Abstract: The invention relates to a preformed sheet comprising at least two mono-layers, each mono-layer containing unidirectionally oriented fibers having a tensile strength of at least about 1.2 GPa and a tensile modulus of at least 40 GPa, and a binder, with a fibre direction in each mono-layer being rotated with respect to the fibre direction in an adjacent mono-layer, and a separating film on both outer surfaces, characterized in that the separating film has a porosity of between 40 and 90%. With this preformed sheet assemblies and articles offering a substantially higher ballistic protection level at a certain weight can be obtained. The invention further relates to an assembly of at least two such sheets and to a flexible ballistic-resistant article comprising said assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective collar for protecting the face of very young children. Said collar comprises a substantially flat annular part (10) which is open to one side (15) and which, in the area of said opening (15) on one side, comprises fastening means (25?, 25?) which allow to assemble the annular part (10) in such a manner as to form a collar in the shape of a truncated cone.

Abstract: Protective knee pads are comprised of a first shell member which fits over the patella and knee joint and a second member which is attached to the lower thigh and pivotally engaged with the knee pad shell so that they may articulate one with respect to the other while providing additional support and protection for the user of the knee pad. An additional shin pad may also be attached to the lower end of the shell which covers the knee.

Abstract: The upper body undergarment is designed to be worn under a brassiere to provide support to a user's upper body by supporting a woman's breasts and underarms and constricting the loose parts of the upper body, without interfering with the specific desired appearance of the brassiere under outerwear. The upper body undergarment is made from hosiery material and includes tapered sides having sub-pectoral support portions that lift and support the breasts. The tapered sides are releasably attached to each other. The upper body undergarment may additionally include underarm support portions of the sleeves that are similar to the sub-pectoral support portions, and armpit panels made from breathable fabric attached between the shoulder portions and the sleeves at the armpit areas of the wearer to allow for greater ventilation. Strips of cloth are provided to attach the brassiere straps to the upper body undergarment.

Abstract: Clothing articles that contain a water-absorbent material that absorbs moisture and preferably assists in reducing body temperature and methods of using these clothing articles to reduce body temperature are described herein. The clothing articles are formed from one or more moisture wicking fabrics and include a water-absorbent material surrounded by the moisture-wicking fabric. A preferred water-absorbent material is polyvinyl alcohol material, such as a polyvinyl alcohol towel or chamois. In one embodiment, the water-absorbent material is enclosed in a pouch or pocket in the fabric, preferably the pouch or pocket is positioned to contact a surface of a user's body. In another embodiment, the water-absorbent material can be placed into a fold in the fabric or in a liner within the clothing article. A wide variety of clothing articles may be designed to contain a water-absorbent material, including, but are not limited to, hats, socks, head-bands, wrist-bands, gloves, shirts, shorts, and pants.

Abstract: A retractable hat tether apparatus for a hat having a cap portion is provided. The tether apparatus includes a guide base movably mounted to the cap portion for movement thereof along a fixed path between a first position and a second position. A flexible tether includes a first end and an opposite second end thereof mounted to the guide base. A bottle opener device is mounted to the first end, and is configured to function as a conventional bottle opener. The bottle opener device includes a clip member for releasable attachment to the cap portion.

Abstract: A work garment including a waist portion having a predetermined plurality of belt loops. A pants panel portion having a right leg portion and a left leg portion is attached to such waist portion for covering a predetermined portion of such wearer. There is a plurality of specialized pockets and an attachment mechanism having a first portion engageable with such pants panel portion and a second portion engageable with such specialized pockets for at least one of permanently and removably attaching the specialized pockets to such pants panel portion.

Abstract: A garment comprising a scrotal catch, wherein the scrotal catch is attached to at least a portion of the garment, and wherein the scrotal catch is configured to support, protect and/or cover at least a portion of a male's scrotum is provided.

Abstract: A helmet liner that is infinitely adjustable by the user in the field is provided. The helmet liner includes front, center and rear cushioning portions with integrally formed spaces between the front and center portions, and the rear and center portions. The integrally formed spaces provide the liner with the ability to independently flex [in one degree of freedom] and bend [in a second degree of freedom] to collapse the spaces without any overlapping of cushioning portions and thereby conform the liner to the hemi-spherical shape of the wearer's head. The spaces provide ventilation for the wearer's head. The helmet liner may also provide for variable thickness of one or more of cushioning portions as well as antimicrobial treatment of the fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cervical protective device that reduces the possibility of neck injuries in contact sports. In a preferred embodiment, this device is worn in conjunction with a football helmet and football shoulder pads. Without restricting normal movement of a football player, the device contacts the lower most parts of the sides of the helmet and has a shape that is molded as to the normal anatomy of the upper back and lower cervical spine. The device contacts the lower sides of the player's neck and is held in place by the shoulder pads as normally worn by football players. Force received at the top of the helmet is applied to the protective device, absorbed by compression elements contained within the protective device and the force is directed away from the cervical spine.

