Abstract: A lower back support can be configured to attach to a ballistic vest. The lower back support can be configured to endorse true lordosis of the lumbo-sacro region of the spine, cooperate with the ballistic vest to provide passive resistance to forward being of a wearer, and/or enhance proper posture of a wearer. The lower back support can be configured to provide ballistic protection, such as to the lumbo-sacral spine. Thus, discomfort such as lower back pain can be mitigates for personnel such as soldiers and police officers who wear body armor.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting fingers from an injury caused by axial trauma, such as may result during participation in fast pitch softball, includes a finger shield comprising a portion that extends over the end of a wearer's finger. The finger shield is coupled to a palm-plate, which is for being disposed adjacent to the wearer's palm, via a coupling portion. The coupling portion is disposed between the finger shield and the palm-plate for transferring a substantial portion of the force of a significant impact occurring at the end of the wearer's finger to the wearer's palm via the palm-plate.

Abstract: An apron, towel and bath wrap drying garment to help a caregiver bathing an infant or toddler stay dry and keep the infant or toddler warm immediately after the bath. As an apron for the caregiver, the present drying garment closes behind the neck and waist of the caregiver (with secure Velcro fasteners and optional elastic adjustable attachment for the waist) and can be easily removed. Two slits are appropriately present in the garment allowing the caregiver to slide the caregiver's arms through them when taking the infant out of the water, allowing the safe removal of the infant from the water with both hands, while preventing the caregiver from getting wet. These slits also become placeholders for the toddler's arms when the garment is folded into a bathrobe. A method is provided to wrap infants and form a bathrobe for toddlers to keep them warm until changed.

Abstract: A safety suit including a torso portion and a ring anchor. The torso portion includes a front portion, a back portion and fibers that run vertically through the torso portion. The ring anchor is disposed on the back portion and the fibers are attached to the ring anchor. The fibers extend away from the ring anchor into arm portions and/or leg portions connected to the torso portion.

Abstract: Patterns for bodies and sleeves are devised to reduce the pull of the bodies from the sleeves when an arm is moved up, down, forward and backward. In an upper garment 1, portions 67 and 87 to be sewn to a first sewing reference position 6 on a front body 2 in a front portion to be sewn 54 in a front sleeve portion 51 project toward the front body 2 relative to a shoulder point SP, and project toward the front body 2 relative to a boundary point 65 between the front portion to be sewn 54 and the first end portion to be sewn 6, and portions 72 and 89 to be sewn to a second sewing reference position 12 on a back body 3 in a back portion to be sewn 55 in a back sleeve portion 52 project toward the back body 3 relative to the shoulder point SP, and project toward the back body 3 relative to a boundary point 70 between the back portion to be sewn 55 and the second end portion to be sewn 12.

Abstract: The invention provides a garment (12) for stimulating the human body to trigger desired responses in selected physiological systems. The garment (12) includes a flexible structure that is configured to extend in close proximity around part of the body and includes inwardly extending protuberances (14) in locations corresponding to activation areas on the human body, for triggering desired responses IN selected physiological structures.

Abstract: A glove (10) for use by sports people and tradesmen includes a partial hand covering portion (12) having openings through which fingers and thumb can protrude. There is also a wrist covering portion (14) connected to the hand covering portion. The hand and wrist covering portions are adapted to absorb sweat. The glove also includes gripping means (18) formed on the palm side of the hand covering portion, and means for retaining the position of the glove during hand movement at locations where the hand covering portion meets the fingers and thumb and where the wrist covering portion meets the arm.

Abstract: A hat to which an MP3 music player is connectable in the field of daily-used items is provided, which includes a hat body. An earphone is respectively disposed at two sides of the hat body. Connecting joints are disposed at outer sides of positions corresponding to human ears on the hat body. Connecting pieces corresponding to the connecting joints are disposed on the earphones. A connecting wire between the two earphones is disposed within the hat body. A slot for accommodating the MP3 music player is provided on the earphone at either of the two sides. An input plug of the earphones is disposed in the slot. The input plug is electrically connected to the earphone at the corresponding side. When the device is used, the MP3 music player can be connected to the input plug in the slot and no connecting wire is exposed outside. The earphones at the two sides can be pulled out from the connecting joints, so that only the connecting joints are left on the hat body, which is neat and clean.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sock, in particular for use during sports, said sock comprising cushioned sections. A ventilation channel (16), which is preferably positioned between at least two parallel cushioned sections (21), is situated on the dorsum of the foot (17).

