Abstract: A force resistant garment provides a glove configured to at least partially cover a hand. The garment includes a force resistant material such as a para-aramid synthetic fiber. The garment also includes a body portion that at least partially covers a front side and a back side of the hand and wrist. In this manner, portions of the hand remain uncovered, while other portions of the hand that are prone to injuries while cutting, shearing, or applying other forces, remain protected by the garment. The garment includes a strength enhanced portion for providing additional resiliency against a force. The strength enhanced portion positions in proximity the fingers. The garment also includes non-strength enhanced portion for covering portions of the hand that require less protection, but still benefit from additional padding. The non-strength enhanced portion positions in proximity to a front side and a back side of the hand.

Abstract: An impact resistant article includes a base portion with an impact pad attached to the base portion. The impact pad includes a padding material and a fabric laminated to the padding material. The padding material features fold lines generally corresponding to a wearer's natural bending locations when the impact pad is secured to the base portion.

Abstract: A finger protector includes: a pad; a protective layer disposed along the outer surface of the pad; one or more suture-engaging mechanisms disposed on the outer surface of the protective layer; and one or more securing mechanisms adapted to releasably secure the pad, protective layer, and one or more suture-engaging mechanisms to a user's finger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a waterproof and breathable article of clothing 1 comprising an envelope 2 that has inner 3 and outer 4 surfaces, the method involving: at least one step of coating (100), during which the inner surface 3 is outward-facing, comprising coating the outward-facing inner surface with a solution 6 with a base of at least one polymer, with air A under pressure being injected into the envelope during the coating, then drying the envelope in order to form a first layer 10 of waterproof and breathable polymer on the inner surface; and at least one step of impregnation (200), during which the inner surface 3 is inward-facing, comprising pouring into the envelope a solution 11 with a base of at least one polymer, removing the excess solution 11, injecting air A under pressure into the envelope, and drying the envelope in order to form a second layer 15 of waterproof and breathable polymer on the first layer 10.

Abstract: A garment convertible to a bag is provided. A garment convertible to a bag includes a base member, a first sleeve member extending from the base member, a second sleeve member extending from the base member, and at least one body member extending from the base member. At least one of the base member, the first sleeve member, the second sleeve member, and the at least one body member is configured to be attachably and detachably coupled to at least another of the base member, the first sleeve member, the second sleeve member, and the at least one body member so as to define the bag.

Abstract: A garment comprising an outer layer on the exterior of a front part of the garment, a lining on the interior of the garment and an internal structure located between the outer layer and the lining. The internal structure comprises of a chest piece which extends from a shoulder part of the garment across a chest part of the garment without extending through to a lapel part of the garment and also a fusible material fused to the outer layer wherein the fusible material is located only partially across the outer layer.

Abstract: The present development is a liner unit comprising a light-weight polymeric material that becomes cold when exposed to water, which can be used to line a soft-crown cap, such as a baseball cap. The liner is sized to fit snuggly within the cap, and may be reversibly attached to the interfacing of the cap. Alternatively, the liner may comprise a magnet, sized and oriented on the liner so as to allow the magnet to engage with the underside of a button secured to the cap.

Abstract: Innovative hat bills can include a relatively stiff body member in combination with a pressure-distribution member. The pressure distribution member can be configured to reduce or eliminate concentrations of pressure applied to a wearer's head, improving comfort and fit compared to conventional head wear. In some embodiments, the pressure-distribution member comprises a viscoelastic material. Disclosed hat bills can include a member defining one or more apertures configured to promote airflow over a wearer's head. Such airflow can promote evaporation of perspiration, cooling a wearers head. Additionally or alternatively, such airflow can reduce a pressure gradient from one side (e.g., an underside) of the bill to another side (e.g., an upper side) of the bill, reducing a likelihood that the headwear will be blown off a wearer's head.

Abstract: An easily removable headwear extension that will attach to a wide variety of headwear utilizing the headwear's structural band. It is for multiple purposes including but not limited to, fashion design; protection from environmental elements (weather, insects, overspray); and/or advertising and promotional expression. The fabric will vary based on artistic and environmental requirements. The extension utilizes a unique attachment method that allows the headwear extension to slide over the any exposed structural band without any mating parts, destructive mounting or permanency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sock for use after a pedicure. Various portions of the sock have been treated with a compound of the invention that protects the toenail polish and/or skin of the pedicure recipient.

