Abstract: A flexible protective padding for baseball glove fabricated from raw material provided with moisture absorption and perspiration repellent function, and corresponding overlays of shock absorbent packing fabricated from raw material provided with shock absorbing functionality and a three-finger shaped plastic piece provided with a degree of curvature and a plurality of ventilation holes. The material thus covers the shock absorbent packing and the three-finger shaped plastic piece interior thereof, and the flexible protective padding is externally inserted interior of finger portions of a baseball glove. Based on the aforementioned structural design, upon a user catching a ball with the baseball glove, the user can easily bend the baseball glove in order to catch the ball, while simultaneously absorbing shock and nullifying the collision force from the speeding ball, thereby preventing the ball from bouncing out of the glove.

Abstract: A batting pad comprising a body made from a cushioning material and having a ring portion adapted to fit over a batters thumb and an appendage to cushion the palm area between a batters thumb and index finger. The appendage has a thickness T at its thickest point located between the first end and the distant end, and the thickness T of the appendage is selected to optimize an angle of a bat in the batters hand relative to a line parallel to the batter's forearm, the angle being determined by the thickness T of the appendage displacing the bat toward the tip of the batters index finger and causing the bat to contact the palm of the batters hand near the batters little finger.

Abstract: A 3-D finger glove that may fit onto a human finger is provided. The finger glove that has a 3-D cavity so that it may easily be put on to a finger by a user and is formed by bonding together two nonwoven webs, at least one of which is elastic, while the elastic web stretched. Additionally, the 3-D finger glove successfully prevents the formation of stiff seams along the edge so that seams will not cause abrasion or damage to the areas where the glove is intended to be used. Additionally, the 3-D glove disclosed can have flush seams, which further reduces the stiffness along the seams so that the user feels more comfortable while wearing the glove. Furthermore, the 3-D shaped finger glove may provide a bigger surface area for cleaning or other uses. A number of therapeutic additives may also be applied to the glove.

Abstract: A single seam finger glove that may fit onto a human finger is provided. The finger glove has a cavity so that it may easily be put on to a finger by a user and is formed by bonding together at least one nonwoven web to itself to form a tubular structure. The single seam finger glove is less irritating to the mouth of a user since it has half the seam area. Additionally, the single seam finger glove successfully prevents the formation of stiff seams along the edge so that seams will not cause abrasion or damage to the areas where the glove is intended to be used. Additionally, the single seam glove disclosed can have flush seams, which further reduces the stiffness along the seams so that the user feels more comfortable while wearing the glove. Furthermore, the single seam finger glove may provide a bigger surface area for cleaning or other uses. A number of therapeutic additives may also be applied to the glove.

Abstract: A clothing adherable knee pad includes a bendable flexible arcuate pad which bends over the knee of a kneeling person. At least two linearly extending elastic, stretchable straps are connected at distal ends thereof each to a respective clothing engageable clip, which is attachable to a trousers leg of a pair of pants. The two or more linearly extending elastic, stretchable straps engage the knee pad by being attached thereto or by being woven through respective pairs of slits extending through the knee pad. The straps are of sufficient length so that when attached to clothing, such as pants, respective locations of the clips upon pants legs avoids uncomfortable encroachments to respective lateral and rear areas of the knee of the user.

Abstract: A neck warmer has a flat, pliable, substantially rectangular body. The rectangular body has first and second ends and top and bottom edges, and further has first and second opposite exterior surfaces, bounded by the first and second ends and top and bottom edges. First fastening means are attached to the first surface of the rectangular body proximate to the first end, and second fastening means are attached to the second surface of the rectangular body proximate to the second end. The first and second ends of the rectangular body are removably fastenable to each other at the first and second fastening means. The first and second fastening means are positioned such that when the first end is attached to the second end, the rectangular body forms a tube having inner and outer circumferential surfaces provided by the first and second exterior surfaces of the rectangular body. The tube is dimensioned to fit around a wearer's neck.

