Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).

Abstract: Described herein is a glove for absorbing shock. The glove includes a glove body, and a shock absorbing member embedded in the glove body and made of a flexible material. The shock absorbing member includes cells partitioned by a cell wall and two-dimensionally arranged to absorb shock through buckling deformation of the cell wall. The glove has excellent buffering performance by absorbing vibration or shock based not only on material characteristics of the shock absorbing member but also on structural characteristics thereof, and improves efficiency in absorption of vibration or shock by increasing the degree of shrinkage or restoring force of the shock absorbing member, so that the glove can efficiently protect a user from shock.

Abstract: A wearable article provides a non-slip connection between the wearer's bare skin and the surface of an adjacently located object. The wearable article includes correspondingly aligned and shaped interior and exterior grip material segments at one or more locations on the wearable article. The interior grip material segments and correspondingly aligned and shaped exterior grip material segments serve to significantly diminish and potentially eliminate all relative movement between the user's skin, the grip material on the inner facing surface of the wearable article, the material defining the wearable article, the grip material on the outer facing surface of the wearable article, and the surface of an adjacently located object. The correspondingly aligned and shaped interior and exterior grip material segments on the wearable article may be arranged in different sizes and patterns to suit the movements typically executed during a particular physical or sporting activity.

Abstract: A method for fastening a button to a panel of fabric includes the steps of looping a thread having at least a thermo-fusible element between the button and the fabric panel to create at least two runs of thread between the panel and the button; gathering thread from the runs into mutual contact and applying heat to the shank to melt the thermo-fusible element of the runs of thread.

Abstract: A human arm support apparatus for use with a human seated, the apparatus includes a flexible planar member having a front end portion and a rear end portion; an aperture larger than a human head is therethrough the planar member with the aperture passed over the human head for the planar member to rest against a human's shoulders. Further included is a flexible surrounding sidewall affixed to the front end portion for receiving a human's arms to be supported, wherein the support comes from the rear end portion being wedged between the buttocks of the human and the seat, thus the aperture does not contact or put pressure upon the neck of the human.

Abstract: A suit of the present invention is a two-piece suit (1) including a coat (2) and trousers (3) and/or a skirt that are made from a woven fabric containing animal hair fibers and/or synthetic fibers. The coat (2) stretches more in the weft direction than in the warp direction, and the trousers (3) and/or skirt stretch more in the warp direction than in the weft direction. A method for producing the suit includes: for upper and lower parts of the suit, dyeing yarns of the same quality by the same method and producing woven fabrics that are woven in the same structure; differentiating stretchability of the woven fabrics in warp and weft directions in tentering processing by a heat set in a final finish step, thereby producing a cloth for coat and a cloth for trousers and/or skirt; and cutting and sewing the cloths. Thus, it is possible to provide a suit imparted with a function of high mobility even though it is a two-piece suit, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: One example of a multi-layer fabric may include a PVA sponge layer, as well as a wicking layer disposed near the PVA sponge layer. The multi-layer fabric may be employed in clothing and/or other articles to facilitate achievement of a cooling effect relative to a wearer of the clothing or user of the article.

Abstract: Grip enhancing materials/inserts consisting of elastomeric and frictional coatings are deposited on the surface of the palm side of the glove where they are adjacent to a firearm being held, and on the surface of the back side of each of the gloves where they assist in gripping the hand holding the firearm, thereby assisting in the maintenance and stability of the two-handed grip. An elastic hand composed of Spandex or Lycra or similar material spans the knuckles and some of the space between the index finger and thumb, and may generally encircle the thumb base and at least some of the base of the forefinger, providing freedom in articulations of the hand, particularly the index finger, which is free from below and adjacent the outer joint to the free end from any frictional structures; likewise the hand web area.

