Abstract: An article of clothing, namely, a shirt in which at least one cooling apparatus but preferably a system of cooling apparatuses having miniature fans are attached so as to cool the person of the wearer. The shirt contains a plurality of strategic openings wherein the cooling apparatuses can be removably attached. The cooling apparatuses are connected to a centralized power source and controller, which serves to actuate the fans. The cooling apparatuses can be detached from the shirt for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A protective garment having an outer shell, when worn without an inner liner, conforms to and displays, on the outer shell, an indicium or indicia that the protective garment conforms to at least one standard for protective garments, such as NFPA 1999 (03), NFPA 1951 (01), or both. When worn within the protective garment, the inner liner causes the protective garment to conform to and displays an indicium or indicia that the protective garment conforms to at least one standard, which is a different standard, for protective garments, such as NFPA 1971 (00). When the inner liner is worn within the outer shell, a tag displaying the indicium or indicia displayed on the inner liner is manipulatable and is attachable detachably to the outer shell, via coactive elements, such as coactive elements of a hook-and-loop fastener, so as to mask the indicium or indicia displayed by the outer shell but so as to display the indicium or indicia displayed by the inner liner.

Abstract: A combined garment and safety harness is disclosed that comprises a garment portion and a harness portion. The garment portion comprises a back torso portion and a front torso portion and has left and right arm openings, left and right leg openings, and a neck opening. Additionally, the harness portion comprises a webbing and an attachment member that are secured to each other. The webbing comprises a plurality of interconnected strap members and forms a closed loop around and adjacent the left leg opening of the garment portion and a separate closed loop around and adjacent the right leg opening. The webbing is secured to the garment portion. At least a portion of harness portion extends through the back torso portion of the garment portion.

Abstract: An odor absorbing system for use by a person to reduce odor emanation from the person into an environment surrounding the person includes an article of clothing that is configured to be worn by the person and an odor absorbing insert removably attached to the article of clothing. The article of clothing includes a base layer that is adapted to substantially surround a portion of the person wearing the article of clothing. The base layer includes a vent. The odor absorbing insert is configured to cover the vent and includes a layer of breathable material and an odor absorbing agent on the layer of breathable material.

Abstract: A garment or dress having detachable pockets on each side of the front of the garment. The pockets can be used in their normal fashion for retaining objects placed therein by the wearer or can be detached from the garment to be used as hand puppets by the wearer.

Abstract: In a protective garment comprising an outer shell, an intermediate liner, and an inner liner, a visual indication whether each liner is being worn, is provided to a person observing the outer shell, while the protective garment is being worn, via a tab extending from such liner and being manipulatable to an indicating position, in which the tab extending from such liner can be detachably attached to another part of the protective garment. In its indicating position, the tab extending from the intermediate liner can be detachably attached to the outer shell. In its indicating position, the tab extending from the inner liner can be detachably attached to the outer shell, in one contemplated embodiment, or to the tab extending from the intermediate liner, in an alternative embodiment.

Abstract: An emergency anti-hypothermia system has a thermally insulating vest that is sufficiently portable to be carried for emergency use in a pocket, purse, backpack, compartment of a vehicle, ski pole or other location. The vest provides thermal insulation by being made with thermally insulating air impervious material that also provides for its inflation. The inflating air also provides insulation as, preferably, does thermal radiation reflective material on inwardly facing surfaces of the vest, preferably inwardly facing surfaces of outer layers of inflated chambers about the vest, the multiplicity of the chambers about the vest reducing convection heat transfer therewithin. The vest thus preferably provides thermal insulation by anti-conduction, anti-radiation and anti-convection in a highly portable system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tumble dryable item of apparel, in particular a suit jacket, comprising a plurality of inner surface and outer surface garment sections, wherein at least one of the outer surface garment sections includes natural fiber and at least one of the inner surface garment sections includes synthetic fiber and has shape memory, and at least one synthetic interface tape between an inner surface garment section and an outer surface garment sections, wherein the synthetic interface tape is fixed on a location of the jacket such that the jacket substantially retains its shape through a tumble dry cycle.

