Abstract: An enhanced mask system including a mask portion, for covering the nose, mouth and lower face of a wearer. The mask portion has an inner surface for being closer to the wearer and an outer surface for being further from the wearer. A head covering or balaclava is secured to the mask portion and a pocket secured to the inner surface of the mask portion removably contains the head covering or balaclava when in its secured position. The mask can be worn by the wearer either with the head covering or balaclava on the wearer's head in a deployed position or without the head covering or balaclava on the wearer's head and stowed in the pocket in the secured position.

Abstract: A combination wrap-around mask and goggle is made from a single transparent and flexible plastic material monolithically formed in a single cavity mold. The structure is devoid of any cavities or protrusions that could interfere with the easy withdrawal of the device from the mold. Front to back oriented ribs, gussets and fins are used to impart rigidity to various areas of the structure.

Abstract: A protective mask system and a method of manufacturing a foam/fabric mask face shield having a three-dimensional geometry. The mask system has a lens frame and a compression-molded composite sheet, which is formed by multiple layers. The method includes the steps of forming a composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the face shield. The composite sheet can be formed by the lamination of two or more layers.

Abstract: A grippable sports device in the form of a band is configured for use as a lifting aid and comprises a main body for placing in a position on the limb of a sports player for use during a sports game, the main body comprising fixing means for fixing the main body in a substantially fixed position directly on the player's limb, with the main body further including a non-slip surface configured to enable a second player of the sports game to firmly grip the main body. When the sports band is in a fixed position on a wearer, the fixing means substantially encircles a portion of the wearer's limb. The grippable sports band is particularly useful in a line-out in the game of Rubgy Union.

Abstract: An odor reducing article of apparel and the method of making same which includes perspiration shields that are strategically located contiguous to areas of perspiration which not only effectively absorb perspiration, but also significantly reduce perspiration odor. More particularly, the perspiration shields of the invention are constructed from interwoven wicking and silver coated yarn that functions to substantially eliminate odor causing bacteria contained within the perspiration of the wearer. The perspiration shields also include a protective membrane that protects the clothing from perspiration stains.

Abstract: An odor reducing article of apparel and the method of making same which includes perspiration shields that are strategically located contiguous to areas of perspiration which not only effectively absorb perspiration, but also significantly reduce perspiration odor. More particularly, the perspiration shields of the invention are constructed from interwoven wicking and silver coated yarn that functions to substantially eliminate odor causing bacteria contained within the perspiration of the wearer.

Abstract: An improved protective garment in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides an improved interface between a glove and sleeve of the protective garment. An improved protective garment in accordance with the principles of the present invention is easily incorporated with the protective garment and economically cost effective to implement and use. An improved protective garment in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides an impervious partial sleeve having a surface exhibiting non-adhesive friction when in contact with dry glove materials.

Abstract: A temperature controlling garment comprising a garment made from a layer of material that utilizes moisture management technology to enhance its ability to wick moisture away from the body of the person wearing it, at least one temperature modification pack that changes the temperature of the garment, and at least one receptacle associated with the garment that holds the temperature modification pack in place on the garment. The temperature modification pack comprises an outer casing defining a closed cavity and a polymer mixture contained within the cavity wherein the polymer mixture receives and stores a thermal charge and releases the thermal charge over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A bicycle jersey is described that includes a pair of front panels, a back panel and a pair of left and right sleeve panels. Each of the sleeve panel includes a sleeve edge and a neck edge. In each of the sleeve panels, a first line is defined that extends perpendicular to the sleeve edge and is a virtual perpendicular bisector of the sleeve edge. In each of the sleeve panels, a second line is defined that extends from neck edge and a neckline of the bicycle jersey along a peak line corresponding to the top of a shoulder of a cyclist wearing the bicycle jersey. A first angle is defined by an intersection between the first line and the second line that is between 30 and 90 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intrusive device-supporting system to be used with apparel for covering at least a portion of a body of a wearer, which is typically made of a washable fabric. At least one strip of fabric is either permanently attachable or removeably attachable to the garment material. The strip of fabric also has an inside and an outside. The strip of fabric is attached so as to render at least a portion of the strip of fabric inside and the strip of fabric outside, accessible to a wearer. There is garment attachment mechanism, which is connected to the strip of fabric. An intrusive device connector is connected to the garment attachment means and is adapted to receive and hold at least one tube for an intrusive device. The strip of fabric and the garment attachment means may be located within an area on the garment.