Abstract: A two-sided, reversible sun visor hat featuring retaining straps on the crown to secure a pair of glasses, when not in use, and an elastic headband for versatile fitment. The bill of the reversible sun visor is constructed from durable materials that retain their original shape and thus may be folded, crumpled, and washed without any permanent distortion to the bill.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a bespoke cap for people with long dreadlocks or long un-matted hair. The cap covers long dreadlocks in an aesthetically pleasing way. The bespoke cap provides a deeper crown to accommodate a large volume of dreadlocks about a wearer's head, a wide oval aperture, and an adjustable closure set at a unique angle at the rear of the cap that, together, allows locks to be gathered more naturally without being constricted. The present invention addresses the special need to cover dreadlocks without damaging them and giving a cleaner profile and a more refined appearance than caps typically worn by persons with dreadlocks.

Abstract: A hitch for lifting the hem of a skirted garment, or garment set comprising a skirt and hitch. The hitch comprises a strip of flexible fabric with coacting fastening means affixed near each end of its length, securing the hitch in a loop when fastened. The fastening means may comprise a button and buttonhole, a snap, a hook-and-loop fastening system, or other fastening means. The garment set can include a hitch featuring a button and buttonhole, and a skirt that comprises a waistband and a second button, the second button affixed to the waistband. One method of removably securing in a raised position a portion of a skirt comprises passing a garment hitch under the hemline of the skirt; passing the garment hitch through the band of the garment; and fastening the garment hitch to itself, thereby forming a secured loop whereby the hitch circumscribes the portion of the skirt.

Abstract: A removable cover designed for a boot or shoe that covers the ankle area of a wearer is disclosed that includes: at least one flexible material, wherein the flexible material is designed to cover at least a part of the top portion of the boot or shoe; and at least one securing device coupled with the flexible material, wherein the securing device operatively couples the flexible material to the boot or shoe. Some embodiments include a sizing mechanism for a removable boot or shoe cover.

Abstract: A moldable collar stay device for a shirt turnover collar comprising a collar stay body and dual collar stay inserts. The shape and the length of the present device may be adjusted by fasteners which facilitate changes to the angle of the collar stay inserts and the length of the collar stay body. The device also may be shaped to accentuate the shape of a user's face. Each collar stay insert may be placed inside collar stay pockets at opposite corners of the shirt collar while the stay body lies along the exterior bounds shirt collar. The shirt wearer may adjust the device around the periphery of the collar to the desired position. Once positioned, the device will remain concealed with the collar and collar stay pockets bile maintaining the ability to alter the collar shape, the collar stay length and the angle of the collar stay inserts.

Abstract: Multi-layered helmets deformably absorb an impact to a wearer that are provided with a rigid outer shell, a plurality of collapsible members configured to be permanently deformable to absorb energy in response to an applied force, and a flexible inner liner. The collapsible members are individually attachable to and removable from the inner surface of the rigid outer shell and to the flexible inner liner in a manner allowing individual replacement of a collapsible member upon being permanently deformed. The inside of the flexible inner liner is configured to face the head of a wearer.

Abstract: Provided is a protective insert to be received into a pocket of a protective athletic headwear. The protective insert includes a hard outer layer, at least one pliable middle layer, and a pliable inner layer. The hard outer layer includes an arrangement of first openings to enable flexing of the hard outer layer to decelerate an impact to the at least one protective insert. The at least one pliable middle layer includes at least one arrangement of second openings. The pliable inner layer provides cushioning. The hard outer layer, the at least one pliable middle layer, and the pliable inner layer are sealed such that the second openings form sealed air pockets to absorb and distribute the impact to the outer layer about the at least one protective insert.

