Abstract: An improved multilayer body system, adapted for use in protective sports equipment, is described which comprises in combination in sequence a center core layer of a lightweight high strength impact resistant material layer, a first layer of a foam type padding entirely surrounding and bonded to the inner core layer, a second layer of a padding type material layer completely surrounding and enclosing the inner layers, thus acting as an outer cover layer, of which the two layers are then securely stitched at their periphery. The construction method described herein also ensures that the inner layers are securely held in place and thus immobilized from unexpected and unwanted movement within the embodiment. Also the padding construction ensures safety and comfort.

Abstract: The Universal Sports Towel is made out of a fabric that absorbs moisture from the body, such as a towel. It's worn on the body for the soul purpose of absorbing moisture and water. It's shape is rectangular and it comes in different lengths and widths. FIG. 1 shows a U shape in the center of the slightly oval neck line. FIG. 2 shows a slightly oval shape of the back panel. FIG. 3 shows where fasteners are placed. FIG. 4 shows the detachment of the article. FIG. 5 shows where the panels are sewn together. FIG. 6 shows the back panel. FIG. 7 shows the front panel. FIG. 8 shows the opening for the head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine-washable item of apparel, in particular a suit jacket, comprising a plurality of garment sections of a first, outer material (3), said first, outer material being a machine-washable fabric having a crease memory, said garment sections being joined to each other by sewn seams using machine-washable thread; a plurality of sections of a second, interfacing material (5), said second interfacing material being a machine-washable, fusible interfacing material, said sections of said second, interfacing material being secured to the inner side of selected ones of said garment sections by heat fusing thereto; and a plurality of sections (9, 10) of a third, lining material, said third, lining material being a machine-washable lining material, said lining sections being joined to each other by sewn seams using machine-washable thread, and said joined lining sections being secured on the inner side of said joined garment sections.

Abstract: The left and right front panels of the outer shell of a rescue coat each include material strips that provide vertical flaps that extend over an inside surface of respective liner zippers used to mount a removable jacket liner in the outer shell. The vertical flaps protect the wearer from contact with or heat from the liner zippers.

Abstract: A sample garment is provided for fitting an individual interested in selecting a garment. The garment includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a slit defining a left panel and a right panel, and a fitting panel extending from the inner surface of one of the left and right panels. The fitting panel includes rows of a first fitting attachment, and at least one row of a second fitting attachment, whereby a single garment is readily adaptable for providing a proper fit for individuals of different sizes. In different embodiments, an extending panel may be used in conjunction with the fitting panel to accommodate different size people.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intrusive device-supporting apparel for covering at least a portion of an upper body of a wearer, which includes a garment adapted to cover a portion of an upper body area, of a wearer, which has a front and a back. There are at least four orifices; one orifice being a neck orifice; two orifices being arm orifices, and one orifice being a bottom orifice. The garment has an inside and an outside, and is made of a washable fabric. At least one strip of fabric is either permanently attached or attachable to a material. The strip of fabric also has an inside and an outside. The strip of fabric is attached so as to render at least a portion of the strip of fabric inside and the strip of fabric outside, accessible to a wearer. There is garment attachment mechanism, which is connected to the strip of fabric. An intrusive device connector is connected to the garment attachment means and is adapted to receive and hold at least one tube for an intrusive device.

Abstract: A main body of the glove is provided with an arm fastener and a wrist fastener at its arm and wrist sections, respectively, so that when a front end of a closing flap is pulled up with only the wrist fastener loosened, a substantially wide closable opening provided in the back of the main body opens. Pulling the fingertip portion of the glove causes a stretchable section to extend longitudinally against the arm section fastened to the arm of the wearer so as to permit the hand to be readily liberated outside through the closable opening.

Abstract: Lighted sports equipment comprising a ski pole includes a tip portion, an illuminable shaft portion, and a grip portion. The tip portion has a tip end and a connecting end. The illuminable shaft portion has a first engaging end, a second engaging end that is removably coupled to the connecting end of the tip portion, and an illumination means for illuminating the illuminable shaft portion in response to provision of electrical energy thereto. The grip portion has an end that is removably coupled to the first engaging end of the illuminable shaft portion. The equipment further comprises means for selectively providing electrical energy to the illuminable shaft portion. Also disclosed is lighted sports equipment comprising a snowboard, a waterboard, and a skateboard.

