Abstract: A panel apparatus for positioning between a human body and a region of body armor absorbs impact energy associated with a projectile or other object impacting the body armor. The panel is also operable to absorb overpressure energy associated with a blast wave from an explosive device such as an improvised explosive device or a bomb. The panel may be secured to an interior of conventional tactical body armor, body armor carriers, or the like. The panel includes a multilayer construction and includes an inflatable primary gas chamber and a separate non-inflatable secondary gas chamber in some embodiments. The primary and secondary gas chambers are stacked in substantially parallel planes and are oriented substantially parallel to the body armor.

Abstract: A moisture absorbent headband device is provided that comprises a highly absorbent inner layer and a fabric shell outer layer. Both the inner core and outer shell layer having a generally rectangular shape. The outer layer is fixedly attached to an elastic means for securing the device to a user's forehead. When worn on the forehead while in the shower the moisture absorbent headband device inhibits the entry of soap and water into a user's eyes, nose, ears and mouth. In one embodiment, the device is disposable after a given number of uses. In an alternative embodiment, the outer fabric layer is closed at along one end of the inner layer and has an opening at the other end for removably inserting the absorbent inner layer into the outer fabric shell, providing a replaceable inner structure and permanent outer structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a pair of finger protection kitchen gloves for safeguarding the hands, fingers and thumbs of the wearer while preparing and cooking food. The gloves have a forearm portion, a hand portion, and a plurality of integrally attached finger portions. The gloves have a cotton lined interior to absorb perspiration of the wearer while cooking. The forearm portion extends upwardly along the forearm of the wearer. The hand portion couples to the forearm portion having a knuckle segment for each finger arranged in an accordion shape. The finger portions extend outwardly from the hand portion for accepting the fingers and thumbs of the wearer therein. The finger portions have joint segments also arranged in an accordion shape.

Abstract: An adjustable bathing suit including a channel extending through the length of a waistband. An adjustable band is received within at least a portion of the channel and is attached to the bathing suit. Preferably, the adjustable band extends around the front of the hips around a majority of the waistband. The adjustable band includes a plurality of openings for receiving a button attached to the bathing suit. The button can be located at the rear of the bathing suit. An opening in the waistband is provided in the location of the button to provide access to the adjustable band contained within the channel. A flap attached to an upper portion of the waistband extends over the opening of the waistband for closing the opening. The flap can include a self-gripping material and a self-gripping material can be positioned under the flap for providing secure closure of the flap.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a garment, including providing a fabric layer having sonically weldable material, the fabric layer having an inner surface and at least one opening region, the opening region having a periphery and an outer free edge, placing an elastic edge band having sonically weldable material around the entire periphery of the opening region, the edge band having first and second free edges and an inner surface, securing the first free edge of the edge band to the outer free edge of the opening region with a subsonic or ultrasonic edge weld to form a finished seamless edge along the opening region, and activating an adhesive along more than half of the inner surface of the edge band to secure the edge band and second free edge to the inner surface of the fabric layer.

Abstract: An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, includes a first textile and a second textile. The first textile forms a majority of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the apparel, and the first textile exhibits at least thirty percent stretch prior to tensile failure. The second textile is located around a waistband portion of the apparel, and the second textile exhibits less than ten percent stretch prior to tensile failure.

Abstract: A transformable magnetic garment is disclosed, which comprises one or a plurality of magnetic clasps which clasps detachably grip fabric of a predetermined shape and color. The garment may be transformed by moving the clasps into, and out of, contact with each other, thus rearranging the fabric hanging from the clasps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor garment including a harness. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor garment includes a textile portion, a device-retention element coupled to the textile portion, and a stretchable harness coupled to the textile portion. The harness includes a conductive element disposed between layers of film. The conductive element includes a first termination point at the device retention element, configured to connect to a monitor device. The conductive element includes a second termination point configured to connect to a sensor or transceiver.

Abstract: A medical garment is provided that includes fabric fitted for an upper torso of a patient whereby a separable length is formed in the fabric with fastening strips fastened along the separable length, which may be used by the patient when dressing, undressing, bathing and during examinations by a healthcare professional.

Abstract: Bioburden reducing fabrics include a woven fabric having warp yarns and filling yarns woven together in a plain weave to provide a pill resistant fabric having identical surfaces on both sides thereof. A surface of the fabric, when exposed to a pathogenic environment for twenty hours, allows no more than a total average of about twenty-two CFUs of pathogens per square centimeter to be formed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides waterproof, breathable non-textile seamed articles which exhibit high levels of durability and allow wearers a high level of flexibility and article strength. This invention is of particular interest for use in dexterous hand coverings and conformable foot coverings.

