Abstract: A thumb protector for providing, inter alia, additional protection for a user's thumb.

Abstract: Laminated fabric panels and a method of assembling such panels. A garment, for example, is made of first and second parts assembled to one another by superimposing the first part and the second part so that their inner surfaces face one another; welding the two parts along a weld line; flattening the two parts, the weld line being arranged on the outer side; applying a reinforcement strip to the welding line on the outer side of the garment.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a child's sleeper containing an aperture in the back to provide access for an adult's hand, to allow caregivers to slip their hand inside the back of the sleeper to pat, scratch, rub or touch a child's back directly, thus providing comfort to the child in a manner that is ergonomic to the caregiver. The opening provides access for the caregiver's hand but easily and quietly closes back again when the caregiver's hand is removed so that the child is not disturbed. Traditional children's sleepers do not contain a back aperture, and the parent or caregiver must either comfort the child through a layer of fabric, or use the back of the opening at the top of the garment, which is designed for the child's head, to place his or her hand directly on the child's back.

Abstract: A main body cloth including a crotch part that covers at least a part extending from ventral to hip, a first band-like elastic member is attached to a part extending from the upper end of the main body cloth onto hip to the upper ends at the main body cloth at positions respectively locating onto ilium crests in both sides. Then, second band-like elastic members are attached to a part extending from the upper ends of the main body cloth locating at positions onto ilium crests in both sides to positions in the vicinity of the both sides of public through inside the respective positions onto upper foregut bone spurs in both sides such that the distal ends of the elastic members are attached at a preset distance to each other.

Abstract: A garment is provided which may be worn by a child, and easily adapted for use in a carrier. A child wearing the garment can be rapidly placed into a carrier, e.g., car seat without accumulating materials between the child and the car seat straps. A method is also provided for use of the garment.

Abstract: A thermoregulated recreational garment includes a front pouch with side entry openings for warming or resting the hands therein during periods of inactivity, a front pocket located behind the front pouch, and two side ventilation openings. The two side ventilation openings are adapted for quick venting and cooling of the body, typically after periods of strenuous activity when a lot of body heat is built up inside the garment. The torso section also can include long sleeves with extended cuffs and thumb holes to allow the user to slide their thumbs therethrough so that the cuffs cover the user's wrists during cold weather outdoor activities. The front pocket is adapted to hold an audio device, and typically an opening such as a grommet or eyelet is fitted through the back wall of the front pocket to provide access for headphone wires.

Abstract: Car Seat Slip Sleep and Outer Wear is a traditional sleep sack with an opening for passage of a safety strap. To use Car Seat Slip Sleep and Outer Wear, a user places the baby inside the garment and secures any flaps in place. When it is time to put the baby in the car seat, the flaps on the front and back of the garment, if present, can be undone, revealing the opening in the center of the garment. The baby is then positioned within the garment such that the opening can be utilized to secure the baby inside a car seat. The center strap of the car seat can be placed through the opening and between the baby's legs to secure the child in the car seat.

Abstract: An exercise mitt removably wearable on a person's hand or foot extremity during fitness activity of the kind involving the exertion of pressure by a portion of such an extremity on an external support surface. The mitt includes an expanse of compressible, elastomeric, frictioning fabric material possessing resistance to slippage, and having opposite, inner and outer surface portions. The inner surface portion is adapted to contact such an extremity portion with the mitt worn by a person for use, and the outer surface portion, under the same worn-for-use condition, is adapted to contact such an external support surface. The inner and outer surface portions are defined by evenly contoured, continuity surfaces which are interrupted by a distribution of plural, spaced, through-expanse apertures which open to the expanse's opposite surface portions, and which have full perimeters to which the associated, adjacent continuity surfaces fully extend.

Abstract: A protective glove includes a coating of dehydrated material on its inside surface. The dehydrated material, in contact with perspiration from a hand wearing the glove, soothes the hand. Some methods of placing the coating onto the inside surface of the glove include spraying or dipping with a solution that includes Aloe Vera.

Abstract: A headpiece for use on a surgical patient being subjected to at least one specific site surgical procedure comprising a body portion defining an interior volume for receiving at least a portion of the patient's head, the body portion having an edge at least partially defining an opening for receiving the portion of the patient's head and a sign on the headpiece identifying at least one specific surgical site, e.g., right side, on the patient where the surgical procedure is to be performed.

