Abstract: A device for protecting an area of the human body including a joint, includes a semi-rigid outer shell (10) made of an elastically deformable material and an inner shock-absorbing protective element (20), intended to be placed facing the body. The device is able to be deformed laterally so as to match the shape of the body in the area including the joint. It also includes elements capable of maintaining it in each given lateral deformation position, in the form of deformable rigid transverse inserts, and elements (105, 205) for folding the device along a transverse axis.

Abstract: A pair of hockey gloves is asymmetrically constructed to accommodate for variances in material wearing during routine use. The pair includes a top hand hockey glove that is provided with a region of reinforcement that is not similarly provided in the bottom hand hockey glove. The top hand hockey glove includes an outer sheet and an inner sheet that are joined together so as to define a hand-receiving cavity. In one embodiment, the inner sheet includes a plurality of relatively rigid reinforcement pads that is secured to the exterior surface of a base layer in a designated pattern. The inclusion of the reinforcement pads causes the stick gripping region of the top hand hockey glove to have both a greater resistance to tearing as well as a higher coefficient of friction than the stick gripping region of the bottom hand hockey glove.

Abstract: A protective bib comprises a first strap and a second strap. A first magnet is associated with the first strap and a second magnet associated with the first strap or the main portion of the bib. The second magnet has a polarity opposite to the first magnet, wherein the first and second magnets are capable of being matched to secure the bib to a shirt. A third magnet is associated with the second, and a fourth magnet is associated with the second strap. The fourth magnet has a polarity opposite to the third magnet, wherein the third and fourth magnets are capable of being matched to secure the bib to a shirt.

Abstract: Aspects for supporting a turndown shirt collar are disclosed. In a particular aspect, a semi-rigid shapeable device includes a rear region that forms a substantially semi-circle shape having a first and second end. For this particular embodiment, each of a first terminal end and a second terminal end are respectively oriented upwards and inwards relative to the rear region via a first bend at the first end and a second bend at the second end. In another aspect, a method that facilitates forming a shirt collar support is provided, which includes shaping a semi-rigid shapeable device into a substantially semi-circle shape. In a further aspect, a turndown collared shirt is provided, which includes a collar band comprising at least one collar sleeve configured to hold a shaping device.

Abstract: A shirt having a removably attached portion. The shirt includes a first piece of material having a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion; and a second piece of material having a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion. The first shoulder portion of the first piece of material is removably attached to the first shoulder portion of the second piece of material and the second shoulder portion of the first piece of material and the second shoulder portion of the second piece of material are removably attached.

Abstract: A system and method for transitioning a baby from the swaddle blanket is disclosed herein Specifically, the system can comprise a body, a neck hole in a top portion of said body, two arm sleeves connected to opposite sides of said body, a leg cover that connects to a bottom portion of said body, and a slit closeable by fasteners. each of said arm sleeves has no orifice large enough for an arm to pass through. The leg cover has no orifice large enough for a leg to pass through.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clothing article that facilitates a wearer's ability to use the bathroom while wearing the clothing article. Such a clothing article may include a garment that covers a pelvis region of a wearer. The garment may have a front side covering the front portion of the pelvis region and a rear side covering the rear portion of the pelvis region. The garment may have attachment points located on the front side. The rear side may have a rear flap that when closed covers the rear portion of the pelvis region and when opened exposes the rear portion of the pelvis region and extends around the pelvis region to secured at the attachment points. The rear flap may hinge along the top portion of the rear flap in such a way that when opened extends around hips of the wearer and is secured at the attachment points.

Abstract: A nursing garment is formed as a nursing jacket or top that provides privacy to a nursing mother and entirely receives and covers a nursing baby. The nursing garment comprises a front panel, back panel, waist panel, and side portions. At least one elongated side placket is integrated within at least one of the side portions. The elongated side plackets extend substantially along an entire length of each side portion. At least one elongated slit is integrated within at least one of the elongated side plackets. Preferably, an elongated slit extends substantially along substantially the entire length of each side placket. The elongated slits are of a size so that an infant can pass completely through the slit and be entirely housed within the garment. Side plackets are of a depth sufficient to provide coverage to the infant and the mother, so that nursing is not visible.

