Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee pad and a knee pad assembly. A pad for cushioning the knee when kneeling on a surface comprises structure defining longitudinal first passageways with their longitudinal axes arranged to be positioned, in use, so that they intersect with the surface being knelt on.

Abstract: Improved medical garments are disclosed which are fabricated from woven or warp knit fabrics impregnated with an anti-microbial agent, such as silver in the form of a silver chloride solution during processing, and a hydrophobic agent, such as a fluorocarbon polymer and optional cross-linking agent. The garments are provided in various forms of medical lab coats for doctors and non-doctors and for both males and females. The combination of the anti-microbial agent and the hydrophobic agent provides improved kill rates for bacteria such as MRSA.

Abstract: A buckle release system has a base plate, a fulcrum mounted on the base plate, a lever pivotably mounted on the fulcrum, a handle connected to one end of the lever, at least one cable mounted to the lever at a location remote from the handle, at least one buckle portion connected to the cable, and at least one mating buckle portion releasably connected to the one buckle portion. Pulling the handle pivots the lever and pulls the cables, causing the buckle portions to release from each other.

Abstract: A pair of mittens is disclosed that is adapted to be worn by a child to protect at least the child's hands and wrists from adverse winter conditions. Each mitten of the pair includes a hand-receiving mitten portion for covering the child's hand, and an elastically extendable cuff fastened to an aft end of the mitten portion. The elastically extendable cuff has a circumferentially uninterrupted tubular body and an elastic band disposed at an aft end of the cuff. The elastic band circumscribes an opening at the aft end through which the child's hand is received. The elastically extendable cuff is at least longitudinally seamless such that the elastically extendable cuff is both longitudinally and circumferentially stretchable from an un-stretched configuration to a stretched configuration.

Abstract: A glove closure system having an opening dividing the glove into a lateral side (thumb) and a medial side (pinky). The opening allows for easy access of the user's hand. The system consists of a rectangular or oval flap attached to the lateral portion and pulled over the access opening. A primary fit is caused by the user pulling the flap over to the back of the lateral side of the glove and fastening with a hook and loop attachment method.

Abstract: An athletic glove with enhanced tensioning is provided. The glove comprises a palm-side portion and a back portion connected to form four finger sheaths, a thumb sheath, and an opening capable of receiving a human hand. A keyhole cutout is located along the opening at a location corresponding to the back of a user's hand. A tension-adjusting wrist strap is attached to the glove on a first side of the keyhole adjacent to the opening. The wrist strap extends across the keyhole and is detachably affixable to a second side of the keyhole adjacent to the opening. The wrist strap may be used to adjust the tension across the palm-side portion by adjusting where the strap is detachably affixed. The wrist strap connects to the palm-side portion at an angle to optimize the distribution of tensioning force to reduce bunching in the palm-side portion and provide enhanced gripping.

Abstract: A durable athletic glove with an enhanced range of motion is provided. The glove comprises a palm-side portion and a back portion connected to form four finger sheaths, a thumb sheath, and an opening capable of receiving a human hand. One or more rounded, strain-relieving cutouts are located on the palm portion at a location corresponding to the area of a user's hand where two adjacent fingers connect with the palm. A strain-relieving finger gusset connects each cutout to the finger sheaths and palm-side portion. A thumb gusset extends from the back portion, between the thumb sheath and index finger sheath, and to the palm-side portion. The strain-relieving cutouts and strain-relieving gussets distribute force applied where finger sheaths connect to minimize glove failure. The cutouts and gussets allow an increased range of motion and stretchability for the user.

Abstract: A disposable single use gym workout glove having a palm section made of nitrile and a rear section made of nitrile, a woven material or a nonwoven material. Grip protrusions are located on the palm section of the glove and finger receiving members which extend out from the palm section of the glove have grip protrusions located on their front surfaces. The grip protrusions on the front surface of the finger receiving members are on the small, ring, middle and index finger receiving members and the front surface of the thumb receiving member has no grip protrusions.

Abstract: An absorbent sleeve configured to rest above a shoulder of a user and enable a user to envelop a user's head, thereby enabling the user to absorb fluids disposed thereon by manual manipulation thereof, without the sleeve being in substantial contact with other parts of a user's body. The sleeve includes a cylindrical member having a looped layer of absorbent material. The cylindrical member includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The absorbent sleeve includes a first cinch loop coupled about the first aperture of the cylindrical member. The absorbent sleeve includes a second cinch loop coupled about the second aperture of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member includes a waterproof layer disposed on an exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose neck gaiters and methods of making and using the same. For example, a neck-gaiter has a fabric tube and a pocket formed on an interior of the fabric tube. The pocket is configured to receive a filter therein.

