Abstract: A work pants equipped with knee protection pads is provided. Four male clip buttons are placed on each leg member of the pants surrounding knee contacting portion of the work pants to avoid contact with knees when a wearer of the work pants kneel down. The knee protection pads for the work pants according to current application is equipped with four female clip buttons on the pad that receive the four male button clips on the pants. The knee protection pads are easy to detach from the work pants to wash the pants and pads separately. Objects such as wood chips, soil, nails, etc., get inserted between the pants and pads are easily removed by detaching the pad and sweeping them out.

Abstract: A flexible knee pad of the kind to be worn over the knee of a workman who must kneel down for long periods of time while working on a work surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the flexible knee pad includes an upper knee support cushion against which the workman's knee is laid, a lower pivot support base to rest upon the work surface, and an intermediate pivoting reinforcement plate having a flat bed upon which the knee support cushion is seated. The intermediate pivoting reinforcement plate includes a pair of pivots that are coupled to respective pivot slots formed in the lower pivot support base. Accordingly, the pivoting reinforcement plate, the knee support cushion seated thereon, and the workman's knee are all suspended by and rotatable relative to the pivot support base above the work surface so as to advantageously reduce pressure applied to the workman's knee cap by the work surface should he rock his body and shift his weight back and forth over the work surface.

Abstract: A bib for use by an individual seated in a vehicle having a vehicle cup holder mounted in the vehicle adjacent the seated individual, includes an upper section for covering at least a portion of the seated individual's front torso which is attached in such a way as to maintain the upper section in a substantially vertical position on the seated individual, a lower section for covering the seated individual's lap and thighs, and a lateral section extending from the lower section to beyond the vehicle cup holder, with a portion of the lateral section adapted to be inserted in the vehicle cup holder and releasably maintained therein. The bib includes an upper absorbent surface for absorbing liquid spills and a lower impermeable surface for preventing liquid spills from contacting the seated individual or the vehicle.

Abstract: A bib for use by an individual seated in a vehicle having a vehicle cup holder mounted in the vehicle adjacent the seated individual, includes an upper section for covering at least a portion of the seated individual's front torso which is attached in such a way as to maintain the upper section in a substantially vertical position on the seated individual, a lower section for covering the seated individual's lap and thighs, and a lateral section extending from the lower section to beyond the vehicle cup holder, with a portion of the lateral section adapted to be inserted in the vehicle cup holder and releasably maintained therein. The bib includes an upper absorbent surface for absorbing liquid spills and a lower impermeable surface for preventing liquid spills from contacting the seated individual or the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an accessory that can be easily and efficiently attached to clothing apparel by using a fastener therefore. The present invention describes an accessory having: an accessory head; and a threaded body, wherein at least a portion of the threaded body is integrated into the accessory head; and a fastener having: a horizontal part; and a concave vertical part having an elastic member, wherein the vertical part is integrated with the horizontal part, wherein the fastener is integrated into the clothing apparel with the top of the concave vertical part being externally exposed.

Abstract: A safety garment (10) operable to be worn by a wearer for cooling and protection. The safety garment (10) generally includes a protective outer layer (12), a first generally impermeable middle layer (14) coupled with the outer layer (12), an inner layer (16) coupled with the first middle layer (14) and operable to be worn against the wearer, a plurality of apertures (18) formed through the first middle layer (14) and inner layer (16), and an inlet (20) coupled with the outer layer (12). The inlet (12) is operable to receive cooling air and direct the cooling air between the outer layer (12) and first middle layer (14) to enable the cooling air to pass through at least one of the apertures (18) to cool the wearer.

Abstract: Thermal garments with reduced weight and bulk and improved packability include targeted zones of increased thermal resistive properties. Such garments may include: (a) a first garment region extending along a central back portion of the garment from the waist area of the garment to the neck area; (b) second and third garment regions extending along the sides of the garment from the waist area to the underarm area; and (c) a fourth garment region extending between the first and second garment regions, between the first and third garment regions, and between the second and third garment regions. The fourth garment region includes a thermal material having a lower thermal resistive value than the thermal resistive values of the thermal materials associated with the first, second, and third garment regions. Methods of making such garments also are described.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a garment, system and method for facilitating a wearer to conduct a breast self exam by following a raised, patterned diagram with the fingers, feeling for lumps in the breast tissue, and denoting areas of concern on the garment at the location where area of concern are noticed.