Abstract: A pad for a garment includes a one piece structure comprising interconnected elements made from a compressible material. The elements are arranged such that, when the pad is in a non-deformed state, each element is spaced apart from adjacent elements by a void. The elements are interconnected such that, when the pad is deformed, a zigzag arrangement of at least three elements is formed and/or a void enclosed by at least two adjacent elements expands.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a posture aid apparatus includes a protective helmet having a shell including a face opening and a crown, a strap bracket coupled to the shell intermediate the face opening and the crown, and at least one strap coupled to the strap bracket. The at least one strap has a first connector adapted to be coupled to a first shoulder pad of a pair of shoulder pads and a second connector adapted to be coupled to a second shoulder pad of the pair of shoulder pads, such that proper posture for contact is promoted.

Abstract: A novel attachment on a toilet system for a male user to raise a toilet seat (100), by depressing a pedal (30) with a foot and then releasing it, while standing well balanced on his second foot, so that he can urinate comfortably with both feet on the floor; and then to lower same seat (100) by depressing same pedal (30) and releasing it; with all these actions done with no startling noise against the water tank (104) or the toilet bowl rim. The dual operation of the same pedal (30) can provide a timely flushing of the toilet automatically when seat (100) is lowered, without hand touching any part of the toilet system. The attachment can add, with a secondary pedal (140), a hands-free flushing system that can be operated without moving toilet seat (100) when it is already in the lowered position. All manual toilet-system operations are preserved.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes an outer flange and a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) extending downwardly therefrom. The flexible sleeve has a sufficient degree of flexibility to accommodate connection between offset, misaligned, angled, or otherwise incongruous plumbing fixture discharges and waste drain pipe outlets. In one embodiment, the flexible sleeve includes at least one corrugated portion to aid the desired flexibility. An upper portion of the flexible sleeve may include an inwardly extending lip portion to accommodate the desired seal between the plumbing fixture discharge and the flange apparatus. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described.

Abstract: A flush regulator for a toilet tank for regulating the outflow therefrom through an outlet, said regulator including a valve without buoyancy, said valve adapted to close said outlet, a connector connected at one end to said valve and a body of buoyancy at another end of said connector above said valve, said valve adapted to close said outlet when the water level in said tank reaches the upper edge of said body of buoyancy and said buoyancy and valve fall to close said outlet wherein said toilet tank includes an overflow pipe wherein said body of buoyancy is connected to the overflow pipe by a plurality of attachment points and wherein the height of the body of buoyancy is varied by attaching the body of buoyancy using one of the plurality of attachment points so as to adjust the height of the body of buoyancy relative to said valve.

Abstract: A toilet water saving device comprising a pump, an input pipe, an output pipe and an actuator. The pump removes fluid from the toilet bowl upon activation, taking it in via the input pipe and pumping it out through the output pipe and into the drainage, thereby saving the flushing water. The bowl end of the input pipe may be connected to the bowl and the pump may be protected from solids by a lattice on the bowl end. The device may further comprise a grinder for grinding solids so that they do not damage the pump.

Abstract: A water circulating system, such as a spa system, is disclosed having a flow control feature. In one embodiment, the spa system includes a tub, a pump assembly and a controller. The pump assembly includes a BLDC motor and circulates water from the tub's outlet port to its inlet port. The controller sets the speed of the BLDC motor to any speed within the speed range of the BLDC motor in response to a user input to adjust the flow rate of the water to the inlet port of the tub. The spa system may also produce at least one jetting mode in response to a user input. The jetting mode may be a pulse mode, a sinusoidal mode, a ramp mode, or a saw-tooth mode. In another spa system, a first pump operates at a first speed to heat the circulating water when a heater is activated, and at a second speed when the heater is not activated. In other embodiments, the spa system includes a jetting pump assembly that includes a BLDC motor and a circulating pump assembly that operates at two speeds.

Abstract: A modular easy access bathing enclosure includes a shell having a seating area and a standing area with a contiguous sidewall. The sidewall around the standing area includes an access opening extending from a shell top to an opening bottom proximate the standing area. A pocket door is provided for enclosing the access opening and is movable into the sidewall surrounding the standing area. Inflatable gaskets are provided for sealing and locking the door in the access opening.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards refurbishing an existing bathtub, which comprises an insert of sufficient size and dimension so as to mirror the contours, recess and essentially flat upper portion of the existing bathtub. Placed on top of the existing bathtub is a three-piece constructed frame that includes (a) an essentially flat primer sheet affixed directly to the upper flat portion of the existing bathtub, (b) a gasket having an essentially flat horizontal portion affixed to the primer sheet, and (c) at least one strip of adhesive tape affixed to the gasket and a concentration of liquid based sealant placed at each of the adjoining corners of the three-piece constructed frame. The related method includes affixing strips of primer sheet on the existing bathtub, securing a gasket on the primer sheet, attaching a strip of adhesive tape onto the gasket, and placing a concentration of sealant at each adjoining corner.

