Abstract: Flexible ballistic resistant composite material that has improved resistance to pick-up of water and other liquids, the composite material comprising a plurality of non-woven fibrous layers. The fibrous layers are formed from a network of high tenacity fibers (aramid fibers, extended chain polyethylene fibers and/or rigid rod fibers). The fibers are embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. Preferably, at least two adjacent fiber layers are oriented in a cross-ply arrangement with respect to each other. Flexible armor, such as body vests, are provided which are formed at least in part from the flexible composite material.

Abstract: A protective hood, such as a firefighter's hood, has a scalp section, nape section, left, right and throat section, through which portions of a wearer's face are exposed. The scalp section and nape section are made from a heavier insulated fire resistant material, whereas the left, right and throat section are made from a lighter insulated fire resistant material.

Abstract: A visor molded as a single piece that has stretch so it fits more than one size. The visor is made from a stretchable polymer. Also grooves can be provided in the headband to allow for further flexibility. The visor also has molded grooves and stitching lines, to allow the visual concealment of actual stitching lines to attach sweatbands and other features. Also provides are holes for attaching decorative studs.

Abstract: A core assembly for an athletic protective pad is provided. The core assembly comprises a backing member and a deflection shield overlaid on the backing member. The backing member includes a plurality of backing pieces that are assembled together. The deflection shield is located on the backing member using cooperating interlocking members provided on the deflection shield and at least one of the backing pieces. The core assembly may be inserted within an outer envelope to form a protective hockey goaltender leg pad.

Abstract: The invention provides a compression garment (50) for clothing a body part, such as a lower torso and the legs. The body part includes a muscle ridge, such as a lateral edge of the gluteus maximus (49). Compression garment (50) has first and second panels of stretchable material joined by a seam (32). At least part of the seam (32) is adapted to correspond to at least part of the muscle ridge, being at the edge of the gluteus maximus (49). The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a compression garment, using an algorithm to calculate size changes to produce desired compression.

Abstract: One embodiment of an air-creating costume which creates the illusion that air is being emitted from an anatomical body part, the air stream of which may be used for the purposes of balloon inflation for entertainment and amusement. In this embodiment, a wearable corset-shaped housing (110) contains an automotive air horn compressor (420) within its corset cups (112). A nozzle (432) focusing the air stream protrudes from a corset cup (112). This costume enables the wearer to affix a balloon to the nozzle and inflate it, thus creating the illusion that the air is being emitted from the wearer's breast. This embodiment and others may use the air stream for other entertaining purposes, such as inflating objects other than balloons, to propel substances like confetti or glitter into the surrounding air, for operating amusement devices such as party noisemakers or pinwheels, or for extinguishing small flames.

Abstract: A pocket for a garment is disclosed. The pocket comprises a first layer and a second layer, which is attached to the first layer to form a partially enclosed space. The partially enclosed space comprises a region defined by (1) a first line corresponding substantially to a line of flexion of a hip joint of a wearer of the garment and (2) a second line corresponding substantially to a centerline of a thigh of a wearer of the garment. The region is configured and disposed to substantially conceal an object stored in the region from a person viewing the garment.

Abstract: A protective wrap for protecting the wearer from wetness that is designed to be easy to get into and out of, having an upper portion that protects the user's torso and a lower, enlarged foot enclosure that is removably attached. A vertical front flap opening is secured with a Velcro™ closure. The foot enclosure is attached with a horizontal, outdoor-type zipper. The wrap is designed for warmth and protection from elements, such as rain and cold, for a user who is sitting, standing, or moving about, and particularly those users who are in a wheelchair. The foot enclosure, which may have a non-skid bottom, may be made with carrying handles, and serve as a bag to conveniently carry the wrap and other items as desired.

Abstract: A garment for drying the hair and body simultaneously, and a method to use that garment. The garment may include an article of clothing to dry the body, such as a bathrobe or the like, attached to an elongated hood. The elongated hood may envelop and secure the hair to facilitate the drying process. Furthermore, the elongated hood may be detached from the garment. The garment and elongated hood may be made of a water-absorbent material, such as terry cloth, to aid in the absorption of moisture from the body and hair. The garment is useful after bathing or swimming to dry the hair and body while securing the hair out of the wearer's way.

