Abstract: A helmet system that enables a user of the helmet system to customize the helmet system according to personal taste, a task at hand, responsibilities within a tactical group (e.g., communications, command, etc.), and/or according to other parameters. The customization of the helmet system may include a customization of electronics modules carried on the helmet system that optionally provide communications, environment detection, health or biometrics monitoring, power, information transmission/reception, information processing, and/or other functionalities. The customization of the helmet system may include a customization of structural components that enable the user to balance the structural protection provided to the user against other considerations. The other considerations may include, for example, weight, form factor, comfort, and/or other considerations.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for protecting a wrist of a person as the person operates equipment over a work surface. The article of manufacture includes a sheet and multiple protrusions attached to and extending from the sheet. The sheet may be placed on the work surface and the protrusions are adapted to provide support of the wrist. Two edges of the sheet may include fasteners allowing the article of manufacture to be worn as a band on the wrist. The sheet and protrusions may be manufactured in a single manufacturing process.

Abstract: A garment protector apparatus with a first liquid absorbent base layer; a second liquid impervious layer in fixed communication with said first base layer; and a third liquid absorbent layer in removable communication with said second layer by a first attachment means. The garment protector apparatus may be in the shape of a bib or burp cloth and may be of various designs such as animals, flowers, shapes and colors.

Abstract: A two-piece, women's swimsuit includes a bottom portion and a top or bra portion. The rear of the bottom portion and the bra portion include eyelets along the periphery thereof. The eyelets are adapted to receive crisscross lacing threaded therethrough. Tightening or loosening the lacing is effective to alter the contour of the rear bottom and the bra top, thereby allowing the swimsuit to assume a variety of styles depending upon the amount of tension applied to the lacing.

Abstract: Body form-fitting rainwear, comprising: a fabric layer and a stretch knit layer, and at least one air permeable, polymer treated waterproof layer between, the three layers formed into the rainwear.

Abstract: A ski jacket with a waist adjuster storage structure includes an upper fixing end fixed to the lining, and two jointing ends to be engaged with each other. A zipper half is stitched above the fixing end of the waist adjuster. Below the waist adjuster is disposed a pocket which opens upwards to store the waist adjuster, the lower end, and left and right ends of the pocket are connected to the lining, respectively, an upper end of the pocket is provided with a zipper half. The waist adjuster is received in the pocket, the zipper half at the upper end of the pocket is meshed with the zipper half of the waist adjuster to close the pocket. The waist adjuster can be stored in the storage structure, when the wearer isn't skiing, and the ski jacket can be worn as an ordinary jacket.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.

Abstract: A combination shirt and suspenders includes an undershirt or t-shirt together with a pair of suspender straps. The suspender straps are secured to the underlying shirt surface by sewn seams. Each suspender strap further supports an end strap having a fabric attachment portion thereon. The user wears the shirt in a conventional manner and secures the suspender straps to a pants belt or waistband to provide suspender support of the wearer's pants.

Abstract: An improved golf glove of the type having a slit laterally expanded when a hand is inserted, formed in a lower end portion of a back region of a glove body, and engaging portions for closing the slit after the hand is inserted are attached to the back region and include a flap extending from one side of the slit and having one portion of hook and loop fasteners on one side thereof and a mating portion of hook and loop fasteners on the other side of the slit for being selectively engaged by the one portion of hook and loop fasteners during use.

Abstract: An improved athletic glove which promotes greater accuracy when swinging a golf club or baseball bat by reducing the effective contact area between the athlete's palm and the grip of the club or bat, thereby creating a pivot point which extends the effective swing length for more effective transfer of power to either a golf ball or baseball, the effective contact area of which is reduced by means of a circular pad attached to the palm of the athletic glove at one of two optimum locations.

Abstract: A glove to be worn by a hairdresser during a hair drying operation. The glove is made from a hydrophilic material, for instance a single layer of a micro fibre material which has a high affinity for moisture. The material has less affinity (less oleophilic) for the treatment and styling materials usually applied to the hair during a washing operation. The hairdresser or the wearer of the glove contacts the wet hair and repeatedly (with the glove(s)) during a hair drying operation in the absence of any additional heat and is fully aware of the degree to which the wet hair has been dried because the user's hand is not shielded by any intermediate material between the hydrophilic material used in the construction of the glove and which dries the hair. Because of this, the user is able to tell how the drying operation is progressing. Because of the cut of the gloves, the gloves may be interchanged on the hands of the wearer to yield a second pair of unused surfaces for drying the wetted hair.