Abstract: A headless character shirt (100) is provided that includes an illustration (102) of a full character except for the character's head. The illustration (102) is situated about the headless character shirt (100) such that when the headless character shirt (100) is worn by a wearer, the head of the wearer appears to be the head of the character depicted in the illustration (102). Preferably, when the headless character shirt is worn, all or substantially all of the character's body is depicted above the waistline of the wearer. Additionally, in preferred embodiments, the character in the illustration is generally recognizable. Also provided is an upper body garment that includes such an illustration of a full character except for the character's head.

Abstract: A second buttonhole is provided on a front cloth of an inner fold of a neckband. A left end of a rubber tape is stitched on a rear cloth. A moving cloth is stitched on a right end thereof. A lining cloth is stitched on the moving cloth. A right end of the lining cloth is stitched inside the rear cloth of the inner fold of the neckband. An uppermost button is firmly stitched on the moving cloth so as to move inside the second buttonhole. Since the leading end of the neckband inner fold is protruded from the inner fold main body of the shirt, even if the second buttonhole is made long, there is remained a space from the leading end of the second buttonhole to the leading end of the neckband inner fold. Consequently, the sewing work becomes easy. Moreover, it becomes excellent in design by devising a shape of the protruded portion.

Abstract: A protecting and grip-enhancing device includes an inner body formed of a first material and having opposite outer sides, a thermally insulating outer body formed of a second material and secured to at least one outer side of the inner body and continuously covering a substantial portion thereof, and hinge structure joining two adjacent regions of the device to facilitate folding of the adjacent regions relative to each other along the hinge structure. Plural hinge structures may be provided, each including a reduced thickness of outer body material and stitching extending through the reduced thickness and an underlying portion of the inner body. The outer body may include relatively thick and relatively thin regions and the thick region may include alternating raised ribs and open-ended channels. The device may be in the form of a mitt or a potholder.

Abstract: A fisherman gripping glove system for efficiently gripping a fish without requiring usage of a fishing net. The fisherman gripping glove system includes a glove member having an inner layer, an intermediate layer and an outer layer. A plurality of particulate material is contained within the outer layer for facilitating gripping of a fish. The particulate material is preferably comprised of random and polygonal structures such as chippings from plastic.

Abstract: A glove having a string knit body has a leather palm which is assembled to the string knit body with a narrow band of fabric secured at its edges to the string knit body and the leather palm. Seams are turned inside the glove but outside the string knit body and the narrow band of fabric spaces the leather from the string knit body to improve comfort.

Abstract: A bandanna for use at sporting events, for example is disclosed. One or more graphics are located on a piece of material such that when the piece of material is properly formed into a bandanna and worn on the head of a wearer, the graphics are properly oriented. In one embodiment of the invention, the graphics and the location of the graphics are selected so that when the bandanna is properly worn on the head of the wearer, the bandanna emulates a football helmet of a sports team with the graphics orientated the same as on the sports team's football helmet. In addition to football events, the novelty bandanna can be adapted to virtually any sport as well as non-sporting events as well and may include various corporate logos as well as other graphics.

Abstract: A brief type undergarment is provided with an aperture for receiving the penis and testicles. The undergarment then mechanically supports an erection, but also acts on either the blood supply or nerves affecting the maintenance or an erection.

Abstract: A multi-component and multi-layer infant protective head covering including flexible layers and extensible connections.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a helmet that allows for ventilation of the interior of a helmet. A ventilation system for the cheek bar portion of a helmet, including a motorcycle helmet. The ventilation system may include ribbed passageways that facilitate airflow along the interior of the helmet, and may include access openings in an intermediate portion that couple the airflow from the ribbed passageways to the area of the helmet in contact with the user.