Abstract: An improved sports glove covering the index finger, middle finger, thumb, a portion of the palm, and a portion of the wrist of a human hand is disclosed. The pinky finger and ring finger, and a portion of the palm and a portion of the dorsal side of the hand are left uncovered with the glove of the present invention, which allows for greater aeration throughout the glove during use and greater control when gripping a sporting implement such as a tennis racquet handle, a golf club handle, or the like.

Abstract: A headgear to be worn around head for personalization, customization, representation, and affiliation. The headgear includes a base made of flexible material, a front made of flexible material which is attached to base, application method for wording, and Velcro hook and loop strips for securing around head.

Abstract: A crescent-shaped splash guard, encircling the part of the head to be washed, protects the eyes, ears and nose from soap and other solutions. It is placed centrally on the forehead above the eyes. Two opposing side portions extend from the center to above and behind the ears. The side portions form upper and lower edges providing a seal against the head. The side portions form troughs about the periphery, directing water and hair washing solutions to the side and back, and preventing solutions from dripping into the eyes, nose and ears. A handgrip in the splash guard's center provides a grip for a “hairwasher.” Holding the handgrip prevents the splash guard from shifting. The “hairwasher” applies pressure to the splash guard via the handgrip to ensure that all hair solutions are guided through the troughs and discharged away from the eyes, nose and ears.

Abstract: A process for applying digitally printed applique” indicia which results in decorative and identification elements for decoration and identification when applied to uniforms, fashion, “basic” and performance apparel, swimwear and intimate apparel as well as other textile products, the elements being an alternative to direct embroidery, embroidered emblems, thermo-transfer films, silk screen or sublimated printing. The production process includes the following phases (FIGS. 3A-C): a design phase (1); a separation phase (2); a printing phase (3); an optional traditional embroidery phase (4); and an etching/cutting phase (5). The process can incorporate embroidered elements but has the benefit of reducing or eliminating portions of stitching and or extra applique layers in the emblem. The resulting product has superior care and durability characteristics to screen printing and heat transfers as the image is more wash fast and can be ironed.

Abstract: The invention prevents leg chafing, and keeps the garment from riding up in the wearer's crotch area, by disposing weights on the garment. If the garment is an undergarment, then Modal® fabric, a bio-based fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees, is especially preferred, as it is extremely soft, and wicks away moisture in an effective manner. It is an object of the invention to reduce leg chafing. It is a further object of the invention to teach a method of preventing garments from riding up into the wearer's crotch area.

Abstract: A diving goggles with defogging device, including a flexible frame provided with an adjustable fastening strap that is used to secure the diving goggles to the face of a user; an exterior lens used to seal off sea water from flowing into the flexible frame is fixed to the extreme exterior of the flexible frame; an internal lens which forms an airtight interlayer with the exterior lens is fixed to an inner side of the flexible frame; and a heating element used to maintain temperature of the internal lens is disposed on the internal lens. Accordingly, the present invention is able to effectively prevent fogging from occurring because of the temperature difference between body heat from the user and the lenses of the goggles.

Abstract: A protective garment for protecting military and emergency service personnel comprises an upper body garment having a torso portion formed of flexible material and left and right arm sleeves extending from the torso portion, each sleeve including one or more pockets for retaining a protective armour element to the sleeve. Right and left aide leggings are provided each having retainers for retaining armour elements to the leggings. Each armour element comprises a flexible or rigid ballistic resistant material or structure for protecting the limbs of a wearer against bullets and fragmentation from explosives. The protective garment includes a lower sleeve and lower leggings, each of which are detachable from the basic garment.

Abstract: A neck protector for welders has a band for surrounding the neck and overlapping at a rear of the neck for fastening and a bib portion depending from one edge of the band arranged for extending down over the upper chest area of the wearer at the front of the band between the ends.

