Abstract: The present invention developed the MP3 jackets for carrying MP3 players with wireless remote control. Using the present invention, the MP3 player, wireless remote control, and jacket/pullover can be easily assembled and replaced individually. The present invention generally relates to MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment article of the type having a body, a collar or a hood and two sleeves. In one preferred embodiment, the MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment has a first pocket for carrying a MP3 player, a second pocket for carrying wireless remote control for the MP3 player, and a collar or hood for supporting the earpiece set. In another preferred embodiment, the MP3 jacket, pullover or the like garment has a first carrying means for carrying a MP3 player, a second carrying means for carrying wireless remote control for MP3 player, and a collar or hood for supporting the earpiece set.

Abstract: A versatile upper body multi-mode garment is configured to provide a variety of modes of wear with respect to hand coverings and head covering. A coat, jacket, shirt or vest has an integral hood which covers the wearer's head. Within the hood is an integral face shield which may be swung behind the wearer's head or neck when not covering the face, enabling protection of various portions of the face. The hood may be tightened to expose a variable extent of the head or face. Versatile multi-mode mitten portions attached to the garment or mittens provided separately enhance a variety of modes of wear which are achieved without removing the mittens or any portion thereof. The wearing modes include full exposure of a hand, exposure of the thumb and the four fingers, exposure of the four finger tips, full hand coverage, and full hand coverage by an integral glove.

Abstract: An improved mitt for cold weather use is configured to provide a variety of modes of wear. The mitt is convertible between a fully closed position for covering the hand and fingers and open positions for exposure of the thumb and/or finger(s) or the entire hand. An internal pocket within the mitt permits continuous or intermittent warming of all or some of the fingers when the mitt is in either a generally open position or closed position. Insertion and removal of fingers and thumb relative the internal pocket is easily accomplished without use of the other hand. A thumb hole and/or finger hole for thumb/finger exposure is formed with an overlapping two-layer seal of stretchable material to prevent heat loss while ensuring easy thumb/finger insertion and removal. In one embodiment, stretchable fillets connect the terminal ends of the palm side and back side of the mitt to provide a snug fit about the wrist.

Abstract: A hand covering comprises a shell and a hood. The hood of the hand covering is selectively disposable in multiple configurations. In one configuration, the hood can be disposed so that it covers part of the finger portion. In another configuration, the hood can be disposed so that it does not cover the finger portion and the entire finger portion is exposed. In one embodiment, the hand covering includes a movement mechanism that can be manipulated to move the hood relative to the shell.

Abstract: A symbol that communicates the “yes, I am pregnant” message to observers. The symbol abstractly displays a silhouette like representation of a pregnant woman and includes a head portion, a chest portion and a torso portion. Optionally, the symbol may also include a smaller silhouette like representation of a fetus within the mother's womb situated in the torso portion of the symbol. The symbol can be incorporated into items of jewelry, integrated into items of apparel, or otherwise displayed on the body or proximity of an expecting mother.

Abstract: For and in a protective garment having an outer shell, a liner having a barrier side and an opposite side and having, on the barrier side, a moisture barrier or a barrier against chemical or biological agents is folded along two folds, which are parallel when laid flat and straightened, so as to form a fin projecting from the opposite side. A seal providing a similar barrier is provided between the folds. A plural-part fastener, such as a snap fastener or a hook-and-loop fastener, is used to fasten the liner having the barrier to and within the outer shell. One part of the plural-part fastener is mounted to the liner and another part of the plural-part fastener is mounted to the outer shell.