Abstract: The protective helmet includes a rigid outer shell where the shell includes an undulating cross-sectional profile. A layer of impact-energy-absorbing material is positioned adjacent to the shell. The undulating profile of the shell can be any type of load spreading undulating profile, such as that of a sinusoidal or triangular wave configuration. The undulating load-spreading profile can be on the inner surface of the shell, on the outer surface of the shell or the entire cross-section of the shell may be undulating. The unique undulating profile makes the shell more rigid and spreads the impact load across the surface of the shell to thereby spread the deformation of the padding layer to prevent the shell from bottoming out of the impact-energy-absorbing material during an impact. As a result, a safer and more effective protective helmet is provided.

Abstract: A hat with a detachable, elasticized hair securing strap, wherein the securing strap is removably secured to the hat via conventional hook-and-loop fasteners, thereby enabling convenient replacement of the securing strap either upon diminished elasticity of same, and/or with a decoratively-adorned detachable hair securing strap.

Abstract: Garments are convertible between multiple configurations so as to have an alternate appearance and/or be wearable as a different type of garment. Pants may be alternately configured so as to expose one of at least two possible surface treatments. The pants include a reversing panel having front and rear flaps that can be alternately wrapped around the left or right side. A garment alternately configurable for wear as a skirt or as a pair of short pants includes front and rear conversion tails. The front conversion tail is alternately affixable to the front or to the rear of the garment; the rear conversion tail is alternately affixable to the rear or to the front of the garment. A garment is also alternately configurable for wear in a sleeveless, wraparound manner, or for wear as a sleeved garment.

Abstract: Interchangeable Labels and Patches is a self-explanatory invention. Presently, all clothing with labels and patches visible on the outside of the clothing is made with the labels and patches permanently affixed to the clothing. “Interchangeable Labels and Patches” will be made with the positive or negative side of magnets and/or Velcro permanently affixed to the article of clothing and the opposite side of the magnet and/or Velcro permanently affixed to the back of the label and/or patch so that the consumer can switch labels and/or patches with other labels and/or patches.

Abstract: A reversible garment has a reversible pocket attached at a seam thereof. The pocket has a pouch formed by a long pocket piece and a short pocket piece. The curved portions of the pocket pieces are sewn together and their seam is enclosed by another seam. The flat portion of the long pocket piece is attached to the seam of the reversible garment, and centered on an opening in the garment seam. When the garment is reversed, the pocket is pulled through the seam and the pocket pouch is turned inside out, so that the pocket pouch is accessible from the opening in the garment seam, whether the garment is worn with its front side as the outside or its back side as the outside.

Abstract: An item of clothing (100) is provided with a loin-cloth having a hip strap (3) from which at least one frontal apron part is suspended. The item of clothing as specified by the invention is characterized by the item of clothing (100) has a front (2) and, linked to it, a rear crotch part (a), by the crotch parts (2, 2a) being linked to the hip strap (3) at their end sections pointing away from each other, and by the front apron part (1) at least partially covering the front crotch part (2).

Abstract: Disposable garments having a first pair of positioning indicia and second pair of positioning indicia. The first pair of indicia located symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline, the second pair of indicia located substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline. The first pair of indicia located closer to the longitudinal centerline than the second pair of indicia. The first pair of indicia has a length in a longitudinal direction. The second pair of indicia has a length in a longitudinal direction and the longitudinal length of the first pair of indicia is less than the longitudinal length of the second pair of indicia.

Abstract: A recoil reducing device that reduces the recoil felt by users of rifles and shotguns. The recoil reducing device includes of a force-distribution member that increases the area over which the recoil force is distributed, thereby reducing the force per unit area, and a compressible element that cushions the user from the force of recoil. The force-distribution member can include tabs along its edges. Any number of the tabs may be bent outward, relative to the shoulder of the user to better form the recoil reducing device to the user. Also alternatively, the force-distribution member can include a plurality of grooves along a portion of its edge, and can also include interior cuts within.