Abstract: A helmet that ventilates a user's head more efficiently. The relative movement of the helmet to air in the environment creates an airflow that enters intake openings designed to allow increased amounts of airflow into the helmet. The intake openings are positioned on an inclined plane near a user's forehead such that the intake openings extend upwardly and outwardly away from a user's eyes, thereby reducing the impact of a larger intake opening on the user's field of vision. Inside the intake openings, air is collected in a plenum and then guided into air channels leading into the head cavity. The air channels direct the airflow throughout the head cavity allowing the fresh air from the environment to exchange heat and perspiration from a user's head and are designed to inhibit obstruction of the air channels by the liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sports helmet, such as a football, hockey, lacrosse or baseball helmet. The helmet includes a shell having an outer surface, a front region, a rear region, and two side regions. A jaw flap extends from each ear flap towards the front region of the shell, wherein the jaw flap overlies an extent of a mandible of a wearer of the helmet. A crown, defined by a raised band of the shell, extends between the front and rear regions of the shell. The crown has a front portion that is flush with the outer surface at the front region of the shell, and an intermediate portion raised from the outer surface of the side regions of the shell. The crown also has a rear portion that is flush with the outer surface at the rear region of the shell. The width of the crown increases from the front portion to the rear portion. The helmet shell includes at least one vent opening, which may be located in the crown or proximate thereto.

Abstract: A fluid filled body padding for fall protection includes a flexible inner pouch holding a shock absorbing fluid. A flexible outer pouch encapsulates the inner pouch. A fluid interface is provided between the inner pouch and the outer pouch. The fluid interface serves to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing fluid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch. This body padding is suitable for a variety of fall protection applications, such as hip protectors for senior citizens.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes, in one embodiment, four alternate layers made of (i) an air permeable material such as cotton and (ii) a non-air permeable material such as polyethyleneterephalate. Two intermediate layers both include a plurality of throughholes therein covered by the outer layers. The throughholes of the second layer are laterally offset from the throughholes of the third layer such that no direct path is provided through the throughholes between the intermediate layers so that the bites of insects are resisted. In another embodiment, two layers are provided each including a pattern, e.g., alternating stripes of an air permeable and a non-permeable material. The stripes of the two layers are offset so that non-permeable material of the two layers, taken together provide an insect barrier.

Abstract: A chemical or biological containment apparatus having a seal to contain contaminants in an inside thereof from passing to an outside, including an outer envelope; a port disposed in the envelope, the port including an outer portion having a circumferential portion extending away from the envelope and a flange extending from the circumferential portion and attached to the envelope, and an inner portion. The inner portion includes a circumferential surface corresponding to the circumferential portion, a plurality of grooves formed in the circumferential surface, and a plurality of O-rings respectively received in the grooves to form the seal with the outer portion.

Abstract: An athletic cup that is convertible from a hard cup configuration to a soft cup configuration. The hard cup configuration can be used for contact sports or ball sports where maximum protection is needed. The cup can be converted to the soft cup configuration for non-contact sports where a lesser degree of protection is adequate. The cup comprises a hard cup and a soft cup that are detachably connected to each other to form the hard cup configuration. To convert to the soft cup configuration, the hard cup is detached and the soft cup is worn by itself.

Abstract: A combination sanitary toilet seat handle and toilet tissue roll holder, which is affixed to the toilet seat ring, whereby the toilet paper roll is used as a renewable sanitary grasping surface for the handle, with which the seat may be raised or lowered without touching the seat ring or lid proper.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes an outer flange and a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) extending downwardly therefrom. The flexible sleeve has a sufficient degree of flexibility to accommodate connection between offset, misaligned, angled, or otherwise incongruous plumbing fixture discharges and waste drain pipe outlets. In one embodiment, the flexible sleeve includes at least one corrugated portion to aid the desired flexibility. An upper portion of the flexible sleeve may include an inwardly extending lip portion to accommodate the desired seal between the plumbing fixture discharge and the flange apparatus. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described.

