Abstract: The present invention provides a neck protector for protecting zones 1 and 2 of the neck from ballistic materials which produces minimal restriction of movement of the head and neck of a user. The present invention also provides under body armour garments comprising the neck protector.

Abstract: A system that maintains a comfortable hand and/or feet temperature during the course of a water sports activity. Exhaled breath is fed to the inside of the sportsman's gloves and/or boots down a tube which runs along the inside of the wetsuit to take full advantage of the insulating properties of that wetsuit. Rubber moulding units at the rear neck wrists and/or ankles facilitate the tubing's entry and exit from the wetsuit without disturbing the watertight properties of that wetsuit. The rubber mouldings can either be built into the wetsuit itself or separate inserts to go between the sportsman's skin and the wetsuit seals at the neck wrists and ankles.

Abstract: An impact reducing hand protector which can minimize injuries associated with boxing and martial arts training. The wearer's fist is separated from the rear of the padding at the front of the hand protector preventing impact on the wearer's fingers and knuckles when the hand protector strikes a target. A gripping member extends across the fist space. A support strap encircles the wrist section of the hand protector and can be fastened around the wrist portion holding the wrist portion of the hand protector around the wrist of the wearer.

Abstract: The male undergarment includes a first part having a front portion, and a second part. The first part is adapted to surround the torso of the wearer and has an opening in the front portion. The second part has a bikini bottom-like shape and is adapted to be situated over the first part. The second part has a portion adapted to cover the first part opening. Releasable fasteners are provided for securing the second part over the first part to permit removal of the second part from the first part in response to the application of force on the second part in direction away from the first part. The second part has a portion which extends between the legs of the wearer. The undergarment is designed to be worn under and in combination with the clothes of the wearer.

Abstract: A wearable poncho for allowing a user exposed to an extreme temperature, whether extreme heat or extreme cold, to selectably cover their body or a body part so as to allow the user to obtain protection from said extreme temperature. The wearable poncho comprises a modified poncho base having a watertight outer nylon layer, an insulation layer disposed inside said nylon layer, and a gel layer disposed inside said insulation layer, wherein the poncho base includes a receiving opening adapted to receive a head, a head covering hood disposed near said receiving opening, and an elongated sealable closure. This structure allows the wearable poncho to provide portable protection from not just precipitation and cold, but from extreme cold and extreme heat, without having to be preheated or pre-cooled by some external means.

Abstract: A garment including a shell adapted to receive a portion of a body of a wearer therein, the shell having an interior surface, an exterior surface and an aperture for receiving the body portion of the wearer and at least one conductive member disposed on the exterior surface of the shell. The at least one conductive member is formed with sufficient conductive mass to generate a signal recognizable by a touch-sensitive device without direct contact of the at least one conductive member with the wearer.

Abstract: A ball catching hat for catching a ball may include an hemi spherical shell, a visor connected to the hemi spherical shell and the shell may include a pair of side straps connected to the outer surface of the hemi spherical shell.

Abstract: A garment hood has lower side portions adapted to extend on respective sides in an manner forward of the neck of the user with complementary structures such as clips enabling the lower side portions to be secured together in front of the neck of the user. The lower side portions additionally have a button formed on the inside surface and a second button formed on the outside surface; with the other lower side portion having a slot forming a button hole to enable the hood to be secured to a garment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyamide (preferably Nylon 66) yarn for weaving or knitting clothes articles which have a cooling effect on the skin of the wearer. The yarn contains an inorganic additive (preferably Titanium dioxide) in an amount of between 0.3 and 3.0 wt % and is characterized by a low crimp modulus and a flat cross section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt buckle, and, particularly, to a belt buckle which enables a belt to be loosened easily and without excessively throwing out the belt strap thereof while the belt is worn, in order to avoid possible damages to the belt strap. The belt buckle in order to achieve the aforementioned object of the invention is characterized by comprising a belt strap with holes punched out in the longitudinal direction thereof, a buckle into one side of which the end of the belt strap is fixed and through which the front end of the belt strap worn around wearer's waist passes, and a prong connected to the buckle to function as a hinge and inserted into one of the holes in the belt strap which passes through the buckle, having a stopper at the end thereof for blocking the movement of the belt strap in the longitudinal direction while inserted in the hole.