Abstract: A device and method for easily adjusting the fit of a garment by pinching and holding excess material and creating a temporary seam that holds without damaging the garment material. The device is easily aligned and adjusted for length. It has snap-like closures that allow the device to lock into place through the fabric, either by piercing the fabric, or by pushing the fabric through without piercing or damaging it, thus creating an inside seam. The device is durable and secure enough to be machine-washable so that, once positioned, it may be left in place for washing or drying if desired. Alternatively, the device may be easily removed for washing or other reasons and easily reapplied and/or repositioned.

Abstract: A device, namely a detectable fastener accessory that can be used to cover a fastener, preferably a snap cover of an article of clothing, the accessory comprising or adapted to have a decorative cover piece connected thereto. In a further embodiment, the fastener accessory is part of an extender system that allows an article of clothing such as a vest or jacket to have a greater size by connecting an extension segment, such as a chain, piece of leather or other fabric, between fasteners on opposite sides of the article of clothing, which at least provides the advantages of allowing a user to achieve better ventilation or airflow while riding a motorcycle and also prevents the article of clothing from being blown out of a desired position. When used in the extender system, the fastener accessory allows for matching decorative pieces to be displayed on each side of tot article of clothing.

Abstract: Male infertility due to reduced sperm count has received dramatically increased scientific attention in recent years, particularly the effect of excessive testicular heat on sperm motility. Currently all products designed for testicular cooling are prohibitively cumbersome, or potentially toxic. While ice can be applied directly to the testicles, this invention provides and a convenient and comfortable alternative that does not exist today: underwear specifically designed to be fitted with a freezable gel pack, permitting users to keep moving around. Researchers increasingly believe that this sort of cooling can have a positive effect on sperm health, perhaps providing another alternative to other expensive and invasive fertility treatments.

Abstract: A filtration system to filter air from a toilet bowl includes: a fan assembly having a fan and an air flow channel in fluid communication with the toilet bowl to draw air from the toilet bowl; a housing interposing the toilet bowl and the fan assembly, the housing having a filter receptacle to receive a filter unit therein, the received filter unit being in fluid communication with the air flow channel wherein the fan assembly draws air through the filter unit to exhaust the air out of the air flow channel; an activator to activate the fan assembly; and, a decimator for killing or eliminating particulate matter in the air flow.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning toilet seat assembly with a cover surrounding a toilet seat to define a conduit spanning from a back end to a front end of a toilet seat and with a width approximately from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface, defining at least one liquid aperture fluidly coupled to a liquid source with a liquid matter, and defining at least one gas aperture in fluid communication with the conduit and fluidly coupled to a gas source with a gaseous matter, the assembly also having an electrical system operable to cause the liquid matter to discharge onto a portion of the toilet seat proximal to the back end of the toilet seat through the at least one liquid aperture and to cause the gaseous matter to discharge through the at least one gas aperture at a speed sufficient to transport the liquid matter through the conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further embodiments relate to improved shroud components for toilets that help reduce splash. Further embodiments also relate to flushing systems for use with vacuum toilets.

Abstract: A portable and convertible in-ground infant pool includes a flexible inner cavity having a substantially water impervious base and substantially water impervious sidewall(s) and an outwardly projecting flange that extends from an upper sidewall rim. The base and sidewall(s) seat within a recess or cavity or hole, such as may be formed in beach sand. The flange seats on the beach or ground surface around the periphery of the cavity. Water is poured into the pool for infant play. When water is emptied from the pool, a cinching mechanism at or along the perimeter of the flange rim, when activated, permits the infant pool to be converted from a pool configuration to a pool-in-a bag or carryall.

Abstract: A foldable sink cover is presented. The sink cover comprises a foldable substrate having a base section and at least one foldable section in mechanical communication with the base section, wherein the foldable substrate is capable of being unfolded to cover a sink, and capable of being folded for storage when not being used to cover a sink.

Abstract: A patient handling device includes a deck for supporting a patient support surface, a controller, and a user interface. The user interface is actuatable by a user to record a state of a plurality of conditions of the patient handling device. The controller is in communication with the user interface and operable to monitor the plurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication when all the conditions remain unchanged from their recorded state, and to generate a second indication when any of the conditions change from their recorded state.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a patient lift and positioning system, and adjustable components thereof. In one embodiment, a patient positioning interface is suspended from a patient support mechanism and used in positioning a thus supported patient in two or more positions. The interface comprises a legrest portion for supporting a lower body portion of the patient and a backrest portion pivotally coupled to the legrest portion for supporting an upper body portion of the patient. The interface further comprises a powered drive mechanism independently acting on each of the legrest portion and the backrest portion to independently adjust relative to one another a legrest and backrest angle of the legrest portion and backrest portion, respectively.

