Abstract: The pants with ballistic panel shields includes a pair of short or long pants with pockets located along the inseam over the anterior and medial aspects of the pant legs. The pockets are preferably shaped like an inverted “U”, and are secured at the top, arcuate portion by hook and loop fastening material or other appropriate fasteners. A ballistic panel is inserted into each pocket to protect the upper thigh and femoral arteries from penetration by bullets or other offensive weapons or devices.

Abstract: Bulletproof vests, body armor, and other tactical vests with quick release buckle mechanisms are described along with methods of their use. The multi-point buckle mechanisms release upon rotating a shaft, allowing the vest panels and straps to fall cleanly to the ground without knocking the wearer off balance. Waist belt clips allow a wearer to put the vest on over his or her head without engaging the emergency release, or the multi-point buckle mechanism can release only the waist straps upon rotating the shaft in the opposite direction. A flap protects the rotatable quick release mechanism from inadvertent activation.

Abstract: An orthotic device (10) to be worn a user comprises a base unit (12) and a flexible strap (14) extending about the forearm of the user. The metacarpal unit (16) is positioned over the hand of the user, and includes an upper pocket (18) having a rearward facing opening therein. A hinge system (24) includes a pair of pivots (26) and another pivot (30) for allowing vertical and lateral movement of the metacarpal unit relative to the base unit. A paddle (20) extends from the hinge system for fitting within the upper pocket (18) of the metacarpal unit for movably interconnecting the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

Abstract: A garment top includes a body fabric designed for covering a chest of a wearer, and a pocket assembly formed with the body fabric. The pocket assembly comprises a front and a back cooperating to form a pocket for holding an article proximate the chest of the wearer. The back of the pocket assembly incorporates a radiation barrier adapted for residing between the article and the wearer.

Abstract: An article of clothing having personalized indicia pertaining to the travel history of an individual including: an article of clothing having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface includes an area adapted to contain at least one personalized indicia; and one or more personalized indicia associated with the first area, wherein the personalized indicia correspond to locations traveled to or on by the individual, and further wherein the personalized indicia operate to change the appearance of the article of clothing relative to the same without the personalized indicia.

Abstract: The invention provides an athletic jersey comprising at least one sleeve comprising a shoulder panel and a sleeve panel, and a back panel having first and second back panel lateral edges mated and joined to the sleeve panel of the at least one sleeve, and a front panel having first and second front panel side edges mated and joined to the shoulder panel of the at least one sleeve as well as a collar edge mated and joined to the shoulder panel. The jersey also has side panels mated and joined between the front panel and back panel, such that the side panel comprises a beam element and an arm element, the arm element extending from the beam element, the arm element having a substantially triangular shape extending from the beam element forward about the triceps and armpit area of the jersey to form the at least one sleeve in combination with the shoulder panel and sleeve panel and substantially eliminating loose fabric about the wearer's underarm.

Abstract: A two pieces garment to be worn by a female patient facing medical examination of intimate organs, said garment one comprises vest component of this line would serve as a wraparound breast covering and would contain strips of Velcro to facilitate secure frontal closure, right and left side ends meeting at the cleavage area. Garment two trousers adapted to fit parts of the patient's lower body; an opening provided in said trousers. Usually loose-fitting outer garment for the lower part of the body, having individual leg portions that reach typically to the ankle but sometimes to any of various other points from the upper leg down, additionally the trousers would contain a discreet opening in the crotch area, which would only be exposed while the patient is in position for the examination.

Abstract: A pants garment has a pant leg extending vertically from about a hip region to a bottom hem, a slit extending upward from the hem, the slit vertically dividing the pant leg into a pair of mating slit edges ending at a terminus, a zipper for releasably closing the slit along the pair of mating slit edges, a gusset formed of a vertically pleated fabric material having a peripheral length sized to match the pair of mating slit edges, and snaps, buttons, zippers or hook and loop fasteners for removably attaching the peripheral length of the gusset to an interior region of the pant leg adjacent the pair of mating slit edges of the pant leg.

Abstract: A collar support for supporting a shirt collar or the like that includes a flexible body carrying pressure sensitive adhesive bodies for adhesive coupling to a garment, wherein a planar surface surrounds each pressure sensitive adhesive body to minimize or eliminate accidental adhesion to the garment that may interfere with proper installation of the collar support to the garment.