Abstract: A device for dispensing detergent and/or sanitizing and/or deodorant substances in toilet bowls or water-using sanitary fixtures in general. The device comprises a supporting structure provided with engagement means which can engage the sanitary fixture in order to support the supporting structure in a region of the fixture that is affected by the flow of flushing water. The device comprises a rotating element, which forms internally at least one receptacle, which is connected to the outside and is adapted to contain the substance or substances in the solid state, packaged in a water-soluable bar or tablet, or in liquid or gel form. The rotating element is supported so that it can rotate about a rotation axis by the supporting structure and can rotate about the rotation axis with respect to the supporting structure due to the flow of the flushing water of the sanitary fixture.

Abstract: A commode chair with reversed seat facing a water tank is provided. The seat assembly including bowl, seat, and lid are formed to support a user to sit on a commode facing the water tank. The seating assembly has a narrow width to the direction of a water tank and has wider width on the opposite side. An overview of the seating assembly has a shape of an oval facing the water tank with the sharp end, a bicycle saddle, facing the water tank. The water tank is leaned backwards in relation to the commode to allow a user to rest his/her upper body thereon. This sitting position reduces pressure build up of the lower body of the user around the commode seat and provides a convenient and more compatible resting time.

Abstract: A cistern outlet valve assembly (10). The assembly includes an outlet orifice (14) and a buoyant member (20). The buoyant member (20) has an outlet seal (22) on one side and a housing seal (26) on the other. The assembly (10) also includes a valve housing (18) is adapted to cover the buoyant member (20). The housing (18) has large clearance guide means (30) adapted to guide movement of the buoyant member (20) from a closed position in which the outlet seal (22) seals against the outlet orifice (14) and an open position in which the housing seal (20) seals against the housing (18). When the buoyant member (20) is in the open position any fluid incident on the guide means (30) is prevented from flowing onto the buoyant member (20) by the housing seal (20) sealing against the housing (18).

Abstract: A dual actuation button assembly (10) for a dual volume flush cistern. The assembly includes dual actuation button members (14, 16) which are both adapted for movement upon actuation in a common actuation direction. A single spring (18) is adapted to apply a force to both of the button members (14, 16) in a direction opposite to the actuation direction. The spring (18) is adapted to maintain some of said force on one (14,16) of the button members during actuating movement of the other of the button members (16, 14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toilet bowl with a changeable water seal, which comprises an upper region, a waste drain outlet of the upper region, a lower region and a waste drain outlet of the lower region. A deviated waste discharge passage is fixed on a supporting shaft or a supporting bore. A reposition apparatus is arranged for the reposition of the waste discharged passage, the lower end of which surrounds the waste drain outlet of the upper region, the higher end of which could be depressed and repositioned automatically and be lead to the waste drain outlet of the lower region. This invention could overcome these disadvantages that immobile waste discharge passage of the traditional toilet bowl between the waste drain outlet of the upper region and the waste drain outlet of the lower region has a higher water seal, a higher water resistance and higher water consume.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a portable toilet unit including a portable restroom, and advertising media that covers a significant portion of the outer surface area defined by the sides of the portable restroom. The advertising media can be adhered to the portable restroom by removable adhesive.

Abstract: A spa with spa working components integrally molded into a foam spa body. Certain working components, including the water circulation lines, electrical lines, air jet lines and a pump/heater housing are pre-assembled over a female mold. The working components are maintained in spaced relation from the female mold by spacer means. A male mold is placed over the female mold, defining a foam cavity between opposing sides of the female mold and the male mold and fully enclosing the spa components therein. Expandable foam is introduced into the foam cavity, integrally forming the spa body and encasing the enclosed working components. The female and male molds are removed from the spa body, and a flexible liner is installed over inner and outer sides of the wall of the spa body. The pump/heater unit is installed within its housing and attached to the electrical and water lines therein.

Abstract: A spa system with multiple vessels to handle water leakage while preventing damage to the spa system. In one implementation, a spa system includes a first vessel configured to hold water and one or more persons, and a second vessel attached to the first vessel. The second vessel has a pressurized cavity for water. The system includes a water jet connected between the first and second vessels, in which the water jet is configured to use water pressure in the pressurized cavity to send water from the second vessel into the first vessel. The system also has a watertight seal around a water jet connection, in which the water jet is positioned to allow water leakage between the first and second vessels upon a watertight seal failure. In some implementations, the first and second vessels are twin-sheet bonded and embedded channels are used for air and water circulation.

