Abstract: Body armor for ballistic protection of a user's extremities preferably comprising right and left arm protection units and/or right and left leg protection units. The units include a ballistic protection material which preferably covers most of the user's upper arm, elbow region, lower arm, shoulder, upper leg, knee region, and lower leg except for ventilation zones preferably located on the inner portion of the upper arm and the inner part of the upper leg. The back of the knee is preferably covered by a protective flap.

Abstract: A method of producing a sports glove includes the steps of: (A) heating a covering sheet made of a rubbery material; (B) pressing the heated covering sheet and simultaneously cooling the same so as to reduce the thickness of the covering sheet and so as to form an embossed surface on the covering sheet; (C) bonding a fabric layer to the covering sheet to form a laminate; and (D) cutting and sewing the laminate to form the sports glove. The embossed surface of the covering sheet is exposed.

Abstract: The notion of a physically down-scaled ‘fielding-trainer’-type catching-glove suitable for all ages desiring to improve their bio-mechanical hand/eye-coordination, WebGlov™ is configured with receptacles for thumb & forefinger only, with cross-webbing extending there between; as to thereby uniquely serve in catching conventional golfball-sized light-weight hollow-polyballs. This abbreviated glove can be implemented in a challenging practice of regular catching conducted between two or more distally opposed participants, —or, it can be employed by only a single catcher while training alone in novel combination with a relentless conventional auto-feed Ball-thruster machine.

Abstract: A kneeboard for concrete worker has a knee pan which contains a cushioned knee pad, and a toe pan. The pans are interconnected by links which permit them to pitch with respect to one another, so that the pans can remain flush even when they are on different non-coplanar surfaces. This enables a concrete finisher to move over steps and obstacles without damaging the surface of the concrete.

Abstract: A device for straightening and holding portions of apparel tending to lose their original configuration subsequent to extended ownership and use is provided.

Abstract: A combination backpack and garment carrying apparatus is disclosed. The combination backpack and garment carrying apparatus includes a back plate, a cover, a frame, and garment segments. These pieces combined together create a combination backpack and garment carrying apparatus that allows the wearer to easily access, store, and carry a costume. The wearer activates a switch on the combination backpack and garment carrying apparatus and opens the lids allowing the garment segments to fall out and be pulled over the wearer's arms, legs, and head.

Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment worn during different stages of pregnancy and different stages of postpartum body changes. A garment upper portion has a belly panel that is expansible to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during different stages of pregnancy, and a garment lower portion having a first torso encircling circumference that recedes downward to make way for expansion of the belly panel. The garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circumference to hold the garment up and in place over the torso.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a shirt collar in a desired position and orientation, magnetically, against a shirt front. The apparatus includes a collar stay insertable into a conventional collar stay pocket or attachable to an inside surface of a collar, and a magnet magnetically attachable or couplable to the collar stay through the shirt front, and the pocket, if applicable, for holding the shirt collar in the selected position and orientation. The collar stay and the magnet can be optionally interlockable and/or include detents for preventing undesired relative movements thereof, which can include particularly, relative longitudinal movements, but which can also include twisting and sideward movements. For collars which do not include any collar stay pocket, or where a collar stay pocket is not desired to be used, the collar stay can include an adhesive on an outer surface thereof adapted for adhesive attachment to the inside surface of a collar.

Abstract: A glove for removing detachable material from an object such as a vegetable, e.g., for removing the skin of a potato. The glove is either knitted or twilled of at least one thread of at least one elastic, plastic material. The glove is manufactured by providing the at least one plastic material, knitting or twilling the glove, and finally heat treating the glove to cure the texture of the glove to a predetermined surface hardness depending on the object from which detachable material is to be removed.

Abstract: A cooler accessory for use with a hard hat or other head-protecting gear having a protective shell with a rim, the accessory including a housing that is attachable to the protective shell, tubing that extends from the housing, and airflow supply means (e.g., an electric fan assembly) for supplying a flow of air that passes through the tubing and exits therefrom. During use, the tubing extends below the rim of the protective shell for directing the flow of air supplied by the airflow supply means under the rim for injection toward space adjacent the user's body, thereby cooling the user's body. Preferably, the tubing is configured such that airflow is injected into an air gap between the user's head and the protective shell and over the user's head, thereby actively cooling the user's head. The housing can be removably secured to the protective shell of the head protection device by one of many different ways including adhesive means, a strap, clips, a slotted interface or other suitable fixation mechanisms.