Abstract: A safety helmet for protecting a user head includes a shell extending about the perimeter of the user's head. The shell has multiple layers of material suitable for protecting a person's head in the event of a crash or other impact. A front opening is formed in the shell to allow the user to see while wearing the helmet. A separate access opening is included at the rear of the helmet which includes a channel member extending through the multiple layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly which can include a hardened outer shell and an inner surface comprising a polymeric gel. The polymeric gel is enclosed within an envelope having opposed layers and is attached to the outer hardened surface cover. The hardened outer surface cover may be comprised of most any material known within the art. The sporting or shooting vest comprises a garment including gel-filled pockets or envelopes whereby impact can be absorbed and dissipated. Additionally, the outer layer of the shooting vest may be comprised of a Kevlar material wherein the vest would become a ballistic vest.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flushing a toilet by foot that includes a foot pedal integral with a flushing system within a toilet base. When pressure is applied to the foot pedal, the flushing system is activated to generate an upward pressure that is applied to an underside of a flapper of a toilet tank for flushing the toilet. The flushing system may be a pressurized flushing system that includes a first pressurized cylinder connected by a pressurized line to a second pressurized cylinder. The second pressurized cylinder has a rod protected by a bellows seal, which when pressure is applied to the second pressurized cylinder, the rod is forced up against the flapper pushing up on the flapper to flush the toilet. Upon removing the user's foot from the foot pedal, the foot pedal and the pressurized flushing system are automatically reset for reuse.

Abstract: A toilet for a recreational vehicle, boat or the like is provided, which includes an electro-mechanical flush mechanism. The flush mechanism includes an actuating mechanism for activating either a flush cycle or an add water cycle. The flush mechanism further includes a flush valve, a water inlet valve, a motor, a drive mechanism and a spring. During operation of the flush mechanism, the spring biases the drive mechanism in a direction such that the flush valve rotates. A motor arm connected to the motor moves the drive mechanism in a direction such that the flush valve rotates in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A wall mounted electronic control system is used to control user defined temperature setpoints to regulate bath or shower water temperatures and tub levels where desired. The user will use a keypad to enter the desired temperature using the temperature setpoint adjust buttons (11) and initiate the start sequence on the control unit (10). The control unit (10) will output a signal to open the motorized water control valves (12). The thermocouple (14) will send an input signal to the control unit (10) where the unit will compare the input and output signal to generated an adjusted output to throttle the motorized water control valves (12) until the desired temperature setpoint is reached. The automatic drain valve (13) will close if the “Bath” mode is selected until the desired water level triggers the water level sensor (16), which will then close the motorized water control valves (12). An audible signal will then be generated by the control unit alerting the user that the bath is ready.

Abstract: A liner is disclosed for cushioning and protecting a bather from harmful contact with the walls of a bathtub while bathing. The liner can be used for bathing infants, children, elderly or physically disabled individuals. The liner typically includes chambers that reversibly adhere to the walls of the bathtub. The chambers can be filled with air, water, or a soft padding material. When the chambers are not inflated or otherwise filled, the liner is able to be folded into a compact condition for ease of storage and for travel. The liner can include at least one rim chamber to allow one to lean their elbows on the rim of the bathtub while bathing the bather, a faucet chamber for covering the water faucet system of the bathtub to protect the bather from a fall towards the faucet, or an arch that rises over the bathtub that can keep a child occupied while bathing.

Abstract: A tub filler and overflow combination device is supported within a common opening formed in a tub wall. Both a flow passage and a drain passage extend through the body of the device to communicate through the common opening in the tub wall. A backflow preventer of the flow passage is slidably removable through the flow outlet for readily servicing the components of the backflow preventer as desired. The flow inlet is parallel and opposite to the flow outlet for ease of manufacturing and for ease of installation into a bathtub.

Abstract: A media lift that is configured for mounting in a storage chamber is provided. The media lift is comprised of a flat panel screen holder; the media lift being configured to move the flat panel screen holder between a stored position in the storage chamber and a viewing position outside the storage chamber. The media lift utilizes gas cylinders to elevate and lower the flat panel screen holder. The media lift can be formed in structures such as a footboard of a bed or a quilt rack. In addition, a bed having a footboard frame comprising the media lift is described. Speakers are mounted within the bed's structure to provide a surround sound system. The headboard of the bed has storage compartments for multimedia equipment. Furthermore, a desk unit comprising the media lift is described.

Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a support 10, an arm 12 pivotally connected to the support 10, drive means for driving the arm 12 for pivotal movement relative to the support 10, and brake means 18 independent of the drive means to apply a braking force to the arm 12 in the event that movement thereof occurs at a speed grater than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a support member 10, a bar 12 pivotally connected to the support member 10, drive means for driving the bar 12 for pivotal movement relative to the support member 10 and damper means 18, independent of the drive means, for damping movement of the arm 12 relative to the support member 10.

Abstract: A patient transfer system for transferring a patient to an operating table in a prone position from a supine position, and vice versa. The patient transfer system includes a chassis, a platen, and restraint/support system. The chassis has wheels secured thereto for movement of the chassis across a floor. The platen is coupled to the chassis and is rotatable about an axis. The platen is adapted to receive a patient in a supine position and rotate the patient to a prone position, and vice versa. The restraint/support system is adapted to hold the patient stationary on the platen while the patient is rotated from the supine position to the prone position, and vice versa. The restraint/support system also provides support to the head, torso, and legs of the patient when the patient is deposited on the operating table in a prone position.

Abstract: A sleeping apparatus has an outer layer having an inner liner superimposed and coextensive with the outer layer and connected to each other, and an amusement feature provided on either the outer surface of the inner liner or the outer surface of the outer layer. A rigid pad can be positioned between the inner liner and the outer layer, or coupled to the outer surface of either the inner liner or the outer layer. As an alternative, the sleeping apparatus can have a panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. This sleeping apparatus also includes a blanket portion coupled to the panel in a manner to define an internal sleeping space.

Abstract: A transitional baby crib bumper for use in a baby crib comprises a plurality of low-profile, tubular-shaped bumper sections for encircling the interior perimeter of a baby crib. Each of the bumper sections is distinct and separable, and includes an outer cover and a compressible inner cushioning material for supporting a child. A plurality of fabric ties affixed to each bumper section are included for removably securing each of the bumper sections to the baby crib. Finally, each of the low-profile bumper sections is compressible under the body weight of a child for preventing said child from falling out of the baby crib.

Abstract: An improved pocketed bed sheet is provided that avoids inadvertent placement of objects in a pocket, better controls placement and removal of objects from within its pocket, and deters babies and toddlers from accessing such pocket, all without the need for engagement or disengagement of a fastening member. The improved pocketed bed sheet includes a fabric body configured to substantially cover a mattress and a pocket provided on the fabric body. The pocket includes a wall configured to hold objects in the pocket and a diagonal fabric edge that defines a diagonal opening for predetermined angular ingress and egress into the pocket for controlling the placement and removal of objects within the pocket. The diagonal fabric edge is disposed at an angle relative to an edge of the fabric body.

Abstract: A bedspread holder utilizing a series of U-shaped members to support a bedspread off of the ends of a bed with an actuation handle connected to a support leg. The support leg can be rotated from a storage position substantially in the same plane as the U-shaped support member to a use position substantially perpendicular to such support member plane.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot has, if desired, a wheel supported base and a litter raisable and lowerable by a powered elevating mechanism oriented between the base and the litter. The ambulance cot also has wireless communication capability to facilitate communication between the ambulance cot and a loading system on an ambulance as well as facilitating wireless troubleshooting via a handheld wireless unit. The ambulance cot also has a longitudinally extendable head section. The ambulance cot also has several accessories, such as an accessory hook mounted to the underside of the fowler, and a collapsible pouch accessory fastened to the retractable head section and the litter frame.

Abstract: A patient support having real time pressure control. The patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a bladder including a plurality of upright cylindrical elements. The pressure within the bladder is controlled based on the pressure or force sensed by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, and a mattress. The bed further includes a plurality of foot-operated controls configured to control features of the bed.