Abstract: A disposable drain strainer is removably received within a drain opening having an adjacent drain rim substrate. The strainer has a strainer portion, a ring portion, and a seal release mechanism. Top and bottom surfaces of the ring portion are adapted to sealingly engage the drain rim substrate. The seal release mechanism is integral with the ring portion, and facilitates release of the seal so that the strainer can be readily be removed from the sink and discarded. In one embodiment, the seal release mechanism comprises a tab. In another embodiment, the seal release mechanism comprises a press-release component, wherein the ring portion has arced ring walls having convex and concave configurations. During sealing engagement with the drain rim, the ring portion is in the convex configuration. Pressure applied to the ring portion causes it to move to the concave configuration.

Abstract: A flush valve is provided for flushing a toilet bowl. The flush valve includes a center tube, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, and at least one timing mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube. The timing mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.

Abstract: A flush valve is provided for flushing a toilet bowl. The flush valve includes a center tube having a lug, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, and at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism. The at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.

Abstract: Provided are a toilet seat device saving energy and accurately stabilizing the temperature of a seating section at a predetermined level in a short time, and a toilet apparatus having the same. A control section adjusts the temperature of a toilet seat section to 18° C. when a heating function is turned on, and during a standby period D1, the control section performs low electric power drive of a lamp heater provided at the toilet seat section. The control section starts 600 W drive of the lamp heater at time t1 after the control section detects user's entry into a room, and the control section maintains the 600 W drive during an inrush current reduction period D2. The control section starts 1200 W drive of the lamp heater at time t2 and maintains the 1200 W drive during a first temperature rise period D3.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a housing for protecting and masking a toilet bowl whose top part is provided with a peripheral inwardly folded edge which delimits with the bowl a water distribution channel and which is characterised in that it consists of a body (30) and a cover part (32) which is open in the center thereof, is independent of said body (30) and is arrangeable on the body in such a way that it covers the peripheral edge (11) of the bowl, wherein the body (30) is provided with an anchoring part (5) interacting with the cover part (32) and said anchoring and cover (32) parts comprise complementarily shaped connecting means (51, 330).

Abstract: A beauty-care bidet includes an introduction hose for introducing washing water, a water purifier connected to the introduction hose for purifying the washing water introduced through the introduction hose, a head separably coupled to the water purifier and having an open tip end portion communicating with the water purifier, a control valve for cutting off the washing water supplied to the open tip end portion of the head or for regulating a pressure of the washing water, a tip end operating unit detachably attached to the open tip end portion of the head, and a vibrator mounted to the head in such a way that the vibrator can be operatively connected to the tip end operating unit. The tip end operating unit is a bidet-washing insertion device that can be inserted into an intestine or a vagina of a user.

Abstract: A control system is configured for selectively facilitating operation of a mechanized pool cover system. The control system includes a security device and/or a sensor. A controller is in communication with the security device and/or sensor and is configured to selectively generate an actuation signal. A switch circuit is configured to facilitate provision of power from a power source to a pool cover actuator in response to receipt by the switch circuit of the actuation signal. The pool cover actuator is attached to a carriage, and the carriage is attached to a pool cover. The pool cover actuator is configured to selectively drive the carriage to facilitate movement of the pool cover with respect to a pool between a covering position and a non-covering position.

Abstract: A retractable, folding, insulating spa cover assembly with interconnected, plural, elongated, generally rectangular, panel members, the panel members being connected to each other along their longitudinal edges or sides by hinge members that act as gaskets to close the entire gap between adjoining panel members, wherein the hinge members alternate between the upper and lower surface of the panel members, such that the panel members are foldable into a vertical stack. Track members may be provided on opposing upper walls of the spa, with pins or roller members disposed on each end of the panel members such that the panel members slide laterally within the track members. The track members may each have a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, such the panel members remain in the track members when vertically stacked as well. In an alternative embodiment, vertically oriented roller conveyor members may be positioned beside the spa.