Abstract: A device for gathering and containing a portion of fabric of a garment, such as a T-shirt and maintaining the gathered configuration of the fabric while providing a tighter fit of the garment. The device comprises a four sided outer frame having a semicircular lower side member, an upper side member, two upright members, and two internal crossbars providing three openings through which the fabric is passed to form the gathered configuration.

Abstract: A protective insert for a ball cap and a cap incorporating the same. The insert includes a rigid, U-shaped outer shell and a complementary impact absorbent liner. The insert covers and protects only the forehead, temples and portions of the sides of the user's head. The shell and liner have bottom edges disposed inwardly relative to a bottom edge of the cap. Projections provided on the shell and liner extend downwardly beyond the cap's bottom edge and cover the user's temples. Adjustable bands and straps secured to the shell retain the insert on the user's head. One or more engagement members secure the insert to the cap. The material of the liner is thicker in a front central region and thinner toward the side regions of the insert. The liner material extends beyond the peripheral edges of the shell so that the shell does not directly contact the user's head.

Abstract: A pliant EVA helmet that conforms to a patient's head. The helmet is fabricated as a single unit via a molding process. The EVA material provides a stable lightweight structure that allows it to be comfortably worn for extended periods of time. The EVA shell is molded into a protective shell that can optionally be covered by a suitable pliant external layer of material. Optional pockets can be positioned on the inside or outside of the helmet such that thermal packs can be installed in the pockets to provide thermal treatment to the wear.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse is provided. The shoulder pad includes a pair of curvilinear, continuous arch members joined together to define a central opening that receives the player's head. A side pad assembly, including an epaulet and a shoulder cap, is operably connected to each arch member by a flexible band that provides a common connection point on the arch member. The band provides a single pivot point for the epaulet and the shoulder cap about the common connection point. A curvilinear internal padding assembly is connected to each arch member and configured to absorb and lessen impacts received while wearing the shoulder pad and playing the contact sport.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of the invention relate to reduction of a spread of microbes, in particular from a toilet into the environment. In one aspect, a method of reducing a spread of microbes is provided comprising: providing a pressurized water supply to a toilet bowl; providing an externally accessible reservoir containing an anti-microbial additive; providing a conduit comprising a first end in fluid communication with the pressurized water supply and a second end in fluid communication with the externally accessible reservoir; and administering the anti-microbial additive into the toilet bowl, through the conduit; wherein the spread of microbes into an environment proximal to the toilet is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method or a toilet which minimizes water usage and can handle urine and fecal matter. An ultrasonic vibration unit is disposed to clean at least one fecal plate which is rotated into a lower part of a toilet bowl. Occasional and periodic flushing of solid fecal matter results in less water usage than utilizing water flushing for cleaning and carrying away of solid fecal matter.

Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.

Abstract: The present invention concerns technology relating to a sit-down toilet wherein the toilet is flushed using a dramatically reduced amount of flushing water, and relates to a water-saving sit-down toilet wherein the pressure of flushing water discharged from a cistern into the toilet is raised and a straight discharge pipe is used such that the toilet is flushed clean using a small amount of water, and, at the same time, excreta is smoothly discharged as the direct discharge tube is opened and closed automatically by means of the water pressure and a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, and an appropriate amount of residual water is supplied to the toilet bowl such that odors are blocked from rising from a foul-water port into the toilet, and an odor removing unit sucks in odors emanating from the excreta and discharges same through the foul-water port such that the user can use the sit-down toilet without feeling any embarrassment.

Abstract: Toilet assemblies having various embodiments of a cleaning system are described herein which include a toilet assembly and a cleaning system. The toilet assembly has a toilet bowl, a toilet tank, a flush valve, a rim inlet port and a rim flow path (which may be an isolated rim path) extending from an outlet of the flush valve to the rim inlet port.