Abstract: A head wrap or scarf assembled from two parts joined on a seam line. Each of the parts is a single layer thick with more slippery fibers on one side and less slippery fibers on the other side. The parts are joined with the more slippery side of one part and the rougher side of the other part facing toward each side of the scarf so that when the scarf is folded, one outward facing surface is slippery and the outward facing surface is rougher.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a sun hat with a stiff bill and continuous, 360-degree coverage, where the bill and brim are made from the same material and contain the same multiple, parallel line stitching pattern. The stitching pattern combined with the relatively thick fabric gives the brim substantial rigidity without the need for an insert. The inside of the head band provides a uni-directionally or bi-directionally stretchable band divided into multiple horizontal sections, with each section attached to the other section(s) with reinforcing fibers such that the head band can expand to the circumferences of different head sizes, thereby giving each “size” of the hat a wider range of suitable head sizes than is found with traditional sun hats. The lack of a need for a means of size adjustment in the back of the hat allows for the brim to cover the entire neck and ear regions.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a crown for waterproof cap. The crown (20) consists of six panels (21˜26), inside the crown there are diagonal seams (27) intersected. These seams can be sealed by stickers (41˜43) contain thermoplastic membrane (40). Whereby the seams are connected with panels (21˜26) to achieve waterproof effects. In manufacturing, high frequency circular wheel cuts and melts between panels (21˜26), leftovers cut off and thrown out, piled sides of panels are welded to form a seam (27). Stickers contain thermoplastic membrane can be heated inside the crown between two adjacent panels, where a roller rolls over to press down the sticker to cover up the seams. Thereby, a crown is completed.

Abstract: A hat incorporates an audio system configured to externally broadcast audio stored by the audio system. The hat includes a digital audio player such as an MP3 player or the like that is connected to speakers of the audio system. The speakers are mounted in pivoting flaps of the hat such that the flaps and thus the speakers are movable into an open position and a closed position. In the open position the speakers are positioned to externally broadcast audio and in the closed position the speakers are positioned to internally play audio for the wearer or not play audio at all. The hat also incorporates user controls for the digital audio player in the brim of the hat. The hat may also include a light system that is controlled by an integral light controller for various light effects with a user control incorporated in the brim of the hat. The light system preferably includes one or more LEDs that are mounted on a front of the hat and connected to the light controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment worn during different stages of pregnancy and different stages of postpartum body changes. A garment upper portion has a belly panel that is expansible to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during different stages of pregnancy, and a garment lower portion having a first torso encircling circumference that recedes downward to make way for expansion of the belly panel. The garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circumference to hold the garment up and in place over the torso.

Abstract: The invention concerns clothes buttoning system, comprising at least one button and at least one corresponding first eyelet, wherein said at least one button is sewed up to a first end of a corresponding elastic ribbon, whose second end is coupled to said clothes through fixed or removable coupling means. The invention also concerns an article of clothing incorporating a buttoning system of the said kind.

Abstract: An undergarment includes at least one piece of fabric that forms the undergarment. The undergarment has leg openings. The fabric includes edges that surround the leg openings, whereby at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings has a plurality of fibers and at least some of the fibers have free ends terminating at the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. A bead of a cured polymer is disposed over the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. The cured polymer bead forms a finished edge that is stretchable for adjusting to movement of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective helmet having an improved ventilation system therein. The protective helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner that are joined together to form a shell/liner composite. The ventilation system interacts with one or more ventilation ports in the protective helmet to control the flow of ambient air in and out of the interior of the protective helmet. The ventilation system may be integrated or encased within the shell/liner composite, or it may be adapted to be used on the exterior of the helmet. In addition, the ventilation system may include one of several types of interchangeable insert members to allow active or passive control of ambient air into the interior of the helmet.

Abstract: An adjustable fitting ring structure includes a connecting base, a fitting ring, a guiding part, and an adjustable part. The connecting base has a receiving slot. There's a plurality of concave wedged slots on the receiving slot. The end portions respectively pass through the connecting base and each have a long slot. A gear portion is located in the long slot. The guiding part includes a base portion, a gear, and a plurality of flexible arms. Each of the flexible arms has a wedged body that contacts the wedged slot. The adjustable part is pivoted with the base portion to make the guiding part rotate so that the two end portions move in the same direction or in different directions. Thereby, the dimension of the fitting ring can be adjusted. It is easy for users to adjust the fitting ring. The structure is simplified and the assembly process is simple.

Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.