Abstract: A toilet tank automatic flush apparatus includes a detection module located outside the toilet water tank, a solenoid valve module and a flush module. The solenoid valve module is located outside the water tank and connected to a water supply head, and is controlled by signals from the detection module to activate a solenoid valve switch to channel water from the water supply head into a hydraulic cylinder of the flush module through a tube to generate a hydraulic pressure to push a hydraulic arm upwards to lift a rocker arm. The rocker arm has a distal end fastening to a rope to connect and open a water discharge valve so that water in the water tank may be flushed into the toilet in a large quantity. The solenoid valve switch stops water supply after a preset time period. A spring located in the hydraulic cylinder pushes the hydraulic arm and the rocker arm downwards to release the rope so that the water discharge valve may be closed and water may flow into the water tank again.

Abstract: A refuse disposal system is formed integrally with a wheelchair. A foam pad is positioned on a rigid seat of a wheelchair; the foam pad and rigid seat are each provided with openings in registration with each other. An annular cartridge of compressed disposable tubing is positioned within an annular well formed in the bottom surface of the foam pad. The disposable tubing extends from the annular cartridge upward over the flange of the pad and downward through the opening in the rigid seat.

Abstract: After canvassing most major retail outlets since 1994, Particularly those dealing in bath-room fixtures and appliances; and finding that the most closely, newest and current accessory relating to the art of my invention was a single-rod designed to accommodate two (2) curtains, thereby presenting the opportunity for a more innovative assembly to be invented: The Double-Curtain-Hanging Platform, instead of a single-rod which still remains available at this time.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to provide a flexing support in a spa, such as a flexing spa headrest. In general, in one implementation, a system includes a surface defining a multi-level recess including a primary recess and secondary mounting recesses, and a pillow including a flexible concave pad and mounts that couple the flexible concave pad with the surface, the secondary mounting recesses receiving the mounts such that the flexible concave pad is suspended above the primary recess, a curved edge of the flexible concave pad contacts the surface, and the flexible concave pad mechanically flexes concavely between the mounts and about the curved edge when force is applied.

Abstract: A comfortable elongated toilet designed for men to sit on the toilet to urinate and dispose of water without contaminating the penis. The Big Boys Cave has a Big Boys Rest to position the penis horizontally. This horizontal position avoids the penis from dropping into the toilet thus preventing men from picking up germs on their penis from the waste in the toilet.

Abstract: A basin drainage system for counteracting standing liquid can include a basin drain having at least one exterior wall defining a drainage channel formed through an interior portion of the basin drain. The system also can include a downwardly sloping flange affixed to the exterior wall of the basin drain. Finally, the system can include axial drainage channels formed in the downwardly sloping flange.

Abstract: A bed frame comprising T shaped side rails provide support for a box spring and mattress. A leg assembly is affixed to the bed frame and is affixed to the side rail and to the cross rails for better strength of connection. The use of T-shaped side rails provides more resistance to twisting and bowing and thereby more resistant to damage a leg or other structural component of the bed frame from moving the bed frame across the floor. The use of the T-shape cross section side rails enables the overall bed frame to support more weight with less deflection than the convention L-shaped side rails. There are also headboard and footboard brackets that take advantage of the greater height of the vertical flange of the side rail to have affixation means, such as rivets, that are further spaced apart to provide a more rigid connection between the brackets and the side rails.

Abstract: A T-shaped support member that can be used with a bed frame or bed rails to provide support for a box spring and mattress. A leg assembly is affixed to the support member and is used to support the cross member. The leg assembly includes a housing having a leg that extends downwardly from the support member to contact the floor on which the bed frame or bed rails are located. The length the leg is extendable from the support member is self adjusting by a mechanism that can be twisted to an unlocked position to drop the leg downwardly quickly to contact the floor and then twisted back to lock the leg in that extended length.