Abstract: An infant sleep pod providing passive and/or active safety features. The infant sleep pod provides a safe sleeping environment for infants sharing sleep areas with adults. The infant sleep pod provides a firm, flat, separate, portable, and dedicated sleep space for an infant. The infant sleep pod includes a base with a bed and sidewall, and a bridge extending across the bed. The bridge covers a head portion of the bed, while a foot portion of the bed is left open for inserting and removing the infant. The bridge prevents pillows and blankets from covering the bed and infant. The infant sleep pod also includes electronics for monitoring the sleep pod. The electronics include a sensor unit in the bridge and a control unit in communication with the sensor unit. The control unit and sensor unit are operable to detect unsafe conditions and, in response, generate alerts.

Abstract: An expandable mattress cover comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet and a side wall joining the top sheet and the bottom sheet. A plurality of edges of the side wall is stitched to the top sheet and the bottom sheet to form a compartment. An expandable means having a hook is attached to the side wall. An opening is provided on the side wall for inserting a mattress into the compartment. The expandable means may be adjusted to fit mattresses of different thicknesses inside the expandable mattress cover. A fastening means with a hook is adjusted to open the opening before inserting a mattress into the compartment. The mattress is secured in position by adjusting the fastening means to a closed position. The hook is used to clip the expandable means and the fastening means onto the side wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for automating adjustment or adaptation of devices (141-143) such as light, computer programs and positioning of devices used during patient examination. The patient examination is performed by use of a scanner system where the patient is lying on a bed (102) which can be moved into a scanner zone of the scanner where the scanning can be performed and away from the scanner zone. The automated control is achieved by detecting the position of the bed and using the detected position for adjusting or adapting the state, i.e. the function or working of one or more devices (141-143).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of positioning in multiple positions during spinal surgery includes deviating a patient support apparatus about a longitudinal axis to a position in which one lateral side of the apparatus is lower than the opposite lateral side, positioning a patient in a prone position on the deviated product, and rotating the patient from the prone position to a laterally angled position.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes an upper frame, a base frame, a link mechanism for connecting the upper frame and the base frame, and a linear actuator connected to the link mechanism for driving the link mechanism. The link mechanism includes at least a T-shaped first arm slidably supported on the base frame or the upper frame and provided with connections at four points, and an L-shaped second arm provided with connections at three points.

Abstract: A support device for persons, such as a bed, treatment or operating table, chair, comprises: a frame; a first and a second movable member, which movable members can be adjusted independently of one another and which are designed to support the person or one or more parts of the person in various positions, and a hydraulic system for adjusting the movable members, the hydraulic system comprising: a reservoir for hydraulic liquid; a first and a second hydraulic actuator associated with the first and second movable member, respectively, which hydraulic actuators can each be moved in two directions; a hydraulic pump; a pump activating member which is operatively connected to the pump in order for an operator to activate the pump; a valve assembly which is provided in the hydraulic circuit between the pump and the respective actuators, and a valve assembly operating member which can be mechanically operated by an operator and is mechanically connected to the valve assembly for selecting and providing a connection

Abstract: A mattress cleaning and venting method and system, the system comprising at least one first inlet positioned on a side wall of the mattress; at least one first tube inserted within the mattress, the first tube having an open end, the open end being connected to the first inlet; the first tube comprising holes along a length thereof between the open connected to the first inlet end and an opposed end thereof within the mattress; wherein the first inlet is adapted for connection to one of a suction unit and a blowing unit.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress system which simulates a mattress and box spring based bed. A rectangular protective tray is provided, in which a rectangular inflatable mattress is placed and inflated. The tray has a bottom, and sidewalls, and is open at the top of the sidewalls. Access ports are provided in the tray to access an inflation tube in the mattress. The mattress is covered by a top sheet, and the edge of the top sheet attaches to the top edge of the tray, by zipper or other attachment means. The mattress is enclosed on one side by the top sheet, and on the other by the tray.

Abstract: A support surface assembly comprises a support surface and a multi-zone chamber comprising two or more inflatable bladders forming the support surface. In an example, first and second bladders of the multi-zone chamber are arranged in a head to toe configuration and are substantially free to move with respect to one another. In another example, a flexible joint is included between first and second bladders, the flexible joint including one or more releasable fasteners. In another example, a fluid communication conduit between first and second bladders couples the first and second bladders in a series fluid communication. In another example, the bladders form an array of bladders arranged in series from a head to a foot of the support surface, wherein each of the bladders has substantially the same dimensions.

