Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a ballistic vest, comprising: a front portion configured to protect a front of a torso of a wearer; a rear portion configured to protect a rear of the torso of the wearer; and a cummerbund; wherein the cummerbund is a separate element from the front portion and the rear portion and the cummerbund is configured to form a loop around the wearer; and wherein at least one of the front portion and the rear portion interface with the cummerbund to transfer weight to the cummerbund.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective facial garment which overcomes the problems inherent in garments that cover the face and nose. Namely, the invention addresses the problems of causing eyewear to fog from exhaled breath and having to choose between leaving the mouth and nose exposed versus covering the mouth and nose, which often results in exhaled moisture being held against the skin, causing discomfort. To address these challenges, the device is tailored to provide a vented air pocket in front of the wearer's mouth and nose and to block the natural cavity between the bridge of the wearer's nose and cheekbone. The device thus provides an alternative route for exhaled air, preventing fogging of eyewear. The air pocket provides the further benefit of warming and moistening fresh air, making breathing easier when used in cold air conditions.

Abstract: A lens assembly for securing in an opening in a face plate of a face protector has a first, retainer lens of shape and dimensions configured to be secured in the front opening of a face plate and having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the face plate. A second lens of smaller dimensions is secured behind the first lens to provide a lens-in-a-lens configuration. The lens assembly may be releasably secured in the face plate opening and the second lens is interchangeable with sets of lenses having different properties such as lens shade. The retainer assembly has a back cover and a gasket or spacer between the back cover and second lens to allow second lenses of different depths to be secured in the assembly.

Abstract: A band is described for providing support and/or protection to the wearer. In one embodiment, the band is a wrist band having pockets for several longitudinal reinforcement elements. Thus, for example, a wrist band may be formed from an elastic material had be stitched to form pockets. In one embodiment, the pockets are closed, and the band is provided with a given amount of protection or support. In yet another embodiment, one or more pockets have an opening, which allows a user to adjust the amount of protection and/or support in each pocket.

Abstract: A bib suitable for infants has improved absorbent and/or wiping elements. Additional feature of the inventive bib includes a strap that allows for easy removal of a bib body.

Abstract: The protective patch providing protection against visible transfer of bodily secretion is for incorporating on the inside of an article of clothing in a determined zone thereof. It comprises a fabric having two faces formed by interlaced yarns and connected to each other. The outside face of the fabric acts at least in part as an impermeable outer layer for coming into contact with the article, and comprises yarns made of a synthetic material. The fabric has “storage” yarns made of an absorbent material suitable for storing moisture and being visible little or not at all in the outside face. The inside face of the fabric, i.e. its face that is to come closer to the wearer of the article, comprises yarns suitable for absorbing and/or transferring moisture towards the storage yarns.

Abstract: The invention provides a garment that incorporates a bottle opener permanently attached at a convenient place on the garment so that the wearer can carry the opener on his person and utilize it when desired.

Abstract: An infant swaddle, and method of using thereof. In accordance with an embodiment the swaddle comprises a body portion, wing portions, and either one or more, or a pair of, arm pockets positioned to the side of the infant's torso so that, when the infant is placed into the body portion and their arms placed into the arm pocket or pockets, the infant's arms are gently initially positioned outwards, with their hands upwards, generally along the orientation of the wings. The wings can then be folded over and fastened which gently folds and constrains the infant's arms in the pockets, so that their hands are positioned at the midline of their chest.

Abstract: A one-piece garment is presented, such as a pajama for toddlers, which prevents removal of the garment by the toddler and keeps the toddler from gaining access to his diaper. The one-piece garment may be modified for wearers of any size and/or age so that the wearer cannot remove his own garment or disturb garments or medical devices that are worn under the one-piece garment.

Abstract: An efficient, lightweight, waterproof and configurable multi-functional garment that is intended to keep the user dry. The multi-functional garment is intended to be used by anyone going outdoors in inclement weather and is configurable as a rain coat or a poncho, and an A-frame or lean-to tent, depending on the user's need and choice. The multi-functional garment is a poncho or a rain jacket that also doubles as a tent shelter. The multi-functional garment also folds-up into itself in a compact self-stored small, light pillow shape for easy carrying.

