Abstract: A apron having a one-piece thin sheet body made from a flexible and foldable material and properly cut to provide an open type neckline portion disposed in a middle part near the top side thereof for attaching to the user's neck, two back belts respectively formed of a left part and a right part thereof for tying the apron to the user's waist, and two neck belts respectively formed of a top left part and a top right part thereof for tying the apron to the user's neck, and thus the apron can be better secured to the user's body to well protect the user's clothes from “wear and tear”.

Abstract: An article of apparel is disclosed that is at least partially formed from a material element having a substrate and a plurality of projections. The substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The projections extend from the first surface of the substrate, and the projections each have terminal ends located opposite the substrate. The material element has a first permeability when the first surface has a convex configuration, and the material element has a second permeability when the first surface has a concave configuration, the first permeability being greater than the second permeability. The apparel may be reversible such that either the first surface or the second surface of the substrate faces outward.

Abstract: An insulated glove with a hand member and one or more digit members, the one or more digit members extending from the hand member to a tip, with at least one digit member having a sealable opening corresponding to a resealable closure to close said opening.

Abstract: A thin flexible glove that includes a fabric support liner, crush-resistant fingertips, and an elastomeric or polymeric shell disposed thereon and manufacturing methods for making the glove.

Abstract: A stretchable wrist band includes a message printed on an outer portion thereof, wherein the message is indecipherable when the wrist band is in its relaxed state, but the message may be read when the wrist band is stretched out. The wrist bands may also include pictures or designs, rather than (or along with) text, and the pictures or designs may only be properly perceived when the wrist band is in the stretched state.

Abstract: A garment comprising a head adherence part that encircles the head of a wearer above the wearer's ears, the head adherence part being, at least partially, elastic such that a restraining force of the head adherence part provides sufficient friction between the garment and the wearer's head to support the garment on the head of the wearer, the head adherence part comprising a front head adherence part and a rear head adherence part, and a neck flap that extends from the rear head adherence part to below the base of the neck of the wearer obscuring the rear of the neck of the wearer and the top of the ears of the wearer.

Abstract: A portable digital audio player and hat system can include a volume limiting mechanism, or means for limiting volume. The digital audio play may be integrated in or with apparel such as a hat. The hat may include speakers that are located within or on the hat. The hat may be sized or configured for use by a child or infant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved head covering and, more specifically, to a hat having a crown with an enlarged rear opening and wide adjustable device to allow the long accumulated hair of the wearer to be easily threaded through and to be comfortably worn. Wherein the wide adjustable device is wider than traditional bands to provide a better fit and to secure the hat from moving forward on the wearer's head during athletic and non-athletic activities.

Abstract: A belt to secure a covering to a person's upper body is described. The belt can include an elastic part to provide a force to secure the covering, e.g., a towel, to the wearer and a fastener to complete a ring and keep the elastic part under tension to provide the required force to support the covering. The fastener can be at the first and second ends of the elongate belt. The elastic part can be intermediate the ends. The elastic part can extend into the ends. The belt can include a softer material attached to a supportive, back band.

Abstract: An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing signals indicative of impacts. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impacts based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a first threshold based on the direction of the impact and when the magnitude exceeds a second threshold more than a selected number of times. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value, which is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact.

Abstract: A buckle includes a base having a plate. A compartment is defined between upper and lower walls of the plate. A front end of a pressing board is engaged with a front end of the plate. A rear end of the pressing board includes a pressing face and two guiding faces. An operating button is received in the compartment and includes a resilient section having upper and lower buttons extending through slots in the upper and lower walls. The operating button can be pressed to cause two pressing surfaces of the resilient section to press against the guiding faces of the pressing board for moving the pressing board rearward relative to the base, disengaging the pressing face of the pressing board from the head strap to permit the head strap to move in a reverse direction for loosening the head strap.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell and an inner liner coupled to the outer shell and positioned such that the inner liner is positioned between a wearer and the outer shell when the garment is worn. The inner liner includes a base material and a high lubricity material which has a higher lubricity than the base material. The high lubricity material is woven into the base material to form a plurality of discrete contact areas that each comprise at least two separate warp fibers or yarns of high lubricity material each being individually woven with at least two separate weft fibers or yarns of high lubricity material.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant groin protector is provided. The groin protector includes a groin panel and a deployable groin wrap. The groin panel can be suspended from clothing or equipment to protect a wearer's anterior pelvic region from ballistic impact. The groin wrap is moveable from a stowed position adjacent the anterior pelvic region to a deployed position between the wearer's legs and adjacent a posterior pelvic region. One or more fasteners secure the groin wrap to the wearer's clothing or equipment to maintain the groin wrap in the deployed position. Optional left and right femoral protective portions extend downwardly from the groin wrap to protect the wearer's medial thigh regions against ballistic injury in the deployed position.

