Abstract: Waterproof apparel constructed of a flexible PVC sheet or other polymeric flexible sheet material that changes color due to a change in ambient conditions. Thermochromic dyes and/or photochromatic dyes are incorporated into the resin mix for fabricating the flexible sheet material. The color of the waterproof apparel changes when the temperature rises above or drops below a pre-defined temperature and/or when the ultra-violet light level is above or below a pre-defined level.

Abstract: The protective attachments of the present invention provide protection that removably attaches to the bottom of the foot, hands, elbow, knees, shins, and animal pads, in a snug tight fit, and that conforms to the contour of the body part covered. The side of the protective attachment worn against the body is covered with a layer of adhesive. In addition, the protective attachment of the present invention can be easily trimmed to provide a perfect fit to the user.

Abstract: A novelty apparel item generally includes a perspiration barrier having a moisture resistant, skin compatible adhesive on one of its surface areas that facilitates attaching the pocket construction to a desired skin area of a user and a water resistant adhesive on opposite one of its surfaces that facilitates securing a pouch to the perspiration barrier, whereby the contents of the pocket remain dry under heavy perpetrating or even submersion under water.

Abstract: Garments having a panel of fabric comprising a first half and a second half joined along a common foldline, a first opening formed proximate the foldline, and at least one cooperating fastener positioned on at least one of the first half and the second half of the panel for securing the first half of the panel to the second half of the panel. The garments may be worn individually by one person, or in multiple interconnecting more than one person.

Abstract: A ventilated garment includes a body portion, a vent opening defined by the body portion, and a vent closure coupled to the vent opening. The vent opening has an opened configuration and a closed configuration, and the vent closure secures the vent opening in the closed configuration. The ventilated garment also includes a pull that is coupled to the vent closure and extends along the body portion. The pull has a first exposed portion that is spaced from the vent closure and that affords remote operation of the vent closure to adjust the vent opening from the opened configuration to the closed configuration, and a second exposed portion that is spaced from the vent closure and that affords remote operation of the vent closure to adjust the vent opening from the closed configuration to the opened configuration. The exposed portions of the pull may be positioned in pockets of the ventilated garment.

Abstract: A hunter's coat made of waterproof and noiseless material, such as micro-fleece, especially adapted for waterfowl hunters and preferably in a camouflage design, with an insulated inner lining and a tailored action back and underarm gussets for a full range of motion in the arms and shoulders. A variety of customized storage compartments are designed for storage of specific gear and provide the hunter with easy access to the gear when needed, yet maintain the gear in a secure position when not in use. A game bag/pocket attached to the back of the coat carries the ducks and geese, freeing the hunter's hands for other uses. Two hand-warmer pockets are located at breastbone height to allow the hunter to warm his hands while wading in cold waist-deep or higher water. A specially designed dedicated shell pouch, a duck call pouch/pocket, and a call separator allow the hunter to readily access the particular item when needed, yet securely stow the item when not in use.

Abstract: A glove with electrodes comprises a pair of flat electrodes 3, 4 which are disposed with a space therebetween on the surface of the palm side of a glove body 2 which is made of an electrical insulating material, an operation panel 30 which is fitted in the vicinity of the wrist on the back or the palm of the glove body 2 to control to supply electricity to the flat electrodes 3, 4, and lead wires 5, 6 which are fitted to the glove body 2 and electrically connect output terminals 40 of the operation panel 30 and the respective flat electrodes 3, 4. The respective flat electrodes 3, 4 are touched with a little space between them to a portion of the human body, and a current is passed to the portion for treatment. Thus, the glove body 2 can be put on one hand only to easily treat from a wide area to a small portion by passing a current to any portion of the human body.

Abstract: A disposable protection device for a portion of an individual's body is disclosed including a cover layer for partially encompassing the body portion, an elastic portion coupled to a first portion of the cover layer, and an adhesive portion coupled to a second portion of the cover layer.