Abstract: A layered structure (1), in particular for production of apparel (50, 70) such as a glove or head covering, comprises at least a first layer (10) and a second layer (20, 22), the second layer including at least a barrier layer (20), and a bonding substance (30) partially disposed between the barrier layer (20) and the first layer (10) to create a bond between the barrier layer and the first layer. The bonding substance (30) includes at least one component (32) of low viscosity such that a force (F) between the first and second layers (10, 20) which acts on at least one of the layers (10, 20) in a force action area (A1) is distributed by a plastic flow onto an area (A2) which is larger than the force action area (A1). More particularly, the bonding substance (30) includes at least one component (32) which is configured such that it has, at 25° C., a shear modulus of not more than 3×105 Pa in accordance with the Dahlquist criterion.

Abstract: There is included a hooking cord 52 disposed on the back side of said finger insertion parts and held in and over at least three finger insertion parts 40C, 40D and 40E corresponding to a middle finger, a third finger and a little finger among the five finger insertion parts 40A through 40E of the glove body 10B so as to adjust a distance between the adjacent finger insertion parts whereby the three finger insertion parts can be pulled simultaneously by hooking the hooking cord 52 with a little finger of a hand not wearing the glove and grasping the finger insertion parts 40A and 40B corresponding the thumb and the first finger with a thumb and a first finger of the hand not wearing the glove 10.

Abstract: A protective glove includes a hand covering shell and a polymer coating that covers at least the palm area of the hand covering shell, wherein the coating has perforations in the palm area of the glove, and wherein the size of the perforations, the number of the perforations, and the overall area encompassed by the perforations provide breathability. These features provide an improved protective glove that keeps the hand at a lower temperature and causes less perspiration than existing gloves, but which still can provide a desired level of protection against cuts, abrasions, and/or puncture.

Abstract: A casual exercise garment is provided. The garment is a combination of outer pants and a compression undergarment that is attached to the outer pants around the waistband. The compression undergarment extends from the wearer's waist downwardly to a point below the wearer's knee, and is manufactured from a comfortable, stretchable material that provides support to the wearer's midriff, hip and buttocks. The outer pants may also be made from a stretchable material, and in use, may hang freely and loosely below a wearer's waist in contrast to the tight-fitting compression undergarment.

Abstract: A support belt for use with body armor is disclosed. The support belt has a central member that includes two oppositely disposed side members and at least one horizontal strap that has a vertical receiving channel. There are at least two support straps configured to releasably interlock with the vertical receiving channel and a plurality of straps secured to an outer surface of the body armor to form a support trough that transfers at least a portion of the weight of the body armor to the waist of the wearer. There is a closure device to secure the side members to each other to secure the belt substantially around the wearer's waist.

Abstract: A belt is described herein that is configured to partially encircle a torso of a wearer. The belt includes elongate flexible material having a length between a first and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the flexible material is elastic, a first fastening member attached to the first end of the flexible material; a second fastening member attached to the second end of the flexible material; and an adjustment member for adjusting the length of the flexible material, wherein the belt extends less than halfway around the torso of the wearer. Methods for wearing the belt are also described.

Abstract: A casual exercise or medical compression garment is provided. The garment is a combination of outer pants and a compression undergarment that is attached to the outer pants around the waistband. The compression undergarment extends from the wearer's waist downwardly to a point below the wearer's knee, and is manufactured from a comfortable, stretchable material that provides support to the wearer's midriff, hip and buttocks. The outer pants may also be made from a stretchable material, and in use, may hang freely and loosely below a wearer's waist in contrast to the tight-fitting compression undergarment.