Abstract: A composition for producing an elastomeric thin film comprising a carboxylated acrylonitrile polybutadiene latex which is vulcanized without the use of conventional sulphur and accelerators thereby reducing the possibility of contacting immediate Type I hypersensitivity and delay Type IV hypersensitivity caused by the presence of natural rubber latex proteins and accelerators respectively. The dipping process for making gloves by using a latex composition provided by: premixing carboxylated acrylonitrile polybutadiene latex with methacrylic acid, or alternatively using a self-crosslinked latex, adding zinc oxide, adjusted to 9 to 10 of the pH level, and diluted with water to obtain 18% to 30% by weight of total solid content; dipping the glove former into the composition to form a layer of thin film of the latex composition on the former; drying the thin latex film on the former and crosslinking the latex film on the former.

Abstract: A headband structure includes a headband main body and at least one ornamental unit movably connected to the headband main body. The ornamental unit includes an ornament and a connecting element provided between the headband main body and the ornament. The ornament of the ornamental unit is movably connected to the headband main body via the connecting element, so that a user may remove, replace, or shift the ornament according to actual need and give the headband structure changeful and esthetic appearances.

Abstract: A water sensing electrode circuit comprises a voltage source; first electrode; second electrode; first resistor; second resistor; and an inverting comparator with an internal reference voltage, Vc; wherein: said voltage source, first electrode, second electrode, first resistor and second resistor are connected in series; and the negative input of said voltage comparator is attached to the junction of said first and second resistor.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a folded edge of a garment comprises sewing one of the following stitches along a portion of fabric where an edge of the garment is to be formed: a bar tack stitch, a buttonhole eyelet stitch, a round eyelet stitch, a single line of stitches and a pair of spaced lines of stitches.

Abstract: A method of making a sock having a leg portion, a gusset, a foot and a toe includes knitting a tubular member having a cylindrical body with a closed end, using, preferably a conventional circular knitting machine. The circular body is shaped to look like a sock and then subjected to heat and/pressure causing the fibers of the body to set. The circular body is knit from standard fiber yarns, including yarns made from natural and artificial fibers.

Abstract: To my knowledge there is nothing like T-Pak's Step Outs on the market today. I feel there is a need for this invention because women are limited on what shoes they can wear with long pants. They have to wear a shoe with either a strap on the ankle to keep the heel of the foot from coining up and allowing enough room for the pant leg to make its way under the foot. This causes wrinkling of the bottom of the pant leg and can generally be uncomfortable. It is also a nuisance to have to stop and pull your pant leg out from under your heel.

Abstract: An undergarment configured to secure a second garment thereto, including an undergarment shaped to be worn about the hip region of a user. The undergarment includes a loop system extending outwardly from a non-crotch area of the undergarment and including a plurality of anchor modes having differing heights up the undergarment. The undergarment includes an attachment member coupled to the loop system, including a clip and a coupling device coupled to the clip and selectably coupleable to the loop system at the anchor modes. The loop system further includes an elongated member coupled vertically to the undergarment at a plurality of spaced positions, thereby forming successive independent loops The undergarment includes a length adjustment device configured to selectably adjust an effectual height of the clip extending therefrom. The loop system further includes a plurality of successive independent loops.

Abstract: A footed undergarment for babies and toddlers is disclosed. This one piece undergarment addresses the issue of the lack of leg coverings for little boys which can be worn under their pants. By making the undergarment as one piece with the feet attached ensures that the child will have his legs covered and warm when taken outside in the cold months. The undergarment consists of a body portion with an elastic waistband and pant leg openings, a rear panel to give a better fit over a diaper, a band of stretch fabric encircling the ankle and the attached feet consisting of a top, bottom and heel section.

Abstract: A system for use in connection with a protective helmet having at least one accessory connection mechanism includes a visor accessory which includes a frame including at least one rearward extending member. The system further includes an adapter including a helmet connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet and an accessory connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the at least one rearward extending member of the visor accessory. The accessory connector is adapted to be stowed on the at least one rearward extending member when the adapter is not in use to connect to the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet.

Abstract: An induced draft anti-fog system for goggles and similar optical devices having an air tight goggle with ports, fixedly attached to a hollow elastomeric conduit. Said hollow conduit having an intake port and exhaust fan. The exhaust fan has an on/off switch in communication with two battery packs. When the fan is in operation air is drawn into the intake port and circulated into the goggle housing thereby defogging the goggle lens and then is circulated out through the fan.

