Abstract: A protective glove having an elastic substrate, a first pad segment attached to the elastic substrate, and a second pad segment attached to the elastic substrate independently from the first pad segment. The elastic substrate can be disposed over an area intended to substantially cover a forearm, a wrist, a back of a hand, a finger, and/or a thumb of a user wearing the glove. The elastic substrate can be stretchable in different directions and to different degrees in the areas around each pad segment, thereby enabling independent movement of the individually attached pad segments to accommodate any number of contours and flex points. Other embodiments provide methods for manufacturing a protective glove having independent pads.

Abstract: The purpose for the smoker's bib is to keep smokers from burning their clothes while driving with the air conditioner on. The smoker's bib will be made from a light weight and anti-flammable material which will not cause a fire. The smoker's bib will fit around the neck (attached with Velcro) and cover the front of your outfit from the neck to the knees. This smoker's bib will be one size fits all.

Abstract: In one example embodiment of the present invention, the user carries a backpack, which holds the cape inside, until the user requires the cold weather garment. To use the cold weather garment, the user removes the cape from the bag, places the user's feet in the bag and wraps the cape around the user's body. In other embodiments, the cape may be designed to wrap about the users body and at least a portion of the users legs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a player's outfit for teams playing ball games, especially soccer, rugby, handball, or basketball. Said outfit comprises a top part and shorts, the top part and the shorts being embodied as a single piece. In order to obtain an increased level of comfort while making the outfit easy to handle and esthetically appealing, the player's outfit further comprises a piece that is worn over the shorts and is or can be joined to the shorts and/or the top part.

Abstract: A garment outer shell and liner system including a garment outer shell and a first liner having first protective properties and having a protruding portion. The system further includes a second liner having second protective properties differing from the first protective properties and having a protruding portion. Each liner is adapted to fit within, and is removably securable to, the outer shell. Each protruding portion is arranged to protrude from the outer shell when the respective liner is secured within the outer shell. At least a portion of the protruding portion of the first liner is a first color so as to indicate the first protective properties, and at least a portion of the protruding portion of the second liner is a second color so as to indicate the second protective properties.

Abstract: A garment system is provided for use as a weather protective garment and padded seat cushion while sitting. The garment system can include a protective garment that carries a garment pouch within a rear panel of the protective garment, for stowing the protective garment when not in use. A padded cushion can be carried by the garment pouch so that it is positioned within the rear panel, thus protecting the cushion from the weather and aligning it for use when sitting. A hand warmer can be used by a spectator to cheer on a team or other event participant. The spectator can secure the hand warmer to a wrist and wave or otherwise move the hand warmer in a supportive manner.

Abstract: A glove made from a narrow strap of material, which at a minimum loops around the thumb and one finger. The glove forms a “web” between the thumb and the fingers. The web width can be fixed or adjustable and the strap-glove can be worn over a bare hand or over the top of a conventional glove.

Abstract: A head scarf, formed of a main body and a lining, has a crown for covering a wearer's head and a tail that is adapted to hang down from the rear of the crown. The lining has front and rear margin areas attached to the main body. In a central longitudinal plane of the scarf, the length of fabric between the front and rear margin areas is greater, by a differential amount, than the linear distance between the front and rear margin areas to enhance the ability of the scarf to conform to the shape of a wearer's head. Corresponding differential amounts exist in longitudinal planes parallel to and spaced from the central longitudinal plane, and they decrease progressively from a maximum near the central longitudinal plane to about zero in longitudinal planes most distant from the central longitudinal plane. The front margin area of the lining is attached to the front margin area of the body by a convex line of stitching that establishes the differential amounts.

Abstract: A self-constricting loop in a hat, headband, or other headwear restrains a ponytail by constricting when the loop is under tension. The loop is created from a gap in the lower edge of an article of headwear. The portion of the gap nearest the lower edge has overlapping tails mutually attached along the lower edge, leaving an opening offset from the lower edge. When the lower edge is not under tension, the opening can be expanded in area by spreading the opening while the lower edge twists. When a ponytail is drawn through the expanded loop and the headwear is placed on a head, the lower edge is straightened, forcing the opening to constrict, thereby restraining the ponytail.

Abstract: A soccer sock woven from Lycra/Spandex has a protective pad sewn into the sock, or in a pocket defined in the upper metatarsal prominence area of the sock, to provide protection for the wearer's foot. A tongue portion protects the metatarsal area, and wing portions protect his/her ankle joint. The pad is of closed cell polyurethane foam, and is 3 to 6 millimeters in thickness.