Abstract: A protective hood is provided for covering at least a portion of a wearer's head. The hood includes an upper head covering section, a posterior head covering section, a neck covering section and an anterior head covering section. The anterior head covering section includes a window through which a portion of the wearer's face is exposed. The hood also includes an expansion gap which permits the wearer's head to pass through the window.

Abstract: A protective hood is provided for covering at least a portion of a wearer's head. The hood includes an upper head covering section, a posterior head covering section, a neck covering section and an anterior head covering section. The anterior head covering section includes a window through which a portion of the wearer's face is exposed. The window is adjustable from a first position to a second position, exposing different portions of the wearer's face.

Abstract: The present invention provides mascot type storage shorts that are compact at time of carrying, enable sanitary storage, and have excellent fashionability. The present invention is configured such that a mascot-shaped body (3) is sewed or otherwise attached to any one of the front panel, rear panel or waist portion of a shorts main body (2), and the shorts main body can be stored through a storage port (35) provided on the rear surface of the mascot-shaped body. The mascot-shaped body is produced in a mascot in the shape of a doll, flower, animal or other motif, and in consideration of convenience at time of carrying, locking means (60) enables the mascot type storage shorts to be hung from a key holder or the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective helmet comprising a shell (1) whereon are rotatably mounted a visor (2) and a chin strap (3), the lower portion of the visor (2) being urged to rest on a zone (4) of the chin strap (3) when they are lowered and the chin strap (3) capable of being raised about the visor (2). The invention is characterized in that the helmet is such that it comprises additional means for moving the visor (2) configured to bring its lower edge closer to or move it away from the raising trajectory of the support zone (4) on the chin strap (3).

Abstract: Goggles include a lens frame and connection arms for a wearing belt. The connection arms are provided respectively at right and left parts on a side of a front surface of the lens frame. Each of the connection arms is selectively kept in a state that the arm overlaps and rests on the front surface of the lens frame, or in a state that the arm stays at a position with a space from the front surface of the lens frame after having moved rotationally on its inner end from the front surface of the lens frame outwardly. The goggles provide a preferable fitted comfortability to a wearer's face regardless of whether he uses a helmet or not and regardless of the thickness of the inner liner of the helmet.

Abstract: A toilet clog removal device comprised of a collapsible high volume bellows that fits between a toilet seat and the rim of a toilet bowel. When a bellows is compressed with the toilet seat a positive pressure is generated in the toilet bowl and the clogging materials are pushed down. The bellows will also flush most of the water from a toilet, leaving a small amount of water in the toilet bowl allowing a toilet cleaner to be less diluted and thus more effective in cleaning a toilet. After use the bellows may be collapsed by twisting and folding for convenient storage.

Abstract: A flush actuation assembly for flushing a urinal or a toilet, the flush actuation assembly comprising a housing a sensor assembly rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein the sensor assembly detects the presence/absence of a user in a target area and transmits a flush signal based on said detecting a flushing assembly, operatively coupled to the sensor assembly, for receiving the flush signal and causing the flushing of the urinal or toilet; wherein the sensor assembly is rotatable relative to the housing for detecting the presence/absence of a user in differing target areas.

Abstract: A portable collapsible sauna system that includes a flexible collapsible lightweight shell that cooperates with a flexurally resilient frame to define an interior volume sufficiently large to receive a person therein, preferably in a seated position. A steamer generates steam which is communicated into the interior volume. The frame is preferably comprised of flexurally resilient, shape-memory elements that permit the structure to collapse into a compact position for traveling and storage.

Abstract: A jet face for a jet has a plurality of detents configured to aid gripping the face for rotational operation. The jet face can also include a mounting coupling to accept a removable element. The removable element can be configured as a ring-shaped element, and the coupling a groove sized to accept the element.

Abstract: A padded shower seat for use when showering, the shower seat comprising a seat element having one or more openings therein, and a padded element engaged with the seat element, the padded element including one or more integrally formed projections push-fit received in a respective said opening and at least one reinforcing element associated with at least one said projection for preventing or inhibiting unintentional disengagement of the padded element from the seat element, or damage to the padded element, during lateral urging of the padded element parallel to the seat element. A water-resistant padded element and a reinforcing element are also provided.