Abstract: A plunger matrix mattress includes a number of independently movable foam padded plungers that form an array of independently movable points of support. This type of mattress significantly improves body contouring over conventional coil spring mattress designs. The plunger matrix mattress also allows substantial airflow through the mattress improving over conventional foam mattress designs. Different plungers may have different spring and dampening characteristics to allow different plungers and plunger zones of the mattress to exhibit different firmness levels. Individual plungers may be removed and replaced independently, for example to replace the plunger with another plunger with a different spring characteristic, and make other types of adjustments and repairs.

Abstract: A modular mattress includes several plunger matrix sections that each have a respective plunger matrix support platform. The several sections are configured for side-to-side assembly to form the complete matrix for the mattress. A foldable edge frame snugly receives and houses the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation. The edge frame also defines a flange on an internal surface of the edge frame that supports plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation in a position allowing the plungers to move up and down within an internal space defined by the edge frame. A top pad lays on top of the edge frame and the plunger, while a cover configured encapsulates the edge frame, the plunger matrix, and the top pad into a self-contained mattress unit.

Abstract: A foldable mattress includes plunger matrix sections and corresponding flexible connectors connecting the plunger matrix sections in side-by-side relation. The flexible connectors are configured to allow the foldable mattress to fold to adjust in shape corresponding to changes in shape of a mechanically adjustable frame supporting the foldable mattress. The foldable mattress may include a foldable edge frame configured to snugly receive and house the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation. The edge frame defines a flange on an internal surface of the edge frame configured to support the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation in a position allowing the plungers to move up and down within an internal space defined by the edge frame. A top pad lays on top of the edge frame and the plunger matrix sections. A cover encapsulates the edge frame, the plunger matrix, and the top pad into a self-contained mattress unit.

Abstract: A dual-spring plunger for a plunger matrix mattress assembly includes an outer tension spring with an upper end fixed to an outer spring mount of a plunger guide body and a lower end located below the guide body positioned to receive a bottom end of a pin of the plunger. An inner tension spring nested within the outer tension spring has an upper end fixed to the inner spring mount of the guide body and a lower end having a spur slidably captured within a slot through a fin of the shaft of the pin. The outer spring is tensioned while the inner spring is not tensioned during a first portion of downward movement of the pin relative to the pin guide, whereas both the outer and the inner spring are tensioned during a second portion of downward movement of the pin relative to the pin guide.

Abstract: A plunger for a matrix mattress includes a pin guide having a flange and a guide body extending from the flange. A pin slidably received within the pin guide includes a flange located above the flange of the pin guide and a shaft extending from the flange through the guide body. The flange of the pin carries a deformable head. A tension spring has a first end fixed to the guide body and a second end located below the guide body positioned to receive a bottom end of the pin shaft. The spring is configured to resiliently stretch with downward motion of the pin with respect to the pin guide. A dampening device captured around the shaft of the pin between the flange of the pin and the flange of the pin guide resiliently deforms with downward motion of the pin with respect to the pin guide.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool system that can be assembled into multiple configurations by a user. The tool system may comprise a plurality of components, including tool heads, shaft segments, and handle ends. The components of the tool system can be combined in various configurations to provide different functions, at different lengths. Connectors may be utilized to connect the various components of the system using a twist lock mechanism. The connectors may include a tubular sleeve member having a biased locking shaft that interacts with a locking groove.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of removing hair from a textile article or the like. The method comprises providing a solid or liquid composition comprising sodium hydroxide, dispersing the solid or liquid concentrate in an aqueous medium that is contacted with the textile article or the like, such that the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the aqueous medium is 1-15% w/w, and maintaining the aqueous medium in contact with the textile article or the like at a temperature between 10° C. and 120° C. for a period of between 1 and 180 minutes. The sodium hydroxide causes dissolution of hair from the textile article. There is also provided a concentrate comprising sodium hydroxide used in such method. Such method is particularly useful in treating human hairwear, especially hairwear used in sanitary conditions, such as food production, and for pet products to which animal hair may adhere.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and formulation for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein the formulation is free of organic solvents. Preferably, the substrate is wetted so as to achieve a substrate to water ratio of between 1:0.1 to 1:5 w/w. Optionally, the formulation additionally comprises at least one cleaning material and, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the polymeric particles are coated with the at least one cleaning material. Preferably, the cleaning material comprises a surfactant, which most preferably has detergent properties. Most preferably, the substrate comprises a textile fibre. Typically, the polymeric particles comprise particles of nylon, most preferably in the form of nylon chips.