Abstract: A pad assembly is provided for use with a protective sports helmet in a contact sport, the helmet having an opening. The pad assembly includes a pad member within a pad housing, and a retainer having a projection that fits within the helmet opening. The pad assembly also includes a cap detachably coupled to the retainer, the cap including a base portion that fits within the helmet opening and a flange portion that fits within a countersunk recess disposed around the helmet opening, the cap detachably receiving the projection of the retainer. A protective sports helmet having a pad assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a one-piece molded shell with an impact attenuation system. This system includes an impact attenuation member formed in an extent of the front shell portion by removing material from the front portion. The impact attenuation member is purposely engineered to change how the front portion responds to an impact force applied substantially normal to the front portion as compared to how other portions of the shell respond to that impact force. In one version, the impact attenuation member is a cantilevered segment formed in the front portion of the shell.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a “bulge” or protrusion over the ear.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a face guard mounting system with at least one pair of opposed recessed mounting regions that ensure a low-profile mounting arrangement for a face guard to the helmet. The recessed mounting regions are formed in both the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell along a frontal opening in the shell. As a result of the streamlined frontal appearance provided by the face guard mounting system, the width of the face guard closely corresponds to the width of the helmet at the recessed mounting regions.

Abstract: Goggles for use in water comprising a frame, a first lens operatively secured in a frame, a second lens operatively secured in the frame, a first indicator adjacent the first lens, a second indicator adjacent the second lens, and a housing connected with both ends of the frame wherein the housing is in communication with the indicators.

Abstract: A garment having at least two fabric substrates where the substrates are joined together at a seam over which a stretchable, exterior-facing seam tape is applied is provided. The seam tape includes a flame resistant fabric and a liquid barrier layer. The seam tape can further include a separate adhesive layer. The seam tape covers the seam and contacts an exterior surface of the first fabric substrate and an exterior surface of the second fabric substrate. Moreover, the seam tape can have stretch and exhibit similar properties to that of the two fabric substrates. Further, in one embodiment, the color and pattern of the seam tape matches the fabric substrates to which the seam tape is applied. Also described is a method for forming the seam tape and attaching the seam tape to a base fabric/seam.

Abstract: Impact-resistant pads, methods of manufacturing impact-resistant pads, and protective apparatuses are disclosed. An impact-resistant pad includes a spacer fabric, a fluid permeated within the spacer fabric, and a containment layer encapsulating the spacer fabric and the fluid. The fluid has a viscosity dependent on a force applied to the pad. A method for manufacturing the impact-resistant pad is includes cutting a spacer fabric to a desired shape, providing a fluid having a viscosity dependent on a force applied to the pad, permeating the spacer fabric with the fluid, and encapsulating the spacer fabric and the fluid with a containment layer.

Abstract: Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal, abrasion resistance, and moisture management properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a hydrophobic fiber component, a hydrophilic fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties and abrasion resistance, such as fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.

Abstract: A degradable sanitary ring configured for nesting within a drain portion of a sink, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, is further configured to elute one or more sanitizing agents as the ring degrades. The sanitizing agents may include antimicrobial agents or scented oils. The degradable sanitary ring is used to improve sanitation in and around the sink area.

Abstract: There are provided a method for manufacturing a toilet seat, and a toilet seat. The method for manufacturing a toilet seat includes: a primary injecting operation to inject a resin into an upper injection mold and a lower injection mold to injection mold an upper body and a lower body constituting a toilet seat body; a heater mounting operation to mount a heater on one surface of the upper body by using a heater jig; a secondary injecting operation to inject a resin in a state in which the upper body and the lower body are brought into contact with each other, to close a gap in the toilet seat body; and a toilet seat body extracting operation to extract the toilet seat body from the upper injection mold and the lower injection mold.

Abstract: Plumbing tools (50, 110, 140, 180, 220, 260, 290, 340, and 400) comprise a ramrod (10, 90, 112, 188, 222, or 402) with longitudinal portions (188 and 190, 130, or 142 and 144) that include unidirectional and/or bidirectional stiffening, or three longitudinal portions (142, 140, and 144 or 188, 190, and 192) that include unidirectional and/or bidirectional stiffening. The method includes manual ramming (FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 17, and 26), slide hammering (FIG. 30), and power-impact ramming (FIGS. 31-33). Power-impact ramming (FIGS. 31-33) optionally includes a rotary-to-impact converter (FIG. 33). The method includes flexibly threading a ramrod (10, 90, 112, 142, 188, 226, or 402) into a passageway (16), ramming one end, elastically transferring ramming energy, and impacting a blockage (30). Optionally the method includes distributing the plumbing tool (110, 140, or 180) as promotional merchandise.