Abstract: A head protection system is disclosed herein. The system may comprise a helmet having a rigid exterior shell and a padded interior. A shoulder cuff may be disposable over left and right shoulders of the wearer. A plurality of pistons may be attached to the helmet and the shoulder cuff. Each of the pistons may be fluidly connected to each other through a tube and ultimately to a reservoir. The tube may have a small inner diameter to provide resistance to movement of the pistons during rapid deceleration or acceleration of the helmet with respect to the wearer's body.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to an automated sanitary toilet seat system with a quick connect/disconnect cable. The system includes a sanitary toilet seat assembly having a toilet seat with a first end and a second end, a tubular sheet adapted to be conveyed from the first end to a take-up shaft proximate the second end, and a motor for operatively driving the take-up shaft to advance the tubular plastic in a travel direction. The system also includes a first electrical cable coupled at one end to the toilet seat assembly. A first connector is provided on the other end of the first cable. The system further includes a second electrical cable connected at one end to a power source and providing a second connector at the opposite end. The first and second connectors are detachably coupled so that the toilet seat assembly can be operatively connected to the power source while facilitating rapid disconnection of the toilet seat assembly for maintenance or replacement.

Abstract: A toilet fill valve having a mechanism for preventing leakage from a tank of the toilet between flush cycles. The mechanism includes links that are normally locked to prevent the fill valve from opening. The links are operatively connected to a handle of the toilet such that the links are unlocked and allow the fill valve to open only when the handle of the toilet is purposely operated to initiate a flush cycle. Otherwise, the links do not allow the fill valve to open even if water leaks from the tank and causes a float of the fill valve to be lowered.

Abstract: A toilet assembly (10) comprising a bowl (14), a toilet seat, a hinge (16, 18) that is mounted on the bowl and that pivotally supports the toilet seat for movement between raised and lowered positions, the hinge (18) having therein a bore, a tank (24) mounted on the rear of the bowl, the tank adapted to contain water for flushing the toilet and having flushing apparatus for causing the water in the tank to flow into the bowl, a latch bolt (32) extending through the hinge bore, the latch bolt including a member engageable with the toilet seat to move the toilet seat from its raised position toward its lowered position, the latch bolt further including a catch lever and a spring biasing the catch lever upwardly, a release lever mounted on the latch bolt for movement between a catch position and a release position, the release lever moving from its catch position to its release position in response to flushing of the toilet, and a nut threaded onto the latch bolt (32) to secure the hinge (18) to the bowl (14).

Abstract: Described here are flush valves for delivering a selected amount of water from a toilet tank into a toilet bowl, particularly collapsible flush valves having substantial durability and resistance to wear and deleterious chemicals. These flush valves have a collapsible member extending from above the surface of the water in the toilet tank to the tank outlet in the normal (closed flush valve) state. Collapsing the flush valve allows water to flow into the toilet bowl through the flush valve until the toilet tank is drained to the level of the collapsed flush valve and buoyancy is restored. Flush valves may be made of a material that does not substantially deteriorate in the presence of halogen-containing toilet disinfectants, and the outer surface (the water contacting surface) of the flush valves may be a single continuous piece.

Abstract: A fluid control circuit system is capable of maintaining fluid within a fluid tank at a desired level using electronic sensors and control circuitry, where the control circuitry and actuators are configured for low power consumption, thus allowing operation to be powered by a self contained internal power supply. To provide appropriate fluid control, the system includes a fluid sensor indicating if fluid is at a predetermined level, control circuitry attached to the fluid sensor, a latching solenoid attached to the control circuitry and also attached to a fluid control valve, and an internal power supply to power all electrical components.

Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure that can be selectively moved from a raised position to a lowered position such that when the enclosure is in the raised position it provides a privacy enclosure or for housing a temporary restroom facility. When the enclosure is in the lowered position, it is easily stackable for transportation and storage. The new enclosure is entirely self-contained with no loose pieces or part that need to be assembled. The installation can be performed by a single individual with a minimal number of tools, or possibly no tools at all. The collapsible enclosure includes a top section that has a roof, a top wall member, and a top door panel, a middle section that has a middle wall member and a middle door panel, and a bottom section that has a base, a bottom wall member, and a bottom door panel.