Abstract: A non-flexible floor covering adaptor is provided for use with a shower tray (10) having a peripheral trough (18) and means for engaging flexible floor covering material in the trough (18). The adaptor (30) comprises a first profiled portion (32) locatable in the trough (18) of the shower tray (10); a second profiled portion (34) which matches or substantially matches a peripheral edge of the shower tray (10), and a floor flange (36) for engagement with non-flexible floor covering material, such as tiles or boards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recirculating shower system comprising a shower head 22, a circuit configured to recirculate at least part of the used water to the shower head, a heater 18 included in the circuit for heating the recycled water to a temperature at which micro organisms in the water are killed and a heat exchanger 16 arranged to exchange heat between the water flowing towards and away from the heater. The system provides an efficient use of water and energy and also allows a high flow rate of water at a relatively low use of energy and water.

Abstract: A shower cube with shaving buddy is used for sitting while in the shower and resting one's leg on the movable shaving buddy or the like, has a sturdy plastic frame with a rubber gripping base. This sturdy plastic frame has a vinyl cushion seat cover which is able to be lifted up to a 90 degree angle at the hinges in order to release the movable shaving buddy. When the cushion seat is up, a large bath supply storage space is accessible with a rubber coated wire base insert. The movable shaving buddy has a rounded vinyl cushion leg rest for easier shaving of ones legs. The shaving buddy also has 2 drawers with rubber coated wire drawer inserts used to store smaller bath and shower storage needs.

Abstract: A sink setting cross-member supports a non-linear sink support surface relative to a support structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-member includes a first bracket portion at a first bracket end, and a second bracket portion at a second bracket end. A support portion is disposed between the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion.

Abstract: A soft-feel plumbing fixture having a rigid internal structure encased by a generally “soft-feel” protective coating. Depending upon fixture style, the rigid internal structure can be a fluid conduit or valve stem. The “soft-feel” protective coating can be applied over an intermediate support structure that functions to separate the rigid internal structure from direct physical contact with the soft-feel protective coating. The soft-feel protective coating protects a user from potential injury as a result of falls or other accidents which can cause the user to accidentally bump or fall upon the plumbing fixture. Representative soft-feel plumbing fixtures can include single-handle faucets, wide spread and center-set faucets, sink spouts, tub spouts, handles, shower heads and the like. The soft-feel protective coating can be applied over the intermediate support structure so as to resemble decorative themes, animals, dinosaurs, mascots, fictional characters, sporting equipment and the like.

Abstract: The rinsing device comprises a flexible connecting pipe which at one end is connected to a connecting element which may be attached to a fitting and at the other end bears a spray head with an actuating lever. The spray head is held on a holder, which protrudes outwardly from the connecting element. The connecting pipe comprises a flexible water feed pipe which is surrounded by a casing element, which is formed by a single spiral tension spring consisting of one piece. Said spiral tension spring consists of a first upright spring portion having a straight spring axis, a second curved spring portion attached thereto and a third, similarly upright spring portion having a straight spring axis, which is attached to the second spring portion. A tube-shaped protective casing extends around the casing element which protects the casing element from soiling.

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 pipe extending from the upper overflow drain to the lower drain.

Abstract: A collapsible structure is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The collapsible structure includes a plurality of collapsible scissor assemblies. Each scissor assembly includes a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member at a first pivot point. Frame members of adjacent scissor assemblies are coupled to a first connector assembly or a second connector assembly. A support assembly is coupled to a first scissor assembly and includes a member pivotally coupled at a first end to the first connector assembly or the first frame member and slidably coupled at an opposing second end to the second frame member.

Abstract: A folding play yard includes a collapsible play yard frame movable between a retracted stored position and a deployed position, wherein the frame defines a baby receiving portion in the deployed position with a floor and bordering side walls around the periphery of the floor, wherein the frame includes a plurality of corner posts forming at least a portion of a support for the side walls with the play yard in the deployed position, wherein the corner posts are constructed to remain substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the play yard as the play yard moves between the closed and the open position.

