Abstract: Fabrics having fiber blends and constructions engineered to enhance the ballistic protection as well as the comfort and/or dyeability/printability of such fabrics.

Abstract: The oven mitt discussed herein has a blade connected to or co-molded to an end of a finger sheath portion. The blade has a tapered or sharpened end. This allows a user to slide the mitt under a pan or scrape hot food products off of a heated baking sheet. The mitt also has a thumb sheath portion, so that the user can grip objects between the finger and thumb sheath portions. The mitt can be made of materials that are suitable for use in heated environments, such as silicone for the sheath portions, and nylon for the blade.

Abstract: A beverage holding garment wherein the beverage holder is disposed in the garment such that it is substantially concealed when not in use so that the garment appears to not have a beverage holder.

Abstract: A zipper assembly that allows for coupling multiple objects together and a single slider that serves to control a common opening for the coupled objects.

Abstract: Provided is a sports band including a main body formed with one side open to be worn on a body of a user and to have a curvature, and wherein an expression zone having a form indicating a sports game is formed at both ends of the open side, and an expression layer exhibiting the form indicating the sports game on an external side of the expression zone, and the sports band disclosed herein may be used for various sports games including soccer, allow a user to express enthusiasm as well as a sense of unity with a sports game, provide a desirable wearing sensation not only for everyday use but also for the sports game, and improve physical vitality by a magnetic field.

Abstract: Visors and methods of using a soft type foam visor formed from a pliable and flexible material, such as but not limited to EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) having patterns of through-holes and partial cutouts for allowing accessories such as labels, charms, badges, puncture tool and sunglass/eyeglass supports and the like, to be plugged into the holes and cut-outs and easily removable and interchangeable with other accessories. A removable rear head strap be attached to the visor, having a plurality of holes with fasteners to adjust the strap to different head sizes.

Abstract: Novel methods and systems for acoustic proofing are disclosed. A sound proof helmet can be designed by optimizing several layers of different materials, thickness, and physical properties. The thickness of the layers can be smaller than the wavelength of the sound waves which are meant to be reduced.

Abstract: Helmet mounts for mounting an associated viewing device on a helmet, includes a first pivoting segment for attachment to the helmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment to the associated viewing device. The second pivoting segment is pivotable relative to the first pivoting segment for selectively supporting the associated viewing device in a first, operational position before the eyes of a user donning the helmet and a second, stowed position above a line of sight of a viewer donning the helmet. In one aspect, the first pivoting segment includes a vertical adjust mechanism having a base plate, a pair of guide rails attached to the base plate and defining a channel therebetween, a sliding plate slidably attached to the guide rails, and a clamping mechanism for selectively applying a clamping force to secure the sliding plate at a desired position relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A protective face covering includes a protective shell sized and shaped to fit only over certain areas of a user's face. The protective shell includes a protective airway covering extending substantially over the nose and mouth of the user, the protective airway covering having a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air. The protective shell also includes first and second protective jaw coverings that extend away from the protective airway covering along either side of the user's jaw. A protective chin covering extends from the protective airway covering substantially beneath the chin of the user. A filter filters air passing through the openings on the device. A fastener secures the device to the lower back of the skull of the user. The fastener extends between openings in the first and second jaw coverings, respectively, and extends around the head of the user.

Abstract: Protective elements for an article of apparel may include a plate component and a cushioning component that are secured together by stitching which passes through the plate component. The cushioning component may include a pair of material layers and at least one pad located between the material layers. The plate component may include a polymer material and the pad may include a polymer foam material, with the polymer material of the plate element having greater rigidity and density than the polymer foam material of the pads. An attachment area may be formed on an outer perimeter of the plate component that is provided with a reduced thickness relative to adjacent areas of the plate component. An attachment element may be passed through the attachment area and at least one layer of the cushioning component thereby attaching the plate component to at least the one layer.