Abstract: An outer garment worn by humans that includes segments of the outer surface of the skins of the crocodilian class of animals, such as reptiles. The outer surface of the skins of these reptiles consists of a plurality of interlocking plates that have various sizes of bony protrusions. These plates are called scutes and provide a significant degree of protection to the reptile from penetration by teeth or horns from either predators or prey defending themselves from attack by the reptile. The attachment of sections of the scutes at specific locations on an outer garment provides much the same protection to the wearer as was afforded the reptile. The scute sections are lightweight, yet very strong and can be tanned, dyed and waxed to provide the texture and finish required by the garment manufacturer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dyeing inherently flame resistant fibers, and particularly aramid fibers, without the use of accelerants or carriers. Fabrics made from aramid fibers or blends thereof are immersed in an aqueous dye bath that includes at least one dye and at least one acid component. The temperature of the dye bath is increased from room temperature to a suitable temperature (e.g., between approximately 285° F. to 400° F.) capable of rendering the aramid fibers less crystalline so that the fibers can accept the dye. In this way, suitable color yields may be obtained without the use of accelerants or carriers as have been required in the past.

Abstract: An electronic, dual valve normally closed, mechanical sealed waterless urinal system, free of oil sealing, where the system may be mounted to the wall of a restroom facility. The system includes a bowl portion that features a central recess in communication with a drain or sewer line. A circular housing, sized for sliding receipt within the central recess, mounts a cartridge containing first and second chambers. A first chamber includes a latching solenoid piston rod vertically movable into sealing engagement with the top drain opening in the housing. Further, the first chamber includes a flexible, one-way valve to allow the passage of fluid therethrough, while preventing gases from entering the first chamber. The second chamber includes a solenoid operable to move the piston rod to an opened position, where the latching solenoid is automated by a motion sensor control mechanism, and mechanical means to return the piston rod to a closed position.

Abstract: An odourless toilet is provided. The toilet comprises a flush tank comprising a flushing water wet chamber, which comprises a flush assembly; and a flush outlet. The flush tank also comprises a dry chamber, which is positioned adjacent the wet chamber. The dry chamber comprises a chamber inlet, and a ventilator connected to the chamber inlet. The toilet also comprises a toilet bowl, which comprises a basin and, a basin access. The basin access comprises a wet inlet in fluid communication with the wet chamber flush outlet and the basin. The wet inlet serves in conveying the flushing water to the basin. The basin access also comprises a dry outlet in fluid communication with the dry chamber inlet and the basin. The toilet further comprises a diverter, which is positioned between the flush tank and toilet bowl, and registers with the basin access. The diverter comprises a flush passage, which couples the flush outlet to the wet inlet.

Abstract: A spit cup includes a cap housing defining an interior area. The spit cup further includes a plurality of disposable liners, at least one disposable liner being removably positioned in the interior area to receive a user's spit. A lid is selectively coupled to the cup housing. The lid includes a stationary portion and a flap that is pivotally coupled to the stationary portion and movable between an open position providing access to the interior area and a closed position preventing access thereto. The lid includes a spring for biasing the flap toward the open position. The lid further includes a catch operatively coupled to the stationary portion and being movable between a first configuration in which the catch interacts with the flap and maintains the flap at the closed position and a second configuration in which the catch allows the flap to move to the open position.

Abstract: A floor sink strainer arrangement adapted to fasten to a receptacle body of a floor sink. The strainer arrangement includes a strainer having a body and defining a slot therein for receiving a fastener, and a fastener arrangement attached to the strainer. The strainer is adapted to be received within the receptacle body of the floor sink. The fastener arrangement includes a support base and a longitudinal extending member attached to the base and extending therefrom, wherein the base is adapted to be secured to a drain pipe when the strainer is received within the receptacle body of the floor sink.

Abstract: The international schedule of classes of goods and services appears to be (11) apparatus for sanitary purposes, including water supply, heating, steam generating, cooking, ventilating; and (7) a form of machine.

Abstract: A dual flush toilet system includes a mechanism (22) that permits the flush handles (82,84) to be placed at any location on the toilet tank (12) and even on the top (14) of the toilet bowl if desired. The dual flush valve itself preferably comprises a prior art mechanism (20) attached to a pair of exterior handles (82,84) by means of a cable and wire system (60,64). Rotation of an outer handle (82) causes the main float (42) to rise under the influence of first wire (60) thereby causing a small, or low, volume flush to occur. Pushing down on both handles (82,84) simultaneously causes a float lock (34) to rise which in turn allows a lower float (52) to lift and engage the bottom rim (150) of the float mechanism (20) thereby holding the mechanism (20) up longer and causing the entire contents of the toilet to flush thereby creating a larger volume flush.