Abstract: A pair of workout pants having an integral undergarment tacked or fastened to the outer garment at a number of tacking or fastening points spaced along an upper periphery or upper margin of the underwear. In various embodiments, the outer garment may comprise full length, Capri style, or biking shorts length exercise pants preferably made out of moisture wicking material, cotton/spandex, or cotton/lycra, and having thong or brief style underwear built into the pants. The underwear are preferably tacked, buttoned, snapped, or otherwise fastened into the pants in five (5) locations—two (2) points in the front and three (3) in the rear. During exercise, the underwear is held in place relative to the outwardly visible upper edges of the garment so that the underwear remains substantially covered by the outer garment.

Abstract: Helmet Liner Pro system comprises a protective helmet having at least one inner liner for absorbing mechanical energy; and an attachable/attached outer liner comprising shock absorbing material. The attachable outer liner is appliable to an external portion of the protective helmet to provide a shock absorption system whereby a user and others are suitably protected from external impact forces. The shape of the liner may vary depending on whether or not it is covering the entire helmet or just specific areas/portions.

Abstract: A breathable composite barrier fabric for protective garments includes a high strength nonwoven web, a barrier layer and an aperture film layer, with the barrier layer between the high strength nonwoven web and the film layer. The different layers and webs may be bonded together to form the fabric using calendaring, thermal bonding and/or adhesives. The breathable composite barrier fabric is capable of blocking particles as small as 0.3 microns at greater than 99% efficiency while allowing air transmissions between 7 CFM and 9 CFM at 20 Pa. Protective garments may be constructed using the breathable composite barrier fabrics so that the high strength nonwoven web is on the body side of the garment and the film layer is on the exterior of the garment.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow. The apparatus includes a blanket having arm apertures, and a sleeve coupled to each of the apertures. The apparatus also includes a pad having a durable surface, a plush surface, and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of the pad to form the pad into a container to hold the blanket. The apparatus may also include a fastener disposed on the blanket to removably connect the blanket to the pad. The system includes the apparatus, cushioning disposed between the durable surface and the plush surface, and carrying straps extending from the perimeter of the pad. The method includes providing the apparatus, forming either a plush or a durable container by selecting the durable or plush surface to form the outside of the container, fastening the fastener, and placing the blanket inside the container.

Abstract: A plumbing trap flushing device for use in association with one of a drain in a sink, an overflow drain in a basin, a drain in a bathtub, an overflow drain in a bathtub and the like is disclosed. The plumbing trap flushing device includes a connector, a conduit and a nozzle. The connector is releasably attachable to a tap. The conduit is in flow communication with the connector and has an outside diameter and an inside diameter. The outside diameter is dimensioned to fit into the drain, whereby when the conduit is in the drain air and water freely flows around the conduit into the drain. The nozzle is in flow communication with the distal end of the conduit. The nozzle has a nozzle inside diameter less than the inside diameter of the conduit whereby the water exits the nozzle in a stream.

Abstract: Dual flush toilets save water by allowing the user flushing to evacuate liquid wastes to use a smaller volume of water from the toilet tank than is necessary for solid waste evacuation. The Invention described in this Patent Application restricts the dual flush functionality to a retrofittable handle. This handle produces a full flush by means of a timer activated by rotation of the handle to the large volume position. In rotating the handle to the large flush position a mechanical timer is wound and causes a retractable latch to project and hold the flush arm in its upward position for the period dictated by the timer. Upon release of the arm the flapper returns to seal the tank allowing for recharge with a fresh supply of water. If the small volume position is selected with the flush handle then the smaller volume of flush water as limited by the flush chain float position will be released.

Abstract: An auxiliary tank for the flush toilet, wherein the one end of the pulling line is connected with a floating ball of the auxiliary tank, then the line is wound from a lower pulley to an upper pulley, and passed through a penetrated hole of a hollow tube, finally the other end of the line is connected with a extension arm in a main tank. When the water level in the main tank is full, the extension arm of the water refilling pipe will be hold by the pulling line which is connected with the floating ball, to limit the refilling water into the main tank from the water refilling pipe but from the auxiliary tank. In the light of above, the flush of the toilet is still able to be operated even at the time of water outage or shutting off the water valve. In addition, the water that refills into the auxiliary tank is the recycling water.

