Abstract: A constant or controlled temperature microclimate protective system capable of providing either cooling or heating. Such a system may be used alone or in combination with protective armor without degrading the force impact integrity of the protective system. When used alone, the microclimate system of the present invention may be constructed into a garment configuration for personal use or a sleeve-type configuration for use with one or more electronic devices. When used in combination, the microclimate system may be integrally incorporated into a protective armor system, releasably attached or held within the protective armor system by means including but not limited to a pocket or pouch, or worn as a separate element underneath a protective armor system. The microclimate system may comprise a plurality of cells containing phase change material providing one or more transition temperature points while further assisting in impact shock attenuation.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a flexible face mask is provided for protecting the face from sunlight, wind, and other outdoor elements. Various embodiments of the face mask provide varying levels of facial coverage to suit user preferences. In a first embodiment, the face mask comprises a nose shield portion configured to cover and conform to the user's nose, a lip shield portion configured to cover the user's upper lip, a pair of cheek shield portions configured to cover the sides of the user's face, and a pair of ear strap portions configured to cover the ears, and receive the user's ears and eyewear via a pair of “C”-shaped cuts and insertion slits, respectively. A reinforcing strip on the skin-facing side of the nose shield provides structure and allows the nose shield to better conform to the user's nose. The face mask features two means of attachment to various forms of eyewear.

Abstract: A protective covering with a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer. The hard outer layer comprises a plurality of substantially rigid shape-retaining and interworking tiles anatomically conformed to a contoured object. The outer layer has sufficient flexibility to adjust its conformity to the object as the object's contour changes. The soft inner layer comprises a plurality of impact absorbing units. The protective covering provides impact resistance and is designed to remain securely in place and protective of the object even when the contour of the object changes.

Abstract: A protective gown with a tubular overlay, or tube, on each gown sleeve attached on one end at the user's forearm as the tube extends toward the upper arm as a surgical glove is donned and the gown sleeve is tucked within the glove cuff. The tube then extends downward toward the sleeve end and over the glove cuff forming a channel in which the glove cuff is positioned and retained. The tube is secured to the glove from within the tube as it engages the glove cuff. Areas of increased frictional resistance may be added to the tube underside to engage the glove cuff secondary surface as the sleeve is tucked within the glove cuff. Increased frictional resistance may be obtained by employing strips or a coating with a low tack surface.

Abstract: A ventilated garment including one or more mesh fabric areas and a plurality of spacers. Each spacer has a generally arch-shaped portion with two ends thereof being fastened on an inner surface of the ventilated garment adjacent to the mesh fabric areas. The mesh fabric areas may be provided at the shoulder portion, the chest portion, and/or the side portion of the ventilated garment. The garment can be lifted up and kept at a distance from the body of a wearer by the spacers to ventilate heat and moisture.

Abstract: A lower body garment that includes a dynamic waist-resizing feature and method. A lower body garment includes a body portion adapted to be worn about a waist and a lower abdomen of a wearer, the body portion including a generally longitudinal opening extending from a waistline of the lower body garment, the generally longitudinal opening defining a first edge and second edge with the garment secured to the wearer when the edges are juxtaposed; and a garment closure assembly, coupled to the body portion near the generally longitudinal opening, including a closure fastener coupled to the first edge and two or more mating fasteners coupled to the second edge, the closure fastener repeatably engageable with and disengageable from one of the mating fasteners wherein a circumference of the waistline varies responsive to the closure fastener engaging with a particular one of the two or more mating fasteners.

Abstract: Garments are provided that include feltable fibers in selected areas to provide high durability. Garments are manufactured with feltable fibers is selected areas, such as high wear or high impact areas, and are then subjected to the felting (or fulling) process to produce a garment having partially felted fibers on the selected areas. Such a garment may be a sock with felted areas selected in the heel and toe areas. Such socks have enhanced resistance to wear in these high wear areas, and therefore are useable for longer periods of time for the user of the sock.