Abstract: A portable plastic resin restroom has an expanded interior space while maintaining a footprint with a standard depth dimension facilitating transport of the structure with conventional equipment. The depth dimension corresponds to that of conventional “utility” sized portable restrooms, and increased interior space is achieved by providing a width dimension half again as big. Its base has two or more runners, at least two of which are spaced at another industry standard dimension for transport equipment used to haul utility sized structures.

Abstract: The fluid return jet fitting and face plate includes a removable face plate for covering the outwardly-facing or exposed surface of a fluid nozzle body flange, cap, eyeball fitting, or the like. The device includes a body portion for covering the flange or cap, and at least one pin projecting from a rear surface of the body portion that is movable into and out of alignment with a corresponding slot disposed on the flange or cap, the slot defining an opening therethrough to cause the face plate to be retained in, or released from, engagement with the flange. The face plates exposed surfaces have a decorative theme design, such as a glow-in-the-dark starfish, sea shell, sand dollar, turtle, or the like to coordinate with an aquatic environment as presented by a swimming pool, a wading pool, jacuzzi or the like.

Abstract: A manifold device for a multi-jet pool fixture includes a central chamber having a jet interface surface. An inlet in fluid communication with the central chamber allows fluid to flow into the central chamber and out a plurality of openings disposed in the jet interface surface. An outlet in fluid communication with the central chamber allows water to flow out of the central chamber.

Abstract: A pumped waste (10) for a shower comprises a sump (12), a waste water inlet (14) through which waste water enters the sump (12), a waste water outlet (16) for connection to a pump for drawing at least a portion of the waste water from the sump (12) through the waste water outlet (16), and a switch device (24) for controlling the pump. The switch device (24) includes a first part (26) which is located on the sump (12), and a second part (28) which is provided externally of the sump (12) in spaced relationship with the first part (26). The second part (28) is spaced from, and positioned at a level below, the waste water inlet (14). The in use first and second parts (26, 28) of the switch device cooperate without physical contact with each other to control the pump based on the level of water in the waste.

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

Abstract: A system and method for repositioning a patient. The system comprises a first layer that is liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. The system also comprises a second layer that has a tensile strength that is greater than the first layer. The tensile strength of the second layer is sufficient to allow the system to lift a person being repositioned. The system also comprises a plurality of handles distributed around the sheet.

Abstract: Foldable and portable playard assemblies with a storage compartment and methods of use thereof are disclosed. An example playard includes a lower frame having a collapsed position and an erected position and an upper frame having a collapsed position and an erected position. The example playard further includes a handle coupled to the lower frame, wherein movement of the handle from a generally horizontal position to a generally upright position causes the lower frame to move between the collapsed position and the erected position.

Abstract: The disclosed changing station may support a small person, such as a baby. The station may comprise a platform, a support structure, and a mounting structure. The platform may be rotatable from a vertical storage position to a horizontal use position along a rotational axis. The support structure may have a rotatable support member that rotates along the rotational axis.

Abstract: The conventional holding mechanism for foldable side rails have such problems that the release lever can be accidentally pressed for release action and that if a double lock is employed for preventing it, automatic holding action cannot be performed.

Abstract: The Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney will provide shock absorption relief through the use of spring, gas, or air shock absorbers mounted within each of the structural support legs of the gurney. This preferred structure will allow for a less traumatizing experience for the hospital patient who is already in physical pain. In use, the patient will lay atop of the Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney during transportation to and from surgery, X-Ray or a variety of other transportation needs. The patient will feel less pain throughout their journey when being rolled over carpeted areas to tile floor areas, anywhere there may be a gap in the flooring, and especially when being moved in and out of an elevator. The Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney shall accomplish a less painful ride throughout the patient's hospital experience along with convenience and safety.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required.

Abstract: A two step platform elevates a standing patient upon a horizontally located chamber for examination of the foot and ankle by radiological methods. The chamber receives a slide that carries an x-ray film beneath a foot of a standing patient. Additionally, the patient stands upon a visually and radiologicaly transparent deck. The deck has one slot for upright positioning and a chamber for horizontal positioning of a radiological film cartridge. The platform of the present invention allows a radiologist to take a radiological image of a patient's foot and ankle from both the side and above.