Abstract: Toilet assemblies having various embodiments of a cleaning system are described herein which include a toilet assembly and a cleaning system. The toilet assembly has a toilet bowl, a tank, a flush valve, and a rim in fluid communication with the bowl through a rim flow path from an outlet of the flush valve to at least one rim outlet port. The flush valve is configured to operate in a flush actuation mode wherein the flush valve is able to provide flush water flow sufficient for the toilet assembly to initiate a flush siphon or provide a wash down flush and to operate in a cleaning actuation mode wherein the flush valve is only partially opened to allow for introduction of a cleaning agent and flush water mixture to the bowl that is insufficient to initiate a siphon but sufficient for cleaning the bowl.

Abstract: A system for moving a user between a deck and a floor of a swimming pool is provided. The system includes a rail assembly with rails configured to extend between the deck and the floor of a pool, a seat assembly configured for rolling engagement with the rails, and a drive mechanism configured to translate the seat assembly along the rails.

Abstract: A sliding chair for assisting entering and exiting a bathtub provides assistance for handicapped or otherwise physically incapable persons in using a bathtub for bathing. A bathing chair is moved by a displacement mechanism from outside the bathtub to various positions within the bathtub. A chair support board supports the bathing chair in some positions, and slides along chair support rails into the bathtub.

Abstract: A detergent-recycling apparatus includes two containers. The first container includes two inlet ports, an outlet port and a drain valve. The first inlet port allows pressurized air to travels into the first container. The second inlet port allows detergent and contaminants to travel into the first container. The drain valve releases the contaminants from the first container. The second container includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port of the second container is connected to the outlet port of the first container to allow the pressurized air to carry the detergent into the second container from the first container while the contaminants deposit in the first container. The outlet port releases the detergent as well as the pressurized air from the second container.

Abstract: A cover for the surrounding surface adjacent a sink is provided having a body formed of flexible material. The body is configured with an aperture sized to surround the sink and shield a user from contact with the surrounding surface and the surrounding surface from a communication of liquid from use of the sink. The cover may be modular and formed of multiple components or may be configured of a sheet of material which has removable portions to allow customization for positioning to an as used position surrounding the sink.

Abstract: In a craft such as an aircraft, a lavatory unit may be powered by the various outputs of a fuel cell system, including by-products that typically become waste. For example, but not limited to, a combination of the water, oxygen-depleted air, thermal energy and/or electrical energy generated by the fuel cell system may be used to supply water to the faucet and the toilet of the lavatory unit, to supply the lavatory unit with its electrical needs, and to heat and/or disinfect and/or dry the lavatory unit and its surfaces.

Abstract: A faucet includes a logical control, a spout, a hub, a handle, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout, the hub, and the handle.

Abstract: A multipurpose wind resistant beach towel that has trapezoid shaped open-ended pockets attached to the bottom surface of the towel to form sand traps that anchor said towel to the sand and prevent the wind from displacing the towel. Open-ended pockets are used for ease of filling and removal of sand. Additionally the present invention allows for the removal of unwanted sand and debris from the surface of the said towel without removing it from the anchored position. Optionally the present invention may be used as a lounge chair cover by anchoring the towel to the head and foot of the lounge chair by use of sand traps. Lastly, the present invention functions as an easy to carry and or hang towel.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an improved yoga mat for use on uneven surfaces and outdoors. The invention is a yoga mat comprising a top layer of pliable material, a bottom layer of pliable material, and a plurality of rigid slats positioned between the top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable material. The rigid slats are composed of bamboo and the pliable material is thermoplastic elastomer. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the width of the yoga mat and a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the length of the yoga mat. In another embodiment of the invention the yoga mat comprises a plurality of rigid slats encased in a continuous pliable surface material. The rigid slats prevent the yoga mat from slipping when used outdoors or on an uneven surface.

Abstract: Non-slip three sided bed skirt is disclosed. The bed skirt comprises the combination of an elongate, planar non-slip material interposable between a box spring and a mattress long a peripheral edge thereof and a layer of decorative textile/fabric depending from one side thereof extending outwardly from the mattress and box spring. Typically, three segments of non-slip material and decorative textile attached thereto are attached to form a three sided bed skirt to fit conventional bedding, although other shapes and sizes are contemplated. The non-slip material is formed from a polymer designed to remain securely in position. The fabric is cut to form a desired length to accommodate a specific box spring size.