Abstract: Sports fan headgear as a multi-colored, logo bearing, pre-molded stretchable face mask permanently affixed to a multi-colored, logo bearing fabric cap. The headgear may be worn such that the face mask fits over the face of the wearer or may be reversed and worn such that the face mask covers the back of the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A figure defining and contouring garment, which outlines and defines a wearer's body contours in a fashionable and comfortable manner, includes a waistband coupled to a body with a rear tunnel that extends along the inside rear of the garment from the lower rise or crotch area to the waistband and a waistband tunnel that extends through the waistband. A drawstring anchored in the lower rise area extends upwardly through the rear tunnel to the waistband where it transitions to the waistband tunnel through a diverter region in the waistband. The drawstring transition between the rear and waistband tunnels is advantageously hidden within the waistband. The drawstring is used to adjust the fit of the garment by pulling on the drawstring to tighten the drawstring.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hosiery with an interior pocket for storing items, and a method of forming the same. The hosiery takes the form of a sock having a foot portion and a body portion extending from the foot portion. The body portion has an interior and an exterior. The pocket is separately formed and attached to the interior of the body portion of the sock, with a horizontal opening on the body portion that is accessible from the exterior through an enclosure apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable shield for use on the upper portion of the external human ear, including the helix, antihelix, and portions of the tragus and antitragus, comprising a sheet of non-foramenis, foldable paper having a narrow strip of adhesive located adjacent the border, and foldable about the periphery of the ear to affix a portion of the sheet about the rear of the surface of the ear, the front of the surface of the ear, and the peripheral area of the ear between the rear of the surface of the ear and the front of the surface of the ear.

Abstract: A hands-free binocular visor headgear for viewing sporting and other events where it is desirable to use binoculars but also have the free use of the hands. An adjustable head securing device secures the unit to the user's head. Binoculars or other optics are attached to the head securing device such that they can be pivoted between an in-use and a not in-use position and can be adjusted for a usercs eyes. The unit can also optionally contain removable or fixed earmuffs, a removable or fixed electronics module that can contain a radio, MPEG player or other electronics, removable or fixed earphone and/or a removable or fixed microphone. The user can pick and choose what exact equipment he or she needs for a particular sporting event.

Abstract: In a protective garment, such as a coat, trousers, overalls, or coveralls, for a military or paramilitary firefighter or emergency worker, several strips of reflective trim of high visibility are attached detachably to an outer shell of low visibility, as by hook-and-loop fasteners or snap fasteners, so that the trim can be readily detached from the outer shell without causing damage to the outer shell or to the trim. At least some of the trim is distinctive of a given rank, function, or responsibility of an intended wearer of the protective garment. Preferably, the distinctive trim is coded, e.g., color-coded, to distinguish the given rank, function, or responsibility.

Abstract: My inventions aspire to improve the protection for human beings, against extreme conditions, where conventional safety and protective equipment are not practical for use in mass protection and mass continuation of human beings. My invention is designed to improve the chances of survival, because of the ability to collect, and recirculate the air through air-filters, for human consumption and for heating and cooling of the body. All of these is done by the air supplied by the air-compressors integrated to the protective suit, and with a minimal of stress to the lungs, because the person does not have to suck air through APR respirators once the air-tanks are filled with air. Also, improve the chances of survival in extreme conditions because of the diversity of tools and the toughness of the materials used. All done without the aid of electric motors or fans.

Abstract: A spa system of the invention includes a room of a structure having a plurality of faces defining a room interior space. A plurality of panels each have a front surface and a rear, with the front surface of each of the panels having an emissivity characteristic with respect to infrared radiation of from 0 to approximately 0.3. A securing device is provided for securing each of the panels to one of the faces of the room, with the securing device being positioned on the rear of each of the panels. An infrared radiation emitter generates infrared radiation and disperses the radiation about the room interior space. The infrared radiation emitter is positioned in the interior space such that infrared radiation generated by the infrared radiation emitter strikes the front surfaces of the plurality of panels.

Abstract: A device for providing a temporary cover for drains and other holes is provided, according to the present invention, to prevent liquids from flowing therein. The inventive temporary covering device generally includes a sheet of flexible, liquid impermeable material having top and bottom surfaces. A pliable, liquid impermeable material is attached to the bottom surface of the sheet about a peripheral edge of the sheet. The pliable, liquid impermeable material includes an exposed surface that is tacky so that it may adhere to a surface surrounding the drain or other hole to prevent the flow of liquid therebetween.

Abstract: A removable urinal splash shield device that is a urinal shield is disclosed. The urinal shield comprises a vertical curved member connected to a horizontal curved member. The vertical curved member is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal curved member. The horizontal curved member is connected to a convex outer surface of the vertical curved member and contacts an upper surface of a rim of a toilet bowl when the urinal shield is used. A portion of the vertical curved member projects into an inner portion of the toilet bowl adjacent to the rim of the toilet bowl to provide further stability of the urinal shield when the urinal shield is used. The urinal shield contacts the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl so that a concave inner surface of the vertical curved member faces in the direction from which a urine stream is directed.