Abstract: A protective garment is disclosed that has a gasket directly molded to fabric that defines an opening in the garment. The opening may receive a wrist, a hand, an ankle, a neck, or face of a wearer. In one embodiment, the fabric is part of a hood and the gasket includes an interface feature for sealingly engaging a breathing or respiratory mask with an airtight seal, vapor-tight seal, moisture tight seal, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A comfort guard apparatus and method of use comprises a compartmentalized chamber positioned adjacent to protective equipment such as shin guards, chest protectors, and helmets. In one embodiment, the apparatus is interchangeable and removably positioned between the user and the protective equipment. In another embodiment, the apparatus is built in to the protective equipment including clothing such as shirts and pants. The apparatus can be replaced with a freshly cooled or warmed version during use. The apparatus conforms to the body of the user, keep the chamber in contact with a greater surface area, and prevent the contents of the compartments from gravitating towards edges. Adjacent compartments can be separated by a breakable membrane or contain breakable packets. The apparatus cushions the user from abrupt edges of the protective equipment. The apparatus, positioned against the body of the wearer, regulates the wearer's body temperature which contributes to enhanced athletic performance.

Abstract: Football shoulder pads having non-elastic underarm straps for securing the front panels to the back panels, each underarm strap being affixed on the interior side of the front panels using low profile securing members, passing through a ring member on the back panel, and then brought forward and secured to itself using a hook-and-loop fastening system.

Abstract: New spine-protecting motoring and sports equipment and apparel are provided. In some aspects of the invention, variably-joined pivoting and sliding members with both overall and local pivoting-speed and/or range-limits pivot about central points, lines and/or curves, which approximates the rotational center line of a user's spine, spinal cord or points of optimal flex reduction for a wearer's safety. Aiding in creating pivot-points and/or pivot lines are external body-holding extensions, connected to at least some of the pivoting and sliding members (a.k.a., “brace sections”). In one preferred embodiment, a torso-gripping jacket implements the above-described aspects, and a top-most member, linked with the other members, rotates more greatly and variably interlocks with rigid slot in the rear base of a specialized protective helmet, protecting the user's neck from breaking in a crash.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a valve, and also dispensing or dosing apparatus (1) incorporating such a valve, for dispensing a predetermined dose of a first liquid into a second liquid, the apparatus comprising a sealed reservoir (10) for holding the first liquid, a reservoir outlet tube (24) connected to the reservoir at its in use upper region (18) and in fluid communication therewith, first valve means (30) for selectively dispensing a dose of the first liquid from the reservoir into the second liquid, and a dosing tube (26) between the reservoir outlet tube and the valve means.

Abstract: An apparatus including at least one concealable sanitary fixture, such as a toilet bowl (2), moveable between a concealed position and an extended/exposed position. A hinged conduit (4) provides a fluid tight connection between the toilet bowl (2) and a waste outlet (5). Hinges (6, 7) allow the conduit (4) to adjust with the movement of the toilet bowl (2).

Abstract: The present utility model relates to a vacuum breaker, an automatic flushing system for toilet having the vacuum breaker, and an electric bidet toilet having the automatic flushing system for toilet. The vacuum breaker comprises a body and a. cover which cooperate to define a cavity, the body being integrally formed with an inlet pipe section which defines a water inlet and an outlet pipe section which defines water outlet, the cover being formed with an air port, wherein a tip portion of the inlet pipe section extends into the cavity in a direction towards the air port. The length of the tip portion of the inlet pipe section which extends within the cavity is greater than half of the height of the cavity. According to the present utility model, because the tip portion of the inlet pipe section extends almost throughout the cavity of the vacuum breaker, the level of the water inlet is elevated, so that the CL (critical level) line is raised.

Abstract: An expandable sink caddy having a front plate, a substantially rigid back plate, a flexible section extending between at least a portion of the sides, tops and bottoms of the front and back plates and one or more vertical attachment members for attaching the sink caddy to a vertical surface in a sink. The flexible section includes two or more living hinges to adapt the caddy from a closed configuration, where the front plate and back plate are maintained in relatively close relation, to an open configuration, where the front plate and back plate are maintained in a relatively spaced apart relation. Apertures are included in a lower portion of the sink caddy to drain liquid that may be directed into the sink caddy.

