Abstract: Water-soluble products and methods of making and using water-soluble products are disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid, ventilated garment is provided. Another aspect of the present invention employs a jacket having a body portion with sleeves and a torso, and a removable shell portion having sleeve and a torso segments. A further aspect of the present invention provides wind resistant shoulder and sleeve segments which are permanently attached together, and an air permeable and/or perforated lower torso segment attached to at least the shoulder segment.

Abstract: A new buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design is provided. The new buoyancy compensator has a unique air bladder system that are positioned directly below the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The new buoyancy compensator may also have air bladder systems positioned directly above the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The unique buoyancy compensator containing the new air bladder system facilitates a streamlined bladder that makes movements in the water easier as the movement created between the vector for lift and the center of gravity is minimized. The new buoyancy compensator has an air bladder system that is contained within the front lobes of the jacket that makes the jacket more streamlined and makes access to gear contained on the jacket much easier. Moreover, the streamlined nature of the compensator increases the stability of the user during entry and exit from the water.

Abstract: A garment is provided with a removable panel on the front which can be replaced with a another panel. The removable front panel is attached releasably to the body portion so as to form a complete garment. When the front panel is removed, the body portion remains wearable. The garment allows for removal of a soiled front panel and replacement thereof with a clean, fresh, and/or coordinating panel without undergoing a complete change of the garment.

Abstract: A cap having a visor with a soft inner edge includes a visor and a crown. The rear end of the visor is composed of at least a portion of soft material and a portion of hard materials, such that the hard material can serve as a support for keeping the shape of the visor, and the soft material can be applied to the segment where the cap periphery and wearer's forehead contact. Given the advantage that the visor composed of a portion of soft board in the inner edge which is resilient and can be transformed to perfectly fit the contour of the wearer's forehead, the wearer can wear the cap much more comfortably.

Abstract: A sweatband using monofilament yarn for a cap that is made by monofilament yarn warp-way and a single or two-ply multifilament yarn weft-way without the stitched portion and does not contain polyurethane. The sweatband, which has the good elasticity through the structure of the textile without imposing undue pressure on the wearer, may be used without pressure feeling even for a long periods of time and keeps original shape of rear side of crown without being drooped down, and preferably provides excellent sweat absorbing capability.

Abstract: A device for use during outdoor activities for protection against crawling insects such as deer ticks carrying Lyme Disease includes a set of protection elements. The elements consist of a substrate with an adhesive layer at each surface. A first (inner) adhesive layer is provided for removable attachment of the protection element upon clothing surfaces in regions adjacent to clothing openings where a second (outer) adhesive layer is exposed to impede advancement of crawling insects toward clothing openings, and preferably to securely trap deer ticks that contact the surface. One or both adhesive surfaces may be covered with release sheets removed prior to use. A shield may extend outwardly from the plane of the substrate, generally above the outer adhesive layer, to shield the adhesive surface from the elements, e.g., rain, dew, dust, leaves, grasses, etc., for extending the effective life of the protection element.

Abstract: A pocket system for a garment including a passageway extending across the garment, the passageway being defined by a first surface and a second surface, an inlet defining an opening through the first surface for providing access to the passageway, and at least one pocket extending from the passageway such that the pocket extends at an angle relative to a central axis of the passageway.

Abstract: Underpants for men form a cover cloth and a scrotum pocket outside or inside of the underpants for accommodating a user's scrotum in the scrotum pocket. The user's penis extends through the opening defined at an upper portion of the scrotum pocket and is covered by the cover cloth. The scrotum defines a plurality of holes therein. The penis, scrotum and thigh are separated from each other via wearing the underpants, which can achieve a good effect of heat dissipating, ventilation, dry and clear, and which provides comfortable feeling free of oppressing and convenience to urinate.

Abstract: An undergarment cloth having pheromone impregnated on a portion of the cloth is provided. In alternative embodiments, the pheromones on the cloth may be either estratetraenol or androstadienone. In one embodiment, the undergarment is a thong-type undergarment with a cloth panel having a peripheral edge that is shaped to cover a portion of a body of a person. The cloth may be a spun bound polypropylene non-woven material or other suitable material. A binding assembly such as an elastic band is attached to the cloth panel about the peripheral edge in a manner that supports the undergarment about the person's body. Preferably, the binding assembly is attached to the cloth panel with a zigzag stitch and may include embellishments such as marabou.