Abstract: An improved drain unclogging device of the type having a drain bladder for sealing in the drain and a water source interface in fluid communication with the drain bladder and fluidly interfacing with a water source to provide high pressure water to and exit from the drain bladder to unclog the drain. The improvement includes a sliding bladder restrictor that is movable over the drain bladder and restricts a portion of the drain bladder that remains outside the drain to prevent distortion of that portion of the drain bladder that would reduce pressure of the high pressure water that is exiting the drain bladder and unclogging the drain.

Abstract: A urine guard is removably positionable on a toilet bowl of the type having vertical interior and exterior edges and a horizontal edge there between. The urine guard has a generally triangular configuration with a long leg above the exterior edge. The urine guard has an apex interiorly of the interior edge at a height beneath the horizontal edge. The urine guard has a vertical wall with a maximum height above the long leg and with a minimum height adjacent to the apex and with no vertical wall at the apex.

Abstract: A soft-touch double-drain valve includes a full-drain float including a large water sealing plate covering a water discharging opening and a small water sealing plate mounted in an insertion hole. A main body includes an inner tube through hole and an adjustment hole formed therein. A partial-drain weight float includes a partial-drain adjustment press bar and an inner tube penetration hole. A first position-limiting mechanism is mounted in the main body. A second position-limiting mechanism is mounted to a full-drain push button or a partial-drain push button. An inner tube is inserted in the inner tube penetration hole, the through hole, and the insertion hole and is provided with a return spring and has a lower end operable in combination with the small water sealing plate and an upper end operable in combination with the full-drain and partial-drain push buttons to control downward movement.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an aesthetically pleasing covering for construction site structures, such as portable toilets and/or construction waste bins, includes expanses of material designed to encompass and/or encircle such structures. Various embodiments are directed to retractable, weather-resistant fabrics that, when employed in accordance with the present invention, create a cabana-like structure to obscure the undesired aesthetics of underlying structures. Other embodiments relate to camouflaging such structures to avoid the unpleasant visual appearance of reconstruction/remodeling projects where such structures are utilized.

Abstract: A lavatory system includes a basin configured to receive at least one faucet, the basin defining a primary drain passage and first and second overflow drain passages; and an overflow adapter configured to be mounted to a rear surface of the basin, the overflow adapter defining an adapter passage such that when the overflow adapter is mounted to the basin, fluid received by way of the first overflow drain passage is directed through the adapter passage between the overflow adapter and the rear surface of the basin and to the second overflow drain passage.

Abstract: A plate is provided for concealing an inlet of an overflow pipe in a bathtub. The plate includes a flange extending along a first portion of a perimeter of a back surface of the plate and not extending along a second portion of the perimeter, such that an opening is provided between the second portion of the perimeter and a surface of the bathtub. The second portion of the perimeter is dimensioned so the overflow water is capable of passing through the opening. The plate farther includes a plurality of inclined surfaces to define a plurality of slots where each slot is disposed between consecutive inclined surfaces. The inclined surfaces are disposed at an angle relative to a normal direction to obstruct a view of the surface of the bathtub through the plate. The inclined surfaces are arranged such that the slots accommodate an air flow through the plate.

Abstract: A person lift device for safe transfer of bariatric persons includes a movable trolley, a support being rotatably suspended from the trolley and two motor devices for lifting and lowering of person, wherein the motor devices are coupled to the support.