Abstract: A bunk bed system including a head board and a foot board assembled with corner posts and interconnecting slats including a modified mortise and tenon joint which includes a dado on a lateral face of the tenon in alignment with a vertical post channel and longitudinal pin channel which lock and fixedly holding the joint together. The vertical channel member cooperatively engages the dado to both fixedly hold the tenon within the mortise and to also hold the tenon perpendicular to the mortise.

Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

Abstract: A mattress retention system for adjustable beds employs a tubular fabric tension web attached with a restraining bar to a top surface of an element of an articulating support structure. The restraining bar is secured with brackets inset from a longitudinal edge and lateral edges of the articulating support structure element.

Abstract: A patient positioning device is provided for restraining movement of a body lying over a top surface of a table and includes a rigid support frame extending transversely over the top surface of the table. A cervical-thoracic notch restraint is securely fixed to the upper support surface of the support frame, via a repositionable fastener, to thereby inhibit movement of the cervical-thoracic notch restraint along the longitudinal axis of the table. The repositionable fastener comprises a holding strength per unit of surface area that is sufficient to support the weight of the body on the table when in an inclined position relative to a ground surface. In one example, a head stabilizer is used to inhibit lateral movement of the head. In another example, a lateral stabilizing pillow is used to inhibit torsional movement of the body.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a multi-functional bed apparatus with a back support, comprising a head supporting pad, a neck supporting pad attached to one side of the head supporting pad, a waist supporting pad movably attached to the head supporting pad and a hip supporting pad movable attached to another lateral side of the waist supporting pad away from the head supporting pad; wherein the neck supporting pad comprises an arched portion adjacent to a lateral side of the waist supporting pad. The user can alter the curvature between any one of the pads such that the bed apparatus conforms to human ergonomics of an ergonomic bed or chair for the user body. The arched portion further provides adequate support to the arms of the user to prevent arm muscle pains. Therefore, the present invention is applicable to various fields and uses with simplified operations and great comforts.

Abstract: Provided is an inclination device for bedding that is portable and enables suppression of apnea and stertor when sleeping. The inclination device for bedding is provided with a rectangular inclination surface on which the human body rests, and a fluid bag that is disposed below the inclination surface and expands into a triangular column shape or the like by providing a fluid. A support part which is a long part at both ends of the inclination surface is disposed at a location where the support part is in contact with the bedding. The inclination surface can be inclined left and right by providing liquid to the liquid bag, with the support part of the inclination surface serving as the fulcrum. In particular, the following structure is preferable: by installing at least two fluid bags in a stacked state, expansion is performed in a fan shape with the fixed part of the fluid bag serving as the fulcrum.

Abstract: A method of making foam imparts antimicrobial and antiodorant qualities to the foam. Green tea powder is added to the polyol raw materials for making memory foam. The green tea memory foam is used to make pillows, cushions and mattresses. Green tea foam in the top layer of a mattress acts as an antiodorant such that less of the chemical smell of the memory foam is perceived by the user. In addition, the bacteria and mold that would otherwise develop in the moist warmer sleeping environment on memory foam are killed by the green tea additive to the foam. Measurable antimicrobial and antiodorant qualities in the green tea foam are achievable by adding green tea powder constituting less than 2% of the weight of the resulting green tea foam. A neck-support contour pillow is made using memory foam that contains green tea and a green dye.

Abstract: An agent for the oxidative dyeing of keratinous fibres is provided. The agent contains, as a developer-type oxidation dye precursor, a compound of Formula (I) that carries at least one cationic charge in Y.