Abstract: Each garment in a set of garment includes a garment match indicator. The garment match indicators comprise a word describing an identifiable characteristic common to the garments in the set and have a color different than the color of the set of garments. Each of the garments in the set is thereby matchable to the other garments by the garment match indicators. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly useful for matching socks in a pair of socks with respect to color, size, ownership, original pairing, and other characteristics.

Abstract: A boxer-style pant and methods of making a boxer-style pant having side seams and hanging legs. At least a portion of each of the hanging legs may be non-planar in an uncontracted state prior to formation of the side seams. The methods each involve providing at least one web. In some methods, a crotch panel is bonded to first and second regions of the web between two leg openings, and a distance between bonded regions of upper and lower edges of the crotch panel, measured parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pant, is shorter along a central region of the crotch panel and longer in distal regions of the crotch panel, such that the bonded region results in a bow-tie-shaped crotch panel. In some methods, a crotch region of the web is folded and stabilized along a longitudinal centerline of the web. In some methods, leg extensions are attached to at least a portion of each of two leg openings. Front and back regions may be joined together to form the side seams.

Abstract: A combination garment with panty section and removable, replaceable and interchangeable leg portions and convenient attachment means and method for replacing individual leg portions of the combination garment.

Abstract: An auxiliary securing strap is for use with a helmet having a primary chin strap, a cranial portion, and an integral front chin-guard portion. The integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet has lateral end portions securely engaging the cranial portion. The auxiliary securing strap includes a strap end portion that is adapted to securely engage the primary chin strap of the helmet. The auxiliary securing strap also includes a guard end portion that is in substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with the strap end portion. The guard end portion is adapted to securely engage the integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet.

Abstract: A protective item for a firefighter or for an emergency rescue worker has an outer shell and an inner liner, wherein at least one of the outer shell and the inner liner is opaque to hazardous radiation. The inner liner may have plural layers, one being opaque to hazardous radiation, another providing a moisture and chemical barrier, and another providing thermal insulation.

Abstract: A device for protecting an ear of a subject from auricular haematoma, characterized in that the device comprises an inner member for inserting behind the ear and between the ear and skull of the subject, and a first outer member for placing over the ear of the subject, and for securing to the skull of the subject, the inner member being of a resilient shock absorbing material for acting as a shock absorber between the ear and skull and for cushioning the ear against the skull in the event of a blow, or other force, to the ear.

Abstract: A protective garment for a firefighter, a rescue worker, a chemical worker, or another worker working in a hazardous environment, has plural layers, each of which comprises a polymeric film that is fluid-impervious where not penetrated, which are not laminated, and which are detached from one another, except at seams at their boundaries and, possibly, if and where those layers are quilted. Spaces containing air only or containing an absorbent material are defined by those layers, in regions bounded by the seams. Whatever those spaces may contain, in regions bounded by the seams, those layers provide a wearer of the protective garment with redundant protection against fluid entry.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment includes a pair of shoulder protection plates, a pair of epaulets coupled to the shoulder protection plate, and at least one rear arch plate adapted to cover at least a portion of a back of a user, wherein at least one rear arch plate is coupled with the at least one shoulder protection plate and includes a lower portion that extends downwardly and is adapted to cover an upper lumbar region of a back of a user, and a pair of first side portions adapted to wrap about each side of a user.

Abstract: A hollow, open-ended closure for the tank valve which enables a large cross-section area of discharge port to be used, and which can pass bowl-refill water during the flushing sequence.

Abstract: A spa cover remover has a pair of lifting arms at opposite sides of a spa housing, and supports pivotally connected to lower ends of the lifting arms to allow pivotation of the lifting arms for raising and folding a spa cover remover. The pivotation of the lifting arms is facilitated by tension springs, which are connected to the lower ends of the lifting arms, and which are accommodated within housings, so that the springs are enclosed and concealed by the housings and thereby protected from the elements and from risk of damaging the clothing or body of a person operating the spa cover remover.