Abstract: A juvenile bathing system includes a bathtub and a child support having a water reservoir with a backrest for supporting the child and a spray system coupled to the water reservoir including a sprayer and a pump. The child support can be positioned in a reclined position or in an upright position within the bathtub.

Abstract: A shower curtain hanging structure includes a fixture, a first socket, a second socket and a linking rod. The fixture is provided with a connecting unit to secure the first socket. The second socket is accommodated in the first socket and linked with the connecting unit. The linking rod is composed of several sections, with the two ends connected to the second socket to form the hanger. The first socket is adjustable to link the second socket for the linking rod in a different length.

Abstract: A device for showering and the like has a body having a front wall, a peripheral wall and an open rear side with an edge configured to abut against a wall, hose means associated with the body for supplying water for taking a shower, a throughgoing receptacle formed in the body, so that the body is formed as an element surrounding the receptacle, which receptacle allows a user through the receptacle to access existing water control means in assembled condition, means for connecting the hose means to a source of water, and to existing water controlled means, the body having at least a portion which is formed as a hollow element having a U-shaped cross-section with a rear edge configured to abut against a wall so as to form hollow channels for the hose means.

Abstract: A shower device includes a hollow frame having a coupler for engaging with a wall-mounted shower supply pipe and having two tubes attached to two end portions, a housing having a chamber formed by an outer peripheral wall and having two openings for rotatably receiving the tubes, a cover engaged with the housing and having two protrusions engaged with the openings of the housing and for anchoring the cover to the housing, a casing disposed in the housing and having two ports, and two distributors each having a pipe rotatably engaged into the tube and a mouth engaged with the port of the casing for supplying the water from the tubes into the chamber of the casing and then flowing out through the cover.

Abstract: A water acting device for personal hygiene has a housing connectable with a water source, a hollow water issuing element connectable with the housing and having an inner passage for passing of water, and means for sealing the water issuing element relative to the housing, the sealing means forming a water passage communicatable with a source of water, and means for adjusting a water supply through the water issuing element, the adjusting means including at least a part of the sealing element and an adjusting member acting on the part of the sealing element so as to change a cross-section of the passage formed by the sealing element, so that the sealing element simultaneously performs functions of sealing of the water issuing element relative to the housing and adjusting or stopping a flow of water through the sealing element to the water issuing element.

Abstract: Embodiments of a disposable liner that is disposed in a cavity of a basin are disclosed. In one embodiment, a disposable liner comprises: sidewalls that are design to adapt to the contours of the cavity of the basin; and a bottom wall that is attached to the sidewalls and includes a drainage hole that is aligned with the drainage hole of the basin.

Abstract: A home personal security system includes a bed and an anchoring assembly by means of which the bed is anchored to a floor. A human containment chamber is provided in the lower portion of the bed. The human containment chamber has a door with a lock for locking the door from inside, and ventilation openings to provide air to an occupant of the human containment chamber.

Abstract: A collapsible and convertible frame assembly movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a first unit including a first frame having a plurality of first scissor assemblies each including a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member at a pivot point. Frame members of adjacent first scissor assemblies are coupled to a first upper connector assembly or a first lower connector assembly. A second unit is removably coupled to the first unit. The second unit includes a second frame having a plurality of second scissor assemblies each including a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member at a pivot point. Frame members of adjacent second scissor assemblies are coupled to a second upper connector assembly or a second lower connector assembly. An assembly unit removably couples the first unit to the second unit.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible, portable, adjustable tubing structure is used upon any conventional bed to lift and support the bed covers above the desired portions of the anatomy of an occupant of the bed. The device may feature multiple adjustments, for example, vertical (height) adjustment and horizontal (width) adjustment. Preferably, all the adjustments are continuous, non-incremental adjustments to best fit the device to a given bed. The device may be made of simple and extremely durable off-the-shelf pieces, preferably of PVC pipe, bushings, tees, and elbows, plus adjustment system that comprise threaded mobs holding a nut and bolt pressure lock system. Other adjustment system may be used, such as pins, clips, fasteners, or other locks or connectors, but the adjustment knob system is most preferred because of its ease, safety, and simplicity.