Abstract: The invention relates to pretreatment agents for keratin fibers, which include, based on its weight, 0.00001 to 10 wt. % of at least one 4-morpholino-methyl-substituted silicone, which includes in each case at least one of the structural units of the formulae (I), (II) and (III) described herein, wherein * represents a bond to one of the structural units (I), (II) or (III) or an end group B (Si-bound) or D (O-bound); B represents a group —OH, —O—Si(CH3)3, —O—Si(CH3)2OH, —O—Si(CH3)2OCH3; D represents a group —H; —Si(CH3)3, —Si(CH3)2OH, —Si(CH3)2OCH3; A represents an O-bound structural unit (I), (II) or (III) or a O-bound oligomeric or polymeric radical including structural units of the formulae (I), (II) or (III) or half of a connecting O atom to a structural unit (III) or represents —OH; n, m and o represent whole numbers between 1 and 1000 and include at least 50 wt. % of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for dyeing human keratin fibres such as the hair, in foam form, comprising at least one alkaline agent, at least one oxidizing agent, at least one oxidation dye precursor and at least one nonionic surfactant of forty (I) R-0-(CH2—CH2-0)n-H (I) in which R represents a linear or branched C10-C18 alkyl or alkenyl radical, n represents a number ranging from 10 to 15. The invention also relates to a process for dyeing human keratin fibres using this composition. A subject of the invention is also a device for dyeing keratin fibres, comprising the composition of the invention in liquid form and a foam dispenser for delivering the composition in the form of a foam.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a variety of other products may incorporate a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a knitted component for an article of footwear that include knitting an upper with an integral knit tongue during a knitting process on a knitting machine are described. The knitting process forms the integral knit tongue of unitary knit construction with the upper so that the integral knit tongue extends through a throat area of the knitted component. The integral knit tongue can include raised elements formed of unitary knit construction with the tongue.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A knitted component forming a portion of the upper includes at least one strand formed with the knitted component. The strand passes through opposite sides of the upper along the lower perimeter edge. The strand is tensioned, and a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A sensor senses an angle of the ramp portion relative to a horizontal plane and provides a sensor output that corresponds to the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane. The ramp assembly further includes a controller that receives the sensor output and an alert device. The controller controls the alert device to provide an alert when the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that absorbs fluid material on surfaces of a trocar is provided. The surgical instrument comprises a handle having at least two ends and an absorbent area at a first end of the handle. The absorbent area comprises a plurality of absorbent discs and a plurality of spacers.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator. The pig receiver also includes a system for removing contaminants from the pig receiver.

Abstract: A surface treatment pad arrangement for a cleaning appliance includes a first treatment pad, a second treatment pad, and one or more connectors which connect the first treatment pad to the second treatment pad. In some embodiments, the connectors maintain the pads in predetermined positions relative to one another when not attached to the appliance, and permit the pads to move relative to one another when attached to the appliance.

Abstract: A cleaning wipe with a plurality of stiff triangular or rectangular-cross-sectional projections rising from the surface of a non-woven cloth is designed to clean the nooks and crannies, various crevices and other hard to reach areas of cell phones or other electronic items with a myriad of buttons and/or camera lenses, charger outputs, mouthpieces, ear receivers and keypads which are designed in countless shapes and sizes. The projections, whether in the form of cones, pyramids, length-long ridges or other embodiments are specifically designed to clean the small crevices, the mouthpiece and earpiece and between small buttons such as keypads on a cell phone or other electronic device.

Abstract: A toothbrush of the invention uses magnetic repulsion phenomenon to effectively clean teeth surface. The head of the toothbrush accommodates plurality of bristle clusters, each cluster having a magnet affixed to its base. Another magnet is positioned underneath such base and aligned so that identical poles of both magnets face one another. Such alignment generates magnetic repulsion which, when combined with the brushing motion initiated by user, ensures that bristle clusters individually adjust to irregular teeth surface and reach deep into separation between adjoining teeth thus ensuring effective cleaning of the teeth and gaps between them.