Abstract: Apparatus for extending and retracting a cover for a swimming pool includes a motor for selectively rotating a clutch in one direction or the other direction. A first pawl, extending within the clutch, drives a first cam to cause rotation of a set of pulleys for winding cords thereabout to extend the cover from about a roller and a second pawl, extending within the clutch, drives a second cam to cause rotation of the roller to wrap the cover thereabout. First and second lift arms lift the first and second pawls out of engagement with the first and second cams, respectively as a function of the direction of rotation of the clutch to ensure that only one of the first and second cams is rotated by the clutch. A cylinder mounted on a shaft in engagement with the armature of the motor is in frictional contact with spring loaded brakes within the clutch to transfer rotational movement of the armature to the clutch.

Abstract: Invented techniques and associated mechanisms are described for eliminating bi-directional flexure properties of coupled buoyant-slats forming a pool cover while simultaneously increasing the buoyancy of a leading or front portion of the cover and for assuring that the spiraling layers of wound-up layers of a buoyant pool cover are, and remain tightly wound around a submerged, rotatable cover drum at all times.

Abstract: A deep soaking tub and shower combination apparatus having a side entry door and a built-in seat with armrests to allow a person to enter from the side through a hinged door with a seal that becomes tighter as the tub fills. The door has a rotating locking mechanism with a plurality of locking dogs and a lockable handle. The apparatus provides a safer tub and shower for the elderly and those persons with a limited range of bodily movement.

Abstract: A toilet comprising a bowl and an enclosure. At least one of the bowl and enclosure are movable relative to the other of the bowl and enclosure between a first position and a second position. When in the first position the bowl is sealably enclosed within the enclosure and a vent is operable to admit air into the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is a transfer and transport device and method for moving a patient from a bed to another location within a medical facility. The transport device includes an integral transfer mechanism for transferring a patient from a hospital bed to the device and back.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring a patient from a first support surface to an adjacent second support surface. The device includes a plurality of elongated side-by-side first bladders arranged to be placed under the patient on the first support surface and a rolling sheet to be disposed between the patient and the bladders. The bladders being separately and sequentially inflatable to tilt and move the patient transversely.

Abstract: A disposable transport mat includes inner and outer panels which are joined to one another forming a tubular or loop shaped structure. Both panels are made of materials such as Tyvek®. The panels may be assembled to one another as by sewing or gluing. Padding may be provided as a layer between the inner and outer panels. A thin film may be applied to the outer panel to increase frictional engagement with a patient thereby assisting in uniform rolling motion of the transport mat during use. A cover may be used in conjunction with the transport mat to provide additional options in transporting or lifting a patient. The cover may incorporate a plurality of webbing strips with integral grasping loops. A thin film may also be applied to the cover to enhance frictional engagement for uniform rolling motion.

Abstract: An air-bed for a vehicle has a front seat on which an air-bed filled with air can be formed after a back of the front seat is reclined rearward, thereby providing a comfortable, easy rest space during a long distance tour or auto camping. An air-bed for a vehicle can be used in the vehicle during a long distance tour or auto camping. The air-bed for the vehicle is designed to provide a full level plane and to thereby provide comfortable rest without muscle pain that may be caused by protruded portions formed by unevenness of front and rear seats.

Abstract: A bed covering has a translucent top layer that has a pattern thereon with a plurality of decorative elements that are positioned in a plurality of sectors. An array of light-emitting elements is positioned beneath the top layer. The array is segregated into sectors corresponding to at least some of the top-layer sectors. A control element is programmable to activate at least some of the light-emitting elements within at least some of the sectors in a predetermined pattern. Such an activation backlights at least some of the decorative elements in the top-layer sectors in the predetermined pattern. Additional elements of the bed covering may include an audio emitter for providing sound commensurate with the predetermined pattern and a light-diffusing element positioned between the top layer and the light-emitting-element array for providing a more diffuse illumination of the top layer sectors.