Abstract: A headband includes opposed end panels and a central panel. The interior surface of the central panel comprises a gripper formed of slip-resistant material.

Abstract: A cooling device comprising an elongated fabric having a first end and a second end. The elongated fabric including a fastening element to connect the first end to the second end, and an elastic band to deform a shape of the elongated fabric, creating a bunching, gathering, or crimpling of the elongated fabric. The elongated fabric is disposed around a surface to be cooled, and the crimpled or bunched surface provides a airflow between the cooling device and the surface to be cooled.

Abstract: An amusing mask having composite formative variability function, which particularly integrates planar printed patterns with a three-dimensional form and produces variability therefrom, and is applicable for application in an air filter respirator. The present invention is configured to utilize the principle of closing and opening of the upper and lower jaws of the face of a person to actuate unitary animated simulation of the external appearance of a mouth of an animal or a cartoon figure. The present invention is primarily formed from upper and lower masks joined to mask holding members. The user can choose whether or not to combine adjoining decorations or a blow toy externally to the upper and lower masks and thereby achieve interesting and simulative dynamic amusement.

Abstract: It has been found that the foregoing objects may be accomplished in accordance with this invention by providing compression garments of this invention having a low friction zone made with the addition of low friction material on the inside surface of a garment in discrete locations to decrease friction between skin and fabric, thus providing easier donning of a compression garments.

Abstract: Three new ways to make pantyhose easier to use (especially for handicapped persons) have been shown. The single piece Pantyhose and Tights have been converted to 2-piece garments. With regular Pantyhose or Tights the user must maneuver both feet at the same time into the two pantyhose-legs. With the two-part Pantyhose or Tights, this takes place one step (foot) at a time, which is much easier to do.

Abstract: Swim goggles comprising first and second substantially rigid frames each having a base portion, an eye lens portion, an inner end portion and an outer end portion. The swim goggles further comprise a bridge for engaging the inner end portions of the first and second frames. The swim goggles further comprise a head strap having first and second end portions having a plurality of tooth portions. The swim goggles further comprise first and second connection mechanisms disposed at the outer end portions of the first and second frames, respectively. Each of the first and second connection mechanisms comprise a strap passage way adapted to receive the first and second end portions of the head strap, respectively. Each of the first and second mechanisms further comprise a unitary resilient pawl comprising a median portion and first and second finger portions having end portions engaged with the base portion at a position adjacent to and below the eye lens portion.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a toilet having a toilet bowl, a toilet seat for supporting a user of the toilet, and a tank mounted on the toilet bowl for holding water used in flushing the toilet. The ventilation system includes a fan adapted for connection to the toilet bowl to draw odorous air from the toilet bowl into the fan and to discharge the odorous air from the toilet. A fan water supply line is adapted for fluid communication with the fan wherein water from the water supply line is adapted to power the fan to evacuate the odorous air from the toilet.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation system which may be produced as either a permanently installed system or a portable system which may be moved from place to place with relative ease. In the portable system, odors are collected into either an easily installed and removed collection collar which fits within the toilet bowl ring, or ducts within the toilet seat, and then vented through flexible tubing, by means of an impeller fan, to a point outside the room. In the permanent system, odors are collected either through the seat ducts or ducts formed within the rim of the toilet bowl. Venting to the exterior of the room is then accomplished through ducts permanently installed in the structure and an impeller fan within the duct system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable toilet seat. One embodiment of the toilet seat includes a seat platform that is movably coupled to a support member via two seat guides. The support member is coupled to a basin in a manner to allow traditional rotation of the seat platform with respect to the basin. The movable coupling between the seat platform and the support member allows the seat platform to expand in response to weight being displaced onto the top of the seat platform. This expansion of the seat platform automatically spreads the left and right buttocks of a user and comfortably accommodates the dimensions of a user's buttocks.