Abstract: This invention relates to gloves (10) and wipers fitted to gloves that enable wearers of the gloves to wipe debris from eye shields, such as goggles and face-coverings, visors (5) in helmets. More specifically, the invention relates to a glove (10) that comprises a covering for the hand and fingers of a wearer and means for wiping the eye shield to remove debris. The wiping means (30) is located on the glove to enable wiping of the eye shield with natural hand movements.

Abstract: A head covering bonnet with an opening for the head and an elastic spandex band below the opening for holding the bonnet to the head. The spandex band is of a width so as not to apply high localized pressure on the hair, and spandex is not rough or abrasive when stretched, unlike typical elastic material which becomes rough and possibly abrasive to hair when the elastic is stretched.

Abstract: Clothing garments having detachable, interchangeable pocket panels or pockets are disclosed. The pocket panels or pockets can have a variety of different designs and/or color schemes. The pocket panels or pockets may be removably attached to one or more pocket regions of garments such as shirts or pants. Thus, a variety of different clothing designs and color schemes can be obtained from a single garment.

Abstract: A drag harness (20) is provided and includes two arm loops (40), each of which is adapted to receive a separate arm (42) of a wearer (24), and an elongate handle (44) having a length (L) extending from a first end (46) to a second end (48) spaced from the first end (46) by the length (L). One of the arm loops (42) extends from the first end (46), and the other of the arm loops (42) extends from the second end (48). The handle (44) is a separate component that is attached to the arm loops (42) whereby a rescuer (26) grasping the handle (44) can drag the wearer (24) with the wearer (24) in a supine position.

Abstract: The invention relates to clothing support devices, and more particularly, discreet belts that support clothing, such as trousers, skirts, or the like, around a waist of a user. Provided is a discreet belt that includes a belt body formed from a flexible, elongated elastic strap adapted to be used in at least one fastening element and at least one adjusting element. Various embodiments, variants and method aspect are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are various protective helmets, including helmets designed for equestrian use. In one embodiment, an equestrian helmet (1) includes a front shell (2) and a rear shell (3). Shell (3) is moveable with respect to shell (1) to provide the helmet with two configurations. The first of these is an open configuration where the helmet is configured for receiving within the helmet or removing from the helmet a human head (4). The second configuration is a closed where shell (3) is releasably lockingly engaged to shell (2) for securely containing head (4) within helmet (1).

Abstract: A protective garment for a fire fighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes an outer shell and a drag harness located at least substantially within the outer shell. The drag harness includes a wearer portion, a gripping portion and a flap operably coupled to the gripping portion. The flap is releasably secured to the outer shell in a stored state. The flap and the gripping portion remaining operably coupled to one another and extend away from the outer shell in a deployed state to drag a wearer.

Abstract: A material that is elastic and cut/puncture resistant, for use in garments. Said material contains a plurality of protective elements 38, at least one elastic base layer 36, and minimal connective area 42 or no connective area (see FIG. 14a&b) between the protective element(s) 38 and the elastic base 36 layer(s). The attachment can be point attachment 42, or attachment of layers of elastic materials to form pockets 108 to capture the protective elements. The protective elements can be flexible (FIG. 3a) or (semi) rigid 82.

Abstract: N-alkylchitosan films, composite films, and, laminates, made from the films are provided. The films and laminates can be used to make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: A drag harness for use with a protective garment for a fire fighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes an outer shell having a main body portion and at least two limb covering portions. The drag harness includes a wearer loop and at least two gripping portions. A first gripping portion is located at a first limb covering portion while a second gripping portion is located at a second limb covering portion. Each of the gripping portions is located adjacent the outer shell in a non-deployed state and extend away from the outer shell in a deployed state whereby a rescuer can drag a wearer.

Abstract: Performance wear made with hydrophobic fabric that maximizes evaporative cooling of the human body by maintaining perspiration and moisture at the surface of the skin whereby heat is more readily transferred from the skin by evaporative cooling thereby providing more effective core temperature regulation. The fabric may be natural or synthetic fiber or fiber blends having hydrophobic (e.g. water resistant) characteristics. The fabric is used to produce performance wear whereby the hydrophobic characteristics provide moisture management function by preventing moisture from migrating from the skin to the fabric. The hydrophobic performance fabrics are also preferably impregnated with antimicrobials, such as antibacterial, anti-odor, and antifungal substances, as well as flame retardant substances. The performance wear may comprise compression wear formed of a blend of polyester and spandex to provide increased movement, comfort, and fit.