Abstract: A hat-cord assembly, kit, and method for manufacturing same provides users with a hat construction and a braided or weaved length of cord fastened thereto. The hat construction comprises a looped hat band or foliage ring, which band or ring comprises at least one aperture structure extending therethrough. The length of cord is preferably braided to provide both a decorative effect and an ample cord source when attached to the hat band or foliage ring. The cord preferably comprises thermally-liquefiable material and has opposed primary cord ends, which ends are insertable through the aperture structure and are thermally-liquefiable for respectively liquefying the primary cord ends at the aperture structure. The liquefied primary cord ends are thermally-solidifiable for fastening the primary cord ends to the hat band at the aperture structure.

Abstract: A garment that includes a garment structure, a plurality of loop members, and first, second and third pocket assemblies. Each loop member is coupled to a waist portion of the garment structure and remains attached thereto in response to the application of a leash force of 37 lbf thereto. The first pocket assembly is configured to hold a plurality of disposable plastic bags and defines an opening through which the disposable plastic bags can be dispensed. The second pocket assembly is configured to receive one or more of the disposable plastic bags that have been filled with pet excrement. Each third pocket assembly is coupled to the lower portion of the garment structure and is configured to hold a tennis ball therein.

Abstract: A system comprises at least one foot component comprising fabric being configured with a first style as a foot portion of a stocking. The foot component further comprises a toe portion, an ankle portion, and an ankle bonding area on the ankle portion. At least one calf component comprising fabric is configured with a second style as a calf portion of a stocking. The calf component further comprises a bottom portion, a top portion, a bottom bonding area on the bottom portion being configured for joining with the ankle bonding area, and a top bonding area on the top portion. A first joining mechanism is configured for joining the ankle bonding area and the bottom bonding area in which the at least one foot component being joined to the at least one calf component forms a custom stocking.

Abstract: A cover for garment buttons is disclosed, a button cover. The button cover is a flexible container having a top surface, side walls, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has an opening having a surface area adapted to fit over the button when the button cover is flexed or stretched and the opening surface area is smaller than the facing surface area of the button when the cover is not flexed or stretched so as to retain the cover on the button. In a further embodiment, the button cover has an elastic portion, wherein the elastic portion is adapted to allow the opening in the cover to be reversibly enlarged.

Abstract: A pocket system for an athletic garment according to embodiments of the present invention includes a center pocket and first and second pockets each having an outer, inner, top, and bottom edge. The top edges are open, while the inner, outer, and bottom edges are closed. A vertical centerline of the garment substantially aligns with a user's spine, and the first pocket is located on the athletic garment on one side of the vertical centerline, while the second pocket is located on the garment on the other side of the vertical centerline. The first and second pockets are in a substantially symmetrical configuration about the vertical centerline, and the center pocket is substantially centered on the vertical centerline. The first, second, and center pockets are disposed entirely within a larger, outer pocket, according to such embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A wearing apparel garment, such as an undergarment, has a padded portion positioned to be located adjacent to the coccyx of the wearer during use and which has a medicated patch containing suitable medicine therein which is applied to the user adjacent his or her coccyx during use. The garment is intended for use by one who is confined to a significant period of sitting or prone positioning which may make that person susceptible to pressure sores. The padded portion can be removed and the pad replaced as suitable. With the pad removed, the garment can be washed, if desired. The pad can be sized and medicated according to the need. The garment has no internal seams which might cause chafing or pressure on susceptible tissues. The garment is opened along a line which extends between the upper rim of the garment to the lower rim of the garment and which is releasably closed by a releasable fastener, such as a hook-and-loop fastener system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide pedicure protectors and methods for preventing polished toenails from smudging, smearing and/or otherwise being damaged. The pedicure protector may include a main body for receiving toes and ball of a foot. The main body may include a plurality of toe loop separators for wrapping around individual toes to align, separate and inhibit upward movement of toes. The pedicure protector may also include an upper surface that is repeatedly detachable and attachable to the main body. The upper surface may include at least one ventilation hole.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a commode seat capable of being attached to a rollator. Specifically, the invention is directed to a commode seat incorporating therein a collapsible telescopic splash guard.