Abstract: A vacuum tank assembly is provided for use on an RV or a boat and includes a two-piece vacuum tank. The two-piece vacuum tank includes a body and a removable top with a gasket located between the body and removable top. A dip tube is integrated into the removable top, thus, forming an opening in the removable top and thereby reducing maintenance problems associated with mechanically attached dip tube assemblies. A vacuum pump is provided to pump the waste out of the vacuum tank into a holding tank.

Abstract: A pressure assisted flush assembly for use with a toilet includes a compressed air assisted flush water tank that includes a plunger device. One or more plumbing lines are used to connect an incoming water line to the flush water tank and the flush water tank to a toilet bowl. At least one panel is used to enclose the flush water tank (e.g., mounted against a wall). The enclosure comprises an access door configured to allow access to the flush water tank and the access door is secured with a lock mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to the flush water tank. Further, for example, an accessible activator mechanism is configured to activate the plunger of the flush water tank. The assembly may be, for example, configured to retrofit a previously installed flush valve toilet.

Abstract: The closestool disclosed herein has an upper lid hinged to one end of the closestool thereof, a power supply unit equipped on the closestool; a clean water injector equipped underneath the power supply unit comprising a first and second cleaning nozzles, and a control unit attached to the closestool to stretch nozzles for water injection. The kernel of the present invention lies in that one or more bactericidal lamps having a sterilization effect with its photocatalytic film is provided to radiate conterminated part of the user's body thereby serving a sterilization effect during cleansing with water injection.

Abstract: An improved bath (7) includes a pedaling apparatus (8) formed by a pedaling assembly (1) and a supporting element (6), wherein the pedaling apparatus (8) may be either integral with the bath body (7) or form a distinct pedaling apparatus (8) which can be, in turn, either removably associated with seats (9) formed in the bath body (7) or may form a distinct pedaling apparatus (8) which may be removably associated with the bath body (7) by sucker elements (13).

Abstract: A shower curtain support comprises a non-circular curtain rod and a plurality of non-circular sliding shower rings. Selected rings include depending rib members which hold the shower curtain away from the shower or bathing area. The non circularity of the engaging curtain rod and sliding rings prevent relative rotation, so that the dependent ribs continually push the curtain out avoiding “billowing” and undesired, unhygienic contact with the skin of the user.

Abstract: A shower curtain holder having a body with a bowed shape and a hook at its upper end which is adapted to engage a shower curtain rod. The holder is placed on the rod inside of the shower curtain. Its size and shape is such that the shower curtain is held away from the person taking the shower. The holder includes a counterweight near or at its top to help in keeping the holder, and thus the curtain as well, away from the person within the shower.

Abstract: A bathtub water tap includes a tap body, a fluid control device, a showerhead hose and a showerhead. The tap body has a hose passage and a water passage. The water passage has an outlet and an inlet for transporting water diverted by the fluid control device. The hose passage has a socket hole and a through hole. The showerhead hose is slidably mounted in the hose passage and has two opposite ends respectively connected to the showerhead and the fluid control device. The showerhead has an inside end held in the socket hole of the hose passage to position the showerhead with the tap body. Consequently, additional installations of the showerhead are not required. The showerhead will not occupy bathroom space, and the appearance of the entire water tap is tidy and clean.

Abstract: A bathtub waste pipe assembly for draining fluid from a bathtub where the bathtub has an upper overflow drain and a lower drain. The bathtub waste pipe assembly includes a flexible hollow tube extending from the upper overflow drain to the lower drain.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture mounting component is attached to existing plumbing pipes and valve fixtures. Modular faucet fixtures with spouts, handles, and bases are interchangeably mounted on the mounting component without affecting the plumbing fixture connections.

Abstract: A collapsible mounting frame for a raised platform or a raised bed as a unitary construction with two end frame assemblies and a plurality of hinged horizontal support links. The mounting frame may be moved from a collapsed or folded position to an open, extended, operable position to support the overhead platform or bed. The space beneath the raised platform or bed may be more effectively utilized.

Abstract: A tracked backboard having a track system hingedly attached and handles for lifting one end of the backboard off of the ground. The track system, when unlocked from the backboard, pivots downward and remains on the terrain so as to provide traction throughout the length of the track. In one embodiment, the system is constructed so as to be long enough to span at least two stair treads to provide smooth transit down stairwells. The track system hinges freely to hug the terrain over which the backboard is traversing. A brake system is provided within the tracking system to slow the descent of the backboard.