Abstract: Use of internal free moving magnets for universal securing of any necktie, particularly reversible neckties is disclosed. The neckties described eliminate the need for any additional loop, clip, pin or mechanism to secure and retain the necktie tail in place. Lost or broken magnets and or any other necktie clipping devices are avoided. The consumer can have control of magnet location and necktie tail location behind the necktie, optimal to a wearer's body type. This can provide a premium, smooth, fashionable presentation of a necktie, regardless of the wearer's physique. In addition, an all-in-one contained solution for securing the necktie tail of a reversible two sided necktie is provided by the neckties described herein.

Abstract: A glove provides high palm shear force and reduced finger shear force when pulling elongated articles such as a rope, a rod, and the like. A high shear material is applied to a glove palm and a low shear material is applied to inner glove finger surfaces. The fingers are still used to grasp the elongated article, but the shear pulling force on the fingers is reduced and the shear pulling force on the palm is increased. In one embodiment, the high shear material on the palm is a silicone material and the low shear material on the inner finger surfaces is a ballistic material.

Abstract: A zipper arrangement is configured to fasten a first fabric portion to a second fabric portion. The zipper arrangement includes a plurality of first zipper elements positioned along the first fabric portion and a plurality of second zipper elements positioned along the second fabric portion. A zipper closure includes a first closure member releasably coupled to a second closure member. The first closure member is positioned on a mid-portion of the first fabric portion and the second closure member is positioned on a mid-portion of the second fabric portion. A first slider is positioned on one side of the zipper closure and a second slider is positioned on an opposite side of the zipper closure. The zipper arrangement may be used to fasten and unfasten a front right garment portion and a front left garment portion by moving the sliders in opposing directions.

Abstract: A pocket for a garment is disclosed. The pocket comprises a first layer and a second layer, which is attached to the first layer to form a partially enclosed space. The partially enclosed space comprises a region defined by a first line corresponding substantially to a line of flexion of a hip joint of a wearer of the garment and a second line corresponding substantially to a centerline of a thigh of a wearer of the garment. The region is configured and disposed to substantially conceal an object stored in the region from a person viewing the garment.

Abstract: An underwear garment that can be worn beneath or under an outer garment, so that at least a portion of the underwear garment is visible or can be seen from outside of the outer garment. An undergarment portion of the underwear garment can provide comfort to the user while a band and connector can provide the looks of or the aesthetics of a thong or a similar type of underwear. When a user wears the outer garment in a use position, the outer garment hides at least a portion of the undergarment, or hides the entire undergarment, so that the undergarment is not visible or is hidden from view when looking from outside of the outer garment.

Abstract: Swimming goggles includes a frame body, lenses, buckles disposed at opposite end portions of the frame body, and a head strap passed through the buckles. The frame body forms shielding portions at outer sides of the frame body. The buckles have bases and operating devices being shielded by the shielding portions. The operating devices are operated through the shielding portions so as to adjust the head strap and prevent a wearer's hair from being snapped and provide a comfort wearing.

Abstract: A composite material which is elastic, which exhibits a resistive load under deformation which increases with the rate of deformation, which is unfoamed or foamed, comminuted or uncomminuted and which comprises i) a first polymer-based elastic material and ii) a second polymer-based material, different from i), which exhibits dilatancy in the absence of i) wherein ii) is entrapped in a solid matrix of i), the composite material being unfoamed or, when foamed, preparable by incorporating ii) with i) prior to foaming.