Abstract: A bath includes a water outlet or outlets (5) arranged to in use direct a flow of water from behind onto the upper body of a bather or bathers sitting in the bath and leaning back against the wall (1) of the bath. The upper body water outlet(s) may comprise two spaced water outlets one positioned to direct a water flow onto the left-side upper body of a bather and the other positioned to direct a water flow at the same temperature onto the right-side upper body of the bather.

Abstract: A wireless water flow monitoring and leak detection system and method are provided. The system includes a base station, a memory, and a central processing unit configured to control the operation of the system and to analyze stored data. A plurality of highly-sensitive wireless flow sensor nodes are each installed individually on a supply line of a water fixture in a facility having a plurality of water fixtures. The wireless flow sensor nodes can periodically read and store a data point corresponding to either a flow condition or a no flow condition occurring at the water fixture. A plurality of coordinator nodes are configured to wirelessly relay data between the plurality of wireless flow sensor nodes and the base station. The base station is configured to determine based on an analysis of the stream of data points whether a leak exists in any of the water fixtures, and if a leak is determined to exist, a maintenance alert is generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling system for lifting and/or moving a person from a first position to another. The system includes a frame having a base frame and a lifting frame being part of a lifting device for the person. The system also includes at least three wheels positioned in different parts of the base frame and allowing the handling system to be moved over a surface from said first position to another, and at least one user interface allowing the person or another person to control the handling system. Further, the system includes at least one of the wheels being directional controllable from the at least one user interface and each of the wheels being mounted pivotally around a vertical axle of the wheels. The invention also relates to a user interface and a method of handling a person.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a brake mechanism and a steer mechanism operated by side actuator pedals and a brake-actuating bar and a wheel-actuating bar. The brake-actuating bar, wheel-actuating bar, and side actuator pedals are connected such that movement is coordinated.

Abstract: A sleeping bag includes a sleeping bag body configured to envelope a person lying within the sleeping bag body, and a section of thermal fleece material attached to the inside surface of the sleeping bag body at a designated area, configured to provide additional warmth to a sleeping bag user at the designated area. In one aspect of the invention, the designated area includes a foot area. In another aspect of the invention, the thermal fleece material is soft to touch. In another aspect of the invention, the sleeping bag body is configured to couple to another sleeping bag body to form a larger sleeping bag. Advantages of the invention include the ability to provide added thermal insulation to a sleeping bag, as well as added comfort to a sleeping bag user, at a designated area of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: There is described a bed comprising a frame, a rail pivotally mounted on the frame and pivotable between a guardrail position and an open position, a distance between the frame and the rail when the rail is in the guardrail position, and a resilient element mounted on the frame or on the rail or on both the frame and the rail to fill the distance between the frame and the rail when the rail is in the guardrail position to thereby reduce rattling of the rail when the rail is in the guardrail position. The resilient element is preferably a resilient roller mounted on the frame, the roller engaging the rail when the rail is pivoted into the guardrail position.

Abstract: A sheet assembly adapted to occupy a position beneath a patient and an upper surface of a patient support. The assembly has overlying upper and lower pliable sheets formed of a material of low density gradient and having central sections from which upper and lower flaps extend laterally. The lower flaps may be secured to the patient support and the upper flaps may be elevated to and maintained at a level above that of the upper surface of the patient support, thereby providing a safeguard against the patient's falling off the support surface.

Abstract: A rocking assembly for a bed has a mattress frame, a base frame and a rocking driver. The base frame supports the mattress frame. The rocking driver is mounted on the base frame and has a motor, a flywheel and a connecting rod. The flywheel is rotated by the motor. The connecting rod is connected eccentrically to the flywheel and pivotally to the mattress frame. When the motor turns, the connecting rod rocks the mattress frame so a person lying on the bed rocks from side to side and pressure on individual parts of the person's body is alleviated so blood can circulate to the areas and bedsores will not develop.