Abstract: A toilet seat (1) comprises an annular seat member (2) having an internal duct (13) extending around the central opening (14), an inlet (15) for receiving foul air from a toilet pan to an outlet (26). The duct (1) provides two flow paths in parallel, each containing a filter (28) for deodorising foul air from a toilet pan and a fan unit (17) for creating air flow along the duct (13). The fan units (17) are each aligned along the duct (13) in a direction around the opening (14) in the annular seat member (2). Each filter is fixed in a cartridge (21) which is removably insertable into the annular seat member (2) through an aperture (23) formed in the outer circumferential side (24) of the seat member (2). The outlet (26) of the duct (13) is formed in the outer wall (25) of the cartridge (21) which fits flush in the aperture (23). The duct (13) provides a gap (30) extending along the entire length of the filter (28) around the opening (14) in the seat member (2) allowing air to flow into the filter (28).

Abstract: A dual quantity flushing valve mechanism comprising a housing having a base fitting for attachment to a water outlet of a toilet cistern, an overflow tube axially displaceable within the housing and having a bottom portion extending substantially coaxial within the housing, a top portion parallel to the bottom portion and extending outside of the housing, and an intermediate, inclined portion extending between the top portion and the bottom and projecting through the housing, with a seal disc fitted at a bottom of the bottom portion for sealing engagement of the water outlet.

Abstract: A flushing arrangement (30) including an opened topped housing (32) surrounding the flush valve (12). An opening (40) is provided in a lower part of the housing (32) with a selectively openable gate (44). The arrangement (30) is configured such that for a low volume flush the gate (44) is closed and only water in the housing (32) or located thereabove will be flushed, and for a high volume flush the gate (44) is open wherein substantially all of the water in the cistern (20) above the lowest part of the opening (40) is flushed.

Abstract: A portable restroom is designed to provide features which enhance the comfort and appeal to users. These features include a rigid and stable structure, including a rigid floor structure, thus providing a sense of security to the user. Further, flushing and fresh water capabilities are achieved by using a dual tank structure made capable by the base design itself. This dual tank structure is achieved utilizing a unique siphoning pump to provide appropriate functionality.

Abstract: A portable, individual, collapsible latrine especially suitable for outdoor use including military personnel. The latrine comprises a pair of generally rectangular shaped members, preferably of a molded plastic material, fitting one inside the other and hingedly connected, to form a collapsible frame. A pair of straps connect the upper ends of the two frame members to limit the extent of opening, and to support weight placed on the lid (namely the weight of a user). A lid (also of a molded plastic material) is hingedly connected to one of the frame members, preferably by means of a “living hinge” molded into the material. A disposable bag fits into an opening in the lid, for capturing human waste, with material in the bag to at least partially absorb the waste. A supply of toilet tissue, bags, and absorbent material are carried on the frame by removable cords.

Abstract: A disposal liner for a toddler potty trainer seat having an elongated member adapted to wick moisture and change color as it becomes moist. The visual effect of a firework is created which captures the toddler's attention and creates an interesting visual effect.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for mounting to a bathroom wall and supporting a person's foot during shaving. The device comprises a suction member engageable with the wall to form a suction cavity. The device further comprises a support housing engageable with the suction member and having a central hole. The device further comprises a screw member engaged with the suction member and extending thru the central hole of the support housing. The device further comprises a fastener member engageable with the screw member to increase the volume of said suction cavity thereby creating a vacuum to secure said suction member to the wall. The device further comprises a platform extending outward from the support housing for supporting the person's foot.

Abstract: The present invention is a shower device which simplifies the showering process by allocating soap, moisturizers, fragrances, and other detergent-type fluids through a shower head using the venturi concept so as to integrate the substance with the regularly dispensed water flow.

Abstract: A joint structure for a collapsible play yard suitable for infants or pets, which is pivotally connected between a pair of upper rails of a foldable fame. The pair of tipper rails can either be locked precisely in alignment or be released and folded in a parallel arrangement. Therefore, the foldable frame can either be fixed in a deployed state or converted into a collapsed state. When the foldable frame is fixed in the deployed state, the upper rails are locked by a pair of pins, whereby the pins are supported by a pair of slots of the housing of the joint structure. A release button is equipped on the outside of the housing of the joint structure for pushing by a user, so as release the pins from the upper rails, thereby permitting the upper rails to be unlocked, rotated and folded in a parallel arrangement.