Abstract: A sleep device for use in a seated position comprises a hollow shaped body formed from a resilient polymer having a plurality of sidewalls extending generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis, a top surface centered about the central axis, the top surface being adapted to receive the chin of a user, a recess intermediate the top surface and the plurality of sidewalls, and an annular bottom edge. A base is formed from the resilient polymer having a bottom surface, a vertical wall extending from the base, and a radial flange. The base is fastened to the body annular bottom edge by for example an adhesive or other suitable fastening means. In some embodiments, the body and base are fastened to create an airtight seam.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of pillows and cushions with spacer fabric, spacer woven fabric and spacer knitted fabric. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Provided is a formable sleep positioner adapted to assume an unformed state and a formed state. In the unformed state the positioner is linearly inclined upwardly from a foot portion to a head portion at an acute angle. In the formed state side portions flair upwardly to form a trough-shaped channel such that the top surface of the sleep positioner has a concave shape with the side portions defining lateral wings that act to resist lateral movement of an infant placed longitudinally on the top surface in the channel.

Abstract: A portable diaper changing pad with a memory foam insert. The diaper changing pad comprises a mat with a panel having a body of memory foam as a cushion. The memory foam insert preferably comprises a raised head rest section. In one embodiment, the diaper changing pad further comprises two side section panels which may be folded over the middle panel. When the side section panels are folded over the middle panel, the diaper changing pad may be rolled and securely closed for easy storage and portability. The diaper changing pad preferably has a terry cloth cover. Other preferred embodiments include a nonskid bottom surface, a storage bag, and accessories, such as toys.

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting a pillow and mattress based upon an empirical measurement of an individual's pillow selection criteria, mattress selection criteria and sleep characteristics. A system incorporating the principles of the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air-inflated mattress, comprising a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, wherein said shroud band connects the top and bottom layers together to form an inflatable bladder. A middle layer below said top layer is partially sealed to the top layer to form a plurality of sealed or half-sealed cavities, in which some or all of said cavities are in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, via a plurality of air vents in the middle layer, creating air-pockets arrayed on the top surface of the air mattress.

Abstract: A double air-inflated mattress having an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the upper chamber having a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, the outer shroud band connecting the top and bottom layers to form an inflatable bladder; a middle layer below said top layer partially sealed to the top layer to form a plurality of sealed or half-sealed cavities, in which some or all of said cavities are in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, the lower chamber having a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, said outer shroud band connecting the top and bottom layers to form an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a mattress with an internal spring array, and the springs of the internal spring array are mounted back to back on a membrane. The mattress also has two cover layers and a frame layer that enclose the internal spring array. The springs of the spring array have support plates connected to a base section via a spring arm.

Abstract: A surface treatment composition comprising at least one saccharide-siloxane copolymer having a saccharide component and an organosiloxane component and linked by a linking group, wherein the saccharide-siloxane copolymer has a specified formula and the surface treatment composition is adapted to provide at least one benefit to a surface to which it is applied, is provided. Dispersions and emulsions comprising the saccharide-siloxane copolymer, and treatment compositions comprising the emulsions and/or dispersions are also provided. The invention further provides methods and articles of manufacture comprising the inventive compositions.

Abstract: Light, self-supporting precast slab that can be quickly assembled on prefabricated girders of the type used in the construction of viaducts, bridges and similar constructions, characterized by projections located in the bottom part to increase the effective edge, thereby giving the bridge larger spans and enabling the installation inside the girder of conduits or pipes with large diameters, enabling it to be handled and transported by road in compliance with current legislation regulating the transporting of large loads. The present invention contributes the major advantage of providing the bridge with larger spans and the possibility of installing conduits or pipes of a larger diameter than the height of the girder on large bridges or viaducts, thereby enabling it to be fitted quickly and the precast slabs to be safely and simply assembled on the girders, while at the same time reducing the weight of the unit through a reduced cross-section, making it easier to transport and fit.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a length adjustable handle with a traditional cleaning device selectively attached to one end and a scuff removal device attached to an opposed end. The traditional cleaning device may be a light or heavy duty broom, wet mop, dust mop, squeegee, or the like. The scuff removal device may include a motor connected to a battery and a scuff removal tip operatively coupled to the motor. When the motor is selectively energized, the tip is caused to vibrate for efficiently removing a scuff mark from a surface. Thus, the cleaning device may be converted from a traditional cleaning tool to a scuff mark removal tool merely by inverting the elongate handle in the user's hands.

Abstract: A vibrating hair brush provides enhanced detangling of user's hair. The brush has a bristle pad comprising a plurality of bristles disposed in a brush head. The bristle pad is supported within the brush head by a vibrating motor and isolator assembly disposed for directing a vibratory movement of the motor to a bristle pad movement in a plane generally parallel to a user's scalp. The motor and isolator assembly effectively translate a circular vibratory movement of the offset weight into an elliptical movement of the bristle pad while insulating the vibration caused by the movement of the weight from a handle of the brush.