Abstract: Sanitary articles (1) that can be worn as a pair of pants, said articles (1) comprising a central body (2), which can be set around the crotch region of the user, said central body (2) extending m a longitudinal direction (X1) between two opposite ends, and at least one pair of side panels (3), which are connected to one of the ends of the central body (2) and extend on opposite sides of said central body (2) to define at least in part the waistband of the article (1). The side panels (3) are connected to the central body (2) whilst they are in a folded condition. The aforesaid panels are preferentially obtained in a folded condition, with the distal edge (7) set in the proximity of the proximal edge (6).

Abstract: An athletic garment generally includes a short member, a supporter, and a plurality of straps. The short member may include a front panel, rear panel, two side panels, and a waistband. The supporter is dimensioned to releasably receive an athletic protective cup. The straps are coupled to one end of the supporter and are attached to the opposing rear panel of the short member.

Abstract: A sensor includes a housing and a mass, suspended in the housing. The motion of the mass emulates dynamic behavior of a brain of the wearer along a plurality of axes. At least one sensing element is coupled to generate sensor data based on the motion of the mass, in response to an impact to a protective helmet.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing helmet liners may be releasably locked to helmet shells using mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes an outer shell. A bladder, coupled to the outer shell, provides shock absorption in at least one zone or protection. The bladder holds an absorption pack that contains a plurality of absorption particles and/or a fluid and has a relief valve for relieving pressure on the bladder when the pressure on the bladder is greater than a pressure threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strap for securing a garment/article (e.g. swimming goggles) to a wearer's/user's body. The strap comprises a first portion comprising a tensioner end including a tensioner having an attachment portion. The attachment portion is for attachment to the tensioner end. The strap further comprises a second portion having indicia provided along at least a part of its length. In use, the second portion passes through the tensioner and the tensioner frame defines a window in which at least one of the indicia on the second portion is visible.

Abstract: A shirt for protecting the abdominal, rib, and kidney areas of a surfer is disclosed. The shirt is worn on the upper body of a user while surfing, in which the lower portion is constructed from a circumferential band of neoprene rubber extending between the waist and the chest of the user to provide cushioning for the rib and kidney areas of the user to help minimize pain, discomfort, and the effects of impact-related injury. The lower neoprene portion is attached via a sewn seam located below the chest to an upper portion, comprising the remainder of the shirt, which is constructed from a lightweight and flexible nylon and spandex fabric. The resulting garment gives the invention the combined qualities of cushioning for the intended critical areas, while ensuring unrestricted freedom of movement for the wearer.

Abstract: An orthopedic toilet seat includes a frame supporting a seat. The frame is moveable over an existing toilet so that the seat is positioned to allow a person to use the toilet when sitting on the seat. The toilet seat may be configured so that the femur to spine, and femur to shin, joint angles are between 90° and 140°. Also, the seat is configured to be disposed at an angle between 5° and 65° above horizontal.

Abstract: A bidet apparatus has one main shell in the form of a tube; one bidet pipe provided in the main shell, which moves put from the main shell by moving in forward direction by water pressure exerted on its rear surface and which moves by means of pressure of spring within the main shell and water cut off. There is provided at least one cover, provided in front of the water outlet of the pipe, which is feed to the main shell by means of a hinge in the front portion of said shell and is opened by rotating after it is pushed by the bidet pipe that moves in forward direction.

Abstract: A cover suitable for use on a liquid containing reservoir. The cover is composed of an envelope of porous material. The envelope is subdivided into discrete independent compartments. The compartments each have access to the internal volume for purposes of receiving a charge of hollow spheres. A centrally disposed collection member is positioned at the intersection of the independent compartments. This position is effectively the centre of mass of the cover once charged with spheres and permits expedited positioning and adjustment of the cover on the surface of the liquid container. The independent compartments facilitate controlled consolidation of the spheres therein and allow for simple positioning and removal of the cover which was challenging with prior art arrangements. The latter typically had to be folded or rolled causing manipulation difficulties and causing potentially hazardous situations during manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pool wall and deck support member including modular and symmetrical upper and lower halves adapted to be interconnected to one another to form a unitary support member. Each half is essentially V-shaped with the bottom of the V having a pair of fastening elements disposed thereon and adapted to securely engage corresponding fastening elements disposed on the bottom of the V of the opposite half. Disposed on the ends of the upwardly extending legs of the V-shaped members are fastening elements that are adapted to engage a cross bar that extends across the V-shaped member.