Abstract: A helmet, such as for equestrian sports, includes an impact resistant outer helmet shell formed to cover a portion of a wearer's head, the shell having an upper dome and also having a lower rim extending around the dome. The shell has lateral side portions with outer surfaces that are relatively smooth, and further has integrally formed attachment structure (receptors) with downward openings such that they are not visible from the sides of the helmet. A faceguard has arms with integrally formed latches that engage the receptors with an audible click. The latches can be pinched to release the faceguard with a smooth easy motion.

Abstract: A helmet, such as for equestrian sports, includes an outer shell formed by an upper dome and a lower ring attached to a bottom edge of the upper dome by screws. The assembled arrangement is particularly strong but is adapted to facilitate molding and further has a traditional equestrian helmet appearance. A removable faceguard includes legs shaped to upwardly fit into downwardly-open cavities formed within the ring, and includes latches pivoted to the legs for snap-attachment to lateral surfaces within the cavities. The latches are made of a material optimized for durability and resiliency, and are preferably of a material different than the faceguard itself.

Abstract: The present invention provides a face guard connector assembly for a sports helmet, such as a football, hockey or lacrosse helmet. The face guard includes a plurality of elongated bar members that intersect to define a grid. The connector assembly removably connects the face guard to the helmet shell. The connector assembly includes a bracket having at least one channel configured to receive a portion of the face guard. The connector assembly further includes a shock absorber assembly that distributes an impact force at the face guard to the shell in an omni-directional manner. The shock absorber assembly includes an elastomeric grommet, a bushing, and a nut, each have an opening. When aligned, the openings collectively define a passageway configured to receive a fastener that secures the connector assembly to the sports helmet. The helmet shell has opposed side portions with each side portion having a mounting aperture that receives an extent of the shock absorber assembly.

Abstract: A toilet seat device includes a seat disposing on a lavatory bowl, and a fastener device for detachably fastening the seat to the lavatory bowl and for assisting disabled or handicapped or crippled persons to seat on the lavatory bowl. The seat device may be easily carried with the users, and may be attached to the lavatory bowls of various toilets. The fastening device includes one or more bars for engaging onto the lavatory bowl, and for threading to the seat with a fastener. The seat includes one or more protrusions for threading with the fasteners. The bar includes one or more pegs to engage into the seat, and to anchor the bar to the seat.

Abstract: An anti-splash device for eliminating back splash of liquid from a toilet bowl during urination. The device includes a mechanism for holding a longitudinal strip of material capable of floating on the surface of the water in the toilet bowl. At least one float can be attached to the strip of material to further help the material float on the surface of the water.

Abstract: There is provided a portable spa pool or hot tub system which includes a tub suitable for human bathing, and a water heating unit capable of burning one or more fuels. The water heating unit is situated adjacent to the tub and connected to the tub through an upper and a lower piping means, the arrangement forming a convection circulation loop. The tub is optionally circular, and when empty capable of being lifted and carried by two persons. Optionally the tub is double skinned and of a rigid plastics material with insulation between the two layers of plastic.

Abstract: A waterfall for a portable spa does not take up any seat space by being set into the top rim of the spa. Water from the spa circulation system flows into a closed end of a channel located in the top rim and along the channel to the open end located at the edge of the top rim on the inside wall to fall into the body of water in the spa. A light source at the point where the water enters the closed end of the channel, which may be adapted to change colors, directs light into the water flow, lighting the water that falls into the spa, in different colors, as desired.

Abstract: A skimmer system is provided which includes a reservoir, an inlet, a reservoir pump and a weir. The skimmer system may be attached to a tank having fluid therein. The fluid in the tank defines a tank fluid surface, and the fluid in the reservoir defines a reservoir fluid surface. The reservoir receives fluid from the tank via the inlet, and the tank receives fluid from the reservoir via the reservoir pump. When the skimmer system is activated, the level of the reservoir fluid surface may be maintained below the level of the tank fluid surface. The inlet edge is located below the level of the tank fluid surface. The inlet surface may decline away from the tank to direct the fluid from the tank to the reservoir. The filter is positioned between the inlet and the reservoir to retain particulate within the fluid. The weir defines a weir edge.