Abstract: A water closet (WC) or toilet bowl usable in either in the: 1) sitting, 2) front facing squatting, or 3) rear facing squatting postures. The WC consists of an elongated receptacle (10) similar in ratio of length to width to an eastern squatting-type WC, with shrouds (11) at each end to contain urine spray and footrests on each side, at a slightly lower level than the receptacle, but at such a height above the floor that mounting the footrests is not uncomfortably precarious. The volume below the receptacle and footrests is used for a cistern, fed from a normal pressurised water supply, so that the flush water source is near the siphon jet entrance at the front part of the S-bend. A hinged seat, of suitable thickness/height so that when folded down and resting on the receptacle, forms a suitably high ring-shaped sitting surface.

Abstract: An anus-washing apparatus includes a valve housing, a valve, a raising unit, and a sprayer. The valve housing includes a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The valve is inserted in the valve housing for opening and closing the hot and cold water inlet pipes. The raising unit is connected to the outlet pipe. The sprayer includes a hollow axle pivotally connected to the raising unit, a pivotal pipe extending from the hollow axle, and an extensible pipe with an end telescopically inserted in the pivotal pipe and another end defining apertures. The valve is operable to let water into the raising unit to raise the pivotal pipe and extend the extensible pipe to move the apertures from the pivotal pipe to spray water.

Abstract: A removable pool enclosure system has a permanent, rigid framework defining a volume of space above a ground surface area containing a pool area to be enclosed, the framework including vertical support poles secured to the ground surface and connecting members affixed to the top of the support poles. A removable mesh fabric encloses the pool area, the mesh fabric having an upper portion which affixes to the top of the framework and a side portion sized to circumscribe the ground surface area to be enclosed. A reinforced bottom hem on the side portion of the mesh fabric attaches, through grommets spaced throughout the hem; to fasteners affixed to the bottom end of the support poles to secure the reinforced bottom hem to the support poles. A sealable opening in the mesh fabric provides access to the pool area.

Abstract: A movable support seat for a shower head includes a holding member to receive a removable shower head; a moving member moving vertically along a post and being used to receive the holding member; the moving member having a body disposed to the post, at least one movable retaining paw axially fixed to the body, a resilient element installed to a predetermined position of the retaining paw to actuate the paw portion to elastically engage with a peripheral outer surface of the post and to position the moving member to the post such that when a pressing portion of the retaining paw is pressed, first or second abutting wall of the retaining paw disengages from the post so that the moving member is adjusted freely on the post.

Abstract: The present invention is a Shower Splash Blocker that consists of either a fix or an adjustable device. The device is made of plastic, rubber or any material that can block water. It is mounted from the top edge of the bathtub to the adjacent ceramic wall tile of the bathtub and is attached along the vertical wall of the bathroom on either end of the shower curtain.

Abstract: A crib, which is convertible into a toddler bed and a standard bed, has four panels forming an enclosure around a mattress. The toddler bed is formed by removing a section of one of the panels such that the mattress is accessible along one side of the toddler bed. The standard bed is formed by reconfiguring two of the panels forming the enclosure around the crib mattress into two side rails. The side rails are then installed in a spaced apart and substantially parallel relationship to each other between the two other panels. The two other panels may form a headboard and a footboard for the standard bed.