Abstract: A universal adjustable bed is provided to accommodate twin, twin extra long, full extra long, queen, etc. adjustable beds through a single adjustable bed mechanism which can be accommodated in beds irrespective of the differences in sizes thereof. The adjustable bed mechanism includes headboard and footboard adjusting linkage mechanisms and drive mechanisms therefor with associated head, seat, thigh and foot boards, all unitized in a single assembly which can be “drop-in” assembled to an associated bed foundation. Significantly, the support frame includes locating or connecting points which correspond in transverse distances to like support points of the bed foundation irrespective of the width of the specific bed foundation. In this manner a single universal adjustable bed mechanism can be dropped-in and connected to an appropriate bed foundation to form a bed of virtually any conventional size.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a first lever is employed to secure a surgical knee positioner unit to the operating table and a second lever is employed to positionally adjust the surgical knee positioner, per se.

Abstract: Foam bedding products including viscoelastic foam having a high airflow value that do not feel hot to the person sleeping on the products. One product is a pillow having a contoured core having sufficient firmness to provide effective support for a user and a hyper soft viscoelastic foam shell surrounding the core having sufficient firmness to maintain the appearance of a conventional pillow when supporting only a pillowcase or other bed coverings. The core may be made of higher density viscoelastic foam or of a resilient foam. Another product may be a mattress topper with or without foam cores for body support carried within slabs of high airflow viscoelastic foam.

Abstract: A pillow system comprises a curved main pillow having a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A curved lower back pillow is operably attached to one of the ends of the main pillow such that the back pillow is positionable at the user's back when the main pillow is placed adjacent to the user's stomach.

Abstract: An infant support apparatus for supporting an infant lying prone on its torso, configured to aid in soothing the infant and to aid in relieving and reducing the infant's gas pains. The infant support apparatus supports the head of the infant, the torso of the infant, and the legs of the infant such that the infant's head is elevated above its torso and its legs. The infant support apparatus is optionally fire retardant and fire resistant and includes a removable washable cloth cover. Retaining straps are used for holding the infant on the support apparatus. The infant support apparatus is shaped to conform to an underlying surface.

Abstract: A diaper changing article comprising a flat circular body preferably having a plurality of fold lines therein, wherein the body is adapted to be folded about the fold lines to open and close the changing article; preferably, a storage area radially arranged about a center of the circular body, wherein at least one pocket in the storage area has an opening proximal to the center of the circular body; and at least one handle coupled to the outer edge, wherein a handle is adapted to carry the body is exposed in the closed position and a second handle is adapted to maintain the body in the closed position. In one embodiment, the article has at least one pocket which has an opening that is proximal to the outer edge of the circular body. The diaper changing article preferably has a polygonal shape, such as a square, when folded closed.

Abstract: A diaper changing article comprising a flat circular body preferably having a pluaality of fold lines therein, wherein the body is adapted to be folded about the fold lines to open and close the changing article; preferably, a storage area radially arranged about a center of the circular body, wherein at least one pocket in the storage area has an opening proximal to the center of the circular body; and at least one handle coupled to the outer edge, wherein a handle is adapted to carry the body is exposed in the closed state and a second handle is adapted to maintain the body in the closed state. In one embodiment, the handle is adjustable in length. In one embodiment, the article is wearable by the user and is expandable to hold additional items. A detachable fabric container is disclosed, whereby the container preferably holds wipes or such. The diaper changing article preferably has a polygonal shape, such as a square, when folded closed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for an infant support apparatus that can be used to support an infant and can permit an infant to develop motor skills and musculature. A support mat in one aspect can have first and second ends and a bolster around which the support mat can be overwrapped to form a head portion. The head portion can be removably attachable to the support mat. The support mat can be adjustably extended and retracted in length to accommodate for infant growth. A foot portion can be positioned opposite the head portion and can be used for engagement by lower extremities of an infant. The head portion can be of any suitable shape, such as for example, the shape of a cylinder, an hourglass, a wedge, or a modified wedge shape.

Abstract: A bed frame having a bumper assembly that can be added to the foot end of the bed frame in order to extend the length of the bed frame fully support the box spring and mattress. The bumper assembly can be factory installed or provided as a kit to install on site and includes a rigid straight member and curved ends dimensioned and radiused to surround the box spring. An extender rail is also optionally added to the normal center beam and affixed to support the rigid straight member. The extender rail can have a leg that supports the extender rail from the floor and that support thereby includes a support for the bumper assembly. The completed bed frame with the extender assembly also can have various protective members affixed thereto in order to provide protection to a user as well as improve the overall appearance of the bed frame.