Abstract: Maternity wear of the invention accommodates the changing shape of a woman's body during pregnancy, minimizing the need for maternity clothes. In one aspect of the invention, pants or a skirt are worn with the upper end unfastened so as to conform to the shape of the swelling torso in pregnancy, and an elastic band shaped similarly to a tube top is worn generally around the waist, so as to overlap the top of the unfastened pants or skirt and retain them on the body. A top, such as a blouse or shirt, can be worn with its tail end extending over the band. In another aspect of the invention, too-large maternity clothing is worn with the band garment engaged over the upper end. If desired the band garment can be folded over on itself, thus doubling its thickness.

Abstract: An improved helmet mounting device for an optical or other viewing device is provided. The helmet mount includes a mounting assembly removably attachable to the helmet and a pivoting assembly having a first end pivotally attached to the mounting assembly and a second end opposite the first end. A fore and aft adjustment assembly is attached to the second end of the pivoting assembly and a left and right adjustment assembly is rotatably attached to the fore and aft adjustment assembly. The left and right adjustment assembly is pivotal relative to the fore and aft adjustment assembly about a first generally vertical axis. An optical device mounting member is attached to the left and right adjustment assembly and the optical device mounting member is removably attachable to the optical device.

Abstract: A padding device for sports includes an outer armor comprised of two main pads and a front guard board. Two linings are mounted in the outer armor. Reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections are formed on an outer surface of the outer armor and include apertures and perforations. Vents are formed in areas of each lining corresponding to the reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections. The vents provide rapid dissipation of heat generated by the wearer during sporting, providing comfort wearing. The reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections reinforce the areas where the vents are formed.

Abstract: A urine bottle adapter is provided. The urine bottle adapter has a hollow body which meets human ergonomics. The hollow body includes an open end and a flow guiding hole opposite to the open end. The open end of the urine bottle adapter is compliant with ergonomics, so that it can comfortably cover the user's private part. There are internal screw threads in the flow guiding hole. By means of the internal screw threads, an empty PET bottle can be screwed into the flow guiding hole, thus the empty PET bottle would be used to hold the urine. Therefore, the urine bottle adapter could transform an empty PET bottle into a urine bottle. The empty PET bottle can be easily washed and used repeatedly.

Abstract: A one unit toilet seat is fitted to a conventional toilet replacing standard seat. A toilet seat which permits increased manual access to perinea region of a person seated on the seat by incorporating concaves on each side into the surface of the toilet seat. The incorporated concaves located at the thigh and buttocks area of the user and have sufficient depth to ensure clearance for the insertion of the user's hand to carry out perinea cleaning functions.

Abstract: A toilet seat and toilet seat handle assembly comprises a toilet seat which has an upper planar surface and a bottom planar surface. Two seat-apertures are situated in the bottom planar surface at a predetermined distance apart. A toilet seat handle is located on a right portion of the bottom planar surface so as to retain the upper planar surface in a smooth unobstructed state. The toilet seat handle comprises a flat support plate with two plate-apertures situated at a predetermined distance apart and an oblong grip. The flat support plate is situated underneath and adjacent the bottom planar surface of the toilet seat such that the two plate-apertures are oriented to align with the two seat-apertures. Fasteners may be threadingly inserted into the aligned two seat-apertures and two plate-apertures so that the flat support plate is affixed adjacently to the bottom planar surface of the toilet seat and the oblong grip extends outwardly coplanar with the toilet seat.

Abstract: A pressurized device for toilets a gravity type flusher includes a water intake, a manual relief valve, a fill valve, a pressurized chamber-drain valve and a pressurized chamber-flush valve.

Abstract: A hot tub cover lifter comprises a lifter arm for supporting a folded hot tub cover. The lifter arm is pivotally connected to at least one bracket, and the bracket is anchored to the hot tub. The lifter arm comprises a plurality of telescoping segments, and at least two adjacent segments are adjustably connected by a compression fitting. The hot tub cover lifter can be manually assembled and adjusted to fit a hot tub of any size, and without the need for tools.