Abstract: A warm toilet seat contains a toilet seat having a seating surface and a transparent seat heater disposed on the seating surface, the seat heater contains a thin wiring structure having a pitch of 5000 ?m or less and a heat transfer coefficient ? of 100 W/m·K or more, and a material having a heat transfer coefficient ? of 10 to 150 W/m·K is placed in an opening in the thin wiring structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet seat comprising a primary seat, a first auxiliary seat, and a second auxiliary seat. The primary seat can be used by individuals of average size in a conventional manner, while the first auxiliary seat can be used by smaller individuals. The second auxiliary seat can be used by individuals of larger size. Each seat can be independently raised and lowered as needed. The primary seat attaches below the first and second auxiliary seat, providing a support surface thereto. The device can be installed on a conventional toilet, requires no maintenance, and provides a seat that can accommodate a variety of different sized individuals.

Abstract: An island wave pool for a water amusement park is presented. A wave generation apparatus is positioned on an island, the island located within a water-filled swimming pool. The water-filled swimming pool is suitable for water recreation activities, including wading, swimming, and wave riding. A beach recreation area bounds the outer perimeter of the pool. The wave generation apparatus on the central island generates single or multiple continuous waves in the water-filled swimming pool. Wave generation apparatuses are presented, including an island-based caisson wave generator and an island-based plow, channel, and reef wave generator.

Abstract: A ridged, longitudinal, hollow, pipe, shower curtain rod water supply line, adjacent to a ridged, longitudinal shower curtain support rod, having brackets equally spaced apart, connecting the shower curtain rod water supply line and shower curtain support rod. A bracket is connected at each end of the shower curtain support rod and attached to the shower enclosure. A shower curtain rod water supply line joint is sealably connected to each end of the shower curtain rod water supply line and rotatably connected to the primary water spout and rotatably connected to the secondary water spout. The primary water spout and the secondary water spout is inserted into a bracket and attached to the shower enclosure; providing an added showering area on the opposite end of the shower enclosure.

Abstract: A bed includes a first rail, a second rail, a wheelchair having a first armrest mounting unit to and from which the first rail is attached and detached in one side part, and a second armrest mounting unit to and from which the second rail is attached and detached in another side part. A bed main body portion has a first support portion and a second support portion, and the first support portion has a first bed mounting unit to and from which the first rail or the second rail is attached and detached in a front end. The second support portion has a second bed mounting unit to and from which the first rail or the second rail is attached and detached in a front end.

Abstract: A folding playpen or play yard frame and/or a locking hinge mechanism for a folding playpen or play yard frame of the type having tubular rails for supporting sides and a floor of the playpen or play yard. The locking hinge mechanism includes a housing and a lock assembly movably mounted to the housing. The lock assembly is pivotally attached to proximal portions of the tubular rails for locking and unlocking the rails relative to the housing. The lock assembly and housing are configured and adapted to require the locking hinge assembly to be lifted to effect limited relative motion between the housing and the proximal portions of the tubular rails prior to unlocking the lock assembly and permitting greater relative motion between the housing and proximal portions of the tubular rails. This provides greater safety against the hinge accidentally being folded or being folded by a child.