Abstract: A spa speaker apparatus having a housing with a speaker mounted therein, wherein the speaker can be extended and retracted with respect to the housing and the speaker is also rotatable within the housing. A system for providing audio to a spa is also disclosed. The system comprises a spa having walls and at least one speaker unit mounted to a spa wall. Each of the speaker units is capable of receiving an audio signal, and generating sound towards the occupants of the spa. Each of the speaker units comprises a speaker that is individually retractable to be hidden behind the spa wall and extendible from the spa wall. Each of the speakers is also rotatable within the spa wall to direct the speaker sound.

Abstract: A dual rail shower curtain system supports a shower curtain along a top edge and a bottom edge. The dual rail system of the present invention may be used in, for example, a bath tub or a shower stall. The dual rail system of the present invention may help seal water inside the tub or shower. Moreover, because the shower curtain is fitted to move between the rails, it does not extend into the water, thereby eliminating unsanitary conditions. The dual rail system may be retrofitted to a conventional bath tub or shower stall. Alternatively, the dual rail system may be integrated into a bathtub, wherein the lower rail may fit into a channel formed in the side wall of the bathtub.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses relating to installation of a sleeper mechanism into a frame of a sofa sleeper are disclosed. In one embodiment, initially the frame is aligned such that an open bottom portion of the frame is upright and facing outwardly. The sleeper mechanism is then advanced towards the open bottom portion and hook apertures on the brackets are engaged with upper fasteners on the frame. The sleeper mechanism is then swung inwardly towards the top portion of the frame until notches on the bracket are passed lower fasteners on the frame and then swung back towards the open bottom portion to engage the notches with the lower fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a human body supporting apparatus, comprising: a main body, and an armrest member, wherein the armrest member is connected with the main body, and includes an extensible member. The extensible member includes a moving assisting status and a closed status, wherein the extensible member is unfolded and connected with the main body in the moving assisting status. According to the present invention, a patient can be moved by less force and simpler process via the foregoing extensible members operated in the moving assisting status.

Abstract: In order to provide a cover for bed or resting place for a child, to exclude light to aid sleep, the present invention provides a structure (2, 3) which has at least two positions or which is movable. The structure supports a light excluding material (6, 7) so that, in one position, the structure (2, 3) support the light excluding material (6, 7) so as to cover and substantially exclude light from the interior of the bed or sleeping place.

Abstract: An exercise mat is provided which includes a flexible sheet of plastic foam where at least a portion of a top surface of the flexible sheet includes a thermochromic ink. The thermochromic ink provides a visual indication of where a user was positioned on the flexible sheet after the user is no longer positioned on the flexible sheet.

Abstract: An orthopedic mattress that provides cooling as well as comfort to a user. The mattress includes a convoluted top surface having a plurality of air vents, and sidewalls having a set of air channels that communicates with the air vents to promote the circulation of air throughout the mattress.

Abstract: There is described a mattress system (20) comprising a mattress, an airflow driving device (14) and a heat adjustment unit (28). The mattress has a mattress cover (24) enclosing an internal mattress (10) such that a mattress air chamber is formed between the internal mattress and the mattress cover. The airflow driving device is in fluid communication with the mattress air chamber via an air chamber inlet and an air chamber outlet. The airflow driving device is operable to drive an airflow through the mattress air chamber from the air chamber inlet to the air chamber outlet. The heat adjustment unit is for heating or cooling the airflow so as to control a temperature of the airflow within the mattress air chamber. There is also described a mattress. In addition, there is described an apparatus for providing a temperature-controlled airflow through a mattress air chamber connected to the apparatus.

Abstract: A duvet cover (10) comprising a pair of pouches (30, 40) joined by an upper duvet cover body (20). Each pouch is arranged to accommodate a duvet and has an area (35, 45) free from the upper duvet cover body towards the centre of the duvet cover.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head restraint attached to a top of a bed of one of a medical image diagnosis apparatus and a medical treatment apparatus, the head restraint comprises a headrest portion configured to allow a head of an object to be placed thereon, with the object being placed on the top, and an arm up holder configured to be detachable from the headrest portion and place an arm of the object near one of a vertex of the head of the object and a temple of the head when the head of the object is placed on the headrest portion.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support.