Abstract: A self-contained swimming pool for containment of water and generation of water currents therein for exercise, therapy and/or rehabilitation of a user comprising a rigid frame exteriorly located in relation to an inner water containment area. A set of water return channels in communication with the inner water containment area. A propulsion system in communication with the set of water return channels and the inner water containment area. A hydraulic system for driving the propulsion system using a hydraulic fluid to produce a current in the inner water containment area allowing positioning of a user in the current for exercise, therapy and or rehabilitation therein and wherein the hydraulic system is self-contained and mounted external of the rigid frame.

Abstract: A main drain outlet and a water sanitation system for a swimming pool, wading pool, spa, or hot tub are provided. A main drain outlet comprises a cylindrical or toroidal sump, an inlet tangentially extending from the cylindrical or toroidal sump having an orifice with a length extending a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical or toroidal sump and a width substantially less than its length. The sump may have a curved inner surface throughout the length of the orifice. The main drain outlet may be of unitary assembly and may have more than one sump and inlet. The main drain outlet may comprise a testing strip. The pool water sanitation system may comprise skimmer flow equalizer lines in flow communication with a main drain outlet.

Abstract: An automatic hair washing machine including a sink in which a head portion of a user is laid, the sink having an enclosed space that is formed when the head portion is laid in the sink, a nozzle link unit for jetting liquid containing at least one of washing water and cleaning agent liquid, and a mist spraying unit for spraying mist into the enclosed space.

Abstract: A portable commode, shower, and bath wheelchair apparatus comprising a first support frame, a second support frame, a mechanical interface interconnecting the first support frame to the second support frame thereby forming a first contiguous support member and a second contiguous support member. A seat assembly is slidingly attached to both the first contiguous support member and to the second contiguous support member.

Abstract: Bath and shower support systems for a bath or shower enclosure consisting of adjustable grab bars bearing on adjustable lower supports and laterally connecting to a parallel tiled wall by suction cups clamped to the tile by locking means. An adjustable length upward extending grab bar attaches to the lower grab bar with its upper extremity attaching to the tiled wall by connection means that includes a suction cup.

Abstract: Bedbug infestation-resistant furniture items comprise one or more substantially horizontal platform member each with one or more relatively vertical downwardly-depending leg members. Each platform member typically includes a frame surrounding an interior region and an infill expanse extending across the interior region and overlapping a relatively horizontal portion of the frame. Each of leg members typically includes a substantially lubricious surface portion substantially encircling the leg member to frustrate bedbug travel along the leg member. The legs may be splayed outwardly and may be provided with stops therealong to facilitate relatively dense stacking during stowage, and to simplify unstacking.

Abstract: A handling system for supporting a person, preferably a disabled person, where the handling system facilitates changes of the angular position of the person supported by the support device, the handling system including at least two support connection systems each having at least one support connection, where the invention further relates to a method for arranging a supported person.

Abstract: A bedbug-resistant bed comprises a horizontal right-rectangular frame including four open angled rigid members pair-wise joined at their eight termini in four corners; one or more support members extending across the frame near the upper edge of the joined angled members; and a right-rectangular wire mesh infill expanse extending within a perimeter of the frame and affixed along upper inwardly extending expanses of the joined angled members.

Abstract: A coverlet includes a first back layer having edges, a second middle layer having edges and a batting layer having edges and being disposed between and quilted to the first and second layers, A third face layer has edges, covers the second layer and is stitched to the first and second layers and to the batting layer. A binding, preferably between ½ and 1 inch in width, covers all of the edges. The first, second and third layers are all formed of the same fabric, especially a lyocell blend. The batting layer is preferably a lyocell blend and in particular a blend with polyester. A method of producing the coverlet is also provided.