Abstract: A bed assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports four curved mattress support panels (50-56) which are able to move with pivoting of the various parts of the frame (22). The curved panels (50-56) better conform to a patient's body shape and provide an effective lengthening of the mattress support (50-56), particularly when the back rest (30, 50) is raised to a sitting position. The support panels (50-56) are located below the pivot points of the frame (22), which further enhances the lengthening effect. The assembly also includes first and second patient retention panels (80, 82) with complementary edges (92, 94) which can slide over one another. A key pad unit (100) protrudes from the retention panel (80) at a convenient patient position and can be gripped by a patient's hand.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device for converting a passenger vehicle to a patient transport vehicle including a bracket configured to mount to a seat located in a passenger vehicle, a wear strip attached to the bracket, the wear strip comprising a flat surface configured to support a stretcher, and a tie down system configured to releasably attach a stretcher to the bracket when the stretcher is in contact with the wear strip.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a biomechanically advantageous patient transfer device. One embodiment of a patient transfer device includes a body configured for supporting a patient thereon, a plurality of flanges coupled to the body and extending outward therefrom, and a plurality of handles configured for allowing the patient transfer device to be lifted, at least one handle being formed in each flange.

Abstract: A mattress core unit, such as an innerspring, is placed inside a foam envelope, which in turn is covered with fabric. The side and end rails of the envelope overlap the bottom panel, to provide good support for all edges of the mattress. The top panel of the envelope overlaps the side and end rails. To make a reversible mattress, an overlapping bottom foam panel is used. The method simplifies matress construction, reduces the number of required stock keeping units, and provides a comfortable, yet firm, feel at the edges of the mattress.

Abstract: At least one major surface of the core is covered with an inner layer of insulation, and at least one outer layer of material. The outer layer is secured to the inner layer by inserting flexible filament type fasteners through the hollow needle of an installation tool. If the core is made of foam, filamentary fasteners may also be used to secure the inner layer. The insulation layers are ultimately covered and secured in place by a fabric panel which conceals and secures the other components. Filamentary fasteners may also be used to secure a pillow top edge or a top panel to the mattress.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool for removing and attaching vehicle wheels. The tool comprises parts, which may be combined to make components. In a first aspect of the invention the lifting component comprises a handle and a base plate, which may be used to lift, lower, position and transport a wheel; one variant of the base plate having a wheel or roller. In a second aspect of the invention a tool for removing and replacing a hubcap is made from a portion of the handle. In a third aspect of the invention a lug removal component is either provided as a novel lug wrench or may be made from the novel lug wrench combined with a portion of the handle.

Abstract: An improved construction pry bar is presented that possesses unique features. The pry bar has a cutting slot in its leading edge that can slice through or grip and remove nails from construction materials. The pry bar head also possesses two flat shoulders that make it possible to drive the pry bar between two pieces of construction material by means of foot pressure or the use of a hammer.

Abstract: A tool holder for a tool comprises a left side flange and a right side flange which cooperate to define a base and a thumb surface. The base has a slot which is adapted to receive the tool. A vertical flange extends generally perpendicular to the base and the vertical flange defines a ring portion having an opening adapted to receive a finger. The left side flange, right side flange and vertical flange are formed from an elastomeric material and as a unitary construction.

Abstract: Fabric softening compositions comprising polymeric materials capable of retaining volatile perfume ingredients are disclosed, as well as methods of softening fabrics.

Abstract: According to the invention, provision is made for at least one treatment additive in the treatment liquid to be reused to be measured during operation of the pass-through washing machine and possibly the spin dryer which is arranged downstream of said pass-through washing machine. As a result, it is possible to establish whether the treatment liquid still contains a sufficient quantity of treatment additives before said treatment liquid is reused. On account of the established concentration of the respective treatment additive, the treatment additive can be deliberately added in a metered manner, so that the treatment liquid to be reused contains a sufficient concentration of the respective treatment additive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for “dye-to-order” carpet manufacturing that address deficiencies in the carpet manufacturing industry, some of which are discussed above. In one embodiment, an improved manufacturing system is provided that allows manufacturers to change colors “on the fly” (e.g., within a single roll) with minimal waste. In another embodiment, a dye-to-order processing system is provided that maps multiple orders to undyed carpet rolls such that usage of the undyed carpet rolls is optimized.

Abstract: Provided are a method of stabilizing a leuco dye storable as a liquid for a long time, a method of reducing nonspecific color development thereof at a time of a color development reaction, and a stable liquid reagent composition using the methods. The inventors of the present invention found that coexistence of the leuco dye with a specific reducing agent resulted in suppression of self color development and its remarkably improved stability in a solution, and that when a color development reaction of the leuco dye with hydrogen peroxide was performed, coexistence of the leuco dye, in a reaction solution, with another dye which had an absorption spectrum not influencing a measurement wavelength of the leuco dye and did not react with hydrogen peroxide suppressed nonspecific color development and lowered a reagent blank value, which was applied to an analytical reagent.