Abstract: A flapper valve for a toilet tank has an annular flange, a cone and an airflow controlling member. The cone is hollow and protrudes from the bottom of the annular flange. The cone has chamber and a vent defined in the outer periphery of the cone and communicating with the chamber. The airflow controlling member is attached to the cone and corresponds to the vent to make air in the chamber being discharged through the airflow controlling chamber. Accordingly, the discharging rate of the air from the chamber in the cone is adjustable, and the volume of flushing water of the toilet is also adjustable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting waste material in a vacuum sewer system, which includes a source of waste (1), a sewer pipe (2, 21, 22), a first discharge valve (3) between the source of waste (1) and the sewer pipe (1, 21), a second discharge valve (4) in the sewer pipe (2), a waste receiving space and means (100) for generating vacuum into the sewer pipe. Waste is transported in the form of waste slugs, whereby during a first phase, the waste slug is conveyed from the waste source (1) through the first discharge valve (3) into the sewer pipe (2, 21, 22) by way of vacuum, and in a second phase, waste is conveyed further in the sewer pipe (2, 21,22), in the direction of the receiving space.

Abstract: A bathtub for the disabled or elderly includes a tub (10) having an enclosure defined by at least one sidewall (10a), where the sidewall (10a) has a doorway therein providing access from an external side of the sidewall (10a), external to the enclosure, into the enclosure. A generally horizontal and vertically spaced apart pair of elongate guides (74, 82) are provided in the sidewall (10a). A door is slidably mounted to the guides (74, 82) on at least one pivotable linkage arm (70, 78). The pivotable linkage arm (70, 78) is pivotally mounted to both the door and at least one of the guides, and is adapted for generally horizontal translation along the sidewall (10a), in cooperation with the guides (74, 82), between a closed position wherein the door is releasably lockably mounted in watertight sealed engagement within the doorway, and an open position wherein the door is clear of the aperture and substantially parallel to the sidewall (10a).

Abstract: A soaking apparatus utilizing a soaking basin and a disposable liner configured to fit within the basin cavity. The basin is comprised of a material layer formed to define an integral floor and a peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The basin floor and peripheral wall together define the boundary of a basin cavity. An elongate protrusion protrudes from the floor into the basin cavity between left and right foot areas. The liner is comprised of a thin (e.g., 3-12 mils) material layer formed to define an integral floor and peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The liner floor and peripheral wall are dimensioned to closely nest within the basin cavity. The liner floor also defines left and right foot areas spaced by a protrusion projecting into the liner cavity. The underside of the liner protrusion forms a concave recess for accommodating the basin floor protrusion.

Abstract: A multiple head shower system particularly designed for retrofit installation on an existing shower system, and having a head member with a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet, a primary shower head, at least one elongated water conduit, and at least one secondary on/off water valve member. The secondary valve members are secured to the shower enclosure with a bracket member and an adhesive. The header member is secured to the existing shower system with a threaded connection or a slip-fit connection. Preferably, a pair of secondary on/off water valve members and conduits are provided.

Abstract: A base for a shower stall comprising a first layer of fiber glass and resin, and layer of filament material, and a second layer of fiberglass and resin. The base also includes at least one external edge, an external opening, and a thickness that increases from the at least one external edge to the internal opening. Included is a shower stall comprising a plurality of shower walls, a sloped floor attached to the shower walls, and a base attached to the slope floor. Also included is a method of attaching a base to a shower stall. The method comprises creating the base by applying fiberglass, resin, and filament material to a mold, engaging the base to the shower stall by removably attached the mold to the shower stall, curing the base, and removing the mold from the shower.

Abstract: A mobile, portable washing bowl or bidet, sink bowl and shower primarily for use indoors. The system uses running water and there is no need for electronic pumps. The entire device is easily transported and meets the personal hygiene needs of people with limited mobility. The washing bowl and sink bowl are mounted to a vertical support riser and washing bowl support plate. The entire frame is mounted to a pneumatic height adjuster assembly, which in turn is mounted to a five-legged caster base. Each leg of the wheelbase terminates with locking casters. There is a water tank which allows water to flow, via gravity, through three sets of flexible hoses to the sink, then the washing bowl and finally through the draining hose. Each hose has a shut off valve so that water can either be contained or released in each of the holding places—the water tank, the sink bowl or the washing bowl.

Abstract: The Bathsert is a unique, and functional piece that allows plumbers and homeowners to replace dual faucets with a single faucet design. It provides a good looking alternative to current chrome plate covers. It also adds some functionality with small storage shelves for shampoo or soap.