Abstract: A pressure sore relief system includes a plurality of sensors in communication with a surface, whereby each sensor operates independently of one another for detecting a pressure level at a particular region of the surface and generating a feedback signal that corresponds to the detected pressure level, and a system controller adapted to receive the feedback signals from the sensors and generate a plurality of output signals in response to each of the feedback signals. The pressure sore relief system includes a plurality of actuators in communication with the surface and being adapted to receive the output signals from the system controller, whereby each output signal generated by the system controller is associated with one of the actuators. The actuators are adapted to selectively vibrate for minimizing the likelihood of a patient developing pressure sores. The pressure sore relief system may be positioned over a mattress or a chair.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a swinging water massage bed for a user to lie on a bed board. The user can operate a controller to ascend the bed board and swing the bed board through a swing driving unit, or descend the bed board to a resilient layer of a water container. With a water jet device in the water container, water jets out to knock against the resilient layer for the user to be massaged so as to help the user sleep or relax.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology provide a personal support device for provision of therapeutic support to a portion of a body resting thereon and methods associated with the device. Device embodiments include a substrate having an array of pressure-distributing element host sites, and a population of volumetrically-incompressible pressure-distributing elements at the host sites to form an array of pressure-distributing elements. A therapeutic surface overlays the pressure-distributing elements, and provides an interface between the array of pressure-distributing elements and an aspect of the body portion in contact with the therapeutic surface. The device is configured to form a supportive site within the therapeutic surface that is conformative to the aspect of the body portion in contact with the therapeutic surface when the body part is lying thereon.

Abstract: An air foam mattress system includes a foam top component, and a foundation component including a plurality of segmented, individually wrapped, inflatable air cells allowing for a plurality of pivot points, a segmented perimeter, and individual pressure adjustment of the segments for maximum patient comfort in all articulated bed positions. In an embodiment, the air cell contains a u-shaped insert providing segmented perimeter sections integral to the air cell. In another embodiment, the air cell contains a trapezoidal shaped insert with multiple segments having different degrees of foam stiffness.

Abstract: A method includes selecting an arrangement of foam springs, the arrangement that matches user-selected firmness requirements; attaching foam springs to a foam panel in a removable, replaceable manner; and inserting the foam springs and the foam panel into a containment facility. A mattress includes foam springs; a foam panel to which an arrangement of the foam springs is attached in a removable, replaceable manner; a containment facility within which the foam springs and the foam panel are disposed; and a side rail with indentations within which sides of at least some of the foam springs are disposed. The mattress may also include a fabric webbing, attached to the containment facility, within which some of the foam springs are disposed in a removable, replaceable manner; and an attachment device attaching together at least two of the foam springs.

Abstract: A bit structure for powered tools includes a shank action end at one end of a bit and a tool gripping section at another end. The shank action end has a conical directing portion formed by extending rearwards from a front edge of the shank action end. The directing portion is extended rearwards to form an expansion bore cutting section between the shank action end and the tool gripping section. The expansion bore cutting section has at one axial cutting edge formed at a length equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the directing portion. The bit structure thus formed can simultaneously perform multiple functions of drilling holes, expanding holes and fastening screws faster with less time and effort.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool that is compact, easily stored, and readily transported and can provide a substantial number of the tools needed on a typical camping trip or outdoor activity. A multi-purpose tool comprises an outer elongated nesting member, an intermediate elongated nesting member, and an inner elongated nesting member. In various configurations, the inner nestable member and the intermediate nestable member may extend from either end of the outer nestable member to form any number of elongated tools. In another configuration of the embodiment, the inner nestable member and the intermediate nestable member may be retracted to the end of the outer nestable member to form more compact tools. A number of application-specific heads may be operably coupled to the nestable members to form camping tools. In another configuration, the nestable members may be unnested and operably coupled as individual members to form tripod or non-linear-shaped tools.

Abstract: Heat stable fabric softeners are particularly useful for use in developing markets.