Abstract: A bed rail including first and second legs for attachment to a bed or crib. The legs fit between the mattress and the mattress support frame extending transversely from one side of the crib to the other. The proximate end of each leg is pivotally attached to a respective lower corner of an elongated side panel. Raised, the side panel extends vertically above the mattress to provide a safety restraint on one side of the crib. Unlocked, the panel may be swung into a lowered position. Means is also provided for securing the distal end of the legs to the mattress support frame at a location on the other side of the crib. Also disclosed is a safety bolster for use with the bed rail including an upper head portion extending above the mattress and a lower foot portion extending between the mattress and said side panel.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a movable examination bed that includes a movable platform for supporting an object to be examined, a supporting body connected to the movable platform from below and used for supporting the movable platform, and a guide rail arranged underneath the movable platform. The examination bed also includes a transport mechanism that drives the supporting body such that the supporting body moves on the guide rail. The examination bed includes a connection mechanism securely connected to the transport mechanism, an electromagnet fixed to the connection mechanism and operable to magnetically attract the supporting body, and a controller operable to control the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet and the supporting body. The examination bed is operable to rapidly separate the movable platform from the transport mechanism in case of an emergency and return the movable platform to an original position after the emergency situation is over.

Abstract: The therapeutic medical toilet bed includes an integrally formed center base mattress with hydraulic retraction system fully supported on a mattress frame unit capable of adapting to any standard medical bed frame. The therapeutic mattress can adapt to multiple positions to secure a position as required for patient care and comfort. The fully functional toilet system can be utilized by retracting the center base mattress by a remote controlled hydraulic system as needed by patient. Also included with toilet system is a pressurized water system with sanitizing unit for cleansing, sanitizing and flushing of waste products downwardly into a high capacity storage container with sanitizing unit.

Abstract: A stretcher pad comprises a mattress; a cuff fixed to an upper surface of the mattress; and a belt assembly arranged for securing one of a child and an infant being wrapped in the cuff; wherein a recess is formed in the mattress for accommodating at least part of the belt assembly; and a pouch is arranged on the mattress so as to cover the recess.

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 concurrently rest at a back side of the individual and an adjacent surface of a bed when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes a flexible attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual's bed clothing. 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, partial captured configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine and in concurrent contact with the bed surface to prevent a supine sleeping position.

Abstract: A storage system stores and easily locates common items, such as reading glasses, remote controls, cell phones, magazines, books, and the like, while a person is in a room or in bed. In an emergency, a person may be able to easily locate these items. The storage system may replace a cluttered nightstand and may provide immediate location of necessary items. The storage system may include a pillow that may span a length of a bed, along the head end of a mattress. The pillow may prevent people, such as children or infants, and items from falling between the head of the mattress and either the wall or headboard. The pillow may also provide an elevated surface to prop up a user's pillow for reading or watching television.

Abstract: A prenatal/postnatal pillow is disclosed. The pillow includes a body with a first end, a medial portion, and a second end. The pillow may possess a generally C-shaped structure defining an interior well operable to curve around a body part of a user. The interior of the pillow body defines a cavity, which may include a series of cells containing a predetermined amount of fill material. The ends of the pillow body may include fasteners that connect to draw the ends of the pillow together, forming a compact support surface. The pillow also includes an internal compartment for storing articles such as blankets, bottles, etc.

Abstract: The pillow includes first and second fabric layers and third and fourth fabric layers, all of which are identical and secured together around the peripheries thereof. Positioned between the first and second fabric layers is a baffle structure which includes first and second lateral baffles extending across the width of the pillow and positioned at approximately one-third and two-thirds of the longitudinal distance (dimension) of the pillow. The baffle structure includes two central baffles, two first end baffles and two second end baffles, arranged to define baffle boxes of approximately equal size. The two central baffles extend longitudinally from one lateral baffle, leaving a space between the free ends thereof and the other lateral baffle to permit filling of the pillow. The first end baffles extend from the one lateral baffle a selected distance, leaving a space between the first end baffles and one lateral edge of the pillow to permit filling of the pillow.

Abstract: A foot/leg cradle cushion prevents crossing of ankles or legs for long periods of time, which has been associated with circulatory problems related to cardiac or stroke episodes. The cradle cushion is a soft yet sufficiently supportive device whereby the feet and/or lower legs are held separated from each other and prevented from being crossed. The cradle cushion has a pair of outer flange walls extending upward from a base with a taller middle wall that separates the feet or lower legs of the user. Thus is formed a U-shaped recess on either side of the central wall which would receive each foot and/or leg separated by the width of the central wall. This effectively prevents leg crossing which causes compression of the user's circulatory system in both lower legs and ankle regions.