Abstract: A whirlpool tub fitting assembly includes a suction cover, a threaded nut, a threaded fitting, and an offset elbow. The fitting assembly is located in a respective aperture in the tub wall. The threaded fitting defines a conduit fitting draft angle of approximately 15 degrees. As tub walls are typically angled at approximately 3-5 degrees and the fitting draft angle is approximately 15 degrees, water within the piping will drain into the tub rather than being retained within the elbow.

Abstract: A corner mounted tray, atop the upper surfaces of shower bath walls, is triangular in shape, comprises a perforated bottom surface, upstanding sidewalls and angled front wall and is releasably attached to a vertical wall by screws. The tray is supported on top of the walls in the corner.

Abstract: An apparatus for bathing a body part, such as the feet, includes a bath chamber for containing a fluid and receiving the body part therein. The bath chamber includes a bottom surface and a wall structure extending upwardly therefrom, where a motor is mounted on an underside of the bottom surface. At least one therapy center is disposed on the bottom surface and operably connected to the motor for providing therapy to the body part when the body part is placed on the at least one therapy center.

Abstract: A bath apparatus for bathing a body part, such as feet, includes a bath chamber for containing fluid and receiving the user's feet therein. The bath apparatus includes a heater for heating the bath chamber fluid, and a fluid pump for directing streams of water into the bath chamber to massage the user's feet. A float switch is provided so that the heater and the fluid pump only operate if there is an adequate amount of fluid in the bath chamber. The bath apparatus also includes a selection device disposed within the bath chamber, that is configured to be actuated by the user's feet when they are submerged within the bath chamber fluid. This provides a higher water pressure only after the feet are disposed within the bath chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood that water will be expelled from the bath chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rectangular, in particular square, multipurpose sanitary installation, comprising essentially two separate units, namely a dry toilet unit (A) including essentially a wash basin and a toilet and a rectangular washroom (B). the washroom is delimited by at least two adjacent walls of the installation and by a mobile element perpendicular to one side of the installation and moveable parallel to itself, such that the surface of the washroom (B) may vary and with it the surface of the dry toilet unit (A). A mobile element may be used as water-retaining wall or as bench.

Abstract: Apparatus usable in a hospital, nursing home and assisted care facility environment to assist physically impaired persons in sitting down and standing up from a toilet including a frame having a rotatable platform incorporating an integral toilet seat rollable into position above the bowl of a toilet whose seat is raised for use.

Abstract: Considerable force and tiring work by about five orderlies/nurses is required to turn surgery patients, who are often anaesthetised or have reduced mobility. The turning also requires disconnecting measuring and monitoring equipment connected to the patient, which takes much time. An aid for turning persons lying on a bed, particularly an operating table, solves the above problems. The aid includes a rotatable roller oriented in parallel with and capable of being suspended at a long side of a bed, where the rotational axis of the roller is capable of being elevated above the resting surface of the bed as the ends of the roller are suspended at free ends of upright brackets releasably attached at the long side of the bed. hereby, one orderly/nurse is made redundant, and furthermore it will not be necessary during the turning to disconnect and reconnect possible apparatuses connected to the patient.

Abstract: A cost-effective supportive spring base which nevertheless ensures a high degree of comfort for sleeping or reclining. For this purpose, connecting elements (13) for the connection of at least two spring slats (10) are provided. The connecting elements (13) preferably have spring elements and/or suspension devices (16) which permit a relative movement of the connecting elements (13) with respect to the spring slats (10). The abovementioned measures use simple means to provide a supportive spring base having a high degree of comfort for reclining or sleeping.

Abstract: A bed foundation capable of being assembled by the end user or a retailer. The bed foundation utilizes support members having I-beam construction, thereby reducing noise and greatly increasing the strength of the foundation. The foundation is also constructed to provide a flush, uniform top surface onto which top panels are attached. The flush uniform top surface also contributes to noise reduction and increased strength. The foundation, when unassembled, can be packed into a single, relatively small container, thereby significantly reducing shipping costs.

Abstract: A bed enclosure for a health care facility bed including a frame and a mattress to support a patient. The enclosure includes a shell and a frame to support the shell.

Abstract: A bed guard assembly includes a number of end panels, flexible connecting material for placement beneath a mattress, and connection pieces. The connection pieces connect the flexible connecting material to the end panels such that at least one end panel opposes another end panel when the flexible connecting material is disposed beneath a mattress. The end panel includes a rigid frame, a substantially horizontal rigid segment spanning an interior of the outer frame, and a fabric cover. The connection pieces are adjustable, and include a mechanism for pulling taut the connecting material.