Abstract: A laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet including a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, a removable separator layer, and a layer of cleaning agent composition therebetween. The separator layer is removed, the composition layer is adhered to a stain on clothing, and the clothing is laundered to treat the stain. The carrier layer dissolves or disperses during the laundering.

Abstract: The invention relates to colorant compositions for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers comprising radical scavengers in the dyeing composition. The invention also relates to methods for reducing color formation outside of the keratin fiber during oxidative dyeing comprising using such compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to colorant compositions for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers comprising an inhibiting system of radical scavengers and chelants in the dyeing composition. The invention also relates to methods for reducing color formation outside of the keratin fiber during oxidative dyeing comprising using such colorant compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boot machining device for angular adjustment of a boot sole.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention describe an educational toothbrush that includes a brush head with bristles, a brush neck, and a body. The body includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body are configured to operably connect to each other to form the body. The body also includes a button configured to activate the educational toothbrush and deactivate the educational toothbrush.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning vehicle wheels that contains a rotary body (3) driven rotationally by a drive motor (1) about a central axis (2), with cleaning elements (10) arranged on its front end face. An improved cleaning can be achieved by virtue of the fact that the rotary body (3) contains at least one rotary plate (8) equipped with additional cleaning elements (11) that is rotated by the rotation of the rotary body (3), not only about the central axis (2) but also, via a gear assembly (25, 26), about its own longitudinal axis (9).

Abstract: An exemplary cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning member, a connecting member, a drying member, and a workpiece holder. The connecting member includes a main housing defining two opposite surfaces and two blocks received in the main housing. The main housing defines a first chamber and two second chambers communicating with the first chamber, each of the second chambers extending through to one of the two opposite surfaces and near to the other opposite surface. The cleaning member and the drying member are connected to the two opposite surfaces and communicate with each other via the first chamber. The two blocks are movable between the first chamber the second chambers, respectively. Each block defines an engaging surface, facing the other engaging surface. When the blocks move into the first chamber and the engaging surfaces engage with each other, the blocks shut off communication between the cleaning member and the drying member.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling fan cleaning apparatus comprising a roller cleaner (20) enveloping a central hub (22) and rotatable with respect to the central hub (22), the central hub (22) attached at one end to an elongated member (10), and a first pulley (32) connected fixedly to one end of the roller cleaner (20) and such that rotation of the first pulley (32) causes an equal rotation of the roller cleaner (20), and a second pulley (34) located close to a second end of the elongated member (10) and a chain (36) connecting the first and second pulleys (32, 34). A hand crank (38) is connected to the second pulley (34) so that a user is able to rotate the roller cleaner (20) by turning the hand crank (38).

Abstract: A personal care device having a handle region which at least in part has a surface made of a thermoplastic elastomer provided at least in part with a protective layer of a varnish.

Abstract: A tile and grout cleaning tool that can be turned over to place either a first series of bristle bundles projecting from the head of the tool in position to clean tile surfaces or a second series of bristle bundles spaced from the first series in position to clean the grout between tiles, the second series of bristle bundles comprising bristles that can be pressed into the grout channels and have ends of different lengths that form rough cleaning surfaces.

Abstract: A foot cleaning brush (1) having a plurality of finger-like projections (2) that extend downward from a multi-purpose cleaning head (4) that is attached to one end of a telescoping handle (3). The telescoping handle allows a user to adjust the handle to different lengths depending on a user's height and what part of the body the user is washing. The cleaning head has a first cleaning surface (5) second cleaning surface (6), either of which may be a brush (7), a cloth material (11), pumice (12) or a sponge (13). The cleaning surfaces may be flat or concave so that they curves around a user's leg. The finger-like projections, which are used to wash in-between a user's toes, may be permanently attached to the cleaning head or removably attached to the cleaning head via an adjustment means (8).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a brush (1), in particular for the application of colours, dyes or any other composition onto a surface, in particular onto hair. The brush includes a handle (2) for the brush to be held by a user and a brush head (3) including bristles (32) for the application of colours, dyes or other composition onto the surface, the brush head being connected to the handle. The handle (2) includes at least one gripping section (20) showing a substantially polygonal cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick change squeegee assembly for expeditiously replacing the blades of the assembly. A top rail is attached to a pole socket assembly. A hinged compression frame is attached to the top rail. The hinged compression frame includes hinge for coupling a pair of jaws to one another. A biasing member is positioned between the jaws for biasing the jaws away from one another. A plurality of springs can be used to bias the pair of jaws along the length thereof for holding within the jaws an inserted bladed securely along the length of the blade. Each spring can be associated with jaws using a T-bolt inserted through the threaded aperture of the spring, through an aperture of the hinged compression frame and through an aperture of the top rail. An adjustment knob is attached to the T-bolt. The adjustment knob can be activated by rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner for closing and opening the jaws of the hinged compression frame.