Abstract: The environmental system for motorsports helmets includes a helmet and backpack containing various components of the system. The helmet includes an inlet and air passages for forced air ventilation, a tube conducting drinking water from a helmet inlet to the mouth of the helmet wearer, and a radio communications headset. The helmet is a full-face helmet having an openable transparent face shield and visor formed with the face shield as a unit. A backpack is provided with the helmet, the backpack containing a motor driven fan to supply air to the helmet. The air is filtered through an external filter on the pack, before entering the fan and ventilation system. A water tank is also included in the backpack, allowing the helmet wearer to draw water from the supply. A conventional communications transceiver is also provided with the backpack, the transceiver connecting to the headset within the helmet.

Abstract: A pair of swim goggles includes left and right frames having lenses therein, respectively, a bridge element connecting the left and right frames, and left and right sealing frames sealing around peripheral sides of the left and right frames and forming protection seals, respectively. Each of the protection seals has a substantially J shape in cross-section in any segment thereof. Strap apparatus disposed on outer sides of the left and right frames, respectively. The swim goggles are characterized in that buffer portions are provided between the protection seals and the left and right frames, respectively, so that the buffer portions and the protection seals capable of cooperatively absorbing an external impact.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to disposable toilet seat protector. In one embodiment, a toilet seat cover may include a seat portion having an opening approximately center thereto and a skirt portion on an outer periphery thereto. The seat portion may have a polygonal configuration; however, other geometric configurations are within the scope of the invention. The opening may be defined by a collar. Elastic may define a border between the cover and the skirt. A neck or handle portion may be located at a back portion of the cover providing a means for a user to position the cover on a toilet seat. In one embodiment, a toilet seat cover may include a seat portion having an opening approximately center thereto and a skirt portion on an outer periphery thereto. The seat portion may have an oval configuration; however, other geometric configurations are within the scope of the invention. The opening may be defined by a collar. Elastic may define a border between the cover and the skirt.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for toilet seats is provided which includes an easy accessible pull handle, connected to a mechanism associated with the seat that holds the seat in a vertical rest position. The handle is the only part that needs to be maneuvered by the toilet user when the user desires that the seat be in horizontal position. After using the seat in such horizontal position, the provided mechanism automatically moves the seat back up into the vertical rest position. This mechanism eliminates handling of potentially unsanitary toilet seats with hands. Thus, the handle is the only part which the person using the toilet is touching.

Abstract: A restroom aid is disclosed for providing comfortable support for disabled, handicapped, elderly, or ill persons who require assistance using the restroom facilities. The restroom aid creates a sturdy frame around the toilet with aids for sitting, standing, and supporting the user's arms and head. The restroom aid can assemble and disassemble quickly using a quick-release mechanism. Furthermore, the restroom aid is easily adjustable to fit users and restroom facilities of different sizes.

Abstract: A solar auto-sensing outlet valve without a use of batteries and adapted circuit structure thereof comprises at least one solar board and an outlet valve body. The solar board is disposed near a light source for converting light into electricity and is electrically connected with the outlet valve body via a guiding line, facilitating to a normal operation of a sensor and an electromagnetic valve inside the outlet valve body. For the outlet valve body, the use of batteries or an electrical connection with any commercial powers is unnecessary for reducing the energy consumption and environmental sufferings.

Abstract: A flush driving device for a toilet includes a mounting bracket, a control panel that includes a sensing window and manual buttons, and a manual operating mechanism that includes bars cooperating with the manual buttons and rotating mechanisms connected with the bars. Rotating shafts of the rotating mechanisms are mounted in the mounting bracket. An automatic operating mechanism includes a driving motor, a rod controlled by the driving motor, and lifting mechanisms cooperating with the rod. The flush driving device also includes pull arms connected to both the rotating mechanisms and the lifting mechanisms for controlling the flush of the toilet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatable urinal combined with a toilet. The rotatable urinal includes, in a upper part thereof, a urinal drain tube of a U-shape trap, a urine connecting tube which is rotatable and height adjustable, a lid, and a water supply tube and a water supply valve to disperse the cleaning water. Where, the urinal drain tube is formed in both parts of the top surface of a rear part of a toilet body as one body type with the toilet body for users to assemble the rotatable urinal in any of the left side and right side. The rotatable urinal helps to use much less water by assembling and installing the rotatable urinal in the toilet separately.