Abstract: A scarf intended to be wrapped around the neck of the wearer while concealing a disposable particle mask attached to the scarf with Velcro or other hook and loop fastening strips, intended to be used as a combination fashion accessory and respiratory protective mask for stylish protection against airborne dusts, pollens and non-toxic particles.

Abstract: Provided are multiple embodiments of a protective scarf. In each embodiment of the present invention, the protective scarf defines a central portion, one edge of which is outfitted with an elastic band which extends along at least a portion of the length of such edge. Additionally, attached to one side or face of the central portion is an interior face panel or shield which covers the wearer's nose and mouth when the central portion is selectively moved from a collapsed position residing at or below the wearer's chin, to an extended position wherein it pulled upwardly to cover the wearer's mouth and nose. In each embodiment of the scarf of the present invention, the elastic band integrated into the central portion, and a fastening mechanism also included on the scarf, are collectively operative to maintain the central portion in its extended position despite movement of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A headgear for use with a mask includes a first strap (660) being configured to engage a back of a patient's head and extend on either side of the patient's parietal bone behind the patient's ears and assume, in use, a substantially circular or oval shape. At least a portion of the first strap is substantially inextensible. The headgear also includes at least one second strap (620, 630) configured to removably connect the first strap to the mask. The second strap may be more extensible than the first strap. At least a portion of the first strap is self-supporting such that the headgear maintains a three dimensional shape when not in use. The substantially inextensible portion of the first strap is constructed to resiliently return to a predetermined shape when not in use. The arcuate region includes a first portion that may be arranged to align substantially parallel with a top of the patient's head and a second portion being arranged to align substantially to a rear surface of the patient's head.

Abstract: Provided is pants having a body-shaping function including; an elastic fabric included in the pants, and having a boundary that is partially fixed on the pants to elastically support hips of a wearer; and a hip-up band fixed on the elastic fabric to push the hips up so as to make contours of the hips more voluminous or compression bands on lower side portions of the elastic fabric in order to compress thighs of the wearer so as to make the thighs look thin, or a pair of pads having predetermined thicknesses and disposed on the elastic fabric to make the hips of the wearer look more attractive. Therefore, since the elastic fabric is integrally fixed in the pants for shaping the hips, the conventional girdle is not required. In addition, since the girdle in the pants only compresses the hips, it does not affect blood circulation around the belly, and is easily wearable. Also, the contours of the hips look more attractive due to the pads.

Abstract: The invention provides a sock for the foot comprising a main body having a bottom portion that covers the bottom of the foot, a toe portion that covers the toes of the foot, and a heel portion that covers the heel of the foot. There is a strap that is sized to pass around the front portion of the ankle that has two opposing ends that attach to the main body.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a secure pocket that includes a backing, an inner-lower panel coupled to the backing and an upper-outer panel flap coupled to the backing. The upper-outer panel flap overlaps a portion of a circumference of the inner-lower panel and an inner-lower panel opening is covered by the upper-outer panel flap.

Abstract: The invention improves upon the ordinary panty and similar panty undergarments in that the seat of each Fresh Smooth Fit Panty is always either 100% cotton or 98% cotton/2% spandex. This design construction allows for greater breathability enabling a pleasant, odor-free, cool, comfortable wear while decreasing female moisture and moisture related problems in the vaginal area.

Abstract: A pair of goggles comprises a frame, a lens, a first goggle outrigger and a second goggle outrigger. Both goggle outriggers include a body and a pair of opposed struts. Each distal end of each goggle outrigger strut has a frame attachment device. Each frame attachment device is attached to a goggle outrigger strut attachment device, such that each goggle outrigger is hingedly affixed to the frame and such that the body of each goggle outrigger can be articulated away from the frame. Each goggle outrigger can be easily deattached from and reattached to the frame without the use of tools.

Abstract: Cartridge (1) for coupling to a toilet flusher comprising at least one chamber (2) for receiving at least one free-flowing toilet cleaning preparation (6). The chamber (2) has an outlet (4) that lies in the direction of gravitation such that the toilet cleaning preparation can be released from the chamber (2) due to the force of gravity. The outlet (4) is, prior to a first coupling to the toilet flusher, secured prior to the release of the toilet cleaning preparation (6). The preparation is released from the cartridge (1) through the outlet due to the force of gravity when the cartridge (1) is first coupled to the toilet flusher. The chamber (2) has a communicating bar (8), wherein the bar and at least one other chamber (10) are designed so that they interact whereby the chamber (10) can be arranged on or next to the bar (8).