Abstract: A fabric softener composition, comprising 1% to 49% by weight of a bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-dimethylammonium methylsulphate fatty acid ester having a molar ratio of fatty acid moieties to amine moieties of from 1.85 to 1.99, wherein the average chain length of the fatty acid moieties is from 16 to 18 carbon atoms and the iodine value of the fatty acid moieties, calculated for the free fatty acid, is from 0.5 to 50.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of conditioning fabrics, comprising contacting fabric with a liquid composition comprising an amino-functional silicone and a quaternary ammonium, and drying said fabric at 200 degrees F. or greater. The invention includes a method of conditioning fabrics, comprising washing fabric in a detergent having a wash pH of greater than 10, contacting fabric with a liquid composition comprising an amino-functional silicone and a quaternary ammonium, and drying said fabric at less than 200 degrees F. The invention further provides a method of conditioning fabrics wherein softness, anti-static, and anti-wrinkle properties are imparted to the fabric wherein the conditioned fabric resists yellowing in industrial and institutional conditions wherein the wash pH is greater than 9 and/or the fabric temperature is 200 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.

Abstract: A stowable ramp configured for use with a pet tub. The ramp comprises an upper section, a lower section and a pair of wheels. The upper section is a substantially rectangular platform whose upper section is hingeably attached to the tub and disposed substantially at the bottom periphery of the tub's opening. The lower section comprises a substantially rectangular platform whose upper edge is hingeably connected to the lower edge of the upper section. Each wheel is disposed at the lower end of the lower section and oriented in such a manner that its axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the hinges. At least one finger hold is further provided on each side of the platform and disposed substantially toward the bottom end of the upper section. In order to stow an erected ramp, an operator lifts the ramp at the finger hold using one or two fingers such that the bottom section swings towards the tub and tucks the ramp under the tub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dock leveler that: facilitates safe and smooth movement of any driving device by reducing inclination of the dock leveler; and allows easy maintenance by removing a driving unit such as a hydraulic device. The dock leveler comprises a body which is fixed and rotatable on the rear top of an installation space for a dock; and a support unit supporting the body when positioned inside the installation space and sliding toward the front of the body so that the rear of the support unit can be connected to the front of the body when operating as a passage way for a transportation unit or a carrying unit.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes wheels mounted at a lower side of a main body of the robot cleaner to allow for traveling of the main body, and wire winding prevention members mounted at the lower side of the main body, each wire winding prevention member having one end extending to be contactable with a rim of the corresponding wheel. The wire winding prevention member is preferably a torsion spring.

Abstract: Provided is a linear actuator which is simple in structure, inexpensive to manufacture, in addition, has small magnetic leakage, and can provide a large inertial force without increasing the number of parts and weight.

Abstract: A tool powered by pressurized liquid, typically water, for treatment of a variety of surfaces ranging from natural to manufactured, has a scrubber wheel powered by the pressurized liquid. A treatment liquid is contained in a single-use, throw-away cartridge mounted in the tool. The cartridge is mounted in the tool for rotation therein when desired. A nozzle in the tool for discharging the pressurized liquid onto the scrubber wheel to rotate the scrubber wheel, is movable by the tool operator during a treatment operation to change the direction of discharge to the extent desired to drive the scrubber forward or backward and to rotate the cartridge to dispense the treatment liquid if, and when, dispensing of the treatment liquid is desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the partial removal of coating from pipes, in particular from metal pipes, having a base body, an accommodation area, for a pipe formed on the base body at least two supporting means, for supporting the pipe arranged on a first side of the accommodation area and a scraper head arranged on an opposite side of the accommodation area, wherein the scraper head has two prismatic scraper edges. The invention furthermore relates to the use of a device according to the invention for the at least partial removal of coating from pipes.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator. The pig receiver also includes a pressure equalization system that adjusts the pressure downstream of the gate valve when the gate valve is in a closed position.