Abstract: An air ventilated protection suit includes an air input port, and a flat air duct connected to an inner end of the air input port. The flat air duct has hoses provided therein to separately extend in directions along which air is delivered to a whole interior of the protection suit. The hoses keep the flat air duct in an always unimpeded state, and respectively include an axially extended spiral cut, such that air supplied into the hosts pushes open the spiral cuts to flow from the hosts into the flat air duct via the push-opened spiral cuts. The protection suit also includes an inspection port to allow an air-tightness inspection of the protection suit before a wearer entering into a working environment; and an air-guiding case fitted around each pressure relief valve provided on the protection suit to provide a space for air released from the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A filtration system for a toilet including a fan assembly having an air flow channel in fluid communication with a toilet bowl, a housing interposing the toilet bowl and the fan assembly to receive a filter unit therein such that the filter unit is in fluid communication with the air flow channel. A controller can selectively activate the fan assembly in response to various signals.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a hinge post, a bolt having a head and a threaded shaft configured to extend into a bore in the toilet bowl for securing the hinge post to the toilet bowl, and an adaptor having a first segment coupled to the head of the bolt, a second segment, and a shear segment connecting the first and second segments. The first and second segments are both configured to be engaged by a tool to rotate the bolt. The shear segment has a lower torque resistance than the first and second segments such that the shear segment breaks when a torque applied to the second segment reaches a predetermined amount. The head of the bolt is fit into the adaptor such that the first segment of the adaptor surrounds the head.

Abstract: Improvements in a toilet flapper that is formed from an assembly of stainless steel components. The flapper includes hinge pivoting arms, the main body and the float as an integrated assembly. The integrated assembly is made from stamped and formed thin stainless steel sheet metal components that provide sufficient buoyance to allow the flapper to open and close. The toilet flapper made from stainless steel for the float to be sufficiently sized to fit within the throat of the drain pipe and also provide sufficient buoyancy for operation. The toilet flapper made from stainless steel for the flapper to remain flat. The seat remains flat because the stainless steel is essentially not affected by chemicals or age. The stainless steel is preferably 300 series and more preferably 304 stainless, but other types will provide similar sealing and structural functionality.

Abstract: This invention comprises a bidet device, including a bidet kit, that can be mounted on a conventional toilet seat. A bidet valve is positioned between a bidet hoop conduit and a water supply conduit. Rotation of the bidet hoop conduit results in rotation of a valve seat relative to a valve stem to permit water to flow through the bidet hoop conduit. Water does not initially flow and only flows as the bidet hoop conduit reaches an extended operative position. Rotation of a handle or lever arm is the only movement necessary to move the bidet hoop conduit and initiate actuation of the valve. The bidet valve includes an actuator with a notch, the sides of which engage a stationary arm attached to the toilet seat to open and close the valve.

Abstract: A urine collection device for redirecting urine away from a human body is disclosed. The urine collection device comprises a bed pan with a flushing element and an outlet. Urine flows out of the bed pan after each use through a flexible tubing and into a urine collection receptacle. The urine collection receptacle has the capacity to allow a user to void multiple times without the need to empty the bed pan after each use. Additionally, a urinal with a flushing element and an outlet may be employed with the flexible tubing and the urine collection receptacle.

Abstract: In an improved swimming pool water heating system, water in the pool circulates through a first loop from the pool to a surge pit and through a filter before returning to the pool. The heating system includes a second loop with a heat exchanger and a remote water heater. The pool water is heated by the heat exchanger. The first and second circulation loops are separate from one another. The heater may include multiple heating units which can be staged for sequential actuation. The second circulation loop is closed, such that the pool water does not flow through the heater, but rather is indirectly heated via the heat exchanger. The heater is isolated from the pool water. The heating units are vented to atmosphere so as to be non-pressurized.

Abstract: A swimming pool safety system, and method, uses a preservation mechanism that lifts a human-sized object from within a swimming pool to a top surface of the swimming pool. An underwater detection array detects the human-sized object within the swimming pool and generates a detection data. A preservation controller actuates the preservation mechanism in response to an automatic actuation signal that was generated based on the detection data so as to actuate the preservation mechanism to lift the human-sized object above the top surface of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A drive hub is mounted to an element and has a surface which presents away from the element and produces a magnetic field which extends from and returns to the drive hub. If depicted graphically, concentrations of field lines would appear to extend from two or more North domains defined in the surface to two or more South domains defined in the surface, the North and South domains being arranged to encircle a rotation axis in spaced alternating relation. A driven hub is spaced and frontwardly adjacent to drive hub, coupled to the element and constrained against movement but for axial rotation. Driven hub includes non-magnetic, electrically-conductive material having low magnetic permeability and receptors, receptors having a high magnetically permeability, being spaced to the axis and arranged such that rotation of the drive hub relative to the driven hub creates a net rotational force that urges co-rotation of the hubs.