Abstract: A bathing chair with a fixing device comprises a front frame and a rear frame, shaped like the inverted letter U, reaching across a bathtub and having horizontal rods which pass over an edge of the bathtub at a distance, the front and rear frames being connected by right and left connecting rods, a seat, having a fixed base mounted on the horizontal rods, an axis mounted on the fixed base in a central position thereof, and a rotatable base, which is rotatable around the axis, a bearing assembly, comprising several gliding blocks connected with the seat and allowing the seat to glide along the horizontal rods, and a handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Bath Comfort Bed and consists of 3 parts. The headrest with, or without massage-function, the back and the seat. On the bottom side of the Bath Comfort Bed are sucking cups attached used to make sure the entire bed will be sufficiently fastened/fixed to the bath side. On the bottom side of each part are 2 valves, 1 for air and 1 for liquid(s) used to fill the bed with liquid(s) and/or air. On the back support and the seat are several partitions with open spaces used for stabilisation. The Bath Comfort Bed has been made of flexible plastic. The topside of the Bath Comfort Bed has a rough structure to prevent slipping. The headrest, back support and seat can be separated from each other and used individually. The Bath Comfort Bed needs to be used to give more comfort to bathing and to let children bath more safely.

Abstract: A cushioned bath lounger adapted for use in a bathtub, or spa, and positioned proximate to the back surface of the bathtub. The cushioned bath lounger presenting a resting place for the head and shoulders of a reclined bather. The lounger having first and second support rails anchored to each side of the bathtub. A flexible support member is positioned between and attached to each support rail. The flexible support member has a first chamber with a visco-elastic pad positioned within to support the bathers head. The flexible support member may also include a second chamber configured to be inflated by air. The air filled second chamber then provides gentle floatation support to the reclined bather when immersed in a bath. The flexible support of the lounger may be adjustably positioned between the support rails and locked in place. The lounger may also be configured such that the flexible support may glide freely along the support rails to provide a rocking motion to the reclined bather.

Abstract: A preformed structural support for ceramic tile for use in constructing a horizontal support surface, such as a seat or a foot rest in a shower or the like installation environment is provided. The preformed structural support includes a base of a corrosion-resistant material that can be trimmed to conform to the irregularities of the structural walls to which it is to be installed against. The base includes tile receiving sides that are textured and are ready for the application of tile using a suitable adhesive, such as a thinset compound. The preformed structural support is installed without the use of penetrating fasteners, thereby preserving the integrity of the waterproofing of the shower.

Abstract: A dispenser delivery system for a closed container that permits periodic dispensing of a dispersant into a fluid in the container without having to remove a cover over the container.

Abstract: A daybed is disclosed that is convertible between a sitting configuration suitable for use, for example, as a sofa, and a lying configuration suitable for use, for example, as a bed. The daybed generally comprises a bed platform, a back panel connected to the bed platform, a mattress positioned at least partly on the bed platform, and a support member movable relative to the bed platform and back panel for use in at least partly helping convert the daybed. For example, in example embodiments the support member includes a storage container that may be positioned at least partly under the bed platform when the daybed is in the sitting configuration. And the storage container may be moved forward of the bed platform when the daybed is converted to the lying configuration so that at least part of the mattress may be also positioned on the storage container.

Abstract: A slat connector for use with a futon sofa bed may be used for connecting a slat to a rail of a frame of the futon sofa bed. The slat connector may include a body having an opening for receiving an end portion of a slat, and a protrusion extending in a generally normal direction from an outer surface of the body. The rail of the frame may include an opening for receiving the protrusion of the connector for connecting the slat to the rail.