Abstract: A hybrid sauna provides far infrared radiant heat to a user from a first side of a far infrared heat panel while waste heat is collected as heated air from the backside of the panel by flowing air through an air passageway and across the panel. The heated air is distributed into a user space through openings in a divider structure incorporating the panel, the divider separating the user space from the air passageway. The air circulates in the sauna natural thermal cycle or by forced air. The heat panels and environment may be controlled by a short range wireless remote.

Abstract: An air injection bathtub includes: a body part having a coupling recess formed depressedly on the bottom surface thereof; a plate part adapted to be fit to the coupling recess of the body part and having a connection groove formed depressedly on one side of the underside surface thereof, at least one air passing grooves formed depressedly on the underside surface thereof in a manner as to communicate with the connection groove and to pass the air supplied from the connection groove therethrough, and at least one air injection through-holes formed on the top surface of the plate part to inject the air passing through the air passing grooves into the body part; and a valve part disposed below the connection groove in a manner as to be open and closed through the air pressure supplied from the outside and to supply air to the connection groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a door for a walk-in bathtub, which comprises forming a tub door cap from an acrylic sheet, wherein the tub door cap has an outer shape defining a door for a walk-in tub; forming a channel into a surface of the tub door cap along a peripheral area thereof; forming a threshold portion configured to mate with the channel in the tub door cap and extend outwardly from the tub door cap; and the tub door cap is then adhered to the threshold portion of the door to form a walk-in tub door. The acrylic sheet that forms the tub door cap may be cast acrylic or it may be reinforced by co-extruding with thermoplastic, adding a reinforcing filler and/or fiberglass. A walk-in bathtub door made by the method described above and a walk-in bathtub assembly having a door made by the method described above are also provided herein.

Abstract: A hair collection system including a backboard for providing a location for detached hair collection, a basin for capturing detached hair, and an attachment means to couple the system to a wall. The system provides a new method and apparatus for collecting detached hair before it becomes entrapped in the drain.

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

Abstract: A turning and movement facilitating system and apparatus is usable to improve flexibility of body movement of a person lying on a bed or other support member. The apparatus includes a short trouser component wearable by a user, and a layer of bedding material. The short trouser component is attached to the person around his or her lower torso, and the layer of bedding material is attached to a bed or sleeping bag. Both components of the system include thin, single layer sheets of nylon or other fabric material that has a low coefficient of friction. When both of these materials are in contact, ease of movement will occur. Thus, a person can easily rotate to any degree and turn to any angle in relationship to the bed. A method of using the system to facilitate movement is also disclosed.

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: An apparatus for ventilating mattresses or mattress-like bolsters or cushions (1), with a ventilation apparatus that includes at least one air inlet, at least one ventilation means, which causes a directed flow of air, and at least one air outlet, wherein the air moisture can be adjusted to a certain air moisture, preferably a relative air moisture below 50% relative air moisture, by means of an air dehumidifier and/or an air humidifier, wherein the air can be introduced into the mattress (2) or the mattress-like bolster or cushion via the air outlet.

Abstract: Exercise mats and exercise accessories are used on daily basis by a multitude of individuals throughout the course of the day. These exercise mats and exercise accessories can, and do, become contaminated with bodily fluids containing germs, viruses, and bacteria excreted by the individuals using the exercise mats and exercise accessories. It would not be conceivable or cost effective for the operators of gyms or exercise studios to clean and disinfect the exercise mats and exercise accessories after each user. This invention is a simple, cost effective way of minimizing cross contamination and spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria amongst users of exercise mats and exercise accessories.

Abstract: An operating table comprises a patient support carried by a column, wherein the column has a foot having at least two base arms which are arranged next to one another and which extend with variable spacing in the longitudinal direction of the patient support.