Abstract: A shower curtain rod assembly includes a suction disk, an engaging member, a positioning member, a cover and a rod unit. The shower curtain rod assembly is able to be installed between two walls with different inclinations and different distances.

Abstract: A foot-actuated drain stopper is provided that is interconnected to a strainer of a wastewater outlet of a bathtub. The foot-actuated drain stopper is interconnected to the strainer by way of an adapter that includes a hub that receives a carrier on which the foot-actuated stopper travels.

Abstract: A system for transferring an object from a first surface to a second surface that includes a housing dimensioned to span a distance between the first surface and the second surface, a first elongated roller positioned along a first edge of the housing, and a second elongated roller positioned along a second edge of the housing. A continuous belt is positioned in conveying relation with respect to the first roller and the second roller. A portion of the continuous belt conveys an object while another portion of the continuous belt passes through the housing. The continuous belt does not touch the first or second surface. A support structure having at least one portion positioned within the continuous belt is connected to a first end and a second end of the housing.

Abstract: An improvement to devices known as “patient turners”, provides for a hand controlled brake and locking mechanism that positively locks the rotatable platform of these devices to their stationary base. The activation or deactivation of the mechanism is done by hand at a grab handle of the device instead of by foot at the base of the device. This allows the assistant using the device to rotate a patient standing on the platform to always keep two hands on the device and both feet on the floor during the whole rotation process. This process includes the activation of the braking and locking mechanism to prevent accidental and unplanned rotation of the platform, the patient getting onto the platform, the deactivation of the mechanism, the rotation of the patient on the platform by the assistant, the activation of the mechanism, and the patient getting off the platform.

Abstract: An inclined lift for patient transfer is designed to allow a patient to be pulled on an inclined ramp which is subsequently movable to a raised generally horizontal position. IN the raised generally horizontal position a patient may be transferred to a chair or to a further horizontal structure such as a bed. In a preferred embodiment the inclined lift includes a patient slide mat that is movable onto the ramp by a retraction mechanism. The patient sits or lies on the mat and a winch type mechanism pulls the mat onto the inclined ramp. There is no requirement for a patient harness to directly pull the patient onto the inclined ramp.

Abstract: Drainable hammocks with an arrangement of drainage paths in the fabric of the hammock bed are disclosed, wherein the drainage paths are openings in the fabric of the hammock bed. In one example, the openings are formed by grommets that are positioned in the fabric of the hammock bed. A method of operation of the drainable hammocks includes, but is not limited to, the steps of water impinging the uppermost surface of the hammock bed, water flowing due to gravity from the high points in the hammock bed to the low points in the hammock bed, and water exiting the hammock bed through the drainage paths and onto the ground below.

Abstract: An adjustable bed base is disclosed in which the adjustable bed base comprises a pair of opposed side members, an adjustable foot assembly comprising a first foot panel adapted to be connected to one of the opposed side members, a second foot panel adapted to be connected to the other one of the opposed side members, and a central foot panel adapted to receive the first foot panel and the second foot panel with the first foot panel and the second foot panel being movable relative to the central foot panel to adjust a length of the foot assembly, and an adjustable head assembly comprising a first head panel adapted to be connected to one of the opposed side members, a second head panel adapted to be connected to the other one of the opposed side members, and a central head panel adapted to receive the first head panel and the second head panel with the first head panel and the second head panel being movable relative to the central head panel to adjust a length of the head assembly.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a climate controlled bed or other seating assembly comprises an upper portion or mattress having at least one fluid distribution member (e.g., spacer fabric) that is in fluid communication with the at least one internal passageway of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within the fluid distribution member. In some embodiments, the internal passageway terminates at or near a bottom surface of the upper portion or mattress. The bed or other seating assembly additionally includes one or more inlays or interlays or intermediate layers, or components thereof, positioned between the upper portion and a foundation.