Abstract: A multi-use functional cotton, and, more particularly, a multi-use functional cotton including a composition for manufacturing a multi-use functional cotton, and to a method for manufacturing the same are provided. Here, the composition includes natural cotton, an ammonium aqueous solution, a first ammonium phosphate, boron, an anionic surfactant, a fluorine-based water repellent, and an acrylic phosphate-based coupling agent. The multi-use functional cotton can be useful in maintaining a thermal retention property, a thermal insulation property and cold resistance of the natural cotton as a functional chemical, which is harmless to the human body, is allowed to permeate into a hollow tissue (lumen) of the natural cotton, and improving elasticity, tensile strength and bursting strength since more closed cells are formed than natural cotton not treated with the functional chemical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dyeing and/or lightening keratin fibres such as the hair, using i) at least one direct dye bearing a disulfide, thiol or protected-thiol function and ii) at least one nonionic surfactant, iii) at least one amphoteric surfactant, iv) at least one alkaline agent, and v) at least one reducing agent. The invention also relates to a composition comprising the ingredients i) to v), to the use of the combination of i), ii), iii), iv) and v) for the dyeing and/or lightening of keratin fibres, and to a multi-compartment kit comprising the ingredients i) to v). The dyeing process and the composition according to the invention especially afford a long-lasting coloration on keratin fibres, which is strong, chromatic and/or homogeneous, with or without the use of an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A pool cleaning vehicle is described comprising a body mounted on wheels such that it can roll over a surface. The body carries a water inlet port and a water outlet port with the inlet port being located on the bottom of the body. It also has a filter mechanism interposed between the inlet and outlet ports. An electric motor mounted is on the body between the two sides of the body with a shaft extending out of it with a propeller mounted on the shaft. The motor is mounted such that the propeller expels water out of the outlet port. A roller brush extends between the same two sides of the body generally transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle and the roller brush is rotated by the electric motor via a linkage.

Abstract: This toothbrush is designed to brush our teeth in a short period of time and in an effective way.

Abstract: A dental implant cleaning apparatus includes: a wire bundle formed of flexible materials; a tube enclosing the wire bundle; and a driver connected to the wire bundle, to drive the wire bundle. Accordingly, a clean dental implant may be maintained after the dental implant is placed, and a lifespan of an implant may be extended by mechanically removing chemical and biological infections (pollutants) from a surface of the implant when the implant is infected.

Abstract: A refill head, and an oral care implement including the same, wherein the refill head comprises a tubular sleeve having a cavity. First and second upper cam surfaces are provided in the cavity that form transverse shoulders within the cavity. The first and second upper cam surfaces are separated by first and second axial slots through which first and second bosses of a stem of a handle of the oral care implement can be passed.

Abstract: A photomask cleaning device includes a stage, a fluid dispenser, a scrubbing unit, a cover and a fixing unit. The fluid dispenser includes a direct dispensing unit disposed correspondingly to the scrubbing unit, and an oblique dispensing unit obliquely spraying water onto a photomask. Majority of the particles can be removed with the combined application of the oblique dispensing unit and the scrubbing unit.

Abstract: A cleaning case for a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. The case is adapted to be secured to or receive a lower side or face of the electronic device, and includes a housing with a wipe storage compartment for a reusable screen wipe. The wipe can be pulled from the storage compartment in a flat sheet configuration through a slot in the housing, up and around the housing and device mounted thereon, in order to clean the screen of the device. The housing further includes a retraction means for retracting the wipe back into the storage compartment after use. The case may also be formed integrally with the electronic device.

Abstract: A personal care article, such as a toothbrush handle having an inner cavity.

Abstract: A personal care article, such as a toothbrush having an inner cavity made in one molding process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning utensil for cleaning floors and other surfaces, comprising cleaning rollers actuated by a gear mechanism with rotation conversion, said mechanism being actuated by a single drive wheel.

Abstract: A multipurpose bendable tool may include a portion of the tool having a flexible element including a shape retentive component that retains a shape to which the portion is bent. The portion can be bendable or formable, and may be adjusted into a variety of shapes which can be changed by a user. For example, the multipurpose bendable tool can be used to apply pressure to a surface via a head portion while substantially maintaining its shape, and can be fitted with a variety of attachments.

Abstract: Methods of producing a unitary personal care article such as a toothbrush having an inner cavity.