Abstract: A gantry system supports a human user in a harness attached to a carriage on a track. The carriage may comprise a body defining a U-shaped or C-shaped opening sized to receive a cylindrical track, and a pair of wheels attached to the body that roll along a top portion of the track with sufficiently minimal drag to permit the user to move the carriage without assistance. Single track embodiments may have a straight or curved trajectory and may have intersecting track portions with junctions that move between the intersecting track portions. In other embodiments, the carriage traverses a perpendicular track spanning a pair of parallel tracks. The perpendicular track may traverse the parallel tracks with or without motorized assistance. A counterweight system may provide partial weight support for the user. In one embodiment, the tracks are supported by a collapsible free-standing structure.

Abstract: A method for spreading a hammock is disclosed. The method may include selecting a hammock comprising a hammock base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side in a lateral direction. The method may further include suspending the first end of the hammock base from a first anchor and suspending the second end of the hammock base from a second anchor. Once suspended, the hammock base may be spread in the lateral direction using exclusively a dynamic spreader system. The dynamic spreader system may automatically adjust the amount of the spreading in response to changes in the weight, shape, or orientation of contents within the hammock base.

Abstract: A bed rail having an operating position at one of the sides of a bed and a stored position between a mattress and box spring of the bed. To take down the bed rail, a guard frame portion is disengaged from a base frame portion, then the guard frame portion is pivoted and slid into the base frame portion. To set up the bed rail, the guard frame portion can be slid out of the base frame portion, pivoted relative to the base frame portion, then engaged to the base frame portion and into the operating position at a side of the bed.

Abstract: A pillow is formed from a synthetic fiberfill material encased within a bag. In one embodiment, the synthetic fiberfill material is in the form of one or more lengths of chenille yarn fiberfill. The chenille yarn fiberfill is formed from a pile of fibers disposed between a pair of twisted core fibers. The pile of fibers includes microfibers. The lengths of chenille yarn fiberfill may be formed into a chenille cloth fiberfill, a chenille tuft fiberfill, or a chenille pompom fiberfill. In another embodiment, the synthetic fiberfill material is in the form of stretch nylon pompom fiberfill.

Abstract: An air mattress apparatus includes an air mattress which comprised of an array of air bladder cells that are individually inflatable to quiescent pressure levels which provide comfortable support for the body of a human, and a pressure-pulse generator controlled by a wave sequence generator for introducing into ordered patterns of air bladder cells a wave-like time sequence of air pressure pulses which vary quiescent pressure levels in the cells, the pressure wave resulting in a traveling wave of support force variation which travels over the surfaces of the pulsed air bladder cells, thus inhibiting formation of bedsores. The wave pattern may optionally simulate water waves and/or rocking motions of a boat to produce relaxing effects.

Abstract: Cushioning constructions for mattresses or chair cushions are given comfort features for severely immobilized patients. Otherwise, the problem is that, sit or lie still long enough and awful sores may develop. The cushioning constructions hereof are formed of plural or multiple layers of resilient materials of dissimilar softness/firmness and, moreover, these layers are partitioned into multiple zones across the layers of likewise dissimilar softness/firmness. Such features include soft sinking spots for the pelvic area in mattresses or for the counterpart ischium support zone in seat cushions. In distinction, firm and soft juxtapositions are provided for the upper thigh region in mattresses or in the counterpart femoral support zone in seat cushions. Conversely, firm lateral rails for mattresses or counterpart lateral wings for cushions of chair backs are provided where the concern is with Huntingdon's disease patients, who are largely immobile but periodically convulse at times.