Abstract: Felted fibrous construction materials and articles formed therefrom. The felted fibrous construction material is adapted to provide adequate strength to permit construction of three dimensional structures by use of standard joining techniques such as screws, nails, glue and the like. Panels of the felted fibrous construction material also provide substantial impact resistance when used in storm shutter applications.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a base, a patient support, and an elevation mechanism for raising or lowering the patient support relative to the base. The elevation mechanism comprises a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms, with both the pairs of arms mounted relative to the patient support and the base. The first pair of arms and the second pair of arms have pivot connections at the patient support, with the pivot connections of at least one pair of the pair of arms moving in a sinusoidal path when the patient support is raised or lowered with respect to the base.

Abstract: An ambulance cot comprising a kickstand having a lowered position and a raised position is disclosed.

Abstract: A patient handling device includes a controller, with a plurality of sensors, control panels, and lamps electrically connected to the controller. The patient handling device records the normal/desired state of the various components when power is applied. When one of the components goes outside the normal/desired state, the controller issues an alarm. This alarm includes illuminating a plurality of amber alert lamps which can normally be viewed by a user at any position around the outside of the patient handling device. The patient handling device also includes a position control. This control restricts movement of an upper (fowler) portion of the patient handling device in a certain range of angular positions, while permitting movement of the upper portion outside the certain range.

Abstract: A bed arrangement (10) has an articulated mattress support (30), a support frame (40) for the articulated mattress support, and a power assembly (50) for raising and lowering flexible sections (30b, 30c, 30d) of the articulated mattress support. The support frame (40) is adjustably mounted in a stationary outer frame (20) and has a size smaller than the articulated mattress support (30). The power assembly (50) is mounted on the support frame (40).

Abstract: A rescue device which attaches to the frame of a self-contained breathing apparatus carried on the back of emergency workers such as firemen, hazardous-waste cleanup crews, and other individuals entering into hostile environments. The rescue device is adapted to connect to the frame of existing self-contained breathing apparatus frames or racks. In one form, the rescue device has a top and bottom frame which connects to the SCBA frame at the top and bottom locations. The frames project around the body of the SCBA tank and extend out to position rolling elements for providing the transportation needs. The frames have at the rolling elements ends wheel forks which contain wheels having axles. In another embodiment a skid plate is attached to the ends of the frames in conjunction with the protruding wheels or by itself without rolling elements. Other ways of creating the reduction in frictional drag are provided such as a sled type configuration and a track system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for pressure offloading in order to alleviate or diminish pressure on an area of bony prominence, a blemish, wound, decubitus ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site by elevating the affected area above a surface without directly contacting the affected area. An interior filling of the present invention is composed of a Visco/Memory foam, natural buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls, water, gel, silicone, Styrofoam beads, a combination thereof, or other suitable material known in the art. The interior filling is enclosed in a hollow member, and an additional removable and/or reusable cover composed of anti-bacterial/anti-microbial fabric, encloses the hollow member for additional protection. Fastening means are attached to the cover to allow the user to reconfigure the shape of the device to provide the required support as needed for each use.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods support and/or restrain a head of a patient, optionally for use in refractive surgery. Both the height of the patient's head and the angle of the patient's neck along the medial-lateral plane of the patient can be established independently, and compression pillow systems can gently and atraumatically compress the patient's head between protruding foam sidewalls or the like to inhibit movement of the patient from the alignment position.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an inflatable knee pillow including a body having an outer fabric surface, and an inflation valve, wherein the body defines straps (preferably two pairs of straps) and encloses a bladder (an inflatable volume), and the inflation valve is in fluid communication with the bladder. When deflated, the pillow has a thin profile and can be folded into a compact configuration. The straps are releasably fastenable around a user's leg so as to position an inflatable portion of the pillow against the inside of the user's knee (for example, to cushion and separate the user's knees from each other while the user sleeps on his or her side with the pillow inflated). Preferably, the body includes two sheets of multilayer material shaped and attached together so as to define the straps and the bladder, and the pillow has releasable fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners) defined by or attached to the straps.