Abstract: A comforter comprising at least a top and a bottom outer shell fabric panels joined together about their peripheral edges and interiorly to form at least a first portion filled with a first filling material comprising down or a down-like material, and a second portion filled with a second filling material comprising a non-down or non-down-like material, where the first portion and the second portion are segregated. In various embodiments, the first portion comprises a central area of the comforter and the second portion comprises a peripheral area of the comforter.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms that form a well region, a first side and a second side. The pillow body further includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery outlining the well region. The pillow body is constructed of a fill material and a cover enveloping the fill material. A center panel is constructed multiple pieces of fabric and is coupled to the two sides using stitching.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for covering a mattress. A first layer may include a bed sheet. A second layer includes an absorbent pad disposed adjacent to the bed sheet. A third layer may include a blanket disposed adjacent to the absorbent pad and coupled to the bed sheet.

Abstract: A recliner and travel pillow includes a main body having a flat central portion, a first pocket and a second pocket disposed along either side of the central portion, and a pair of pillow inserts having a size and dimension that is complementary to the first and second pockets. An adjustment unit is disposed along the flat central portion for adjusting a distance between the first and second pockets and a plurality of connectors are disposed within the first and second pockets, functioning to adjust a dimension of the pockets, and to secure the pockets in a closed position.

Abstract: The invention is a travel pillow constructed so a user can affix the pillow to a vehicle window or other smooth surface by using suction cups or any other location where a user may wish for a padded surface. The pillow is constructed so it is easily configured in multiple ways using magnets sewn within the cushions, constructed so the side cushions are thicker than its central cushions to provide a comfortable position for a user's head to rest.

Abstract: Patient support systems and, more particularly, patient support systems designed to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores by a patient are disclosed. A control unit is provided that operates a pump for setting and maintaining the inflation of the patient support system. The control unit is configured to receive a weight of a patient (either automatically from an integrated weighing device or as input by a caregiver) using the patient support system. The control unit then operates the pump to fill and maintain the patient support system to a predetermined pressure based upon an electronically stored pressure versus weight model accessible to the control unit, where the pressure versus weight model is set to avoid bottom-out and overpressure conditions for the patient having the weight.

Abstract: The souring of wet laundry in a laundry treating appliance may be retarded by sending an alert signal indicative of an ending of a cycle of operation from the laundry treating appliance to a remote electronic device. The appliance may receive an authorization signal from the electronic device indicative of an instruction to execute an anti-sour cycle. An anti-sour cycle comprising the energizing of a fan to flow air through a laundry treating chamber may be automatically initiated for the laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum for at least partially defining a treating chamber and for holding laundry, for substantially removing bacteria from laundry received in the interior of the drum without energizing a heating element of the laundry treating appliance, according to a predetermined sanitization cycle of operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment composition comprising a hydrophobic dye.

Abstract: A washing machine with a balancer to counterbalance unbalanced load produced during rotation of a drum and a control method thereof. The washing machine with a balancer to counterbalance unbalanced load produced during rotation of a drum perform a ball distributing cycle of seating masses in a groove in the balancer before rotation of the drum possibly producing unbalance as in the spin-drying cycle begins to efficiently maintain balance of the drum, and a laundry untangling cycle of evenly distributing the laundry in the drum. Accordingly, vibration and noise may be reduced during the spin-drying cycle. In addition, in retrying the spin-drying, the ball distributing cycle is restricted based on the rate of rotation of the motor at the moment at which unbalance is sensed. Thereby, delay in cycle time in retrying the spin-drying cycle may be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of laundering fabrics that is intuitive for the customer, ensures good penetration of the liquid laundry detergent composition into a stain, particularly greasy stains, and is suitable for washing delicate fabrics, particularly at low temperatures.