Abstract: A mattress lift apparatus is provided for insertion between a mattress and an underlying support structure, such as a box spring. The mattress lift apparatus elevates a portion of the mattress so that bed linens may be tucked between the mattress and the underlying support structure. A continuous loop is formed by a base member, an incline member, a transition member and a handle member, wherein the continuous loop provides structural integrity to the mattress lift apparatus. An aperture is formed within the continuous loop, including along an inside portion of the handle member to enable the handle member to be gripped. In one embodiment, the handle member includes a substantially semi-circular shape. In another embodiment, at least one support rib is positioned in the aperture to mechanically couple the base member and at least one of the inclined member and the transition member.

Abstract: Expandable edge-support members, assemblies, and related methods are disclosed. The expandable edge-support members can be used to provide edge support, including side support and corner support. The expandable edge-support members are suitable for bedding and seating applications as examples. The expandable edge-support members are expandable in length. Thus, the expandable edge-support members can be expanded in length as needed to be utilized to provide edge support for an innerspring having variations in perimeter lengths and different types of innersprings having variations in perimeter lengths. Further, the edge-support members may include a plurality of lateral members, which may be configured to be disposed between adjacent perimeter coils of an innerspring to support attachment to the innerspring.

Abstract: The invention is a grid section for a mattress core, wherein springs are mounted back to back on the grid section and wherein the grid section is attached to other grid sections in a two dimensional array to create an interconnected grid array. The grid section is cross shaped with four arms. Each arm has either a male or female tip. The male and female tips of the grid sections fit together to form the mattress grid array.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool includes a tool handle and any combination of a bottle opener, a corkscrew, a zester, a lemon/lime peeler, a cutting blade and a wine bottle opener provided on the tool handle.

Abstract: A method of durably and flexibly grafting a delicately decorated fabric to cotton clothing such as jeans or T-shirts is discloses. The method is comprised of; 1) first step of engaging a delicate pattern printed clothing on a supporting plate of an automatic printing machine, 2) second step of pasting an alkaline solution on the delicate pattern printed clothing with the first stencil, 3) third step of pasting a grafting glue along the outer line of the delicate pattern that is printed on the clothing with the second stencil, 3) fourth step of pasting a water soluble glue on one side of a fabric, 4) fourth step of overlapping the water soluble glue pasted fabric's side over the clothing that is engaged to the plate, 5) fifth step of overlapping the third stencil over the fabric attached clothing and pasting a burn out gel on the third stencil, 6) sixth step of pulling out the fabric attached clothing from the supporting plate and drying on a dryer at 160° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for treating non-trans fats, fatty acids and sunscreen stains with a chelating agent. The invention also relates to methods for reducing the frequency of laundry fires with a chelating agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing method in which an inner tub or a pulsator is operated in various ways to achieve reduced abrasion of laundry and enhanced washing performance. The washing machine includes a disentangling washing operation during which the inner tub is alternately rotated in forward and reverse directions to disentangle laundry received in the inner tub, a tapping washing operation, subsequent to the disentangling washing operation, during which the inner tub is successively rotated in a given direction such that the laundry is adhered to an inner surface of the inner tub and the wash water is raised along a path between the outer tub and the inner tub to thereby flow into the inner tub by centrifugal force generated during rotation of the inner tub, and an agitation washing operation, subsequent to the tapping washing operation, during which the pulsator is alternately rotated in forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing cap for pre-treating a stained fabric. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing cap for pre-treating a stained fabric. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing cap for pre-treating a stained fabric. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.

Abstract: A method of making a composition for spray application onto surfaces of a cotton fabric includes mixing together a wetter, a reactive dye and water to form a first solution, adding a thickener into the first solution for between about five minutes and sixty minutes to form a partial composition, and adding an alkali with the partial composition to complete the composition.