Abstract: Patient support systems and methods for transferring patients and controlling patient temperature. The system can include a non-inflatable and self-supporting platform that can include a first surface and a second surface separated by a distance, a plurality of supporting structures that extends at least partially across the distance between the first surface and the second surface, a plenum, and a plurality of apertures formed through at least one of the first surface and the second surface and in fluid communication with the plenum. The system can further include a fluid source configured to move fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures. A method of transferring a patient can include moving fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures to form a fluid pallet. A method of controlling patient temperature can include moving a temperature-controlled fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: Provided is an air mattress in which internal pressure can be controlled according to the movements of a bed. The air mattress is provided with a plurality of air cell groups lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress, each of which groups is made from a plurality of bladder-shaped cells; an air supply/release pump; and an air tube connecting the air cell groups and the air supply/release pump in an independent system for each air cell group of two or more air cell groups out of said air cell groups. Air supply/release by the air supply/release pump to each of the air cell groups is controlled by a controller, at least a part of information needed to control the bed is received from an external sensor for detecting such information, and air supply/release by the air supply/release pump for each of the air cell groups is controlled on the basis of the received information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to medical transport devices, more particularly, to spineboards. In one embodiment, a spineboard includes an upper panel assembly joined to a lower panel assembly by one or more latch assemblies and one or more hinge assemblies. An upper moveable belt wrap about the upper panel assembly and is driven by a motorized drive roller while a lower moveable belt is wrapped about the lower panel assembly and driven by a separate motorized drive roller. The upper and lower moveable belts counter-rotate relative to one another. The upper moveable belt is used to load and unload an injured person from the spineboard while the lower moveable belt is used to advance the spineboard toward and away from the injured person.

Abstract: A device for hygienically supporting the pronated torso, with a chest support and two independent hip supports that provide a determined amount of lift along the front of the body to achieve spinal hygiene. Additionally, the invention includes unique cutouts to prevent pain in sensitive areas, and to promote free breathing, sexual access, and patient mobility.

Abstract: An improved block system may comprise a plurality of individual members, each member geometrically equivalent in shape and equivalent in size in two dimensions, while being of varying thickness. The plurality of blocks may be of malleable and/or semi-compressible material, and covered with fabric or material suitable to easy cleaning and sterilization. The plurality of blocks are utilized in a manner either singly or in groups to accommodate and support a individual's head and neck while the individual is being treated for musculoskeletal disorders. The invention may be utilized with a standing or supine individual. The plurality of blocks are further of a shape making them easily handleable and stackeable by a therapist, physical trainer, or other professional. The invention may also be utilized in a like manner to support an individual's head and neck while performing other exercises or tasks requiring head support.

Abstract: Multi-purpose furniture that can be re-deployed as play-themed structures useable by children is disclosed. The multi-purpose furniture, in one version, includes slab-like cushion elements (e.g., foam cushions). An ornamental graphic having the appearance of vertical wooden logs typical of a fort, large stones typical of a castle wall, or some other graphic is disposed directly on the surface of the foam (if foam is used), or a material encasing the foam (e.g., a woven or nonwoven fabric). These cushion elements may then be connected with one another to assume different configurations, e.g., a comfortable chair, or a structure having the appearance of a fort or other themed context.

Abstract: An easily transportable apparatus for carrying critical care equipment, such as an EKG unit, needed by a patient being transported on a conventional gurney, stretcher, or like patient transport device. The apparatus is adjustable so that it can be conveniently attached to gurneys having side rails with different spacing. Additionally, the apparatus includes an equipment support platform to which the critical care equipment can readily be connected. This platform can be connected and disconnected to a tray component that is connected to a turntable. The turntable can be readily rotated 360 degrees so that the equipment can easily be viewed by caregivers located in both the front and rear of the patient transport device.

Abstract: Efficient systems and methods for inflating, deflating, or simultaneously inflating and deflating air mattress chambers using various pump and pump housing configurations are provided. Examples of the various pump and pump housing configurations include: boundary-layer pumps having single disk array or multiple disk array layouts, different disk geometries, different pressure recovery chamber geometries, adjustable components for switching between filling and powered dumping operations, and reversible and non-reversible motors; and pump housings having one or more dump channels for manifold-driven powered dumping, multiple sides or stages for pressure and/or flow compounding, various manifold chamber configurations for robust connectivity with air mattresses having multiple chambers, and various valve configurations for flexible control over filling, powered dumping, and simultaneous filling and powered dumping operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mattress including a plurality of springs arranged in rows to provide an innerspring, and at least one polymer fiber rail including polymer fibers interlinked with one another. The at least one polymer fiber rail has a face adjoining one of the rows of springs. The at least one polymer fiber rail can be tuned to provide desired characteristics, and, together with the springs, the rail provides a comprehensive mattress system.