Abstract: A stocker including a main body unit having a plurality of receiving shelves, a transfer unit transferring a received material to be moved to the main body unit, a robot arm stacking the received material transferred by the transfer unit on one of the receiving shelves of the main body unit, and a dirt collecting unit moving in conjunction with the robot arm to remove particles from inside the main body unit.

Abstract: A hand-held implement for removing microbiological matter from a surface to which the matter is adhered, and storing the matter for subsequent examination, includes a sonic wave generator for producing sonic waves for breaking up a film of the microbiological matter on the surface, a swab for contact with the surface and collecting the microbiological matter, a suction producing means for drawing the microbiological matter from the swab and into the implement, and a trap in the implement for receiving and retaining the drawn biological matter for subsequent examination thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a handle and a base. The base includes a housing, a nozzle defining an inlet of the vacuum cleaner, and a lift assembly including a guide member configured to support the base on a surface. The vacuum further includes a height adjustment mechanism including a knob and a ramp. The knob is operable to rotate the ramp with respect to the housing, and the lift assembly is coupled to the ramp such that the lift assembly moves along the ramp to move the inlet from the lower position to the upper position in response to rotation of the ramp by the knob. The ramp includes a first end that defines a lower position of the inlet and a second end that defines an upper position of the inlet, and the ramp has a continuous incline from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaning suction head for a vacuum cleaner where the dumping function is added, more particularly to a vacuum cleaning suction head capable of beating the cleaning object such as the bed mattress, the blanket, the carpet and the clothe in elastic and removing the dust (and/or the dirt, the bacteria such as the rat mites, and etc.) infiltrated into the cleaning object in efficiency.

Abstract: In this device, the frame has, facing a rounded edge of the leaf B, an inclined surface, the distance of which from the frame A increases from the inside to the outside and which is connected to the internal surface of a covering strip, this strip being positioned parallel to the wall of the frame and at least in front of the rounded edge of the leaf B in order to prevent any access into the external gap between leaf B and frame A, while each of the hinge plates comprises, firstly, a male element fitting into a housing in the leaf, so as to be aligned therewith, and, secondly, a female element composed of: a cylindrical hinge body fitting into the male element so as to come into alignment with the rounded part; and a fastening base fitting into a housing recessed into the inclined surface of the frame so as to come into alignment with this surface.

Abstract: A knob comprises a knob cap and a moving block. The knob and the moving block are connected by inserting the moving block into the knob cap and by engaging nails formed on an inner surface of an enlarged diameter portion as an opening end of the knob cap to engagement holes formed in a fitting portion of the moving block. A bottom wall of the knob cap has an inner surface provided with projections at three equally divided positions on the circumference around the axis center, the projection having a front end provided with an inclined surface. The moving block is automatically aligned with the knob cap by making a corner of the inner peripheral edge in a ring-shaped front wall be in contact with the inclined surface. There can be obtained the knob in which the moving block can be freely cut in thickness, and the knob cap and the moving block can be aligned with each other without use of an adhesive agent accompanied by any dirt or operation jobs and unified without an axial gap.

Abstract: A hinge and spring assembly is provided for supporting at least one synthetic enclosure access door's on an enclosure. The enclosure has at least a first wall and at least one second wail, the second wall being formed in part by the access door. The access door has a mounting rib integrated therein. The hinge and spring assembly comprises a primary support element having at least one first hinge member and a spring support member. A door mounting member is secured to the mounting rib of the synthetic enclosure access door and comprises a spring mounting member and a second hinge member. The second hinge member of the door mounting member is movably attached to the first hinge member of the primary support element to form an articulating hinge joint. At least one spring member has first and second ends, the first end being secured to the spring support member of the primary support element, and the second end bend secured to the spring mounting member of the door mounting member.

Abstract: A limiting hinge has a stationary limiting washer, a rotating limiting washer, a rotating bracket and a positioning washer mounted around a pintle in sequence. A first resistance is formed between the stationary limiting washer and the rotating limiting washer. A second resistance is formed between the rotating limiting washer and the rotating bracket. A third resistance is formed between the rotating bracket and the positioning washer. Because the first resistance is larger than the second resistance while the second resistance is larger than the third resistance, the rotating limiting washer disengages from the rotating bracket when a huge force is accidentally applied. Therefore, the rotating limiting washer stays still with the stationary limiting washer to prevent breakage.