Abstract: The cage support apparatus and method is provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device comprising an upper support, a base support and a plurality of vertical supports. The upper support comprises a lengthened side support, a rear support, and a side support. The base support comprises a lengthened side support, a rear support, and a side support, and a plurality of vertical supports. The plurality of vertical supports comprises a first end vertical support, a second end vertical support, a first corner support, a second corner support, and an intermediate vertical support. The upper support and the base support are fixedly connected by the plurality of vertical supports, and particularly, the lengthened side support is held by the first end support, the first corner support and an intermediate vertical support, the rear support is held by the first corner support, the second corner support and the intermediate vertical support.

Abstract: This invention is used in swimming pools, water and recreation areas to minimise the risks of accidents and contusions due to slips or falls of bathers, sportsmen or users through the use of a product made up of various configurations of a support or rigid base (1) of cement, ceramic, porcelain material, or other construction material, and an elastic cover (2) of plastic material—polyolefin, silicones, polyurethanes, natural and artificial rubbers, or other types of polymers, combined between themselves or not—with elastic mechanical properties on straight, curved or angular borders of swimming pools, and with waterproof, antiskid, hygienic, aesthetic and/or signage effects.

Abstract: Apparatus for a perineal wash system includes a seat with a pair of pads spaced apart front to back to define a gap. The pads and frame define front and rear access areas dimensioned to allow a caregiver to access the perineal area of a seated person. In various embodiments at least one pad is movable sideways and may include a biasing spring, an operating handle, and/or a latch. The seat is suitable for a shower chair, a wall-mounted chair, and a bathtub chair. A gas spring optionally lifts one end of the seat. In one embodiment a perineal washer is supported adjacent the seat. The washer receives a nozzle of a sprayer and redirects the spray through a movable conduit to direct liquid upward to the perineum. In one embodiment a commode pot below the seat has a gap sufficient to avoid pinching dangling body parts.

Abstract: A waterproof article for stopping water leakage from a bathroom tub or shower enclosure and the method of using the article, having a vertical and horizontal member adjoined at a right angle, of which a rib is projected perpendicularly from the longitudinal center line of both members in continuous contact along the entire length of the rib. The waterproof adhesive backing initially protected with a strip of film, is used to fix the article on the center line of where a shower door will install. A bore on the vertical member is utilized to secure the article on a bathtub flange or shower pan. All seams and crevices about the perimeter of the article are liberally caulked using silicon during installation to ensure addition protection.

Abstract: An application for a system, method and apparatus that directs light and heat towards an area of pain of a person while the person rests on a section of furniture (e.g., sleeps on a mattress). The light and heat are provided by an array of LEDS that are removably situated within a cavity that is, for example, formed or cut into the furniture/mattress.

Abstract: An application for a mattress that directs light and heat towards an area of pain of a person while the person rests on the mattress. The light and heat are provided by an array of LEDS that are integrated into the mattress. A controller provides electrical power to the LEDS for providing sufficient heat and light for therapeutic treatment of pain to the person who rests on the mattress above the array of LEDS.

Abstract: Bedding material including a first fabric section manufactured from performance fabric and having a first and second side; and, a second fabric section attached to the first side of the first fabric section. Additionally, a third fabric section can be attached to the second side of the first fabric section. The first fabric section can be attached to the second fabric section through a flatlock stitch. The first fabric section can include a first zone and a second zone wherein the first zone contains different performance properties from the second zone and the first zone can have thermal or moisture wicking properties.

Abstract: A hospital bed (1) has a removable headboard (11). The removable headboard is provided with a handle bar (12), the free ends of which sit on the upper frame (4) of the lifter (2). In order to connect the handle bar to the lifter, inserting pins (22) are provided on the lifter. Said inserting pins are designed such that neither during insertion nor during removal of the headboard (11) from the inserting pins any clamping effect can occur.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are related to a supportive head and neck pillow with a supportive bone structure inside the pillow. The pillow is used for head and neck support, and comfort while sleeping sitting up during transportation. It can also be used for head and neck support for people who have neck injuries, or to prevent neck injuries during transportation. The sleepy heads neck pillow disclosed comprises a pillow with a bone structure support inside it.