Abstract: A surface treatment pad arrangement for cleaning appliance includes first and second treatment pads with first and second surface-facing sides, respectively. The first surface-facing side may include at least one absorbent section and the second surface-facing side may include at least one absorbent section and at least one scrubbing section. The absorbent section of the first surface-facing side may be a shag material, the absorbent section of the second pad may be a terry knit material, and the scrubbing section may include olefin loops. The first and second pads may be connected to one another by one or more connectors.

Abstract: A pivoting and swiveling floor treatment appliance includes a lock-prevention member that prevents a body from becoming pivotally locked in a forward/backward direction when a portion of the body is in a swiveled position. The lock-prevention member may move relative to an appliance head and to a portion of the body that swivels. In some embodiments, components of the lock-prevention member contribute to locking the swivel of the body when the body is pivotally locked.

Abstract: A surface treatment pad arrangement for cleaning appliance includes first and second treatment pads with first and second surface-facing sides, respectively. The first and second surface-facing sides each may include at least one absorbent section and at least one scrubbing section. The absorbent section may be a shag material, and the scrubbing section may include olefin loops. The first and second pads may be connected to one another by one or more connectors.

Abstract: A device or tool for removing snow and other debris from vehicles, and other surfaces including a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a scraper portion coupled to the first end, and a head coupled to the second end. The head may be a laterally extended foam head that is non-abrasive, freeze resistant, and durable. The handle may include a telescopic extension to allow a reach of a user to be increased or decreased allowing the user to clear away snow and other debris from various sizes of vehicles.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide an apparatus for cleaning airfoils inside a gas turbine compressor. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning at least one airfoil within a turbine compressor, includes: a hose for applying cleaning material to the at least one airfoil; and an articulation assembly for articulating a nozzle of the hose, the articulation assembly including: a main shaft attached to the hose at a first end; and an articulating trigger for rotating the first end of the main shaft. The apparatus may further include a borescope attached to the articulation assembly and a borescope monitor for viewing the at least one airfoil via the borescope.

Abstract: A rotary cleaning device having a plurality of flush pad extractors can provide improved debris removal and reduced residual material. More specifically, a rotary cleaning device can include a plurality of flush pad extractors which are oriented generally circumferentially about a common rotation axis. These unique flush pad extractors can include a fluid applicator and a vacuum member oriented behind the fluid applicator such that during operation of the device the fluid applicator contacts a surface to be cleaned prior to contact by the vacuum member. In accordance with the present invention, the fluid applicator provides passive delivery of fluid to the surface to be cleaned. Passive delivery of fluid allows for reduced fluid usage and more controlled and even distribution of fluid across a surface without overwetting.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a fluid distribution system for storing and delivering fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a supply tank defining a chamber with a fill opening and a fill cap pivotable between an open position and a closed position to selectively cover the fill opening and which includes a funnel for filling the supply tank.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a steam generation system for producing steam from liquid, a liquid distribution system for storing liquid and delivering the liquid to the steam generation system, a steam delivery system for delivering steam to a surface to be cleaned, and a vacuum collection system which can be operated concurrently with the other systems. The surface cleaning apparatus can comprise an upper housing mounted to a lower cleaning foot which is adapted to be moved across a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the suction motor is operable using current supplied from an energy storage member when the power cord is removed and operable using current supplied from an external source when the power cord is in electrical communication with the suction motor.

Abstract: An adapter device for attaching a vacuum cleaner bag to a retaining plate intended to be received in a vacuum cleaner bag retaining device of a vacuum cleaner and comprising a retaining plate through hole is described. The adapter device has a base element comprising a first surface and a second surface as well as a through hole which extends between the first and the second surface. The clamping arrangement comprises at least one deformable clamping element which is attached or can be attached to the base element and can be brought into a first and a second deformation state.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided wherein a cyclone chamber has a lower end having a lower end wall and a lower openable end, and a sidewall, wherein the sidewall and the lower end wall meet at a juncture and the juncture extends at an angle to the lower end wall and the sidewall, wherein the lower openable end comprises the lower end wall and at least a portion of the juncture.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the pre-motor filter dirt chamber is openable.