Abstract: An oral care toothbrush includes a handle having a head at one end of the handle, the head having at least one cleaning element. The head has at least one oral care dispenser. The oral care dispenser is configured to release an oral care material within about five seconds when exposed to water at a temperature of about 35° C. to about 40° C.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a dispenser containing oral care material and a moisture impermeable barrier. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head comprising at least one tooth cleaning element extending from a face of the head; a dispenser containing an oral care material positioned on the head, the dispenser being degradable when subjected to moisture; a removable barrier attached to the head so as to create a chamber between an inner surface of the removable barrier and a portion of the head, the removable barrier being constructed of a moisture impermeable material; and wherein the dispenser is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A rotary mop device comprises a mop tube, a push-to-rotation means, a thread strip and a mop frame body. The mop tube is consist of a first mop tube and a second mop tube, the push-to-rotation has a case body with a driving element and an engaging corresponding element being provided in the case body, the case body being provided on the inner surface of the second mop tube, the driving element has a plural bump engaging parts and the engaging corresponding element has a plural bump engaging parts, the thread strip is fixed on inner surface of the mop tube, the mop frame body is provided below the second mop tube.

Abstract: A hairbrush in which air blown from a hair dryer to the rear face side of the hairbrush is smoothly guided to through-holes in the hairbrush to send the air to the front face side. In the hairbrush (1), divergent projections (4a-4g) are formed on a rear face (2a) of a base section (2) and through-holes (8a-8f) are respectively formed in depressions (3a-3f) located between the projections. A cushion member (5) of a brush section (9) is fixed to the front face (2e) side of the base section (2) of the hairbrush (1), and bristles (6) are embedded in the cushion member (5) through which holes (5a) are formed. Air blown from the hair dryer to the rear face (2a) side of the hair brush (1) is guided by the projections (4a-4g) to the depressions (3a-3f) located between the projections and enters the through-holes (8a-8f). The air passed through the through-holes (8a-8f) passes through the holes (5a) in the cushion member (5) and sent to the front face side of the hairbrush (1).

Abstract: A brush head for an electric toothbrush is disclosed. The brush head includes a bristle support having mounting means for the movable mounting of the bristle support and a plurality of bristle tufts arranged on the bristle support in at least one outer ring and one middle ring, the middle ring being nested within the outer ring and having a central area. The outer ring includes outer bristle tufts having an elongated tuft cross-section, which outer bristle tufts are mounted on opposing sides of the outer ring. The middle ring includes at least two middle bristle tufts that each have a cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section of the outer bristle tufts and a central area including at least one bristled section that consists of two center bristle tufts having a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the middle bristle tufts.

Abstract: A brush with a variable edge includes a handle with proximal and distal end portions, a bristle pack extending outwardly from an opening in the distal end portion and including individual sets of bristles of a predetermined width that together form a continuous edge, and a slide mechanism for adjusting the length of each individual set of bristles so as to vary the shape of the edge.

Abstract: A mop system incorporating a replaceable foam-based mop head. The mop head is adapted to wrap at least partially around a curved support mandrel and to be held in place by releasable engagement between the mandrel and connection elements disposed in localized relation along edge portions of the mop head.

Abstract: A sponge with microfiber which includes a foam sponge having a front side, a back side, and a plurality of edges between the front and back sides and a microfiber material laminated to one side of the foam sponge. The microfiber material may be inset from all edges of the foam sponge on the side of the foam sponge to which it is laminated and one or more of the plurality of edges of the foam sponge may be contoured and comprise a beveled edge and/or a chamfered edge.

Abstract: A wiper assembly (3) is provided comprising a wiper arm (4) having a longitudinal axis (X-X) and arranged to carry a wiper blade (8). The wiper arm (4) comprises a free end (5). A support member (6) rotatable around a first axis of rotation (A-A) extends substantially transversely to said longitudinal axis (X-X) of the wiper arm (4), and is arranged to support the wiper arm (4). The support member (6) comprises a passage (13) into which the free end (5) of the wiper arm (4), at least partly, projects. The free and (5) of the wiper arm (4) and the passage (13) define a second axis of rotation (B-B) about which the wiper arm (4) is rotatable. The second axis of rotation (B-B) is different from the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the wiper arm (4).