surface thereof, wherein a cut-out portion communicated with the reservoir installation portion and through which the liquid reservoir passes is formed on an upper surface of the body, and the liquid reservoir is connected to the liquid spraying means by sliding movement of the coupling means.

Abstract: The invention relates to the dyeing of keratin materials using dichromophore dyes with a carbonyl or heterocyclic linker. The invention relates to a dye composition comprising a dye with a carbonyl or heterocyclic linker, and to a dyeing process with a lightening effect on keratin materials, in particular keratin fibers, especially human keratin fibers such as the hair, using said composition, optionally in the presence of a cosmetically acceptable acid or base. It similarly relates to novel dyes and to the uses thereof in lightening keratin materials. This composition makes it possible to obtain a coloring with a lightening effect which is particularly resistant and visible on dark keratin fibers.

Abstract: A method of dyeing a plastic lens includes the steps of applying a sublimation dye to a dyeing substrate, holding the dyeing substrate on a holding member, holding a plastic lens on the holding member at a position above the dyeing substrate, evacuating a vacuum vessel which accommodates the holding member, transferring the dyeing substrate from the holding member to a heating device provided in the vacuum vessel, so that the dyeing substrate is held to be heatable by the heating device, by vertically moving at least one of the holding member and the heating device, bringing the plastic lens in close proximity to the dyeing substrate by vertically moving at least one of the holding member and the heating device which holds the dyeing substrate, and dyeing the target surface of the plastic lens with the sublimation dye by sublimating the sublimation dye by heating the dyeing substrate using the heating device. An apparatus for dyeing a plastic lens is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fitting a cyclist in a cycling shoe is provided. The cycling shoe is engagable in a clipless pedal via a cleat affixed to the cycling shoe. The method includes the steps of compensating for a cyclist's biomechanical malalignments within the kinetic chain involved in cycling by providing a tilt to the cyclist's forefoot and challenging the cyclist with a neuromuscular feedback test as the cyclist uses their foot to apply a force through the cycling shoe to the clipless pedal. The compensation is varied and the cyclist is retested until a favourable response to the neuromuscular feedback test indicates a functional compensation.

Abstract: A loading ramp for a vehicle that includes at least three articulated sections. The ramp is assembled to and stored on a floor of the vehicle. The ramp is extended from the vehicle with at least one section being retained on the floor. The sections outboard of the vehicle are retained in alignment at a ramp angle with the first section being pivoted relative to the last floor retained section to the ramp angle. A power extension and retraction device may be provided that drives the loading ramp reciprocally relative to the vehicle. Side edge guards are provided on the sides of the loading ramp and may be folded over when the loading ramp is stored.

Abstract: A counterbalanced ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. First and second elements are operatively coupled to the ramp portion. When the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the deployed position, the first element moves a first end of a spring toward a second end of the spring as the second end of the spring maintains a fixed position. When the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the stowed position, the second element moves the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring as the first end of the spring maintains a fixed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning an immersed surface comprising a hollow body and members for driving this body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which has a liquid inlet (9) and a liquid outlet (10), a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (10) through a filtering device (11), a handle for operating the body which allows a user to carry it in order to immerse it in the liquid or remove it from the liquid, wherein the liquid outlet (10) is arranged at a longitudinal end of the body, and wherein the operating handle is connected to the body at an opposing end so that, when the body is suspended by the operating handle, it tilts spontaneously under the effect of gravity into an emptying position in which the liquid outlet (10) is located below the liquid inlet (9).

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel that is interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor cleaning machine, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.

Abstract: A paint brush has a handle, a bristle carrier plate fixed directly to the handle, and a plurality of bundles of bristles inserted into the bristle carrier plate through receiving openings.

Abstract: Polish applying and buffing glove (1) comprising at least two parts joined together detachably, namely a polish applying part (2) comprising a backing film (4) to which is affixed a pad (5) impregnated with polish and covered by a peel-off seal (6); and a buffing part (3) shaped like a glove and comprising a bag film (7) to which a buffing pad (8) is affixed.