Abstract: A toilet seat raising apparatus including a mounting bracket with a cranked arm bearing a counterweight arrangement. The mounting bracket is provided on the underside of the toilet seat just behind the pivotal mounting thereof, with the counterweight arrangement weighing a little less than the part of the toilet seat in front of the pivotal mounting of the apparatus. A flexible band extends from the cranked arm to a hinged pedal, such that placing a foot on the pedal causes the band to engage with the cranked arm and raise the toilet seat.

Abstract: A drain plug comprising of a plurality of polarity magnets arranged in an alternating fashion. The plurality of polarity magnets are arranged in line with the drain plug. A magnet cover envelops the plurality of polarity magnets for easy cleaning. The unique alternating arrangements of the plurality of polarity magnets help increase the magnetic gradient for stronger attraction forces for metal wear particles. The use of a plurality of polarity magnets also increase the surface area where the metal particles can be held.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for emptying a cistern (3) which apparatus includes control unit (2, 102, 202), a pair of actuators electrically connected to the control (2) unit and first and second cables (8a, 8b) each of which is operated by one of the actuators. A first end of each cable is connected to a respective one of the actuators and a second end of each cable is connected to a valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the cistern. In use, the apparatus actuates the first cable to open the valve for effecting a full flush in response to a first signal received by the control unit. The apparatus is also configure do actuate the second cable to open the valve for effecting a partial flush in response to a second signal received by the control unit. Input means, preferably in the form of an infrared proximity sensor, is provided to receive a command from a user to generate the first and/or second signals.

Abstract: A bathroom floor module adapted to be used in conjunction with a fully or partially curbless, such as one which is handicapped-accessible, waterproof shower module, where the bathroom floor module or may not define one or more drain apertures adapted to mate with a bathroom floor drain, and further wherein the bathroom floor module and waterproof shower module mate in such a way as to define a contiguous surface over which bathroom floor and/or wall tile can be applied to create a transition between bathroom floor and shower over which a wheelchair can be easily rolled.

Abstract: A segmented door for a shower stall, built within a fixed structural frame with a horizontal upper and lower channel. The door is constructed using a plurality (often four or more) of vertically disposed, side by side arranged, moveable panels that are hung from the upper channel by a plurality of moveable and pivoting wheeled hangers engaged with this upper channel. These moveable panels are connected to each other by a plurality of pivotally joined horizontal rods, which enables the moveable panels to move as a group. Often one of the moveable panels is joined to the upper and lower channel by clamp-on hinges, so that this panel is only able to move by pivoting. The moveable panels are able to move between an open door configuration and a closed door configuration, and can be designed with slight overlap so as to prevent shower spray from going beyond the panels.

Abstract: A shower curtain lock having a support member, locking member with a handle. The support member and locking member are joined at upper ends thereof to permit the locking member to rotate relative to the upper end and away from the support member for receipt of the shower curtain. Magnets incorporated in the locking member and/or support member provide means for the support member and locking member to attach to one another and maintain a shower curtain in place against a wall adjacent to a shower area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substructure element (8) for placement beneath a shower base element (2), wherein the substructure element (8) and shower base element (2) are provided with a drainage opening (3) for installing a drain pan (4), and the substructure element (8), which occupies the entire volume between the underside of the shower base element (2) and the mounting substrate, comprises at least one panel (7; 9) made of foamed plastic material, which is provided with an opening that is adapted to the peripheral design of at least one drain pan and is provided with a structured lumen that extends through the thickness of the substructure element and adjoins the opening.

Abstract: A low profile shower base includes a base, a threshold cover element and a support structure. The base has a floor with a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the floor, including a threshold wall section at the shower entrance, and with a drain hole located in a catchment area of the floor adjacent to the threshold wall section. The support structure holds the threshold cover element in position contiguous to the threshold wall section above the drain hole, the support structure including spaced elements that allow drainage of water therethrough under the threshold cover element and that allow the threshold cover element to be moved to give access to the catchment area.

Abstract: A changing table for a playard has a flexible platform sized to support a child and a changing table mount arranged to releasably engage the platform to the playard. The changing table mount can have a plurality of straps each having a fastener and removably received in corresponding slots of the playard. The changing table mount can comprise a zipper releasably connecting the changing table to the playard.

Abstract: A bed lifting system for lifting a bed comprises a bed lifting mechanism and a switch remotely located from the bed lifting mechanism. The switch is adapted to enable selective and remote actuation of the bed lifting mechanism. The mechanism can be provided in kit form through the use of frame connectors which can also improve the interconnection and interoperability of frame members of the mechanism. The mechanism may also comprise adjustable lands to accommodate varying bed types.