Abstract: An infant wedge sleep positioner comprising a cushion, a covering means for the cushion, one supporting pillow that is fixedly secured to the covering means, and another opposed supporting pillow that is releaseably secured to the covering means for laterally moving this pillow in relation to the other pillow. This combination creates a cradle for positioning an infant within the device and accommodating a growing infant or different sized infants. In an alternate embodiment, the infant wedge sleep positioner further provides ventilating channels in one or both of the supporting pillows for regulating the temperature of the infant while the infant rests or sleeps, thereby, further reducing the risk of the infant becoming overheated.

Abstract: A patient support including a spacing structure and a base portion.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion cell has first and second inflatable compartments. Each inflatable compartment is defined by at least one diagonal seal structure. In addition, each inflatable compartment also has at least one fluid opening. In one embodiment the diagonal seal structure is offset from opposite corners of the inflatable cushion cell. In one embodiment patient support system includes a plurality of inflatable such cushion cells are located within a frame. In one embodiment a pressure control system is used control the inflation of the first and second inflatable compartments. In one embodiment a method is used to move a patient in an inflatable patient support system.

Abstract: This invention relates to textile benefit compositions that can maintain or rejuvenate article's stain repellency and processes for making and using such compositions. Such article may be a textile product.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fabric treatment compositions comprising at least one cationic polymer and at least one anionic polymer, wherein at least one of these two polymers is a silicone polymer, and wherein said composition forms a coacervate phase.

Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine having a drying function is disclosed. The method for controlling the washing machine having a drying function includes: a) dehydrating laundry if a command for performing a drying operation is inputted by a user; and b) drying the laundry after the dehydrating step. The dehydrating step a) includes: measuring time until a rotational velocity of a drum reaches a predetermined velocity; calculating an amount of the laundry based on the measured time; determining a dehydration velocity and dehydration time according to the calculated amount of the laundry; and rotating the drum at the dehydration velocity for the dehydration time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for simultaneously sublimating two or more sublimation dyes on the opposite sides of a single-layer fabric and a single layer, double-side garment produced thereby. The method and system includes the preparation of compatible top and bottom sublimation transfer sheets, as well as the use and selection of varying temperatures for the top and bottom panels of a double-sided sublimation printing machine. The product produced by this method and system is a double-sided, single layer garment which is light weight, extremely versatile, aesthetically appealing and less costly to manufacture than other double-sided garments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in constructing a bridge comprised of a superstructure and a substructure that supports the superstructure and is comprised of foundations and piers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of a truss structure, a trolley that is supported by the truss structure and used to move materials used to build the bridge along at least a portion of the truss, a support structure for supporting the truss structure, and rotatable lead that can receive a substructure related element from the trolley and be used to rotate the element to a desired position to further the construction of the bridge.

Abstract: One primary application of this device is to clamp a cylindrical shaft such that it will not rotate in a housing. This technology may also be used to clamp shafts of various cross sectional shapes to keep them from moving axially. The basic idea is to remove, using ordinary machine tools or the like, portions of the housing that surround the shaft leaving thin areas that act as hinges. The housing may not be cut all the way through so that the hinged or moving portion of the housing that exerts the clamping force is contiguous with the rest of the housing. In most of these examples, a series of three or four hinges lie upon a straight line. Applying force in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, toward the shaft, in the middle of this hinged portion allows that part of the housing to move very slightly. It is assumed that the housing and shaft will be a close fit so that only a slight amount of movement of the moving part of the housing will be required to clamp the shaft.

Abstract: The swimming pool cleaning device is a submergible structure for drawing water from a tank, such as a swimming pool, to be cleaned, and further for cleaning a submerged surface of the tank, such as the swimming pool floor. The swimming pool cleaning device includes a pair of suction tubes, which communicate with a pressurized source, such as a pump, to suck water from the swimming pool for cleaning and later return to the swimming pool. A flapper valve controls entry of water into the suction tubes, alternating water flow between one tube and the other. The oscillatory flow between the two suction tubes imparts horizontal momentum to the swimming pool cleaning device, allowing the swimming pool cleaning device to travel along a surface of the pool without further user-provided motive force.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviating weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage conditions.

Abstract: An improved cleaning tool is provided with a flexible connection between the head or spindle and the handle. The improved tool broadly includes a spindle or head, a handle and a flexible connection between the head and handle to permit relative pivotal movement therebetween and rubber bumpers to protect against scratching furniture. The flexible connection regulates relative movement between the spindle head in such a way that lateral movement is greater than the up and down movement.