Abstract: Provided herein is a portable device useful for providing ventilation to a selected area via circulation of ambient air. A device according to the present invention is especially well-suited to providing ventilating air to a person resting on a bed, by directing air from the room to the volume defined by the top surface of the mattress of the bed and a bed covering disposed thereon. Use of the present invention increases the ability of persons to achieve restful sleep by enabling convenient control of the air surrounding the person to a comfortable level.

Abstract: A siderail support mechanism with multiple locks and an impact release feature is configured to positively lock in an upright deployed position, but is adapted to release upon imposition of a longitudinal impact load such as that caused by striking a stationary barrier.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a moving mechanism operable to at least tilt or move up and down a platform of the bed, and a safety switch operable to turn ON and OFF in response to movement of the platform. The moving mechanism is suspended when a power ON-OFF state of the safety switch is changed due to displacement of the safety switch from a predetermined position. In addition, a cover may be disposed over the moving mechanism from an outer surface. The safety switch is disposed at a position determined relative to a position of the cover. The power ON-OFF state of the safety switch is changed upon displacement of the cover from the position.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having a frame and a mattress support including a head section, center section, and foot section. The head section and foot section are pivotally attached to the center section for raising and lowering. At least one sidearm railing is preferably attached to the side of the bed. A pair of adjustable egress poles are attachable to each side of the mattress and extend upward from the mattress support deck to a height such that when the backrest section is raised to move the bariatric patient from a supine to a seated position in the bed and the lower extremity section is lowered to permit the bariatric patient to place their feet on the floor. The patient can grasp an upper portion of each pole in a respective hand to assist the patient in exiting the bed from the foot end of the bed.

Abstract: A seat cushion is provided having a foam cushion body with a perimeter section. A cover is disposed over the body and has a border that extends around the periphery of the cushion body and juxtaposed with the perimeter section of the cushion body. An insert is positioned within the cushion body and has an outer wall extending along and spaced from the periphery of the cushion body to accommodate the cushion body perimeter section. The perimeter section has a foam density greater than that of the main cushion body and the border of the cover is bonded directly to this perimeter section. In addition, a support wall or pan is used having a size and configuration to receive the covered cushion with the border of the cover disposed within the support wall when the seat is fully assembled. A method of forming such a seat cushion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A changing pad for infants is disclosed. The pad is treated to be waterproof, and also has a matching carry bag that has a waterproof interior.

Abstract: An assist device to help a user move from a sitting or reclined position to an upright position, and vice versa, with a functional tray. The assist device includes a base, a receiver, a handle, and a tray. The base may be positioned between a mattress and a box spring, or a couch frame and a couch cushion, or the like. The handle includes various gripping sections. The handle pivotably couples to the receiver and the tray rotatably couples to the handle. The tray moves from a closed position to an open position, or a usable position, to allow the user to place objects thereon, or to use the tray for any other purpose.

Abstract: A built-in pump for an airbed that provides both power inflation and power deflation. The built-in pump utilizes mechanical advantage to open valves for the pump. Separate inflate and deflate valves are utilized. A single direction, centrifugal fan is used to both inflate and deflate the airbed. The fan is activated when either of the valves is actuated, allowing air to flow into or out of the airbed. Separate channels associated with the inflate and deflate valves direct airflow in the appropriate direction.