Abstract: A bedding product in the form of a flat bed sheet (36) includes a top end (38), a bottom end (40), a left side end (42), and a right side end (44), with each end including a hem (46, 48, 50, 52) having an associated interlining. For example, the bottom end hem (48) defines an elongated interior space (60). And the interlining, in the form of an elongated strip (54), is contained in the interior space (60). The hem (48), itself, has an inner edge (62) at the upper surface (56) of the sheet (36), and an outer edge (64) spaced from the inner edge (62), with the outer edge (64) also being the bottom edge of the sheet (36). In addition, the hem (48) has a free end (66) that is wrapped around a portion of the interlining strip (54), near the hem inner edge (62), and is tucked into the interior space (60). The interlining strip (54) is held in position within the interior space (60) of the hem (48) by two rows of stitches.

Abstract: An instrument table for placement on an operating table on which a patient rests during a medical procedure includes a planar portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, the planar portion having a width less than the width of the operating table, at least one support coupled to the bottom surface of the planar portion for supporting the instrument table on the operating table, and a radiation shield, coupled to at least one of the planar portion and the at least one support.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide audio-visual distraction to a patient while the patient is undergoing a surgical or other such medical procedure. When used in the context of a surgical procedure, local anesthetics are used to eliminate the pain of the procedure, autonomic blockade (beta blockers and/or alpha-2 agonists) is used to control autonomic responses, and audio-visual distraction is provided to distract the patient. The system allows reduction in the need for pharmacologic sedation.

Abstract: A flexible support structure of a seat cushion, such as a wheelchair cushion, has an upper surface with a support contour having relief areas for establishing relatively less pressure on skin adjacent to bony prominences of a user's pelvis and having a support area for establishing relatively more pressure on skin covering a tissue mass spaced from the bony prominences. A slit is formed in the rear corner of the support structure and an insertion member is inserted into the slit to change a position of the support area to thereby adjust the support contour for better support of the pelvic area. A cover encases the support structure to resist outward deformation of the support structure. The cover has an extension portion that expands the cover at the rear corner to increase a dimension of the cover to encase an increase dimension of the corner caused by the insertion of the insertion member.

Abstract: The Easy Change is a baby diaper changing station that provides ease of use for the caretaker by using a unique restraining system to keep the baby still while providing easy access to the baby's diaper area allowing for easy changing and cleaning. The Easy Change uses a leg restraint system that both elevates and separates the baby's legs allowing the caretaker to easily reach through the legs to wipe and change the child. The leg restraint comprises a hard smooth contoured surface upon which the child's leg will be placed, along with a soft, padded Velcro type strap that will be used to fix the legs in place.

Abstract: A ridged base with a ridge above/adjacent to a platform zone providing surface(s) for a baby. The system preferably includes ridged base positioned over support base. Support base provides layer of flexibly firm material of depth. The ridged base may approximate any of multiple shapes. Wearer of system may chose shape optimized for them and/or best supports baby's positioning needs. The width of the baby feeding system preferably fits most nursing chairs. A separable cover attaching to a belt. Using the belt includes the belt adjustably fastened, after going around a person wearing the system. The worn version of the baby feeding system is a product of using the belt. The belt releases without tending to wake baby allowing wearer to create released baby feeding system, as a product of this process. A process choosing invention's components with commitment to pay revenue. Chosen component(s), system and revenue are process products.

Abstract: The invention concerns inner spring assemblies for mattresses, typically bed mattresses. The invention proposes an inner spring assembly having open-ended coil springs arranged in first rows and second rows transverse to the first rows and a connecting arrangement which connects the coil springs to form a unitary assembly. For ease of manufacture all the coil springs in the assembly are of the same hand, those in the first rows are oriented similarly to all other springs in the same first row and in at least some of the second rows there are springs which are oriented oppositely to other coil springs in the same second row.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool has a curved handle. A first tool is incorporated in the curved handle and part of the curved handle. A working end is connected to the curved handle and has a second tool on an edge of the working end.

Abstract: The use of metal complexes of compounds of formula I wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1, as oxidation catalysts.