Abstract: A toilet to reduce water consumption for waste disposal. One embodiment uses a toilet which has a frustum-shaped bowl, which can be substantially hermetically sealed by a saucer-shaped valve, wherein the bowl contains no water. In one embodiment, a user can depress one button to automatically open the saucer vertically down and rinse and flush urine into an adjoining drain line with about 250 ml (0.25 gallons) of water. In one embodiment, a user can depress a button to automatically release a staggered flush capable of causing solid human waste, test plastic balls, or equivalents to carry further in an adjoining drain line.

Abstract: An inflatable pool cover for protecting a swimming pool from falling objects and settling airborne debris. The pool cover has a flexible top layer secured to a flexible, bowl-shaped lower portion. Air is inserted between the top layer and lower portion via an air valve. When the device is inflated the layers swell, resulting in a convex dome. The top layer extends outward from its connection to the lower portion and into a plurality of skirt flaps with reinforced loops or channels. A securing strap is threaded through the reinforced loops and has a cinch means for tightening or loosening the strap. Once the pool cover is in position in a swimming pool, air is inserted and the securing strap is cinched tightly around the sidewalls of the pool. Debris or falling objects that land on the cover will roll off the domed top layer and onto the ground.

Abstract: Pool edge sealing members releasably attachable to an outer peripheral edge of a pool cover which has been secured to a surface surrounding a pool, to prevent debris from entering the pool. An assembly for covering a pool, to prevent debris from entering the pool, having a pool cover that is adapted to be removably secured over the pool and configured and dimensioned to completely cover the pool, a plurality of tie-downs attachable to the pool cover and corresponding anchors for removably securing the pool cover over the pool, and at least one pool edge sealing member. A method for covering a pool includes the steps of applying a predetermined length of at least one pool edge sealing member to the outer peripheral edge of a pool cover, to seal a gap formed between the pool cover and the surface surrounding the pool, to prevent debris from entering the pool.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydrating the lower body portions and/or hands of a user. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving and containing steam and the lower body portions and/or hands of the user. The chamber includes a bottom surface and a wall structure extending upwardly from the bottom surface. Steam from the steam generator is transported via a hose in communication with the steam generator and the chamber. Inside the chamber, the hose is in communication with a steam distribution apparatus. Steam passing through the steam distribution apparatus fills the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to shower caddy retaining apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for retaining a shower caddy in place, when positioned on a shower arm, to prevent it from sliding and causing items therein to fall. In one embodiment, a shower caddy retaining apparatus comprises a substantially tubular body having a narrow end and a wide end, the substantially tubular body comprising a slit extending from the narrow end to the wide end to facilitate fitting the substantially tubular body around a shower arm; wherein the narrow end of the tubular structure is formed to be positioned adjacent a shower head at and end of the shower arm; and wherein the wide end of the tubular structure is formed to support a shower caddy retaining apparatus adjacent a wall of the shower.

Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut. The cap can be removed when needed to permit the plumber to gain access to the diaphragm to cut it open for fluid flow after the system has been tested for leaks, or put in place after the cut takes place.

Abstract: One embodiment of an article of transformable furniture comprising movable and removable cushioned components that have specific relative dimensions and forms that allow for a minimum of three furniture configurations. Two of the components being wedge-like cushioned pieces (21a, 21b) designed specifically to be arrangeable in manner providing one configuration selected from the group consisting of a couch, a chaise longue, or a small bed.

Abstract: To accommodate safe, convenient, and effective sleeping arrangements perhaps with mothers and babies, the present invention entails a co-sleeping apparatus and methods having a simple support which may be affixed by friction in a bed and uses a cantilever design to support various forms of baby, pet, and doll baskets (or other sleeping receptacles of choice) at close proximity and convenient locations near a resting parent. This simple cantilever design may provide three important advantages: an immediate arms' reach access to an infant without ever having to leave a bed; interference free design perhaps with no floor supports or bulky stands; and an extremely simple method for single-handed mounting, adjusting, and dismounting of an infant, pet, and doll sleeping receptacle and the like. Embodiments may provide stowing the apparatus in a virtually disappearing condition and the apparatus may be easily disassembled or even folded linearly for convenient long term storage.

Abstract: A unitary, one piece, T-shaped bed frame structural member. The member is usable as a side rail, a cross member or any other structural member of a bed frame. The T-shape includes a wide flange forming the large member of the T-shape with a short flange extending outwardly from the wide flange at about the center thereof. At the intersection of the wide and short flanges, two fillets are formed therebetween that are similar in shape and have a series of circular arcs having predetermined radii and the circular arcs meet together forming a straight line along the longitudinal length of the structural member. The presence and shape of the fillets improves the strength and manufacturability of the T-shaped bed frame structural member or members.