Abstract: A play yard assembly comprises a frame and a bassinet. The frame includes a frame head, a frame tail, and left and right side portions connected between the frame head and the frame tail to define an accommodating space thereamong. The bassinet has a head end, a tail end, a bed bottom connected between the head end and the tail end. The head end is positionable relative to the frame at a first height position and a second height position higher than the first height position. The bed bottom has a first end portion connected to the tail end, and a second end portion connected to the head end. The second end portion of the bed bottom is higher than that of the first end portion of the bed bottom when the head end is disposed at the second height position.

Abstract: A rotary bed which can be directed toward the position of the sun which rotates in accordance with the fortune of the birthday and time of birth time of a user, the oriental concept of five elements, and the flow of the physical energy of the user, to enable the head of the user to be positioned relative to the position of the sun during sleeping, thereby providing a sound sleep to the user. That is, the rotary bed comprises rotating means for rotating the bed one time per every 24 hours relative to the position of the sun. The rotary bed of the present invention, which rotates relative to the position of the sun, enables the head of the user to be positioned relative to the position of the sun during sleeping, thereby providing a sound sleep to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanized bed for automatically straightening bedclothes comprising a frame (1) which on each side incorporates a trapezoidal track (2) along which there is driven a moveable carriage which on its route activates the tensor rod (7) and the pressure roller (10) such that they straighten the top bedcover (12) longitudinally and transversally from the feet to the head depositing it on the bottom sheet (13) which is provided with elastic and Velcro-type openable sticking means to attach it to the mattress cover (11a) and at the head of the bed for each of the pillows (20) there is a frame (22) containing a mobile unit (22b) that can move up and down in which there rotates a tray stretching and straightening the cover or the pillow itself and subsequently depositing it on the top bedcover (12).

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame 14 having a head end and a foot end, an elevatable frame 16 also having a head end and a foot end, a lift assembly 76 or 78 comprising an actuation system connected to one of the frames, a push chain 106 having an actuator end 124 driven by a lead screw 86 and a distal end 126 connected to the other of the frames. Rotary motion of the lead screw changes elevation of the elevating frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus comprising a surgical boot sized to receive a portion of a limb of a patient therein and a tightening device positioned between a first end and a second end of the surgical boot. The tightening device is configured to apply a clamping force to the portion of the limb of the patient positioned in the surgical boot.

Abstract: Composite cushioning structures with spatially variable cushioning properties and related materials and methods for producing same are disclosed. In one embodiment, gradient property foam (GPF) is provided and comprised of a two or more phase composite cushioning structure comprised of a spatially variable disposition of one or more second non-solid phase cushioning component into a first solid phase cellular cushioning component to control the local cushioning properties of the final composite cushioning structure. The second cushioning component(s) can be selected to exhibit other cushioning properties when in solid form from the cushioning properties of the first cellular cushioning component in this embodiment. In one embodiment, the second cushioning component(s) can undergo a transition from the non-solid phase into a solid phase within the first cellular cushioning component to form a bond with the first cellular cushioning component to form the composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: The infant support device that is unobtrusive and includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the frame defines a substantially elliptical shape for receiving the head of an infant, and the lower portion of the frame defines a substantially elliptical shape for receiving the body of an infant. The upper portion and the lower portion of the frame are arranged to form a substantially planar surface relative to one another. A cover that stretches across the frame that has a sleeve on the periphery of the cover, wherein the sleeve encloses the frame.

Abstract: An improved wrap and infant support system that is unobtrusive and includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and lower portion are selectively secured to one another. The upper portion of the frame defines a substantially elliptical shape for receiving the head of an infant, and the lower portion of the frame defines a substantially elliptical shape for receiving the body of an infant. The upper portion and the lower portion of the frame are arranged to form a substantially planar surface relative to one another.

Abstract: A bed comprises a frame 34 with at least one orientation adjustable section (44, 46, 48), a mattress 58 supported by the frame and having at least one A bladder and at least one B bladder. The bladders are inflatable and deflatable out of phase with each other in coordination with at least one of a) issuance of a command for the frame section to change orientation and b) an actual change in orientation of the frame section. Also described is an associated method for operating an occupant support at least part of which is orientation adjustable relative to other parts of the occupant support. The method comprises providing, in response to a change of orientation of the orientation adjustable part, a relatively lower occupant/support interface pressure (OSIP) at a location A and a relatively higher OSIP at a location B followed by providing a relatively higher OSIP at the location A and a relatively lower OSIP at the location B.

Abstract: Spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material and a method of making such pocketed spring cores (12). Fill material, such as pieces, strands or elements of foam or fiber is located inside at least some of the pocketed springs to reduce noise.