Abstract: A process for brightening textile materials by treatment with optical brighteners in an aqueous liquor, which comprises using from 20 to 80% by weight, each percentage being based on the sum total of all brightening compounds, of the compound I of which up to 40 mol % can be present as cis isomer, and also from 80 to 20% by weight of at least one compound II selected from and also from 0 to 30% by weight of at least one compound of the general formula III

Abstract: New dyeing compositions, containing improved levelling agents, for dyeing of keratinous fibres, especially human hair, making more uniform the colour of the dyed fibres, are provided. The compositions contain one or more compounds of the formulae (I) and/or (II), wherein R is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms; R?, R? and R?? are independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms which is optionally hydroxylated; m has a value in the range of 4 to 10; n has a value in the range of 0 to 10; and p has a value in the range of 1 to 10, with the proviso that when p=1, at least one of R?, R? and R?? is not a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, such as human keratin fibers, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye in the form of a sulphate salt and at least one cationic poly(vinyllactam). The invention also relates to the dyeing methods and devices using the composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, for instance human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye precursor, at least one alcohol oxidase enzyme, at least one substrate for the enzyme and at least one cationic direct dye chosen from azo, methine and azomethine cationic direct dyes. The present disclosure also relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising applying the compositions as disclosed herein, as well as a dyeing “kit” comprising the compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a medium which is suitable for dyeing, at least one cationic direct dye of given formula, and which is characterized in that it also contains at least one thickening polymer comprising at least one sugar unit. The invention also relates to the dyeing processes and dyeing devices using it.

Abstract: A dye composition comprising at least one mixed dye comprising at least two chromophore chosen from azine and (hetero)aromatic nitro compounds, optionally associated with at least one chromophore chosen from methine and carbonyl compounds; a process for dyeing keratin fibers, for example, human keratin fibers, such as the hair, using the composition, a multi-compartment device comprising the composition; and the abovementioned mixed dyes.

Abstract: A method of dyeing or printing synthetic polyamide fibre materials, wherein (a) the fibre material is dyed or printed with at least one reactive dye, and (b) the dyed or printed fibre material is subjected to after-treatment with a reducing agent, the fibre material not being treated with polycondensable or polymerisable compounds for fixing the dye on the fibre, results in dyeings and printings that are distinguished by good fastness properties.

Abstract: A textile coated with a coating having cationic and repellant properties, thereby accepting an image thereon more readily.

Abstract: A convertible dock ramp has an upper end for being pivotally mounted to a mounting structure, and a lower end for resting on a second structure. The convertible dock ramp includes a pair of spaced-apart side frames each including upper and lower rails; and a plurality of steps each including a tread surface. The steps are pivotally mounted between the side frames such that the tread surfaces remain substantially parallel to each other as the side frames pivot about the upper end. The steps are pivotable between: a ramp configuration in which the tread surfaces collectively form a substantially flat ramp surface; and a stair configuration in which the tread surfaces collectively form a staircase-like structure. A changeover mechanism selectively retains the convertible dock ramp in the ramp configuration or the stair configuration. A safety stair tread deflects upward as needed to prevent trapping a user's foot.

Abstract: In a power toothbrush, an interchangeable brush head is directly fitted to a front end portion of a drive shaft of an actuator. The actuator comprises a first magnetic circuit for moving the drive shaft reciprocally in an axial direction of the drive shaft, and a second magnetic circuit for rotating the drive shaft around a center axis of the drive shaft. The first magnetic circuit and the second magnetic circuit are independently excited by independent driving current having predetermined frequencies and a predetermined phase difference therebetween. Thus, the brush head fitted to the drive shaft can be moved in a composition of reciprocal linear movement and reciprocal rotation. The actuator does not include conventional mechanical elements such as gears or cams so that the actuator can move the drive shaft much faster than that of the conventional actuator.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a tooth cleaning element extending from a top surface of the head. The head is divided into at least two portions which can be moved independent of each other. The tooth cleaning element is rotatable relative to that portion of the head from which it extends. A vibrator vibrates the head and tooth cleaning element.

Abstract: A handheld surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body including at least a rear compartment, a forward compartment and a top volume openly connected to the rear compartment. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment. An electric motor assembly is positioned primarily in the rear compartment, with one or more components of the electric motor assembly residing in the top volume.