Abstract: A laundry machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. The disclosed method, which controls a laundry machine to execute a refreshing course through supply of steam, includes a course selection operation of selecting one of a plurality of washing courses, a steam water supply operation of supplying wash water to a tub up to a water level for generation of steam while preventing the wash water to pass through a drum, when the refreshing course is selected, a steaming operation of heating the wash water by driving a washing heater, thereby generating steam, and a refreshing operation of refreshing the laundry by alternately executing, after the steaming operation, a tumbling driving operation to tumble the laundry within the drum through rotation of the drum and a spin driving operation to rotate the laundry within the drum in close contact with an inner surface of the drum, in accordance with high-speed rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A method for increasing blooming of fragrance during ironing a fabric comprising laundering the fabric with a composition comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with —N—(—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—Cl)2, and fragrance and ironing the fabric.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for providing one or more benefits, including a color rejuvenation and/or color maintenance benefit to a fabric are disclosed. The disclosed compositions contain at least one cationic polymer. The methods include providing the disclosed compositions in combination with a source of anionic surfactant. Unit dose and multi-compartment systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present specification provides a method for changing the color of keratinic fibers. The method includes producing a ready-to-use agent before application by combining a powdered preparation that includes at least one oxidation dye precursor and at least one pigment that does not change the color of the keratinic fibers with a liquid preparation that includes at least one chemical oxidizing agent. The method also includes mixing the powdered preparation and the liquid preparation. The method also includes distributing the ready-to-use agent on the keratinic fibers, leaving the ready-to-use agent on the keratinic fibers for a period from 1 to 60 minutes, and washing the remaining ready-to-use agent out of the keratinic fibers.

Abstract: A last assembly includes a plurality of retractable pins and a plurality of vacuum holes, both acting to hold footwear segments to the last assembly to facilitate manufacturing of, or modification to, an article of footwear. A method of making or modifying an article of footwear includes placing footwear segments on the last assembly by associating an extension portion of at least one footwear segment with the retractable pins, modifying the footwear segments and then removing the extension portion.

Abstract: A multi-colored effect for a sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure comprises a sole member having a first color and an exterior layer having a second color that is different from the sole member. A plurality of slots are formed in the sole structure and the second color is visible on an outer surface of the sole structure through the plurality of slots.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel are described. A method is provided for manufacturing a cushioning element for sports apparel from randomly arranged particles of an expanded material. The method includes positioning a functional element within a mold and loading the mold with the particles of the expanded material, wherein the loading occurs through at least two openings within the mold and/or wherein the loading occurs between different movable parts of the mold.

Abstract: A large-span and special-shaped arch bridge, comprising a main girder (2), a center abutment (11) served as a central bearing point and two auxiliary abutments (12,13) served as bearing points at two ends, wherein further comprising an arch-axis combination (3) and two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) presented as arcs projected upwards, the arch-axis combination being built on the center abutment (11) with two ends connected to the inner ends of the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5), the outer ends of the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) being built on the two auxiliary abutments (12,13), the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) being connected to the main girder (2) via a plurality of inhaul cables. A method for constructing said arch bridge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A floor-cleaning robot having a chassis for moving the floor-cleaning robot in a direction of travel over a surface to be cleaned, a cleaning implement, a control unit and first and second measuring devices for three-dimensional distance measurement. Each of the first and second measuring devices is configured to sense distance between the measuring device and a plurality of surface elements within a respective solid angle that is spanned from the measuring device. The first and second measuring devices are aligned in such a manner that the direction of travel runs through the first solid angle. The second solid angle is offset in relation to the first solid angle. The control unit is designed to generate and/or update a representation of the surface to be cleaned, on the basis of the distances from surface elements sensed by first and second measuring devices.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a hub portion with a first hub section and a second hub section. The first hub section includes a first distal end and a first proximate end opposite the first distal end. The first hub section defines a first axis of rotation. The second hub section includes a second distal end and a second proximate end opposite the second distal end. The second hub section defines a second axis of rotation. A connector device rotatably couples the first hub section to the second hub section. An actuator is in communication with the first hub section to effectuate movement of the first distal end between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel. In the extended position, the first axis of rotation is at a non-90 angle with respect to the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A vehicle roof cleaner is provided with a pair of vertical supports, an upper cross bar, a cleaner assembly, and an adjustment mechanism. The upper crossbar connects the pair of vertical supports, and the cleaner assembly is movable along the pair of vertical supports and positionable below the upper crossbar by the height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes a load bearing mechanism, a spring load assembly, and an activation mechanism.