Abstract: An interchangeable furniture system for providing an interchangeable furniture element having faces with different appearances. The desired face may be selected and the interchangeable furniture element selectively oriented to make that face visible.

Abstract: A collapsible frame structure for a playard. The collapsible frame structure includes a plurality of legs, and a plurality of cross members arranged so that at least one cross member extends between, and is pivotally connected to, respective adjacent legs to form a side of the playard. The frame structure also includes a plurality of slider joints, each slider joint slidingly engaging a respective one of the legs, and a plurality of pivot joints, each pivot joint on a respective one of the legs. The frame structure also includes at least one latch mechanism configured to selectively engage at least one of the slider joints with its respective leg, wherein each cross member is mounted to the respective adjacent legs by the slider joint on a first of the respective adjacent legs and by the pivot joint on a second of the respective adjacent legs.

Abstract: A sleeping bag that includes at least one clasp configured and arranged to hold sections of a sleeping bag together while the sleeping bag is rolled for storage. In use, when a user desires to roll the sleeping bag, sections of the sleeping bag are folded together, and the clasp or clasps are utilized to hold the sections of the sleeping bag together, which may help in maintaining alignment of the sections during rolling. In accordance with another embodiment, an inner liner extends along the inside of the sleeping bag and is exposed to part of the outer surface of the sleeping bag. The portion of the inner liner extending beyond the outer cover extends back over a section of the outer cover to form a cushion at the head of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: A foldable towel with a hole in each comer thereof for receipt of anchoring pins and with strapping loops sewn thereto for receipt of strapping wrapable about the towel and conjoined by affixation means located at the respective ends of each piece of strapping to facilitate portability and further characterized by the presence of pockets sewn thereto to on the one hand house a pillow and on the other hand house the pins when the towel is not in use.

Abstract: A resilient mat is disclosed which provides cushioning and comfort to users standing thereon or otherwise contacting the mat. The mat includes a resilient gel inner layer surrounded by a support ring to which an upper cover member and a lower cover member are attached. The support ring exhibits stiffness greater than the stiffness of the upper and lower cover members so that adherence of the upper and lower cover members to the support ring is enhanced even after prolonged use. The upper and lower cover members can exhibit the same or different colors in particular embodiments. The upper and lower cover members also can exhibit anti-slip properties in selected embodiments.

Abstract: A patient support is provided having a frame, a mattress, and at least one siderail. The siderail includes a rail member and a coupler configured to permit raising and lower of the rail member between a lowered egress position and a raised blocking position.

Abstract: A travel blanket having a head hole through which a traveler can extend the traveler's head. A rear portion drapes down over the traveler's back and shoulders and a front portion covers the traveler's chest and torso. A pocket is positioned along the interior of the front portion for supporting the traveler's arms when the traveler's arms are positioned therein.

Abstract: A dust ruffle for a bed having a box spring and a mattress. The dust ruffle has first, second and third panels, each having a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge including a plurality of grommets. The top edge of the first, second and third panels is positioned on the box spring between the box spring and mattress. Removable screw pins are inserted through at least some of the plurality of grommets and penetrate the top of the box spring to removably attach the first, second and third panels to the box spring. The first, second and third panels hang vertically from the top edge to cover the box spring and their height is adjustable by adjusting the position of the panels on the box spring prior to insertion of the screw pins.

Abstract: A shield structure is designed to provide a medical personnel with protection against the infectious disease. The shield structure comprises a headrest, a backrest extending from one end of the headrest, a protective plate extending uprightly from other end of the headrest, and a side guard fastened pivotally with one side edge of the headrest. The side guard and the protective plate serve to stop dispersion of the vomitus of a patient. The protective plate is provided with two through holes dimensioned to allow passage of two hands of the medical personnel.

Abstract: A maternity mattress is disclosed which provides a cavity for accommodating the protruding abdomen of a pregnant woman as she lies in a frontally downward position upon the mattress surface. The maternity comfort mattress is essentially comprised of a foam core; of a cavity in the foam core for the enlarged abdomen of a pregnant woman; of a plurality of straps and a means to attach the straps to the foam core; and, of a removable cover to encase the entire device. Attachment and adjustment features are built in to the invention. These features include, but are not limited to, strips of material that have a loop and hook fastening means along two longitudinal sides of the mattress core and at each end of each of the straps.