Abstract: The actuating device comprises a push button housing (7), which may be inserted into an opening (4) in the cistern lid (2). At least one push button (8, 9) and a pusher (11) are mounted in the push button housing (7) for triggering flushing. The push button housing (7) is fastened only to the cistern lid (2) and may be lifted with the cistern lid (2) off the at least one push button (8, 9) and the pusher (11). The actuating device is particularly suitable for cisterns of ceramic material and enables simpler and quicker mounting as well as servicing of the cistern.

Abstract: A neck guard for a salon/barber industry sink, wherein the sink has an indentation in a lip of the sink to accommodate a person's neck. The neck guard includes a lower layer, a cushioning layer and a cover layer. The lower layer is flexible and incorporates fasteners such as suction cups configured to removably attach the lower layer to the sink. The cushioning layer is bonded to the lower layer and has a surface that is suitable for having the cover layer attached to it by means such as a low-tack, pressure-sensitive adhesive. The neck guard is sufficiently flexible to wrap around and conform to the indentation in the lip of the sink and to enable attachment of the fasteners to the sink, thereby securing the neck guard within the indentation in the lip of the sink.

Abstract: A portable spa enclosure provides an aesthetically pleasing cover for premanufactured spas. Additionally, spa hardware is concealed by the spa enclosure, while lighting is recessed to provide a “soft” light solution.

Abstract: One embodiment of this invention is directed towards a retractable tray that attaches to a bathtub or the like. While in a deployed, horizontal position, the bathtub tray allows a rigid support for objects over the water of the bath. While in a retracted position, the tray allows the bathtub to be used with a minimum of intrusion into the bathtub or adjacent space.

Abstract: A shower curtain assembly is designed to provide users with an apparatus that provides much wide shower space for consumers than traditional one, prevents the curtain from moving inward, eliminate water spilling onto the floor, and even allows the user to sit on a top periphery of a bathtub near the curtain when the shower is in use. It is simply comprised of a shower curtain support rod that bows outward from a shower enclosure along its length, a shower curtain, hooks, and means that secures the shower curtain to achieve the abovementioned goal. The means includes main weights attached to the lower portion of the curtain, wires connected to the lower portion of the curtain and holders fixed to the bottom edges of the sidewalls of the shower enclosure, and wires with magnets attached. Only one of them needs to be chosen for the shower enclosure for the aforementioned functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved shower curtain rod and fixture. More particularly, the invention encompasses a shower curtain rod that can be used safely and securely in the motel/hotel industry. This invention further includes inventive features, such as, a shower rod that has substantially straight ends and a portion that is visibly curved to allow for “elbow room” for upper body movement of a person using a shower, a non-twist or non-sagging feature that prevents the inventive shower curtain rod from rotating or twisting after it has been installed, a fixture to securely and safely secure the inventive shower curtain rod to a surface, such as a wall, to name a few.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shower apparatus having a watering plate, a water saving device and a gel filling portion in that a latching button for pushing an opening and closing ball and opening water paths is provided in such a manner that the supply of water is performed in a state that a shower head is placed horizontally or lower than a hose connection portion in height and the area of water paths formed at an inside thereof is larger than that of a waterway hole, whereby firmly opening and closing the waterway hole by means of the ball.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plumbing fixture including an electrically actuated valve by means of which a water flow that penetrates the plumbing fixture can be turned on and off. A first switch that is embodied as a proximity switch is used for opening the valve and thus starting the water flow. The inventive plumbing fixture additionally comprises a mechanically actuated operator's element which is used for regulating another function of the plumbing fixture, such as the water temperature or the water quantity. A second switch that is used for electrically blocking the first switch is assigned to the mechanically actuated operator's element. For this purpose, the second switch is disposed so as to respond when the additional operator's element is manipulated.

Abstract: A bath stall unit for accommodating a disabled person includes a walled structure having a curved exterior wall portion and a curved access door associated therewith. The door is movable generally horizontally along a curved path defined by the wall portion between open and closed positions to provide access to the unit by lateral transfer, such as from a wheelchair. A toilet in the unit is disposed to receive a person transferred thereinto, where both a lavatory and shower facilities are provided. The configuration of the unit provides a sufficiently narrow width to permit an assembled unit to be delivered to a home or a facility through an exterior doorway.