Abstract: This is a body (1) that may become, for example, a mattress with one density or another, thickness and size, which has various housings or hollows (2) in an inclined arrangement, this same body (1) being able to present hollows or housings (2) with a different inclination, a different arrangement and different size and have inward protrusions (3) or side branches (4) to provide, in the first case, greater hardness to the area where the hollows (2) are located and in the second case, to provide greater softness to the area of the body (1) where the respective hollows or housings (2) are located, all of them, some or those corresponding to these areas or others, being able to incorporate a filling that may range from air under pressure to a filling of any kind of material, including reinforcements (11 and 11?) with more or less rigidity to provide the corresponding area greater or less strength.

Abstract: Methods are provided for uniform deposition of particles on curved surfaces such as fibers and coatings formed by the particles. Particles in the size range of 10-2000 nm are deposited onto a fibrous material via electrostatic interaction between charge modified fiber material surfaces and oppositely charged particles or metal ions. Various nonmetallic, bimetallic or other charged particles are deposited onto a fibrous material via electrostatic interaction between charged modified fibrous material surfaces and oppositely charged particles. Particles can be directly assembled onto a surface of a fibrous material by controlling hydrogen bonding interactions between interfaces of fibers and functionalized particles. Metal particles can also be deposited by in situ synthesis. A method is also provided for layer-by-layer deposition of particles over a fibrous material.

Abstract: A depilatory article comprising a substrate; and a depilatory composition disposed on the substrate, the coating of depilatory composition forming a coated region of the substrate and having a substrate facing side and a non-substrate facing side, wherein said depilatory composition has a yield point from 50 Pa to 2000 Pa, preferably from 65 Pa to 1200 Pa, more preferably from 80 Pa to 750 Pa and even more preferably from 100 Pa to 500 Pa measured via a stress controlled amplitude sweep; at a frequency of 1 Hz and a temperature of 25° C. and wherein the depilatory article comprises a protective release layer, preferably a water impermeable protective release layer placed on the non-substrate facing side of the depilatory composition.

Abstract: A depilatory article comprising a substrate and an aqueous depilatory composition, the aqueous depilatory composition being in physical contact with the substrate, forming a coated region of the substrate and comprising a thioglycolate salt and silica.

Abstract: A depilatory article comprising a substrate at least partially coated with a depilatory composition, the coating of depilatory composition forming a coated region of the depilatory article, wherein the depilatory composition comprises carrageenan, preferably iota carrageenan,

Abstract: A depilatory article comprising a water impermeable substrate and an aqueous depilatory composition, the aqueous depilatory composition being in physical contact with the water impermeable substrate and comprising a keratin reducing agent and water in an amount of at least 40% by weight of the aqueous depilatory composition; wherein the aqueous depilatory composition forms a covered region of the water impermeable substrate and wherein the keratin reducing agent is present in an amount per unit area of the covered region of from 1×10?7 mol/cm2 to 4×10?5 mol/cm2 from 1×10?6 mol/cm2 to 2×10?5 mol/cm2, preferably from 5×10?6 mol/cm2 to 1.5×10?5 mol/cm2 and more preferably from 7×10?6 mol/cm2 to 1.

Abstract: A depilatory article comprising a substrate and an aqueous depilatory composition, the aqueous depilatory composition being in physical contact with the substrate and comprising a keratin reducing agent and one or more monovalent cations; wherein the aqueous depilatory composition forms a coated region of the substrate; and wherein the amount of monovalent cations per unit area of said coated region is from 6×10?7 mol/cm2 to 6×10?6 mol/cm2, preferably from 1.5×10?6 mol/cm2 to 4.5×10?6 mol/cm2 and more preferably from 2.25×10?6 mol/cm2 to 3.75×10?6 mol/cm2.

Abstract: A depilatory article comprising a substrate and an aqueous depilatory composition, the aqueous depilatory composition being in physical contact with the substrate, forming a coated area of the substrate and comprising a thioglycolate salt and a silicate.

Abstract: A personal care article comprising a substrate; and a personal care composition disposed on the substrate, the coating of personal care composition forming a coated region of the substrate, wherein said personal care composition has a yield point from 10 Pa to 2000 Pa, preferably from 30 Pa to 1200 Pa, more preferably from 45 Pa to 500 Pa and even more preferably from 60 Pa to 300 Pa measured via a stress controlled amplitude sweep; at a frequency of 1 Hz and a temperature of 25° C., and wherein the personal care composition is disposed on the substrate in an amount per unit area of the coated region of from 0.300 g/cm2 to 0.001 g/cm2, more preferably from 0.015 g/cm2 to 0.003 g/cm2, even more preferably from 0.080 g/cm2 to 0.005 g/cm2 and even more preferably still from 0.05 g/cm2 to 0.005 g/cm2.