Abstract: A crib includes a plurality of crib legs, a headboard structured disposed on a first side of the crib and extending between a first pair of crib legs, a footboard structure disposed on a second side of the crib and extending between a second pair of crib legs, and a supporting surface disposed between the headboard structure and the footboard structure. The footboard structure includes a fixed section positioned on an internal side and a movable section positioned on an external side of the crib. A top of the fixed section is positioned a first distance above the support surface, and the movable section is positionable a second distance above the top of the fixed section and is configured to move from the second distance above the top of the fixed section to a position at or below the top of the fixed section.

Abstract: A ground covering comprised of a flexible material having at least one sleeve attached to the perimeter. A removable frame is placed within the sleeve and is comprised of a pole and a foam material covering at least a portion of the pole.

Abstract: A protective material for surrounding the inside of an infant's crib includes at least one panel having a substantial rectangular shape. The panel is composed of felt and has a plurality of apertures formed completely through the panel. The apertures comprise between 25% and 60% of the surface area of the panel. The panel has sufficient rigidity so that when positioned upright, and held from a bottom edge, the panel remains in the upright position. At least one fastener secures the panel to the side of a crib. In various further forms, the protective material may comprise a single panel having four segments which are foldably attached to one another, folded inward 90 degrees to thereby form four sides of a substantially rectangular box. Alternatively, the bumper comprises four discrete, separate panels.

Abstract: A grossing station for use with performing autopsy, necropsy or pathology procedures comprises a table and an overhead hood connected to a top surface of the table. The grossing station further comprises a blower and ventilation system arranged in the table to move air across the table from a front to rear direction. The grossing station also comprises a trough arranged in an upper surface of the table, wherein the trough receives a plurality of interchangeable grid plates or sinks therein. The grossing station also comprises a first and second panel arranged at the side of the hood in order to create a fume hood for use by the user of the grossing station.

Abstract: A method and a system have been described to determine a pressure relief set point for a person-support apparatus. The method includes determining the change in pressure or volume in a zone from a vacant mode to a person occupied mode and computing the weight supported there from.

Abstract: A medical imaging device is provided. The medical imaging device has a detector unit, a receiving area for receiving a patient for the purposes of a medical imaging examination, and a patient table. The receiving area is cylindrically surrounded by the detector unit. The medical imaging device has at least one deposit unit which can be attached to the patient table.

Abstract: A positioning device is described for supporting an infant with myelomeningocele during surgery, transport and pre- and post-operative procedures. The device allows the patient to be expeditiously re-positioned from prone to supine and lateral positions and vice versa before, during and after surgery. The device allows access to the myelomeningocele while the patient is secured in the device.

Abstract: A transformable bed for examinations in pediatric ophthalmology, especially suitable for the use of general anesthesia when conducting eye examinations, is provided. The bed may include a fixed bed board, a movable bed board, a movable seat, a movable support, a securing strap, and a main frame. The bed may be fixedly connected to the top of the main frame, the movable bed board may be rotationally connected to the top of the main frame, and the movable seat may be rotationally connected to the top of the main frame. The securing strap may be disposed on the movable bed board, in which one end of the movable support may be removably connected to the movable bed board, and another end may be removably connected to the main frame. The transformable bed may function both as an anesthesia bed and a handcart, and may be quickly switched therebetween.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a frame, a head board, a foot board and an apparatus for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The apparatus includes a first motor unit, a shaft unit, a gear box and a second motor unit. The first motor unit is provided beneath the frame. The shaft unit is connected to both of the head board and the foot board. The gear box is provided on a side of the first motor unit and connected to the shaft unit for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The second motor unit includes a motor and a pair of wires. The motor is provided with a mandrel. The mandrel is engaged with the gear box. The second motor unit is electrically connected to the first motor unit through the pair of wires for automatically lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board.

Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

Abstract: A pneumatic accumulator integral to a structural member of a person-support apparatus to store air is disclosed. The accumulator serves as a reservoir available for rapid changes in demand for pressurized air, for use by a variety of devices integral or external to the person-support apparatus or for extension and retraction of at least one portion of the person-support apparatus. A pump supplies air to the accumulator. The pump and at least one pressure sensor are in communication with a controller. At least one valve in the fluidic path is in communication with the controller and meters the supply of air. The controller may further be connected with an alarming unit, hospital network, activity log, communication station nurse call system or electronic medical records.