Abstract: The disclosure sets forth and describes a bedding apparatus that is adapted for use in combination with a mattress; the disclosure also sets forth and describes a method of providing a bedding apparatus adapted for use in combination with a mattress. The apparatus includes a fitted sheet with a blanket attached to the fitted sheet. The blanket bears zipper teeth configured to mate with and removably connect the blanket to the fitted sheet.

Abstract: A four-in-one mattress management system and method is disclosed for facilitating various tasks associated with beds of all sizes including making beds; rotating mattresses; holding a bed skirt in place while a mattress is rotated; installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt. The system includes an active mode and a passive mode. In an active mode, all four tasks mentioned above can be performed. A passive mode selectable. In a passive mode, the mattress can be easily rotated in a horizontal plane. During that mode, the system holds down the bed skirt while the mattress is being rotated. In an active mode, the present invention facilitates bed making and thus increases the efficiency of the housekeeping staff leaving more time for the housekeeping staff to attend to the rest of the room. The active mode also facilitates installation and replacement of bed skirts.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly, includes a load distributing plate configured for resting on, and being supported by, a top surface of a patient table; a first clamp assembly adjustably coupled to a first side of the load distributing plate and configured for removable attachment to a first side rail of the patient table; a second clamp assembly coupled to a second side of the load distributing plate and configured for removable attachment to a second side rail of the patient table; and an adapter rail fixed to the second side of the load distributing plate and configured to detachably couple to a support assembly interface, such that an adjustable support assembly may be coupled to the load distributing plate to thereby allow for an off-center load attached to the support assembly to be moved relative to the patient table while the load remains substantially supported by the table surface.

Abstract: An apparatus has conforming arms each respectively attached to a support surface in a pattern for cooperatively receiving an object. Actuators respectively position the plurality of conforming arms between a disengaged state to receive the object and an engaged state to contact the object at a respective contact area to immobilize the object. A control system selectively controls each of the actuators to cause the respective one of the conforming arms to curve inwardly toward the object to cooperatively exert a grasping force upon the object such that only a fraction of total force required to immobilize the object is applied to the object by each individual conforming arm. A selected grasping force of a selected one of the conforming arms corresponds to a relative fragility of the respective contact area.

Abstract: Provided is a pillow to support the head and neck of a user. The pillow includes an inflatable bladder assembly, sheet, fill material and pillow casing. The inflatable bladder assembly includes an inflatable bladder. The sheet has a pocket securing the bladder. The fill material has a fold defining a first panel and a second panel of the fill material. The sheet is disposed in the fill material such that the sheet spans the first panel and the second panel and the bladder is disposed about the fold. The pillow casing secures the fill material, sheet and bladder. The pillow casing has a stitching that secures the sheet in relation to the fill material and secures the fill material in relation to the pillow casing. The stitching defines a depression at a predetermined position of one or more of a top surface and a bottom surface of the pillow casing.

Abstract: A portable, unitary, lightweight, weather-proof support mat to reduce physical stress on a user caused by standing, sitting or kneeling on a hard surface for prolonged periods. The support mat provides a non-slip surface and an integral handle opening. The support mat is manufactured of rubber or other resilient material and may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A mattress is disclosed comprising a flexible frame for bearing uniaxial compressive stress from a human body pressed onto the frame. The frame traverses the breadth and length of the mattress in evenly-spaced repeating patterns which defines hollow recesses filled with materials like silicone gel, memory foam, coils, and springs. The flexible frame in some embodiments, has a higher compressive strength than does the traditional material(s) filled the recesses defined by the frame. The indentation force deflection (IFD) rating varies slightly across small, repeating regions the surface of the mattress. These regions provide lumbar, thoracic, and pelvic support to a user. A user may move about on the mattress during the night to adjust the areas of the small regions pressing most firmly against the body, selectively adjusting both the position of the body and the pressure points of the mattress to maximize comfort.