Abstract: A baby change mat has a rectangular base mat, and pockets attached to a side of the base mat. The base mat has a non-slip fastening belt for fastening the base mat to a change table. The base mat provides a first work surface for changing a baby. The pocket provides storage space for storing items needed for changing the baby. A cover is detachably attached to the base mat for providing a second work surface. A flap is detachably attached to a side of the rectangular base mat. The flap can be folded on top of the base mat or the cover for providing a third work surface. The baby change mat can be rolled up and held in the rolled up configuration with an elastic closure loop. A carrying handle facilitates attaching the rolled up baby change mat to a support such as a baby stroller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing and/or inhibiting decubitus ulcers including a pad having first and second interconnected sections which form an open region there between. The first pad section includes a first chamber and the second pad section includes a second chamber. The first and second chambers are independently and selectively inflatable and deflatable to change the shape of the pad. The pad has an upper surface adapted to engage a user, the upper surface including a device for removably securing the pad to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce smoking and/or haze during a heated laundry process. The compositions include a smoke reducing surfactant package and a detersive surfactant containing an amount of free alcohol. The smoke reducing surfactant package includes an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof. The surfactants are selected such that the amount of smoke or haze produced is reduced and or eliminated when garments contacted with the compositions containing the surfactants are heated to at least about 250° F. Methods of using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Dry cleaning and fabric-treatment compositions, methods and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in drying machines, such as hot air drying machines found in households, apartments, and laundromats, which are normally adapted to dry wet garments and the like from a washing machine In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one organic solvent, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition also may include water and/or at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific composition. In some embodiments, the article includes a dispenser from which the composition is selectively dispensed onto a dry garment or other object to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for treating a textile under industrial and institutional fabric care conditions to impart softness with reduced yellowing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a solid fabric conditioning composition and a method for treating a textile with a solid fabric conditioning composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of alkanolamines for thickening oxidative coloring compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of alkanolamines for thickening ready to use oxidative coloring composition based on mixing two compositions wherein one comprises at least one oxidative dyeing precursor and the other comprises as least one oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A coloring system can include a noble gas, colorant, and one or more vessels configured to convert the noble gas into a supercritical fluid, and/or receive and color an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state. A coloring process can include converting a noble gas into a supercritical fluid state; dissolving, suspending, or absorbing a colorant into the supercritical noble gas, and coloring an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state. A coloring composition can include a noble gas in a supercritical fluid state, and a colorant located in the supercritical noble gas.

Abstract: A method for providing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, including: constructing an upper shoe assembly, including at least one vapor-permeable lining, a vapor-permeable upper, and a waterproof and vapor-permeable upper membrane that is between them; fixing to a vapor-permeable assembly insole a first gasket made of waterproof material, which has at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion; lasting, to obtain an upper assembly of the shoe; sealing the lasting margins to the first gasket by a second gasket, including adhesion of the second gasket; and assembling, including connection of a sole to the upper assembly at least by the adhesion of material that composes the sole to the second gasket.

Abstract: Subject matter of the invention is a device for an extendable reception of a ramp, wherein the device can be mounted at a vehicle in the area of the vehicle door, wherein the device comprises a drive assembly for the ramp, wherein the drive assembly comprises a slide, wherein the slide is connected with the ramp, wherein the drive equipment can be engaged with at least one power transmission element mounted at the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring crew members between a first platform and a second platform, at least one of which platforms is subject to movement, is disclosed. The system includes a telescoping-tube assembly having at least three nestable tubes. The tubes are capable of being extended and retracted as well as being selectively locked to ensure that a crew member traversing the tube assembly always travels along a rigid connection between adjacent tubes. A sensor system is used to sense the location and direction of movement of a crew member within the tubes.

Abstract: Mat washing device, method of using the mat washing device, and method of washing mats. The mat washing device includes a system that may be transported on a flat bed trailer from one location to another. The mat washing device includes conveying systems, brush systems, rails systems and control mechanisms. The mat washing device may be used by placing mat, on edge, on a conveying system and conveying the mat to a first brushing system and a second brushing system. In one aspect the first brushing system includes a cable brush having a bolt secured at the end of a cable in order to beat or brush material from the mat when the cable brush is spun.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing a sweeping system incorporating at least one user-deployable scraper feature within a sweeping apparatus to assist in removing dried-on materials from at least one floor surface. The scraper feature is preferably spring tensioned within at least one housing and deployed through use of a manual extension of telescoping cylinders. Further featured is a rotation blocking mechanism to prevent rotation of the scraper while scraping.