Abstract: A method and device that provides an easily repeatable way in which to insert pillows into pillowcases. A flexible relatively thin sheet of material is provided that is sized and configured so as to attain a generally U-shaped configuration for insertion into a pillowcase, thereby creating a three-dimensional cavity through which a pillow can be inserted. The device can then be easily extracted from the pillowcase by merely sliding it out once the pillow is in place.

Abstract: A rotating bed is provided that has a base with a mattress frame supported for rotation about a vertical axis. The mattress frame is divided into sections and can be converted into a chair-like configuration in one rotational position. In order to increase the stability of the arrangement in the chair position, at least one support leg is provided that either contacts the floor from the beginning or only makes contact with the floor when the stability limit without the support leg is exceeded.

Abstract: A leg rest assembly for an examination table that is adaptable to extend the length of the table or to act as a kneeler section is disclosed. The extension section of the assembly has an efficient design that allows for the assembly to be easily changed from an extension section to a kneeler. A latching mechanism to hold the assembly in an extended position outwardly from the table is designed separately from the guide mechanism that move the assembly into a kneeler configuration.

Abstract: A cushioning device as in a pillow that has a main-body foam which a plurality of projections extend off a surface of the main-body. The projections are arranged in different support characteristic groupings such as rows of different volume or sized projections (e.g., cylindrical, cubical, prismatic, etc.) spaced out over a surface (e.g., convex surface) of the pillow (one or more surface sections as in upper surface sections and front edge surface section). There is also preferably provided a neck support ridge extension. The cylindrical projections are arranged such that a greater number of smaller volume, width or diameter, etc. rows of projections are centrally positioned on the surface and with the larger volume, width, or diameter, etc. projections laterally outward of the more centrally positioned projections, and with the ridge extension preferably extending along a front edge (e.g.

Abstract: A pillow that can be folded or rolled into a plurality of configurations is described. Preferred embodiments of the pillow typically comprise an elongated viscoelastic foam pad that can be evenly folding into half, thirds or quarters to create a formed pillow of varying thicknesses. Additional configurations are possible by rolling the pad or unevenly folding the pad. A pillow covering can also be provided that is longer than the foam pad such that the excess portion of the covering can be tucked under the formed foam pad to hold the pillow in its formed configuration. Because of its customizability, the pillow is adaptable for use by all types of sleepers including back sleepers, side sleepers, stomach sleepers and sleepers who switch sleeping positions during the night.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a neck support comprising a top portion for receiving a user's head; a bottom portion having a pair of wings for resting on shoulders of said user; a middle portion, connecting said top potion to said bottom portion; said top and middle portions are made of a compressive mould material having memory characteristics.

Abstract: The method for preserving hairstyle includes the use of an ear pillow. The ear pillow is placed upon a conventional pillow and one's ear is rested thereupon. By this method, the head is elevated from the surface of the conventional pillow so that neither the ear pillow nor the conventional pillow disturbs one's hairstyle. The ear pillow is a miniature pillow, having a generally round shape. The ear pillow is formed from two equally sized sheets of a flexible material that are attached together along their peripheral edges. A padding layer is disposed between the two sheets. The padding layer is provided in an amount suitable for the desired firmness and elevation of a user's head.

Abstract: An escape hammer for breaking reinforced glass or other barrier screen material to enable personnel to escape in an emergency, for example, from a high rise building or from a vehicle or other enclosure and comprising a handle (10) and enlarged head (11) with a pointed striking tip (12). The handle is ridged (as at 13) to provide a grip, has a chisel-end (15) to act as a levering tool, and a formation (17, 18) to assist in the removal of broken glass pieces. The whole tool is of steel or of a material of like mass.

Abstract: The use of lime and sodium sulfide in leather making creates a lot of environmental concern. However, there is no commercial beam house process that could totally eliminate the use of lime and sodium sulfide. In this invention, a novel bio-chemical process has been standardized employing specific enzymes and non-toxic chemical that could totally eliminate the use of lime and sodium sulfide in leather processing. It has been found that the extent of hair removal and opening up of fibre bundles is comparable to that of the conventional limed leathers. Performance of the leathers is shown to be on par with conventionally leathers. The process also enjoys reduction in chemical oxygen demand and total solids load compared to conventional process.