Abstract: A “non-slip” covered positioner for maintaining patient positioning by nurses or other healthcare personnel. This is a positioner covered in a non-slip material on the bed contact side, (and a patient friendly material at the patient side), to utilize the “non-slip” characteristic to keep the positioner from sliding out of position which defeats the medical purpose of using the device. This “non-slip” covered positioner is able to be cleaned and re-used.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and a sealing layer. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to the base and extend outwardly from the base. Moreover, the plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication. The sealing layer is coupled to at least one of the base first and second layers. At least one of the sealing layer and the base defines a plurality of lock pockets, wherein each of the lock pockets is positioned between adjacent hollow cells for selectively controlling flow communication independently to each of the plurality of hollow cells within the cellular cushion.

Abstract: An architectural system adaptable to patient acuity level has a headwall unit with a cavity, a ceiling unit, and a column coupled to the ceiling unit. The column is movable between a first position in which at least a majority of the column is situated in the cavity and a second position in which the column is situated outside the cavity. Various types of patient-care equipment is also disclosed. The patient-care equipment is included in, or is coupleable to, one or more of the ceiling unit, the headwall unit, or the column.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed including a spacing structure and a base portion.

Abstract: A mattress includes a chamber defined by upper and lower panels and a peripheral border all constructed from synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material and housing therein a spring unit. The spring unit includes a plurality of springs having upper ends connected to a peripheral border rod. The spring unit is devoid of a peripheral border rod at lower ends of the springs. Upper edges of the spring unit can be deformably gripped by the upper panel, the peripheral border and/or both to prevent “swimming pool” effect.

Abstract: A mattress (10) comprises a support base (12) defining an interface surface (14) at the top thereof and a softer compressible layer (22) overlying the interface surface. The thickness of the support base varies along a longitudinal direction such that the interface surface (14) defines a concave laterally extending channel between first and second support surfaces (16,20) for the upper and lower halves of a user's body respectively, and the compressible layer (22) substantially follows the profile of the interface surface (14). The mattress (10) is particularly useful for a pregnant woman who can comfortably lie on her back, side or front.

Abstract: A pad for cushioning a user uses visco-elastic foam to provide contouring support. In accordance with one embodiment, the foam is provided with a plurality of holes. In accordance with another embodiment, two layers of foam are used with different densities to allow the user to select the degree to which the foam contours to the body. Likewise, the foam may be color coded or otherwise visually distinct to indicate which side is softer.

Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool incorporating a latch release mechanism including a lever, a cam, and a rocker-shaped grip body to easily effect release of a catch for holding knife or screwdriver blades extended. A spring and cams are arranged to hold each of a pair of handles either extended or folded with respect to the tangs of a pair of pliers jaws or the like. The handles include inwardly directed comfortable rounded rims. Portions of folding blades interlock with other folding blades on an opposite handle when the tool is folded, to stabilize the handles while using a knife or screwdriver. Blades of folding scissors include edges that are serrated only near their tips. A container opener includes a hook defining a recessed throat.

Abstract: Application to leather of various leather treatment agents, in particular dyes, is improved by the use of materials such as substantially linear surfactants having amphoteric head groups.

Abstract: A method for denim finishing, with desizing, bleaching, and/or dyeing of the goods is described. In order to move the desizing and/or bleaching into a treatment line through which the web of fabric passes continuously, ahead of the production of the clothing, the goods are treated in the moist, hot ambient air of a hot flue.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a structured fiber web including the steps of pressing a fiber web onto an imprinting fabric by way of a first pressure field, thereby pre-imprinting the fiber web, the fiber web having a dry content of less than approximately 35%, and subsequently pressing the fiber web onto the imprinting fabric by way of a further pressure field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the compression crimping of a synthetic multifilament yarn, said device comprising a transport nozzle and a compression chamber. Said transport nozzle comprises a yarn channel by which means a yarn is guided to a compression chamber. Said compression chamber forms a section having a gas-permeable chamber wall, between a yarn inlet and an enmeshment outlet. According to the invention, the gas-permeable chamber wall comprises a friction surface consisting of material which is resistant to wear, on the inner side facing the yarn enmeshment. The constancy of the braking action produced by the friction on the yarn enmeshment can thus be significantly improved.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine in a wash cycle is provided. The washing machine includes a rotatable basket disposed in a wash tub and an agitator disposed in the basket. The method includes, in an exemplary embodiment, adding a predetermined amount of wash liquid to the wash tub, oscillating the agitator at a first speed, and oscillating the agitator at a second speed that is greater than the first speed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing human keratin fibers, such as the hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least one direct dye and at least on dicationic compound. Also disclosed herein is a process for dyeing and lightening human keratin fibers, such as the hair, with the compositions disclosed, as well as a the corresponding dyeing kits.