Abstract: In general, the present invention has to do with an improved webbing system incorporating one or more novel safety features such as webbing or yarns dyed with UV reactive dyes and incorporating a UV reference indicator. The UV reference indicator is calibrated to represent the color or shade of the UV reactive dye after a predetermined exposure time to a UV radiation source.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear is disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with flat-knit edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: A loading ramp is supported between a first surface and a second surface. The loading ramp includes a first ramp portion. The first ramp portion includes a first rail portion extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The first ramp portion includes at least one first tread portion removably attached to the first rail portion. The at least one first tread portion supports a weight. The loading ramp includes a second ramp portion attached to the first ramp portion. The second ramp portion includes a second rail portion extending between a third end, which is attached to the second end of the first rail portion, and an opposing fourth end. The second ramp portion includes at least one second tread portion removably attached to the second rail portion. The at least one second tread portion supports the weight.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp movable between a deployed position, a stowed position, and an intermediate position and a drive mechanism comprising a motor configured to move the ramp between the deployed position and the stowed position. The motor has a shunted mode and a non-shunted mode. The assembly further includes a first detecting arrangement configured to detect a position of the ramp and a second detecting arrangement configured to detect a direction of movement of the ramp, with the motor being placed in one of the shunted mode and the non-shunted mode based on the position and the direction of movement of the ramp.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes an inflatable bellows to which pressurized air is selectively coupled. The inflatable bellows is arranged to raise and lower a distal portion of a loading dock ramp in response to the degree to which the inflatable bellows is inflated with compressed air. A control valve is coupled to the inflatable bellows, where the control valve is arranged to selectively release compressed air from the inflatable bellows in response to an operator action that is (for example) intended to lower the ramp. An exhaust manifold is arranged to receive the selectively released air from the control valve and to directionally exhaust a focused stream of compressed air underneath the ramp so that the compressed air is directed to move debris towards the distal portion of the ramp to facilitate cleaning of the loading dock pit that lies underneath the ramp. A solar power subsystem stores solar energy to power a compressor that provides the compressed air.

Abstract: An unloading device to unload an object includes a mainframe device having a mainframe bottom wall and a pallet Jack device to lift the mainframe device. The mainframe device may include a bulkhead plate which pivots with respect to the mainframe bottom wall. The pallet Jack device may include a pair of opposing pallet Jack legs to lift the mainframe device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cleaning contaminants on a contact portion of an electromagnetic contactor, and more particularly, a device for cleaning contaminants on a contact portion of an electromagnetic contactor in which a magnetic force the acting direction of which is changed in time is generated to the outside of the electromagnetic contactor for cleaning contaminants generated at a contact portion thereof with an arc extinguishing method, thereby effectively and broadly performing the cleaning of contaminants.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator system for mascara which is compatible with a wide variety of traditional mascara applicators and provides automated movement of the applicator to facilitate applying the mascara, Embodiments of the present invention may include an applicator system configured to receive and retain a wide variety of mascara applicators (e.g., brushes) and/or mascara container caps. The present invention may also include a motor which may provide all or a combination of rotation, oscillation, or vibration movement of the mascara applicator, and buttons or other means for actuating the motor, controlling the rotational direction of the motor, and the speed of the rotation, oscillation, or vibration. Alternatively, or in addition, cam surfaces are used to translate the rotation into oscillation.

Abstract: The system has a removable cap (FIG. 1) that attaches to the handle (FIG. 2) which can be filled with a liquid, particularly No Rinse Body Soap. By the use of a manual suction button (FIG. 3). The liquid travels through the elbow (FIG. 4) and neck (FIG. 5). O'Rings (FIG. 6 a&b) secures the elbow from leakage. The liquid travels to the upper frame (FIG. 7) and sponge (FIG. 8). The neck of the tool is angled at a 45% to provide optimal reach around the body. After application the drying arm (FIG. 9) is put on the elbow (FIG. 4) to help with drying process.

Abstract: In a lighting toothbrush structure, a front end of a hollow brush handle connects with a brush head. The hollow brush handle is provided with a first transparent patterned layer and a cavity. At least one slide track is arranged on an inside wall of the hollow brush handle. A lighting circuit board is arranged in the hollow brush handle by using the slide track. A switch is protruded from and mounted in the cavity, conveniently pressed by a user. The switch and the brush set belong to an identical side. The switch controls a lighting element to emit light, and the light is projected outside through the first transparent patterned layer. An inner thread of a tail cover is screwed to an outer thread of a rear end of the hollow brush handle to assemble the lighting toothbrush structure with a lighting function.