Abstract: A waterbed having inside air cushion and method of manufacturing same is disclosed. The method comprises forming a watertight bladder having valve means thereon, forming an inflatable air cushion inside the watertight bladder, forming at least one air valve extended from the air cushion through the watertight bladder and secured thereat, inflating the air cushion, filling water into the watertight bladder, and drawing air out of the watertight bladder until the amount of air in a predetermined space of the watertight bladder is substantially reduced to less than 20% by volume, and a water screen is thus formed around the air cushion due to siphonage. The invention can provide an increased degree of softness to the skin of a user, suitably taking away heat from the body of the user, and making muscles supple when the user rolls thereon due to the compressibility of the air cushion.

Abstract: A multi-section mattress or mattress overlay including a first generally rectangular section made from a first honeycomb core having a first core face and a second core face, the first core having a first facing sheet bonded to one of the first and second core faces, a second generally rectangular section made from a second honeycomb core having a third core face and a fourth core face, the second core having a second facing sheet bonded to one of the third and fourth core faces, the second section being positioned with one side thereof immediately adjacent an opposing side of the first section; and a seam joining the first and second sections together along the lengths of the one side and the opposing side, the seam being formed by bonding a portion of the first face extending along the one side to a portion of the third face extending along the opposing side, and by orienting the bonded portions of the first and third faces such that they extend away from a plane including the first and third faces and towa

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. The multiple position air mattress system can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated and an inclined bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress. In the inclined bed position, the degree of elevation of the second mattress can be finely adjusted by increasing or decreasing the inflation level of the bellows unit. A fourth inflatable member may be positioned on the top side of the second mattress to support the lumbar section of the user's body. A fifth inflatable member may be positioned under the user's leg to provide adjustable elevation of the legs.

Abstract: A one-sided mattress construction includes a spring assembly with asymmetric spring coils. Only the bottom portion of each spring coil is attached, either to adjacent spring coils or to a bottom surface of the mattress. The top portion of each spring may have a narrowing taper that permits the top to move independent of other adjacent springs.

Abstract: An improved comfort product that uses an airflow through a heat exchanger and into the comfort product to selectively heat or cool an occupant has a support layer contacting and supporting a channel layer. The channel layer has at least one channel with an opening to accept air. The channel layer contacts and supports an engineered distribution layer that has numerous small holes making it air permeable. The engineered distribution layer contacts and supports an air permeable comfort layer that is of such size and shape to support an occupant of the comfort product. The comfort product also has a heat exchanger assembly for supplying heated or cooled air to the opening in the channel. The heat exchanger assembly includes an air intake having an intake fan, an exhaust outlet and a heat exchanger for selectively heating or cooling air flowing through the heat exchanger resulting in selectively heated or cooled supply air and exhaust air.

Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.

Abstract: A fishing tool may include one or more components or tools that are movable between a retracted, storage position and an extended, use position. The fishing tool may include, for example, scissors and a pair of pliers, which may provide generally smooth clamping surfaces that may help a user put down a fishhook's barb. The fishing tool may also include a screwdriver combined with a hook hone. In addition, the fishing tool may include a pen and a needle member that is preferably sized and configured to be used to clean an eye of a fishhook and/or detangle knots in a fishing line. Further, the fishing tool may include a nail knot tool that is sized and configured to remove fishhooks and may include a combined screwdriver, bottle opener and wire cutter, if desired. The fishing tool may be coupled to a lanyard and a line clipper may also be coupled to the lanyard to create a fishing tool system.

Abstract: A Multi-function Tool for Surfers is disclosed. The device incorporates a plurality of tools associated with it that are of specific utility in the surfing industry. There is a wax comb built in to the handle/casing. There is a leash hook to assist in threading a new tether into a surfboard. There is also one or more screwdriver/allen wrenches for repairs and maintenance.