Abstract: Sleeping compartment support assemblies and methods of driving the same are disclosed to selectively provide reciprocating motion to a sleeping enclosure. An example sleeping compartment support has a drive mechanism that utilizes a rotary motor and a slider crank assembly to generate substantially planar motion in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: A pair of identical pressure applying members for use in treating pain in the sciatic nerve of a person, the members each consisting of a cylindrical bottom section and a conical top section extending upwardly from the top of the cylindrical section. The height of each member is about two and one half inches with the diameter being about two and one quarter inches and with the height of the bottom section being about one quarter of the height of the member. The members are adapted to be placed under a person lying on a flat horizontal surface with one member under the buttock of the person on the side of the person where the pain is and the other member under the knee of the person on the same side.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base and a plurality of hollow cells coupled to the base. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a substantially planar lower surface and an opposite upper surface. The second layer includes a substantially planar lower surface and an opposite substantially planar upper surface. The hollow cells extend outwardly from the first layer upper surface within at least one region. Each of the cells within the first region are coupled together in flow communication. Each of the cells includes a hollow body portion and an outer surface. The cells are spaced across the base such that the cell outer surfaces cooperate to define a contoured seat configured to cradle a portion of a user. An outer surface of at least some of the cells is at least one of oriented obliquely with respect to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air mat that reduces the number of manufacturing processes by means of rotational molding, while preventing the generation of defective products, to a device for molding an air mat, and to an air mat manufactured and molded by the method and device. In a method for manufacturing an air mat formed in such a manner as to integrally couple a cushion part having a plurality of air bags arranged therein for containing air at the insides thereof with a plate-shaped lower sheet disposed on the lower surface of the cushion part, the method includes the steps of: preparing a lower mold having a plurality of air bag molding recesses having given depths arranged at given intervals thereon, for molding the cushion part of the air mat.

Abstract: A washable leather having durable oil repellency, durable stain release, and durable water repellency is disclosed and a method of its preparation comprising contacting the leather during tanning with a composition which comprises at least one fluorinated urethane; at least one fluorinated ester; a mixture thereof; or a mixture of at least one fluorinated citrate urethane with at least one fluorinated urethane, at least one fluorinated ester, or a mixture of fluorinated urethane and fluorinated ester.

Abstract: A highly anti-deodorizing cleansing and aiding agent for washing clothing articles, wherein the aiding agent comprises active principles including alpha and beta hydroxy acid and aliphatic alcohol esters having anti-deodorizing properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to washing apparatus and washing method, more particularly, a washing apparatus of a new structure, and a washing method thereof, which enables not to leave out pieces of laundry sensing of which is not possible, or not sensed yet among pieces of laundry introduced to an inside of a drum, and which makes automatic sensing and providing properties of pieces of laundry introduced to the inside of the drum for a user to make reference in setting operation.

Abstract: A commercial laundry system is disclosed. The commercial laundry system includes a plurality of laundry machines that independently perform washing and/or drying, a plurality of receiving devices provided at the respective laundry machines for receiving a signal, and a single payment device for transmitting a signal for use permission to the receiving device of any one of the laundry machines and separately controlling authorities to use the laundry machines.

Abstract: A control method for a commercial washing machine that is capable of reducing washing time unnecessarily wasted during a washing or rinsing operation in which a water supplying process, a washing or rinsing process, a draining process, and a spin-drying process are repeatedly performed according to a corresponding course, the washing or rinsing operation being carried out before a main spin-drying operation, thereby improving the economy of the commercial washing machine is disclosed. The control method includes detecting the amount of laundry after the completion of a draining process, detecting the eccentricity of a drum and determining whether the eccentricity of the drum has been resolved by rotating the drum at an eccentricity detecting RPM after the step of detecting the amount of laundry, and performing a spin drying process with the drum being rotated at different RPMs depending upon the determination as to whether the eccentricity of the drum has been resolved.

Abstract: Novel laccases, nucleic acid sequences encoding such laccases, and vectors and host cells for expressing the laccases are described. The novel laccase enzymes may be employed in conjunction with mediators to provide an improved method for bleaching denim fabrics.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for the oxidative or non-oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, compositions for the simultaneously lightening and coloring of keratin fibers or compositions for the bleaching of keratin fibers, comprising an anionic acrylic thickener obtained by polymerization of (i) 5 to 95 molar percent of at least one monomer performing a weak acid function, and of (ii) 5 to 95 molar percent of at least one monomer performing a strong acid function, wherein such composition exhibits a fraction of water-soluble polymers ranging from 5 to 50 percent by weight of the total polymer, as well as the use of the above anionic acrylic thickener to thicken compostions for the oxidative or non-oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, compositions for the simultaneously lightening and coloring of keratin fibers or compositions for the bleaching of keratin fibers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new dissymmetrical cationic polyazo compounds of formula (I) Dye1-L-Dye2. The present invention also relates to dye compositions comprising such compounds as direct dye in a medium that is suitable for dyeing keratin fibres, and also to a process for dyeing keratin fibres using this composition and a multi-compartment device. The present invention provides direct dyes with which strong and varied shades that are resistant to external attacking factors such as bad weather and shampooing, for which there is no observation of any problem of change in colour over time.