Abstract: A multipurpose electrician's tool is disclosed having a plurality of fabrication and installation features. The device comprises a plier tool having a first and second member connected at a pivot point, including a wiring stripping section, a shearing section, a cutting section, a gripping section, a wire bending section and a hammer head section. The wire stripping section allows insulated wire to be stripped to expose bare wire; the shearing section comprises an alignable set of apertures for tailoring a screw length by a shearing action of the two members; the cutting section comprises a pair of adjoinable cutting surfaces; the gripping section is positioned at the distal end of the plier members for compressing items therebetween; the wire bending section allows for wire ends to be formed for solderless connections; and finally the hammer head section comprises a pair of impact surfaces for driving nails or striking a target.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning delicate textiles, comprising a motorized and rotating drum housed in a fluid tight basket, at least a water inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a first container for a first chemical composition, and a heating means. According to the invention, the first container is appropriate to contain a warm mixture of water and the said first chemical composition, the apparatus comprises at least a conduit cooperating with a circulating means for mixing and circulating the said warm mixture between said first container and said circulating means, a means for injecting or spraying said mixture into said drum and over dry textiles, said circulating means having an inlet for said warm mixture and at least an outlet cooperating with at least a first end of a conduit opening at its second end into the drum. The invention further relates to a method implemented by such an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance that includes alternately supplying hot and cold water to maintain the temperature of the mixed water to a preset temperature.

Abstract: A method and modified clothes washer provides for an overnight dry cycle. A standard washer is modified to draw air from external to the housing, direct the air into the tumbling drum, and remove the air with a blower to exhaust from the housing during an extended drying period overnight. By selecting this option, the consumer need not move the clothes from the washer to the dryer.

Abstract: There is herein described a composition which is used to partially or completely remove underarm stains from clothing, specifically the armpit region of clothing.

Abstract: This application relates to thiophene azo carboxylate dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such dyes that may serve as hueing agents, processes for making such dyes and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The aforementioned dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. Such dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. Such dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides shading formulation of enhanced effectiveness by using different types of surfactants in specific ratios.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for use in the cleaning of soiled substrates, the apparatus comprising: (a) housing means (1), having: (i) a first upper chamber having mounted therein a rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and (ii) a second lower chamber (3) located beneath the cylindrical cage; (b) at least one recirculation means (4); (c) access means (10); (d) pumping means (8); (e) a multiplicity of delivery means (6), wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage comprises a drum (2) comprising perforated side walls, wherein up to 60% of the surface area of the side walls comprises perforations, and the perforations comprise holes having a diameter of no greater than 25.0 mm. The method involves cleaning the soiled substrate by treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the method being carried out using the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system arranged for washing articles employing a cleaning solution. The dry cleaning system includes a wash tank (2) for washing an article to be washed with a cleaning solution. The wash tank (2) is arranged for washing the article at an increased pressure compared to atmospheric pressure. The dry cleaning system includes a fluid displacement device (1), such as a pump, connected to the wash tank (2) and is arranged for transferring the cleaning solution through the dry cleaning system in a first operational mode. The fluid displacement device is arranged to reduce the pressure in the wash tank towards atmospheric pressure in a second operational mode.

Abstract: This application relates to laundry care compositions comprising thiophene azo carboxylate fabric shading dyes and methods of treating a textile comprising such laundry care compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pool cleaning device including an internal drive assembly mounted outside the interior cavity of the device housing. The device including a pool cleaning vehicle, the vehicle including a housing defining a body shell and the body shell including an interior cavity and the pool cleaning vehicle including a drive assembly; and an internal drive assembly, the internal drive assembly including a motor assembly for engaging the vehicle drive assembly for propelling the vehicle, the motor assembly mounted outside the interior of the body shell.