Abstract: A two-layered sponge article with different textures is described. The two layers are joined at their contour so as to form a cavity, making it possible to squeeze in an independent and selective way each of the layers that constitute it. One layer is an abrasive layer, woven or extruded, formed with threads of materials resistant to oxidation, and the other layer is an absorbent layer, with high absorption capacity. This cleaning article further has a thickness less than 20 mm, and has an absorption of up to 30 grams of water per gram of absorbent material. Given the thickness of the article, it provides: (a) sensitivity on contact with a surface being cleaned to the surface thereby allowing scrubbing of specific areas of greater accumulation of dirt and (b) curling on itself, without deformation upon release of the force that rolled it, making it possible to access tight spaces to clean without deforming the article.

Abstract: A toothbrush head with a bristle support to which a plurality of tuft-shaped cleaning elements are affixed is described. The bristle support including at least one movable rocker having a first end attached to it on the side remote from a handpiece and having a free second end which is on the side close to the handpiece. Said rocker carrying at least one row of cleaning elements. At least the cleaning elements arranged on the rocker furthest from a longitudinal center plane of the toothbrush head have their free ends inwardly tilted towards said longitudinal center plane at an acute angle.

Abstract: [Summary] [Problem] To make it possible to clean even corners of a floor [Solving Means] In a disk-shaped self-propelled floor cleaner 4 provided with a traveling part 6 and obstacle detecting means to travel by the traveling part 6 and, when the obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle, cleaning with a dust sheet 1 attached to the bottom part of the cleaner in a peelable manner while performing control of changing a traveling direction of the traveling part 6, the dust sheet 1 has at least one protrusion 3 provided outside of an annular sheet 2 having the same dimensions as those of the circular bottom part of the cleaner 4. [Selected Drawing] FIG.

Abstract: A textile sheet element having selectively applied arrays of surface projection elements defining raised zones across an active surface for cleaning and/or personal care, The textile sheet element is adapted for use by itself and/or for attachment to a user manipulated support with or without a handle such as a mop head or the like.

Abstract: A windshield wiper comprises a wiper blade including a squeegee portion for contacting a surface and a body supporting the squeegee portion. A primary spline is engaged with the body and has a first closed end and a second open end. A support structure is provided to attach the wiper to a wiper arm on a vehicle. At least one spoiler is slidingly disposed on the primary spline above the secondary spline. A secondary spline is slidingly disposed between the body and the support structure, whereby the secondary spline is retained in place by caps disposed at the first and second ends of the primary spline. The secondary spline is removably disposed between said wiper blade and said support structure and retained in place by end caps.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that is able to form dust and foreign substances collected in a dust collection device provided therein in a single mass shape to discharge it efficiently, not scattered in a dust collecting device. The vacuum cleaner includes a body, a dust collection device collecting dust and foreign substances therein, a compression device provided in the dust collection device to collect the dust and foreign substances collected in a predetermined portion of the dust collection device and to compress the collected dust and foreign substances, and a liquid supply device arranged in the dust collection device, in communication with an inside of the dust collection device, to supply liquid material to the dust collection device.

Abstract: A hand-held and conversion vacuum cleaner includes a housing carrying a suction generator, a dirt collection vessel and a suction inlet. A first connector is carried on the housing. The first connector secures the suction inlet in fluid communication with a first cleaning attachment. The vacuum cleaner also includes an adapter having a second connector that secures the suction inlet in fluid communication with a second cleaning attachment.

Abstract: A hand-held and conversion vacuum cleaner includes a housing. A suction generator, a dirt collection vessel, a suction inlet and a wand connector are all carried on the housing. A nose tool is connected to the wand connector. The wand connector is connected to the nose tool for hand held vacuum cleaning applications and alternatively it is connected to a wand assembly for stick vacuum cleaning applications.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner has a housing that carries a suction generator, a dirt collection vessel, a suction inlet and a first connector. The first connector is adapted for securing the suction inlet in fluid communication with a first cleaning attachment. The housing includes a suction conduit extending from the dirt collection vessel through the first connector. The dirt collection vessel includes an inlet in fluid communication with one end of the suction conduit. The inlet of the dirt collection vessel includes a resilient flap valve that is normally closed to seal in and maintain dirt and debris in the dirt collection vessel but swings open when the suction generator is energized to allow dirt and debris to be sucked into the dirt collection vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector assembly including a male connector having a first plug body and a first electrical prong and a cooperating female connector having a second plug body with a cavity, a first electrical contact held in that cavity and a resilient shield received in the cavity. The resilient shield is displaceable from a first position covering the electrical contact and preventing intrusion of dirt and debris into the contact to a second position exposing the electrical contact for connection with the electrical prong.