Abstract: A rescue device comprises a floating head support slidably attached to a back support. The rescue device can be incorporated into other rescue apparatus, such as a rescue harness. In one embodiment, the harness comprises a mantle for wrapping around a patient's arms and torso. The mantle is secured with chest straps connected across the patient's chest with a fastener. The mantle includes a pocket for holding back supports of various lengths. Leg straps form leg loops for the patient's legs. One or more lifting rings are attached to the harness for lifting the harness. The harness can also include a harness protector.

Abstract: An air mattress with a pillow top is disclosed. The pillow top is received on and extends at least partially across at least one of planar face of the mattress, and is constructed and arranged to be held in a fixed position relative to the face of the mattress on which it is received. The pillow top may be removably or permanently affixed to the air mattress, as desired. In an embodiment, the pillow top is attached to an edge weld of the air mattress.

Abstract: A cushion that is heated convectively using a positive coefficient of resistance type resistive heating element that is provided with heat exchanging surfaces, includes a mattress pad, seat or the like with a bottom surface secured around its perimeter to an air permeable top surface, forming a plenum and containing tubular spacer material therein. The plenum is connected to a power unit housing a blower, a heating module and a controller unit. The heating module preferably includes a PTC type heating element in conduction with a base plate and a number of heat exchanger fins. Preferably the heating element is sandwiched between a pair of the base plates and the heat exchanger fins, and there is a seal between the base plates to minimize air flow from the blower from passing there between. A remote control for the user's convenience may be provided, and a foldable antenna attachable to the convective unit facilitates wireless communication between the remote control and controller unit.

Abstract: A prone position support apparatus for use with new or existing mattresses or support surfaces having a rigid frame and a soft upper surface. The soft upper surface has an aperture for receiving a user's face. Contoured arm rests for supporting a user's arms are provided. At least one optional inflatable bladder can be provided to fill void spaces when face-down positioning is not desired.

Abstract: A process of combination tannage is disclosed whereby Zirconium salt is complexed with THP salt to produce wet pink leather without using any conventional dye. The resulting leathers exhibit shrinkage temperature of more than 100° C. properties and other comparable to those of conventionally processed leathers.

Abstract: Conventionally skins/hides are tanned with metal-ions and vegetable tannins. Environmental constraints on the discharge of toxic metal-ions and poor biodegradable vegetable tannins in the wastewater have become serious issue. In this invention, the pelts are tanned using eco-benign bio-molecules other than vegetable tannins to reduce the pollution loads. Performance of the leathers is on par with conventionally processed leathers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a bio-tanning agent from collagenous source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for manufacturing woven or knit fabrics with improved shrink and crease resistance and good shape memory after repeated washing. The method comprises (a) contacting an enzyme treatment composition with a cellulosic material (e.g., cotton fabric), the enzyme composition comprising an enzyme; and (b) treating the cellulosic material with a polymeric resin composition. Embodiments of the invention also provide a fabric manufactured by sequentially treating the fabric with an enzyme composition and a resin treatment agent.

Abstract: A drying control method and apparatus of a washing and drying machine, in which cooling water dropped from a condensation duct to a tub accelerates the condensation of moisture contained in circulated air so as to improve condensing capability, a cold air drying time is differently set according to load so that when the load is small, a drying time is shortened, and the drying of laundry is rapidly performed, a power consumption rate is minimized, or a cooling water consumption rate is minimized according to user's desire, and a drying operation is controlled using a difference between a temperature of air and a temperature of cooling water so that the drying operation is efficiently performed according to load conditions so as to improve the drying capability.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solution on a cleaning cloth includes a container that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall. An opening extends through the top wall. A pump assembly is configured for selectively pumping a fluid outwardly out of the housing's interior. A fluid receiving housing includes a lower wall, an upper wall and a perimeter wall. The upper wall has a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The pump assembly is attached to the lower wall and is fluidly coupled to the housing. The housing defines an actuator for pumping fluid out of the container. A sponge material mounted within the housing absorbs fluid pumped into the housing and expels the fluid through the holes when the pump assembly is actuated. A cleaning cloth positioned on an outer surface of the upper wall absorbs the fluid expelled through the holes.