Abstract: A lumbar pillow through which a force is transmitted into a lumbar area of the spine of an individual. The lumbar pillow has a housing with an interior divided by a seam extends from an apex to a center of a radius for an arcuate base and filled with a resilient material. The lumbar pillow is aligned on an individual with the seam is positioned over the second and third lumbo vertebrae and the arcuate base covering the lumbo-sacral junction of the spine. Thereafter, when the resilient material is compressed a force is primarily directed into soft tissue areas adjacent the lumbo vertebrae to assist in obtaining a desired curvature for the spine.

Abstract: The pillow includes first and second substantially identical inner shell layers and first and second substantially identical outer shell layers. The first and second inner layers and first and second outer layers are secured together around the peripheries thereof. Extending laterally across the pillow in the width dimension are two spaced baffle members which are secured to the two inner layers and extend between the two inner shell layers, defining three chambers along the length of the pillow. The three chambers defined between the two inner layers are filled with feathers, while the space between the two inner layers, respectively, and the adjacent outer layers are filled with down.

Abstract: A nursing aid, comprising of a cushion having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, and a plurality of lateral sides extending normal to and connecting the top and bottom surfaces wherein at least one of the lateral sides has a concave surface defining a groove for supporting the back of an infant lying in a side reclining position and a light module for providing light for the nursing mother.

Abstract: A crib and toddler elevation device having selectively adjustable height and tilt angle is described. The elevator includes a base for placing on the floor and for receiving the legs of the crib or toddler bed. The elevator also includes a variety of mechanisms for adjusting the height of the crib or toddler bed, including elevating blocks. The elevator may also include an optional centerpiece to facilitate installation of the crib or toddler legs into the elevator.

Abstract: A sleeping surface elevation device having selectively adjustable height and tilt angle is described. The elevator includes base blocks for placing on the floor and for receiving the legs of an adult bed, hospital bed, cot, crib, toddler bed, or the like. The elevator also includes a variety of mechanisms for adjusting the height and angle of the sleeping surface, including elevating blocks. A centerpiece, connected to the base blocks, to facilitate installation of the legs of the sleeping surface into the elevator is also provided.

Abstract: A composite mattress with or without a pillow made of flexible or compressible filling material covered by a pliable transparent polymeric cover material with a visual clarity to allow one to detect, locate, and identify contraband items hidden under the cover material.

Abstract: A flame resistant moisture barrier and a mattress having such a barrier and related methods of manufacture provide mattresses, furniture cushions and other products that provide resistance to flame and moisture.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a first inflatable compartment having a length and width, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body. The first compartment having a top, a bottom, and sides and is composed of at least two layers of vinyl, one layer of vinyl forming the top of the compartment and the second forming the bottom. A second inflatable compartment is disposed on the top of the first inflatable compartment and is secured to the first compartment along a portion of the first inflatable compartment. The second compartment extends generally the length and width of the top of the first compartment and is of a size, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body. The second compartment is composed of at least two layers of vinyl distinct from the two layers of vinyl forming the first compartment. The second compartment is inflatable to give the top of the air mattress a soft, pillow-like appearance and feel.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air volume in foam cores of cushioning support devices and any other support apparatus using foam or similar materials. The foam core can be incrementally modulated to realize an infinite number of comfort levels as to softness and support firmness. The core consists of self-inflating open-cell flexible polyurethane foam and is completely sealed within an enclosure fitted over it, with one or more valves installed in the side walls which communicate with the outside air. Through the valves air is selectively withdrawn from the foam core, allowing the foam's density to increase. The invention uses relatively inexpensive foam, but through air volume modulation achieves a tactile feel of supreme softness for the user, without giving up the necessary firmness to support the body, as happens with very soft foam (bottoming-out or hammock-effect). When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, the surface of the core will soften uniformly while maintaining its support firmness.

Abstract: A hand held multi-functional knife may include a body defining a cavity and a groove and a blade configured to move into and out of the groove of the body. The hand held knife may also include a cover having an inner surface and being rotatably attached to the body to move between an open position and a closed position, and a mirror attached to the inner surface of the cover, the mirror being visible when the cover is in the open position and being concealed when the cover is in the closed position. The mirror may also be fixedly attached or removably attached to the body. The hand held multi-functional knife may further include a light emitting diode positioned within the body.