Abstract: An adjustable folding bed frame including a plurality of longitudinal beams spaced apart and parallel to each other. Each longitudinal beam is formed by a pair of longitudinal bars that are pivotally connected together. The bed frame also includes a plurality of transverse beams spaced apart and parallel to each other. Each transverse beam is formed by a pair of transverse bars that are pivotally connected together. Each transverse bar has a first sliding member slidingly coupled with a second sliding member for adjusting the bed frame to predetermined widths. The bed frame also includes legs connected to a corresponding lower side of each longitudinal bar free end. The longitudinal and transverse bars are coupled together to form a generally rectangular frame when the bed frame is in an open configuration, and are folded adjacent and parallel to each other when the bed frame is in a folded configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a circular sun towel and blanket which enables consumers to rotate their body as opposed to their towel in facing the direction of the sun. Centrally positioned is a small zippered hole to accommodate an umbrella.

Abstract: An ascetically and size customizable sheet/blanket/spread/comforter for a bed, which includes at least two sheet sections, and apparatus for interchangeably attaching the at least two sheet sections to each other edge-to-edge to form a generally coplanar sheet so as to allow the generally coplanar sheet to be size customizable. The at least two sheet sections are interchangeably attached to each other edge-to-edge to form the generally coplanar sheet so as to allow the generally coplanar sheet to be size customizable. The at least two sheet sections have decorative patterns thereon so as to allow the generally coplanar sheet to be ascetically customizable.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing first and second sections which are hingedly attached to one another. First and second sections are also connected to supports apart from the hinged portion. An elevator moves one of the sections upwardly and downwardly at the support. The resultant position of the frame formed by the first and second sections may take the configuration of a flat surface or an upwardly or downwardly oriented “vee”.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a longitudinally extending member, and an endboard. The frame is configured to support a person thereon. The longitudinally extending member has a first end rotatably coupled to the frame at a first joint. The longitudinally extending member is configured to rotate between a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation with respect to the frame. The endboard is coupled to a second end of the longitudinally extending member and rotates with the longitudinally extending member between a first position and a second position. The endboard locates a first side of the frame in the first position and a second side of the frame in the second position.

Abstract: Hospital bed having a fixed structure and a movable structure connected to the fixed structure in such a way as to allow the movable structure to pivot in relation to the fixed structure, the movable structure being supported by the fixed structure, and the movable structure comprising an elongated patient lying region. The movable structure further comprises panels which can be moved selectively in relation to one another between a closed configuration wherein the elongated patient lying region is surrounded by the panels and an opened-out configuration wherein a part of said panels are separated from one another in such a way as to allow access to the elongated patient lying region.

Abstract: A filler cloth includes cellulosic fibers treated with a flame retardant chemistry such that the filler cloth has a char length of less than about nine inches when tested in accordance with NFPA 701, such that thermal shrinkage of the filler cloth at 400° F. is less than about 35% in any direction, and such that the filler cloth maintains flame and heat resistant integrity when impinged with a gas flame in accordance with testing protocols set forth in Technical Bulletin 603 of the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. The filler cloth cellulosic fibers are treated with a flame retardant chemistry such that the filler cloth has a Frazier air permeability of less than about 400 cfm and a thermal resistance rating of at least about 3 when tested according to NFPA 2112.

Abstract: A mattress assembly having a composite encasement surrounding a coil spring unit in which the composite encasement comprises alternating layers of canvas and foam, and in which a side border assembly of quilted material is attached to the exterior walls of the composite encasement by means of multiple, spaced, lines of stitching extending through the alternating layers of canvas and foam to firmly affix the side border assembly to the encasement.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring. Slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. A second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. A levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an imbalance in the laundry load within the treating chamber and forming a counterbalance to the imbalance.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering additive into a clothes basket and cleaning remaining additive from an additive container are provided. The apparatus includes a clothes basket rotatable about an axis, a motor coupled to the clothes basket, a Venturi component, an additive container connected to a vacuum area of the Venturi component through a U-tube, a water inlet connected to the Venturi component through an inlet hose, an outlet hose connecting the Venturi component to the clothes basket, a valve controlling flow of water into the inlet hose, a valve controlling flow of water into the additive container, and a processor coupled to the motor and the valves, the processor being operative to manipulate the valve controlling flow of water into the inlet hose and the valve controlling flow of water into the additive container to deliver additive into the clothes basket and to clean remaining additive from the additive container.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and method for applying a bleach solution during a rinse phase of a cycle of operation. After spraying the laundry load with water to form a wetted laundry load, and a bleach solution is applied to the wetted laundry load. The bleach solution is not sprayed on the laundry load.