Abstract: A modular mattress assembly comprises a mattress unit that includes multiple mattress blocks each having a top face, a bottom face and a surrounding surface, and multiple connecting units each provided on the surrounding surface of a corresponding mattress block. The mattress blocks are arranged such that the top faces of the mattress blocks constitute a top support surface of the mattress unit. Any two adjacent mattress blocks are connected to each other through connection between the connecting units provided respectively thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is an innerspring bed mattress with shredded fill inside the mattress central spring core, around, between, in and inside the springs. The shredded fill is generally particulate, and may be of conventional types, sizes and shapes of resilient and compressive materials. Preferably, the fill is shredded organic latex rubber foam fill, obtained from the scrap of organic latex rubber mats used in conventional mattress upholstery layers manufacture. Alternatively, the fill may be specially designed and manufactured to obtain specific dampening characteristics for a specific combination of spring, upholstery and fill types, for example.

Abstract: A method of forming a pocketed spring unit (10), comprising a plurality of pocketed spring portions (22, 24, 26) arranged in a row, is described. The pocketed spring portions each comprise a portion of coil spring encased in a pocket (32, 34, 36), wherein the axis of the spring is substantially transverse to the row. The method comprises the steps of: forming a continuous coil spring, encasing the spring in a pocket and deforming the encased spring to form the pocketed spring portions.

Abstract: A reversible hand operated work tool comprising; a shaft including first and second working ends at opposite ends of the shaft; a co operating handle mounted on the shaft and capable of sliding therealong. The hand tool can be adjusted to move from a first working orientation to a second orientation by sliding the handle along the shaft mtennediate said working ends and without jtatnoving the handle form the shaft.

Abstract: The present systems, compositions, and methods relate to local color modification of dyed fabrics using a laccase enzyme system.

Abstract: A packaged particulate detergent composition, wherein the composition comprises greater than 40 wt % detergent surfactant, at least 70% by number of the particles comprising a core, comprising mainly surfactant, and around the core, a water soluble coating in an amount of from 10 to 45 wt % based on the coated particle, each coated particle having perpendicular dimensions x, y and z, wherein x is from 0.2 to 2 mm, y is from 2.5 to 8 mm, and z is from 2.5 to 8 mm, the packaged particles being substantially the same shape and size as one another.

Abstract: One subject of the present invention is a dye composition comprising benzyl alcohol, at least one C1-C4 monoalcohol and at least one anthraquinone direct dye of formula (I) or azomethine direct dye of formula (II). The composition of the invention makes it possible to obtain colourings that are intense and resistant.

Abstract: Present invention relates to the use of a cationic anthrachinone dye for coloring keratin fibers, especially human hair, and compositions comprising the said dyestuffs. The object of the present invention is the use of dyestuff according to general structure wherein R1 is a group selected from CH3, CH2OH, C2H2OH, C4H9, C3H6OC2H5, C2H4OCH3 and C3H6OC2H4OCH3 for dyeing keratin fibers especially human hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye composition comprising at least one oxidation dye precursor, at least one poly-condensate of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide having the following structure: H—(O—CH2—CH2)a—(O—CH(CH3)—CH2)b—(O—CH2—CH2)a—OH, in which a and a? range from 2 to 150 and b ranges from 1 to 100; and at least one anionic surfactant of polyoxyalkylenated fatty acid type, the weight ratio between the polycondensate(s)/the polyoxyalkylenated fatty acid(s) ranging from 0.05 to 1. The invention also relates to a dyeing process using this composition after mixing with a composition comprising an oxidizing agent. Another subject of the invention is devices comprising at least two compartments, the first compartment comprising the above composition and the second compartment comprising a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A process for dyeing ramie sliver, comprising: 1.) pretreatment: cooking the ramie sliver for 8-12 minutes in a cooking reagent in a bath ratio of 1:4-10, the cooking reagent is a 1-3 g/L aqueous solution of a penetrating agent; and 2.) dyeing: dyeing the cooked ramie sliver in an active dye in a bath ratio of 1:4-10. Also disclosed is a method for preparing ramie yarn. The ramie sliver dyed according to the present invention improves the properties of ramie fibers, such that the ramie fibers are less likely to break; and the ramie fibers are less likely to harden, avoiding poor drawing, needle breakage and missing stitches during carding and coalescing in post-procedures, thus achieving the purpose of smooth yarn spinning. Also disclosed is a method for preparing ramie colored-spun yarn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new azo dyes, a process for their preparation, and their use for dyeing or printing fibrous materials, to produce materials with brownish shades.