Abstract: A wrench includes a core plate made of metal and an outer portion such as rubber encloses the core plate. A driving member and a ratchet mechanism are received in the through holes in the core plate and the outer portion. A hammer piece is connected to a side of the outer portion and a chamber for receiving a bit connector and a plurality of notches for receiving bits are defined in an outer periphery of the outer portion.

Abstract: A multifunctional firefighter's tool has a head mounted on an elongated handle which is covered with an electrical and thermal insulator to minimize the occurrence of heat and electrical shocks to the user. An axe blade with a polygonal aperture sized to engage a typical gas valve is formed on one side of the head, the aperture having small bulbous cutouts at the vertices of the polygon. A cutout which is shaped as the mouth of a wrench is also formed at an edge of the head, the mouth defining two stepped surfaces to provide a multi-sized wrench. A spanner wrench sized for coupling and decoupling water hoses is formed on the other side of the head relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the spanner wrench being defined by a pry bar portion and a hook portion formed at an appropriate distance from the pry bar portion.

Abstract: A semifinished leather product is produced from an animal hide by pretanning with the use of a chromium-free tanning agent and of a clay mineral which, after stirring for 30 minutes in water at 50° C. at a circumferential rotor speed of from 5 to 25 m/s, has a number average particle diameter of less than 2 ?m or a bimodal particle size distribution with a first, finely divided fraction whose number average particle diameter is less than 0.5 ?m and a second, coarser fraction whose number average particle diameter is less than 5 ?m, determined in each case by the method according to ISO 13320-1, by combined laser light diffraction and light scattering, a proportion of the first, finely divided fraction being from 10 to 90% by weight, and drying of the pretanned animal hide to a water content of from 5 to 45% based on the total weight of the semifinished leather product.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting the burning of natural fibers (e.g., wool, wool fibers, animal hair, cotton), synthetic fibers (e.g., acetate, nylon, polyester, viscose rayon), or blends thereof (e.g., wool/cotton blends), or fabrics or yarns composed of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or blends thereof, involving treating the fibers (or fabrics or yarns) with polyamic acid or at least one polyimidesiloxane (PISi) or mixtures of polyamic acid and at least one polyimidesiloxane. Also products produced by such methods.

Abstract: A chemical softening composition includes a amide-substituted quaternary imidazolinium salt, a nonionic surfactant, and a polyhydroxy compound for use in treating cellulosic materials including papers, textiles and fabrics. The chemical softening composition can be applied to papermaking fibers during a papermaking process to provide a softened paper web and product possessed of sufficient tensile strength for its regular employment. A chemical softening composition according to the invention can also be applied to fabric to soften the fabric, provide easier handling of the fabric, and also reduce the tendency of the fabric to generate and store static electricity.

Abstract: A rinse-added fabric treatment composition having a rinse aid increases the rinse capacity of an aqueous rinse bath solution for removing laundry residue from laundered fabrics. When properly diluted in water, the rinse-added fabric treatment composition provides a rinse bath solution having a rinsing capacity of greater than 1. In addition, a rinse-added fabric treatment composition reduces the surfactant residue on a fabric, and includes from about 0.05% to about 10% of a residue reduction agent, a suds suppresser, and the balance adjunct ingredients. The residue reduction agent is selected from a cationic residue reduction agent, a zwitterionic residue reduction agent, and a combination thereof. Moreover, methods for reducing surfactant residue on fabric and a method for reducing the amount of water used in a rinsing step of a laundry process are included. A kit for improving the rinsing capacity of water includes a rinse-added fabric treatment composition and an instruction set.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the same are provided. The washing machine includes an exhaust port, a filter, and a nozzle. Humid air in a tub is exhausted through the exhaust port to the outside. The filter filters is provided to the exhaust port to filter lint. The nozzle sprays air to the filter. The lint filtered by the filter is automatically removed, so that use convenience safety is enhanced and dry efficiency of the washing machine is improved.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a washing machine aggregate for impermissible or atypical movements during a first phase of a washing program while water is being filled into the aggregate and for discontinuing the filling upon detection of such movement as may result, for instance, from the presence of a child or animal in the aggregate.