Abstract: A combination furniture having two downwardly arched parallel base frame bars with locating notches each at the top, two crossbars transversely fastened to the base frame bars with respective locating notches thereof respectively engaged with the locating notches of the base frame bars, two upwardly arched parallel support frame bars respectively supported on the base frame bars, a plate member supported on the support frame bars to serve as a seat plate or bedplate, and four rectangular connecting blocks connected between the support frame bars and the base frame bars, each rectangular connecting block having a straight top coupling groove respectively coupled to the support frame bars and a crossed bottom coupling groove respectively coupled to the intersection between each base frame bar and the each crossbar.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A playard includes a frame structure movable between an open arrangement and a folded arrangement. The frame structure includes a plurality of pivot joints arranged in an upper set and a lower set, each pivot joint in the upper set being positioned over a corresponding pivot joint in the lower set, and a plurality of cross members connected at respective slants to the upper and lower sets of pivot joints. The playard further includes a plurality of top rails, each top rail being attached to adjacent pivot joints in the upper set. The frame structure lacks legs to support the upper set of pivot joints at an elevation above the lower set of pivot joints. The elevation decreases as the respective slants of the cross members change to move the frame structure from the folded arrangement to the open arrangement until the top rails are under tension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bed sheet attachment system that allows a user to quickly and easily change bed sheets. In one embodiment, the fitted sheet of a bed comprises an upper surface and at least one attachment member disposed on the upper surface. A quick-change sheet having upper and lower surfaces also is provided, wherein at least one attachment member is disposed on the lower surface of the quick-change sheet. In use, the attachment member of the quick-change sheet is configured to releasably mate with the attachment member of the fitted sheet, thereby facilitating the changing of the quick-change sheet. Further, at least one pocket member may be releasably coupled to the fitted sheet, thereby providing one or more storage locations in close proximity to the bed.

Abstract: A module utilized in construction of a modular fabric article includes a fabric panel and a plurality of fasteners disposed along at least a portion of a perimeter of the fabric panel, wherein fasteners of one module reversibly connect to fasteners of at least one other module.

Abstract: A method for automatically correcting the position of a patient support for a targeted irradiation of a patient is provided. The patient support correction is carried out according to patient data. A patient support deformation occurring as a result of the positioning the patient on the couch is calculated from the patient data. The position of the patient couch is then adjusted according to the calculated patient support deformation for a targeted irradiation. The method enables a more accurate irradiation of patient.

Abstract: A bariatric hospital bed with full feature capability to enhance the care and treatment of bariatric patients. Among the features are fully adjustable and retractable siderails, bed raise-and-lower features, head-up and leg-down features for converting to a seated position, as well as Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg features. An integral scale assembly and radioluscent capabilities with a built'in X-ray tray are also provided together with redundant, easy-access controls in a pendant as well as in both siderails. An improved footboard is also provided for use as both a foot-rest and a step.

Abstract: A lift system for a hospital bed is disclosed. The lift system includes lift arms that support a frame over a base frame. The lift arms are moved to raise and lower the frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A human hand mimetic and pediatric support system device to provide comfort, positioning aid, sense of security and support for infants, especially premature infants or other users lacking full mobility. This device consists of a cavity in the shape of a human hand (glove/mitten) partially or totally filled with a freely flowable material and closed at the cuff. An optional extension to the cuff mimics an arm/forearm to provide extra length, weight and/or flexibility of usage. This device provides continual gentle pressure and subtle restraint by mimicking the touch of a human hand and conforming to the contour of the body. The device may be used directly touching the skin, is washable without disassembly, and it does not interfere with medical or other equipment. It may be used under or over the body of the infant (excluding the face) or to secure external items in place such as pacifiers, bottles, paperwork, toys, tubes, etc.

Abstract: An inflatable travel aid having an inflatable arrangement having a hole for supporting at least a periphery of a face of a user and an additional through hole for the inflatable arrangement, the hole for supporting at least the periphery of the face of the user intersecting with the additional through hole, and a least one inflation device configured to provide air to the inflatable arrangement, the inflation device also configured to remove air from the inflatable arrangement.