Abstract: A thigh supporting pillow includes a thigh sleeve, a wedge-shaped pillow, and one or more attachments for securing the pillow to the sleeve. The sleeve may be a continuous band or a sheet that may be rolled around a thigh. The pillow may be a foam pillow, inflatable pillow or a pillow slip encasing supportive filler material (e.g., down, polyester, buckwheat or plastic particles). The wedge shaped pillow fits between a wearer's crotch and thigh without reaching the knees. The pillow maintains proper alignment of the hips while side-sleeping.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an exercise assembly and an exercise bed assembly. The exercise assembly includes a band configured to be fitted around the circumference of a bed mattress or support frame and includes areas to which exercise bands can be attached. One or more exercise bands can be attached so that a user can perform various bodyweight exercises. The exercise bands can be reset in various combinations in order to enable a user to complete different exercises. In some embodiments, the exercise assembly can also include reinforcements that are connected at multiple points of the band. In some instances, the reinforcements cover a side of the bed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for optimizing a level of fluidization of a fluidizable medium in a fluidized person support apparatus.

Abstract: An occupant support (20) includes an intermediate layer (26, 30, 120) and a wicking layer (52) atop the intermediate layer. The wicking layer comprises a first region (62) having a lower moisture wick rate (W1) and a second region (64) having a higher wick rate (W2). A moisture management cover (52) for use with an occupant support article has discrete higher (64) and lower (62) wick rate regions. A related method for transporting moisture away from a target region of an occupant support comprises distributing the moisture over an area beyond area A and exposing the distributed moisture to a fluid stream capable of receiving the moisture.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a washable mattress topper. The washable mattress topper comprises a cushion element and a fabric cover enclosing and attached to the cushion element in a manner which divides the cushion element into a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: A hand tool solves the problem of making neat squared holes necessary in archaeology while facilitating removal of buried artifacts. The tool reduces the need for multiple/additional tools. The tool also helps prevent its loss in the work environment through its brightly colored handle, which makes it highly visible in muddy conditions. The tool includes a saw-toothed edge for cutting larger roots, sharpened notches for cutting small roots, rope and twine, and a sharp edge for shaving the soil with precision. The blade can be offset from the handle to provide an ergonomic, ambidextrous design that allows the tool to be maneuvered while in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dyeing composition comprising a fluorescent disulphide dye and to a method of dyeing keratin materials, with a lightening effect, that employs said composition. It likewise relates to new fluorescent disulphide dyes and to their uses in the lightening of keratin materials. This composition allows a particularly persistent lightening effect to be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for adapting a prefabricated item of footwear that is formed, at least in part, of hard thermoplastic material, to a user's foot and/or leg. A pressure-exerting element is provided that substantially encloses the item of footwear and that has an accommodating space into which the item of footwear can be placed. The accommodating space is bounded, at least in part, by a deformable material which forms an inner layer of the pressure-exerting element, which contains a cavity and has an inlet opening provided for the introduction of a pressure application fluid. The pressure-exerting element is formed with a portion into which the pressure application fluid cannot enter.

Abstract: A low profile cleaning device is disclosed. The device has a low profile or height and can clean beneath structures that have a low clearance relative to the floor. The device includes sweeps mounted on a frame. As the device moves in a sweeping direction, the sweeps sweep or clean the floor. Trash or other debris collected by the device can be removed from hard to reach areas.

Abstract: The system for an extendable handheld trowel is a tool with interchangeable blades and an extendable handle. The system comprises a plurality of trowels, a first shaft, a second shaft, and a telescopic lock mechanism. Each trowel comprises a trowel blade and an extension arm. The extension arm properly connects and positions the trowel blade to the first shaft. The extension arm attaches and detaches from the first shaft so that a user can switch to a different kind of trowel. The first shaft is sleeved by the second shaft, which allows the user to extend the reach of a trowel. The second shaft comprises a receiving end and a handle. The telescopic lock mechanism secures the first shaft to the second shaft so that the distance between the trowel blade and the handle is at a specific length. The handle allows the user to adequately grasp the second shaft.