Abstract: This invention relates to unsubstituted and polymeric leuco colorants for use as consumer product additives to indicate a product function by color change, to make attractive or distinctive visual effects, or to provide latent or delayed color generation. The colorants may be present in a stable, colorless state and may be transformed to an intense colored state upon exposure to certain physical or chemical changes. Alternatively, the colorants may be transformed from one color to another color upon exposure to certain physical or chemical changes. The colored form of the unsubstituted or polymeric leuco colorant may be transient, since the colorant can revert back to its colorless form or its original color after the physical or chemical activation has been removed or changed. Polymeric leuco colorants are typically comprised of at least two components: at least one leuco chromophore component and at least one polymeric component.

Abstract: This invention relates to unsubstituted and polymeric leuco colorants for use as consumer product additives to indicate a product function by color change, to make attractive or distinctive visual effects, or to provide latent or delayed color generation. The colorants may be present in a stable, colorless state and may be transformed to an intense colored state upon exposure to certain physical or chemical changes. Alternatively, the colorants may be transformed from one color to another color upon exposure to certain physical or chemical changes. The colored form of the unsubstituted or polymeric leuco colorant may be transient, since the colorant can revert back to its colorless form or its original color after the physical or chemical activation has been removed or changed. Polymeric leuco colorants are typically comprised of at least two components: at least one leuco chromophore component and at least one polymeric component.

Abstract: Dye mixtures including the dyes of the general formula (I) and dyes of the general formula (II) where R1 to R3, A, W and M are each as defined in claim 1, their preparation and their use for dyeing or printing hydroxyl- and/or carboxamido-containing material, preferably fiber material.

Abstract: This invention relates to unsubstituted and polymeric leuco colorants for use as consumer product additives to indicate a product function by color change, to make attractive or distinctive visual effects, or to provide latent or delayed color generation. The colorants may be present in a stable, colorless state and may be transformed to an intense colored state upon exposure to certain physical or chemical changes. Alternatively, the colorants may be transformed from one color to another color upon exposure to certain physical or chemical changes. The colored form of the unsubstituted or polymeric leuco colorant may be transient, since the colorant can revert back to its colorless form or its original color after the physical or chemical activation has been removed or changed. Polymeric leuco colorants are typically comprised of at least two components: at least one leuco chromophore component and at least one polymeric component.

Abstract: The present invention provides 6-azo-5,5?-dihydroxy-7,7?-disulfo-2,2?-dinaphthylamine derivatives, their use as dyes, dyed paper and formulations comprising them.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: A fascine is formed by an assembly of inflatable elongate members (10, 11). There may be some members that are tubes (11) and others that are pipes (10) with the tubes (11) being of smaller diameter than the pipes (10) and forming a trackway above the pipes (10) when the fascine is deployed. The members have inflatable chambers and an inflation system (20) for inflating the chamber. The inflation system (20) is located within the chamber.

Abstract: A large resisting distortion and modularized comb-type bridge expansion joint, comprises at least two modules located parallel in the direction of a bridge's width, and each module includes a fixed comb plate (2) and a movable comb plate (1), which are respectively disposed on girders located at the two sides of the bridge expansion joint, said movable comb plate (1) crosses over the bridge expansion joint, both of said fixed comb plate (2) and said movable comb plate (1) have a plurality of comb teeth (22), (11) at their opposite ends, and the comb teeth (11) of said movable comb plate (1) interdigitate with the comb teeth (22) of said fixed comb plate (2) characterized in that the root of said movable comb plate (1) rotatably joints with a seat (5) fixed on the girders, and the comb teeth (22) of said fixed comb plate (2) rotatably joints with the root of said fixed comb plate (2), while, the middle of the comb teeth (22) of said fixed comb plate (2) is movably set on an underlay (6) fixed on the girders an

Abstract: A toothbrush apparatus includes a power source coupled to a light source for illuminating the oral cavity of the user to aid in the tooth cleaning process and prevent damage from inaccurate brushing. The light source is arranged away from the bristles and directs light towards the free ends of the bristles to aid the user in identifying areas of the teeth that may need more cleaning. In this manner, the user can more accurately clean all areas and prevent damage to the surrounding gum tissue, while directing appropriate brushing strokes to areas where food debris and plaque are present. The toothbrush may be provided in a manual or automatic version.