Abstract: A cellulase preparation comprising an endoglucanase derived from Zygomycetes, a cellulose-binding-domain-deleted endoglucanase, or a modified or homologous protein thereof, together with a reducing agent is disclosed. Further, a method of treating cellulose-containing fabric, comprising the step of treating the fabric with the cellulase preparation to improve a property of the fabric, a method of deinking waste paper, comprising the step of treating the waste paper with the cellulase preparation. together with a deinking agent, and a method of improving freeness of paper pulp, comprising the step of treating the paper pulp with the cellulase preparation, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming an industrial textile product by spiral winding an array of machine direction (MD) yarns to form a system having a defined width, and then connecting the MD yarns in the cross machine (CD) direction with resin. This method is a replacement for conventional weaving or knitting of substrates which can be used as forming, press or dryer fabrics in papermaking, and other industrial applications. Devices for forming the product are also described.

Abstract: A process for treating a yarn with a gas- or steam-creating medium includes traveling the yarn between a pair of elongate yarn guide elements in a pressure chamber portion of a yarn treatment chamber that is substantially sealed off to the environment and is under an overpressure. The process further includes drawing the yarn through an additional yarn guide element. The cross section of the one pair of elongate yarn guide elements and the cross section of the additional yarn guide element correspond to the thickness (titer) of the yarn traveling through these yarn guide elements such that the yarn travels through these yarn guide elements in a substantially friction-free manner and the one pair of elongate yarn guide elements and the additional yarn guide element operate in cooperation with the yarn treatment chamber such that the yarn treatment chamber is substantially sealed off against loss of pressure.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are provided, which control a rotational speed of a rotary tub (or revolutions per minute: RPM of a motor) according to a vibration level thereof to attenuate a vibration of the rotary tub. The washing machine includes the rotary tub, the motor, a vibration detecting unit and a control unit. The motor is linked to the rotary tub to be supplied with drive power and rotates the rotary tub. The vibration detecting unit detects the vibration level of the rotary tub using a variation of the drive power supplied to the motor when the motorrotates. The control unit controls a current rotational speed of the motor to be increased, maintained or decreased according to the vibration level of the rotary tub detected by the vibration detecting unit.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes rotating the washing basket at a tumble speed insufficient to plaster the fabrics against the basket wall. The rotational speed is increased to a first plaster speed which causes the fabrics to be plastered against the basket wall. The plaster speed is increased to a second plaster speed higher than the first. Then the rotational speed of the washing basket is returned to the first plaster speed and the washing fluid is drained from the washing basket. The spin cycle is then begun. During the spin cycle a torque or speed sensor senses increased torque or reduced rotational speed of the washing basket caused by fabrics frictionally engaging the flexible boot during rotation of the washing basket at the spin speed. If such conditions are sensed, the spin cycle is terminated.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices and kits for dispensing laundry additive materials into the drum of an automatic washing machine as that machine is used to carry out a fabric laundering operation. To bring about such dispensing of additives, a lidded housing structure is placed within the drum of an automatic washing machine, an insert, containing one or more laundry additives in each compartment, is placed within the lidded housing structure, the lid is closed and the machine is run through the several stages of its laundering cycle. Selectively actuatable puncturing element are provided to optionally open at least one compartment of the insert upon closing of the housing structure lid, thereby dispensing the contents of that opened compartment into the washing machine drum as wash additive materials and/or to open one or more compartments of the insert later in the laundering cycle to dispense contents of those compartments into the washing machine drum as rinse additive materials.

Abstract: A method for electrochemically dyeing, highlighting or tinting hair is provided which includes first applying to the hair an oxidative dye precursor mixture containing a primary intermediate having a standard Redox potential that is less than about 1V. This precursor mixture on the hair in then contacted with an electrode system that has sufficient voltage to electrochemically oxidize the primary intermediate to produce a colored dye through a coupling reaction. A system or kit for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibres, in particular human hair, comprising an oxidation base of the para-phenylenediamine type, substituted with a diazacycloheptane radical. The invention also relates to the method for dyeing fibres using this composition, and the novel compounds of the type mentioned above.