Abstract: An operating method of a laundry device is disclosed. The present invention relates more particularly, to an operation method for a combination dryer which enables air in a drying drum and a cabinet for drying the laundry to circulate continuously and enables water generated in the circulation process to perform a refreshing cycle by using the water.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine with a laundry drying function and a method for controlling the same are dislosed, in which a ventilating function is carried out during a dehydrating stroke. The drum type washing machine with a laundry drying function, provided with a ventilating fan, includes a key input unit inputting user's request command, a memory storing a pattern for driving the ventilating fan, during a dehydrating stroke period, a controller controlling the washing machine to carry out a corresponding stroke per course selected through the key input unit and to drive the ventilating fan at a pattern previously stored in the memory when a dehydrating stroke starts, and a fan driver controlling driving of the ventilating fan in accordance with a control signal of the controller.

Abstract: In order to provide an accumulatively dying hair color of a hair manicure type which does not require washing of hair immediately after used and by which hair are gradually dyed by repeating use thereof as a temporary coloring material, used is a hair color comprising 0.1 to 3% by weight of at least one of water-soluble dyes, 1.5 to 10% by weight of a nonionic or anionic silicone base resin, 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of an amphoteric acryl resin, 3 to 20% by weight of a hair dying auxiliary, 30 to 80% by weight of a lower alcohol and 5 to 50% by weight of water and having a pH controlled to 2 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratinous fibers, containing at least one azodiazine direct dye corresponding to the following formula (I): The present invention also relates to a method for dyeing keratinous fibers using these direct dyes.

Abstract: A permanent hair coloring composition is described, the hair coloring composition being produced by combining individually packaged dye, developer and salt components just prior to application to the hair, wherein the dye, developer and salt components are formulated to provide the hair coloring composition with relatively high levels of ammonium carbonate salt, additional soluble carbonate salt other than ammonium carbonate salt, and chelating agent, the ammonium carbonate salt to additional carbonate salt being present in a ratio, by weight of from about 1:0.6 to about 1:1.6, wherein, based on the combined weight of the dye, developer and salt components, the composition has a total soluble carbonate salt content of greater than about 10% by weight, and at least about 1 % by weight of chelating agent. Kits for preparing and methods for using such hair coloring compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of dyeing a fabric is provided. The method includes removing folds from the fabric, spraying a dye on a first side of the fabric, and exposing the fabric to a migration and fixation process prior to the dye drying on the first side so that the dye migrates from the first side to a second side of the fabric and reacts with and affixes to a component of the fabric.

Abstract: A system to lay a bridge between two banks, wherein said system firstly comprises a bridge carrying vehicle constituted by a remote-controlled self-propelled platform incorporating means to deploy and retract said bridge, said platform being unmanned and armor-free, and secondly a control post comprising means to communicate with said platform.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. In another embodiment, a dock leveler includes a multi-tiered lip keeper support system for supporting the ramp at more than one position. In another embodiment, a method of supporting a dock leveler ramp includes attaching a first and second lip engaging apparatus under the ramp.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a prestressed composite girder with steel plates, a continuous prestressed composite girder structure with steel plates and methods of fabricating and connecting the same. The prestressed composite girder includes shear reinforcing bars and main reinforcing bars, sheaths, sole plates, and steel plates. The shear reinforcing bars and main reinforcing bars are arranged across the prestressed composite girder. The sheaths are adapted to contain steel wires arranged across the prestressed composite girder. The sole plates are placed at ends of the prestressed composite girder and provided with shear connecting members. The steel plates are placed in upper and lower flanges of the prestressed composite girder and provided with shear connecting members.

Abstract: An indoor cleaning tool having a dry fibrous base material is provided. An antigenicity-reducing composition including an antigenicity-reducing component, an oil and a surfactant are applied to the fibrous base material. Preferably, the antigenicity-reducing component is an extract of an olea or a ligustrum plant extracted with water or an organic solvent.