Abstract: A cleaning device for infant and toddler drinking cups. The device is configured in such a manner as to allow a thorough cleaning of “sippy cup” lids, including tiny apertures and hard to reach crevices which cannot be cleaned by ordinary brushes or sponges. The device is composed of two parts. On one end of the device is a flat, oblong tip on which a disposable sponge has been placed. The sponge can be used to clean the inside of a sippy cup lid, such as the mouthpiece. The other end consists of a flexible, curved tip with a pointed end, which can reach into and scrape clean small apertures and crevices, such as the inside of a flow intake valve of a sippy cup lid. The curved tip also includes as disposable sponge for additional cleaning. The cleaning device includes replacement sponges, allowing the device to be used on an ongoing basis.

Abstract: An oral care implement has one or more components, such as a handle or a gripping portion thereof, prepared from an elastomeric propylene-ethylene copolymer. The elastomeric copolymer provides a comfortable and non-slippery gripping surface in a variety of conditions, including both wet and dry environments, and also provides flexible characteristics which are particularly well suited for hinged handle designs.

Abstract: An extendible cleaner rod includes a fixed coupler for attaching to a base tube and having a sleeve member extended from a base portion, the sleeve member includes one or more slots to form one or more blades, the blades each includes an inclined surface, an extending tube is engaged into the sleeve member of the fixed coupler, and a rotatable coupler is engaged onto the sleeve member and includes one or more protrusions each having an inclined surface for engaging with the inclined surface of the blades and for forcing the fixed coupler and the extending tube together. The rotatable coupler may be limited to rotate relative to the fixed coupler and will not be over-rotated relative to the fixed coupler.

Abstract: A core for a cleaning sponge roller and a cleaning sponge roller set include a core and a cleaning sponge roller mounted on the core. The core for the cleaning sponge roller is in a substantially cylindrical shape including a bore extending in an axial direction and a plurality of small holes communicating between the bore and a circumferential outer surface of the core. The diameter of the bore is 10 mm or more. The diameter of the small holes is 2.5 mm or more. A total of cross-sectional areas of openings of all the small holes is larger than a cross-sectional area of the bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for a hand trowel handle with adjustable rotational angle on the grasping section. The hand trowel is composed of a blade, a connecting section and a grasping section. The connecting section uses its base to connect with the tongue on the blade. The structure for the grasping section with adjustable rotational angle features mainly in the radiant toothed rings at the front end of the grasping section and at the supporting end of the connecting section. When the grasping section is worn on the shaft in the center if the radiant toothed ring of the connecting section, the grasping section can be tightened or loosened through the adjustment knob, the spring and the shaft in the accomodating hole. Thus, the rotational angle between the grasping section and the shaft can be adjusted.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device (10) especially for a motor vehicle is proposed. Said device is comprised essentially of a plate-shaped base (12), on which a drive unit (18), a wiper bearing (14) and a retaining element (26) are arranged. In accordance with the invention, the plate-shaped base (12) is provided with predetermined breaking points (36).

Abstract: A dustpan has a dustpan receptacle, a handle and a novel latching mechanism, which enables the dustpan receptacle to be latched in a horizontal position for a waste pick up and unlatched by hand or foot in a vertically extended position for a direct waste disposal and easier storage. The novel latching mechanism has two latching members interacting with each other and connecting the dustpan receptacle to the handle. Compared to dustpans in the prior art, the present dustpan is less fatiguing to use, and easier to construct and repair.

Abstract: A holding member for facilitating the cleaning of optical components includes two end walls and at least two spaced plates. The two end walls face toward each other. One of the two end walls defines at least one through slot. The at least two spaced plates are held between the two end walls and define at least one pair of respective inner surfaces. Each respective pair of inner surfaces has a pair of corresponding elongated grooves defined therein along a longitudinal direction thereof. Each slot communicates with a respective pair of elongated grooves. In particular, each such through slot and the respective pair of elongated grooves associated therewith are cooperatively aligned with one another in a manner so as to direct the optical components into the respective pair of corresponding elongated grooves.

Abstract: The self-propelled sweeper with electrical steering comprises a frame suitable for receiving the refuse container (13), waste collection and suction members (2; 4, 6), a suction and filtering unit, a driving position in the cabin (16) of the machine equipped with steer control members, and has the steer actuator of these members consisting of an electric motor (22). The sweeper also has the front steering axle (5) supported by arms of the suspension (20, 21) of which the upper ones (21) are arranged at a higher level than the maximum height of the wheel (18) of the same axle, the steer linkages (24, 25, 28) are also arranged at said upper-level; in the same way the lower arms (20) are shaped to receive said inner wheel in the position of maximum curvature; moreover, said container (13) is housed on a U-shaped plan rear axle (9).

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.