Abstract: A method for knitting denim has acts of: dyeing yarn with a dyestuff to obtain dyed-yarn; knitting the dyed-yarn into a foundation layer and front layer to compose the denim, wherein the front layer is tensely tautened in intermittence with a tensile force greater than a tensile force on the foundation layer to make the foundation layer have random knots; and respectively washing two faces of the denim to remove the residual dyestuff. By knitting the yarn to compose the denim, the denim has even twilling patterns and excellent softness. By tensely tautening the front layer in intermittence during the knitting process, multiple random knots are generated on the foundation layer. Therefore, the achieved denim possesses multiple good features of softness, random knotting, and even twilling patterns.

Abstract: A two step method of coloring hair is described. The hair is first contacted for a period of time with a dye precursor mixture containing an oxidative dye, specific fatty components and one or more water miscible organic solvents. Color is then developed in a second step by contacting the hair with one or more oxidizing agents. Greater color intensity and longevity are achieved when the fatty component in the dye precursor mixture contains at least one fatty amine and the fatty ingredients and organic solvents satisfy the relationship, ?FC<0.037(?OS)2?3.35(?OS)+63, where ?FC and ?OS are respectively the total weight of fatty ingredients and the total weight of water miscible organic solvents in the precursor mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxidation dye composition for keratin fibres, and in particular for human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising, in a medium which is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye precursor and optionally one or more couplers, characterized in that it also comprises a nonionic amphiphilic polymer containing at least one fatty chain and at least one hydrophilic unit. The invention also relates to the processes and dyeing devices using the said oxidation dye composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, for example, human keratin fibers, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one direct dye of the following formulae: Also disclosed is a process for treating keratin fibers, for example, human keratin fibers, using the above composition, and also to a multi-compartment device comprising at least one composition as defined above.

Abstract: A dyeing method of a plastic lens (10), including the steps of placing the lens (10) in a vacuum vapor deposition device (20); placing a base body (1) for dyeing in the vapor deposition device (20), the base body having a dye application area (2) in which a sublimatable dye is applied, so that the dye application area (2) faces a surface of the lens to be dyed; and heating the base body (1) in the vapor deposition device (20) under almost a vacuum, while restraining a rise in temperature of the lens (10), to sublimate the dye, depositing the sublimed dye on the lens.

Abstract: Provided is a solubility-controallable compound being soluble in a solvent due to a solvent-philic group thereof, of which solubility in the solvent is irreversibly lowered when the group is removed by retro-Diels-Alder reaction.

Abstract: Rylene dyes of the general formula I where the variables are defined as follows: R is hydrogen; optionally substituted C1-C30-alkyl, C5-C8-cycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl; R? is bromine; cyano; —NR32; optionally substituted aryloxy, arylthio, hetaryloxy or hetarylthio; optionally substituted C3-C18-alk-1-ynyl; X, Y are both hydrogen or together are a radical of the formula Ia n is 2, 3, 4 or additionally 1 when X and Y are a radical of the formula Ia; n? is from 1 to 4; m is from 0 to 6.

Abstract: A motor vehicle display ramp assembly (10, 110) has ramp sections (40, 140) pivotally mounted on base stands (20, 120) being connected by a cross-beam (30) within a range of spacings. Ramp operating means, such as turnbuckles (50) or hydraulic rams (150), enable the ramp sections (40, 140) to be selectively inclined, in unison or separately, to provide a wide range of display orientations for a vehicle on the assembly (10). A control system, such as a computer (170) enables the display orientation to be dynamic or static.