Abstract: A cushion comprising an array of individual suspension elements arranged in a pattern wherein one embodiment the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface, a first end wall, a second end wall, and an optional bottom wall, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section and may be constructed from different materials to make a composite suspension element.

Abstract: A bed lifting system for lifting a bed comprises a bed lifting mechanism and a switch remotely located from the bed lifting mechanism. The switch is adapted to enable selective and remote actuation of the bed lifting mechanism. The mechanism can be provided in kit form through the use of frame connectors which can also improve the interconnection and interoperability of frame members of the mechanism. The mechanism may also comprise adjustable lands to accommodate varying bed types.

Abstract: A method for coupling together at least two layers of a mattress includes the steps of aligning each layer in its proper position in relation to the other layers of the mattress and, after the alignment step, inserting a plastic fastener through the layers. A fastener dispensing tool is provided for inserting plastic fasteners through the layers of the mattress. In one embodiment, the fastener dispensing tool includes a housing, a hollow sharpened needle fixedly coupled to the housing, an ejection mechanism for advancing a cross-bar of the plastic fastener through the hollow needle, a needle guard slidably coupled to the housing over a portion of the sharpened needle, and a needle guard stop slidably coupled to the housing in such a manner so that it can be releasably fixed place in either of two or more set positions.

Abstract: A pneumatic control valve and power reserve in the form of pressurized gas in a pressurization chamber, for elastically deforming a diaphragm without closing off two admission (2) and respectively discharge (3) orifices of said valve and able to place the opening of the valve by depressurization of said pressurization chamber 5 is disclosed. The valve may be used for total and rapid deflation of a therapeutic mattress having a plurality of compartments that are inflated with air, including at different pressures.

Abstract: The bottle cap key opener is a combination of a common key and a common bottle cap opener and combining them in one convenient multi-purpose tool that can be used to open locks and bottles.

Abstract: A method of conditioning fabrics, the method comprising dosing a solid fabric treatment composition comprising: (a) one or more quaternary ammonium fabric softening materials; and (b) a fatty component selected from fatty acids, fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof; into a wash cycle of an automatic washing machine, allowing the wash cycle to be completed and then performing a rinse cycle in the washing machine. The composition may also be dosed into the rinse cycle direct. The composition may be formed as a melt which is cooled. The composition may contain less than 5 wt % of water. The composition may comprise one or more of anionic surfactants, non-polymeric water soluble builders and water soluble non-builder inorganic salts.

Abstract: A washing machine and steam washing method thereof are disclosed. The method includes performing primary steam washing by supplying steam to laundry, performing a washing cycle by supplying wash water to the laundry, performing a rinsing cycle, performing a spin-dry cycle to remove the wash water from the laundry, and performing secondary steam washing by supplying steam to the laundry. The washing machine has improved sterilizing effects by sterilizing bacteria and fungi with hot steam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine that is capable of maintaining the balanced state of laundry to more smoothly perform a spin-drying operation and a control method thereof. The control method of the washing machine including a drum to receive laundry and a motor to rotate the drum to reduce unbalance generated due to the nonuniform distribution of the laundry, includes wrapping the laundry by accelerating the drum such that the laundry sticks to an inner wall of the drum, detecting motor current during the wrapping of the laundry, determining an unbalanced state of the laundry based on the detected motor current, and controlling speed of the drum based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: The invention makes provision for the final wash liquid from the washing device to be separated from the items of laundry in a water-removal device, specifically together with a large portion of the final wash liquid bound in the items of laundry. The items of laundry are then rinsed in the water-removal device. Following this, the rinse liquid is routed away from the items of laundry. The final wash liquid and the rinse liquid are temporarily stored in separate storage tanks and returned to the subsequent wash process in a deliberate manner. A mixture of at least a portion of the final wash liquid and the rinse liquid is fed particularly to the prewash zone in order to prewash the next batch of items of laundry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for modifying polyamide. The method comprises that polyamide is contacted with an enzyme preparation comprising an effective amount of protease enzyme in aqueous environment under conditions suitable for the function of the enzyme. The enzyme is preferably selected from the group of aspartic proteases, cysteine proteases and metallo-proteases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for coloring keratinous fibers comprising applying to the fibers a dyeing composition comprising at least one aminopyrazolopyridine base, said coloring method being performed without the addition of chemical oxidizing agents.