Abstract: A person support surface comprises a multitude of inflatable cells. The cells are inflated and deflated to adjust an interface pressure between the person support surface and a person supported by the surface.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agent and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from polycarboxylates such as homopolymers of ethylenically-?,?-unsaturated dicarboxylates, copolymers of all ethylenically-?,?-unsaturated dicarboxylates, and copolymers of ethylenically-?,?-unsaturated dicarboxylates polymerized with vinyl-containing monomers. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method of preparing fabrics having a lotus leaf effect. The subject invention also relates to fabrics having a lotus leaf effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an oxidizing composition for the bleaching and/or permanent reshaping of keratin fibers, comprising at least one electrophilic monomer and at least one non-benzoquinone oxidant. Also disclosed herein is a method for bleaching and/or permanently reshaping keratin fibers comprising applying to the keratin fibers an oxidizing composition comprising at least one electrophilic monomer and at least one non-benzoquinone oxidant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dye composition for dyeing keratin fibers, including human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a suitable dyeing medium, at least one naphthoylene-benzimidazolium direct dye. The disclosure also relates to a dyeing process using this composition, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dyeing composition comprising, in an appropriate dyeing medium, at least one pigment and at least one electrophilic cyanoacrylate monomer of formula (I) in which R is chosen from alkyl radicals and alkoxyalkyl radicals. Dyeing kits comprising said compositions and processes using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods for forming dyed microspheres are provided. One method includes activating a chemical structure coupled to a dye using heat or light to form a reaction intermediate in the presence of a microsphere. The reaction intermediate covalently attaches to a polymer of the microsphere thereby coupling the dye to the polymer and forming the dyed microsphere. Additional methods are provided for forming a dyed microsphere coupled to a molecule. These methods include dyeing the microspheres as described above in addition to synthesizing the molecule on an outer surface of the dyed microspheres. A population of dyed microspheres is also provided. Each of the dyed microspheres of the population includes a dye attached to a polymer of each of the dyed microspheres by a chemical structure. A coefficient of variation in dye characteristics of the population of dyed microspheres attributable to the dye is less than about 10%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dyeing a mixture of two or more different fibre types with one or more dyes. The process according to the invention is characterized in that the mixture contains a portion of cationized cellulosic fibres. Furthermore, the invention relates to fibre blends obtainable by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: A spot cleaning vacuum head for a swimming pool cleaning system having a vacuum source and a vacuum hose. The spot cleaning head has a body having a free end, a releasable connector, a first tubular section including an outlet port and a second tubular section having free end in the form of an inlet port. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet port and is arranged to be releasably coupled to the free end of the vacuum hose. The releasable connector is arranged to be releasably secured to an end portion of an elongated pole to position the spot cleaning head adjacent material, e.g., leaves, mud, algae, stones, etc., desired to be removed from the pool so that when the vacuum source is operated suction at the inlet port to pulls that material directly into the inlet port without creating a cloud of debris.

Abstract: A spot cleaning device for a swimming pool cleaning system having a vacuum source and a vacuum hose having an end portion forming a vacuum inlet. The spot cleaning device is arranged to be coupled to vacuum hose and to a pole. The spot cleaning device includes a releasable connector for releasably mounting it on the pole. In one embodiment the device includes a hollow body to which the vacuum hose is coupled and which includes an inlet port which communicates with the inlet port of the vacuum hose. In another embodiment the device makes use of the vacuum hose's inlet port directly. When either device is coupled to the vacuum hose and mounted on the pole the inlet port can be positioned adjacent material, e.g., leaves, mud, algae, stones, etc., desired to be removed from the pool so that when the vacuum source is operated suction at the inlet port pulls that material directly into the inlet port without creating a cloud of debris.

Abstract: A spot cleaning device for a swimming pool cleaning system having a vacuum source and a vacuum hose having an end portion forming a vacuum inlet. The device includes a releasable connector for releasably mounting it on the pole and has a hollow body to which the vacuum hose is coupled and an inlet port which communicates with the inlet port of the vacuum hose. A vacuum relief port is provided in the hollow body adjacent the inlet port. The device is arranged to be positioned adjacent material, e.g., leaves, mud, algae, stones, etc., to be removed from the pool so that when the vacuum source is operated suction at the inlet port pulls that material directly into the inlet port without creating a cloud of debris, and with the vacuum relief port preventing the device from becoming hung up or stuck to a surface of the pool.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning tool comprises a rod slidably retained in a housing. Means for affixing the housing to a pipe in the area of the blockage are provided so that, when affixed, the rod slides through the housing and through the blocked pipe. The end of the rod is pushed into and through the blockage, allowing free flow of fluid through the pipe to resume. A blowout port on the housing is in fluid communication with a rod bore in the housing through which the rod slides so that, when the blockage is removed, fluid flows out through the rod bore and out the blowout port. Fluid flowing out through the blowout port can then be controlled and directed by coupling a hose to the blowout port. The pipe cleaning tool is particularly useful to remove blockages in the test cocks of backflow prevention valves.