Abstract: Provided are a hair bleach composition, hair dye composition and a hair treatment additive having excellent bleaching power, capable of dyeing the hair with a bright and good color, and less damaging to the hair and less irritating to the scalp. Described specifically, they are a two-part hair bleach composition, which contains (a) a nitrogenous compound represented by the following formula (1) or (2): or salt thereof, or (A) a nitrogenous compound having a solubility parameter logP in octanol/water ranging from ?1 to 4 and a hydrogen peroxide remaining ratio of from 5 to 90%, or salt thereof, (b) an oxidizing agent, and optionally (c) an alkali agent and, after mixing, has a pH of from 7.5 to 12; a two-part hair dye composition comprising (a) or (A), (b) and (c) and further (d) an oxidation dye or direct dye; and an additive used therefor.

Abstract: A method for making a customized sole insert for a user is disclosed. The insert is first manufactured in various sizes, widths and arch heights so that a user may select the insert best configured for his foot. The insert is initially comprised of a bottom layer or shell; a formable layer which can be hardened into a particular shape; and a top cushion layer for contact with a wearer's foot or sock. The shell has an aperture for injecting a hardening agent to accelerate the hardening of the formable layer. After the insert is selected, the hardening agent is injected through the aperture and the wearer stands upon the top cushion layer until the formable layer has hardened. The result is a formable layer which is substantially conformed to the plantar aspect of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: The purpose of the equipment is easing the cycling conditions for cyclists and other operator powered vehicles. It makes it easier to enter short steep ascents (bridges and trestles) by using the cyclist's hand and leg muscles and the power of the cyclist's weight. At that, hand-rails and gutter for cycle's wheels are applied. Additional equipment on elevated cycle tracks (roof and transparent side walls) protects against the effect of rain, hot weather, cold weather and contrary wind. Jalousies in the walls let through only winds that are blowing in the direction of the cyclist's movement. Special wind-catchers can be used, which concentrate outer air flow and turn it to the direction of the cyclist's movement. On elevated cycle tracks, rented bicycles can be widely used. The carrying capacity of a two-row, one and a half meters wide cycle track will equal to eight thousand cyclists per hour.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically driven toothbrush comprising an electric motor for rotationally driving a drive shaft around a drive axis, a brush shaft having a first free outer end provided with a bristle, conversion means for converting the rotational movement of the drive shaft into a reciprocal rotational movement of the brush shaft around a brush shaft axis according to conversion characteristics, and pivoting means for enabling the pivoting of at least part of the brush shaft around a pivot axis, extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft, from a neutral pivoting position and against the action of forcing means, to a non-neutral position due to forces acting on the bristle, the pivoting of the at least part of the brush shaft around the pivot axis to the non-neutral position causing a change in the conversion characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toothbrush drive shaft having a shaft shank mounting a force transmission piece, in particular an eccentric crank piece, in a manner preventing relative rotation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing such a drive shaft, whereby the force transmission piece and the shaft shank are separately produced and subsequently joined together. According to the invention, the force transmission piece is bent from a wire having a section thereof bent to form a helical wound body and to be pushed onto the shaft shank so it wraps around the shaft shank and sits thereon in a manner preventing relative rotation.

Abstract: A toothbrush head of an electric toothbrush, the toothbrush extending longitudinally and having a hand part, the toothbrush head including a drive rocker, a brush-head carrier coupled to the drive rocker, a main bristle carrier and an additional bristle carrier, both carriers bearing a bristle arrangement and moveably attached to the brush-head carrier and driven in oscillation by the drive rocker, and a drive-coupler affixed to at least one of the bristle carriers and coupled to the drive rocker. The head can include two separately mounted bristle carriers, supporting bristle arrangements, which are driven about different movement axes by the drive rocker to enhance the cleaning action of the toothbrush.