Abstract: A toothbrush and toothbrush head with a bristle carrier, on which a bristle section featuring a multitude of filaments is arranged. At least one filament is provided with a taper on its free end with a shape other than a rotationally symmetrical shape to preserve a high flexural strength of the filament in one direction. The taper is a flat-pressed scarfing such that the filament has a greater flexural strength with respect to a first lateral axis than with respect to a second lateral axis perpendicular to the first lateral axis in the region of the taper. The flat-pressed scarfing at the point of the filament improves penetration into the interdental spaces, while the higher geometrical moment of inertia of the wide side reduces the bending of the filament during use.

Abstract: Oral hygiene devices employing an ultrasound transducer are disclosed. The device is user-activatable to commence an operating cycle, and has a controller that may provide a timing function and may provide a variable level of ultrasound transducer output during an operating cycle. The controller may provide a monitoring function that is capable of detecting an ultrasound transducer fault condition and alert a user, through a user interface, when an ultrasound transducer fault condition is detected. The controller may be programmed to count the number of device operating cycles or accumulate the total device operating time and activate a transducer replacement signal following a predetermined number of uses or a predetermined accumulated operating time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper plate (1) for a cleaning device (20), which can be connected to a handle (3) by means of a joint (2). Said joint (2) comprises a first bore (9) and a joint pin (4) which can be pivotably mounted on the wiper plate (1) which comprises a recess (5). Additional bores (7, 8) are arranged in the recess (5), which are oriented in a coaxial manner in relation to the first bore (9) and the joint pin (4) is arranged in the bores (7, 8, 9).

Abstract: A sonde cleaning brush is disclosed that has a plurality of bristles extending from the brush surface. The bristles have a stiffener attached to the bristles causing the stiffness of the bristles to increase along the length of the brush while preserving the flexibility of the bristles perpendicular to the brush length. There may be one or more stiffeners attached to the brush bristles.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a golf club cleaning device that includes a cleaning portion including an upper and lower or concentrically-arranged cleaning surfaces; a flag portion disposed at a top end of the cleaning portion, the flag portion including a gripping means; and a spike portion disposed at a bottom end of the cleaning portion substantially opposite the top end of the cleaning portion, the spike portion including a support means for supporting the device in an upright manner when depressed into the ground. By grasping the flag portion, the spike portion is selectively disposed in the ground at a predetermined location associated with a golf course, practice range, or the like, thereby allowing a player to clean a golf club by selectively running the front face and/or rear face of the golf club horizontally and/or vertically across the one or more cleaning surfaces/materials of the cleaning portion.

Abstract: An anti-smear cleaning swab for cleaning delicate surfaces, comprising a body defining an elongated shaft having two opposite ends. An enlarged blade is carried at one end of the handle. A number of bores are made through the blade, these bores enabling both fluid flow therethrough and also some retensive capture of fluid droplets. A fluid absorbing cloth sheet pocket generally encloses by folding same around the blade, and is sized to fit snugly therearound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable golf ball cleaner to wipe off dirt attached to a surface of a golf ball during playing of golf. The golf ball cleaner comprises a cleaner body including a concave portion having a curved surface, a wipe-off part formed on an inner wall surface of the concave portion, and a lid to open and close the concave portion of the cleaner body. Because the golf ball cleaner can be easily carried by a golf player, by putting it in a pocket or hanging it from the waist, and the player is capable of rotating the golf ball in the concave portion having the curved surface while securely holding the golf ball by hand, the dirt attached to the surface of the golf ball can be thoroughly wiped off by the wipe-off part.

Abstract: A connecting end face cleaning tool having superior cleaning properties includes a cleaning fabric. This cleaning tool removes soiling attached to the connecting end face of an optical connecting part when that connecting end face is detached. The cleaning fabric is constructed such that the woof threads protrude from the surface of the fabric more than the warp threads. The cleaning fabric has a tape-like shape, the lengthwise direction of which is the direction of the extension of the warp threads. Soiling is removed from a connecting end face as the connecting end face and cleaning fabric are moved relatively such that the connecting end face moves transverse to the woof threads of the cleaning fabric. A method of cleaning a connecting end face uses a cleaning fabric with woof threads protruding from the surface of the fabric more than the warp threads and the fabric is moved relative to the connecting end face transverse to the woof threads of the fabric.