Abstract: A brush apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle having a handle, a scrubbing portion, and a removable splash shield. The handle includes a grip portion and a channel for removably securing the splash shield to the handle. A plurality of bristles extend radially outward from a bristle stem to form a brush having a substantially cylindrical scrubbing portion. The removable splash shield functions as a shield to contain splashing while cleaning a bottle and when the user removes the scrubbing portion from the bottle. A smaller nipple brush is contained within the handle grip portion of the brush.

Abstract: A particle collecting apparatus is provided with a case, an ultrasonic generator, a gas supplying unit, a suction unit and a seal member. The case has one end, and defines a space at the one end. The ultrasonic generator is provided in the case, and generates ultrasonic waves towards the opening defined by the one end of the case. The gas supplying unit supplies gas to the space. The suction unit exhausts the space. The seal member has elasticity, and is provided at the one end so as to surround the opening.

Abstract: A cylindrical dedusting apparatus has an upper material infeed opening to introduce material into a frusto-conical infeed hopper centered over the tip of a conical wash deck supported over an air infeed conduit. Air is blown through slots and openings in the surface of the wash deck to separate dust and debris from the particulate material. The dust-laden air is discharged by passing between the infeed hopper and a cylindrical sleeve to enter into a circular collector for discharge from the apparatus. Flow rate of material over the wash deck is adjusted by vertically moving the infeed hopper within the sleeve relative to the wash deck to vary the dimension of the gap through which material flows onto the wash deck. A closed loop air system can be used with the cylindrical dedusting apparatus with a bleed air module that reduces air flow into the apparatus.

Abstract: This driving carriage for a sliding curtain comprises a body that can move along a rail by virtue of two pairs of carrier wheels supported by the carriage, this body being provided, between the two pairs of carrier wheels along the longitudinal axis of the carriage, with at least one opening designed to receive a part of an inner curved edge of the rail without the rail striking the carriage. This eliminates or greatly limits the risks of the carriage becoming jammed along the rail.

Abstract: A hinge assembly including a vehicle body hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle body and a hood hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle hood. The vehicle body hinge member and the hood hinge member are pivotally connected so the hood can be opened for servicing and closed for driving. In one embodiment, a pedestrian protection device includes a bracket movable between an extended position in which a rear portion of the vehicle hood is in an elevated position and a retracted position in which the rear portion of the vehicle hood is in a drivable position. A shear pin extends through the bracket for maintaining the bracket in the retracted position until a threshold force is applied to the bracket. The device includes an actuator configured to apply at least the threshold force to shear the shear pin, thereby moving the bracket to the extended position. A reset latch relocks the bracket in the retracted position after the shear pin has been sheared.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a hinge joint has first and second hinge members, each with ends that have a plurality of hollow links that form a cavity configuration when the hollow links are joined. The cavity configuration has opposing openings and each opening receives a ball bearing insert. The ball bearing insert has a distal end connected to the first hinge member and a proximal end connected to the second hinge member.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a hinge joint has first and second hinge members, each with ends that have a plurality of hollow links that form a cavity configuration when the hollow links are joined. The cavity configuration has opposing openings and each opening receives a ball bearing insert. The ball bearing insert has a distal end connected to the first hinge member and a proximal end connected to the second hinge member.

Abstract: Hinge for supporting and manoeuvring doors, consisting of two wing-shaped elements, provided with means for the attachment to a frame part and to a door part, respectively, as well as with means for the mutual hinging of in a pivoting area, said means consisting of appendixes projecting from said wing-shaped elements, characterised in that at least one of said appendixes of a first one of said wings is shaped as a cylindrical body on the surface of which there are formed axial grooves, at a preset, mutual, circumferential distance, and in that with a second one of said wings, opposite to said appendix, there is associated at least one thrust-engagement element in one of said grooves, at least partly elastically yielding.

Abstract: A pliable tubular paddle hand grip sleeve that reduces friction, motion, chaffing, wear and ultimately blisters to the hand during the normal paddling motion by isolating the motion to the surfaces between the paddle shaft and hand grip sleeve. The sleeve is slipped on to any paddle shaft without any effect to paddle. The sleeve maintains the cross sectional size and all radial and axial contours of any paddle shaft.