Abstract: A mattress-supporting base includes three mattress support portions, multiple crossbars and a baseboard. Each of the mattress support portions has a first end and a second end. The first end of each mattress support portion connects to the first ends of the other two mattress support portions, and the second end of each mattress support portion connects to the second ends of the other two mattress support portions. The first two mattress support portions have four sections that are pivotally connected by three hinges. The third and center mattress support portion has two sections that are pivotally connected. The components of the mattress-supporting base fit into a packing box having an inner width that is neither wider than about ten times the width of the mattress support portions plus about eight times the thickness of the baseboard, nor longer than about one half the length of the assembled mattress-supporting base.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a bedding in which polyester having excellent elasticity is used for a batting therein, and which is provided with high-grade flame retardance so as to withstand long-time flaming, even though only a small amount of a halogen-containing fiber is used therein. By configuring the flame-retardant bedding product so that it is composed of a batting and a ticking for covering the batting and that the batting comprises a cellulose fiber (A), a polyester fiber (B), and a halogen-containing fiber (C) as essential components, the bedding product is caused to achieve the above-described object. In addition to the excellent flame retardance, the bedding product of the present invention is allowed to have excellent cushiony properties, since a large amount of a polyester fiber can be used therein because the amount of a halogen-containing fiber used therein is relatively small.

Abstract: A pillow has a plurality of grooves and ribs extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pillow such that in use, the ribs extend generally transverse to the spine of a user. The ribs are provided under the neck and head of a user and the pillow has an uncut core that is thinker under the neck.

Abstract: A support for the head of a patient lying in a generally prone position. The support features a tray adapted for support on an underlying operating table surface. A plurality of pins projecting from an engagement with the tray are positioned to engage and suspend either a cushion directly or a cushion engaged in a casing. The pins may be adjusted to raise or lower the engaged cushion or casing. A mirror is also provided to provide a reflective view a patient's eyes through slots in the cushion and casing engaged over a patient's face. A video camera may also concurrently be employed to capture electronic images of the patient's eyes and mouth through an aperture in the mirror.

Abstract: A body pillow includes an outer enclosure, first, second and third chambers disposed within the outer enclosure, the first and second chambers disposed adjacent to one another, and the second and third chambers disposed adjacent to one another, each of the first, second and third chambers adapted to be filled by respective filling material, a first baffle disposed between the first and second chambers, and a second baffle disposed between the second and third chambers, the first and second baffles adapted to prevent filling material within each of the first, second and third chambers from shifting to an adjacent one of the chambers. Beneficially, among other benefits, the body pillow's baffles prevent filling material disposed within each of the chambers from shifting to adjacent chambers, both during normal use of the body pillow and during washing.

Abstract: The playard includes a frame body and a bassinet detachably mounted on the frame body. An opening and a cover that covers onto the opening are configured at the bottom panel of the bassinet. When the cover opens relative to the opening, a folding device at the bottom of the frame body can be operated by a user's hand sticking into the opening for folding the playard to a smaller size without the need of removing the bassinet. A height adjustment device is further configured on the side panels of the bassinet for adjusting the height of the bassinet by selectively setting the bassinet in a first using state that has a shallow depth or in a second using state that has a deep depth.

Abstract: An adjusting structure for adjusting the rise and fall of a mattress by air spring, comprises a plurality of air springs and a control device. The air springs are located under the mattress, and the control device controls the amount of air in the respective air springs so as to control their extension and retraction, thus adjusting the rise and fall of the mattress and producing a massage effect. Further, according to different figures of different users, the mattress can be adjusted to a most appropriate sleeping posture for the users.

Abstract: In many aspects, the systems and methods described herein include mattress having a top sleeping layer disposed on top of a support layer. The support layer includes polyurethane foam having channels comprising one or more slits on both sides of a surface to act as hinges for articulation. The channels may be aligned with the joints of the articulated sections of the foundation or frame of the adjustable bedding assembly. When the sections articulate about the joints, the channels allow the overlying top layer to conform to the sections while reducing wear and tear therein.

Abstract: Process for improving the light-fastness of dyeings on multicomponent fibres composed of a thermodynamically compatible polyolefin and polyamide with disperse dyes characterized in that they are subjected to a treatment with benzotriazole derivatives.

Abstract: Reactive dye mixtures comprising one or more dyes of the general formula (I), one or more dyes of the general formula (II) and optionally one or more dyes of the general formula (III) where D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, R0, R*, R**, T, b, f, v, and M are as defined in claim 1, the dyes of the general formulae (I)-(III) containing at least one fiber-reactive group of the formula —SO2-Z or -Z2, are prepared and used for dyeing hydroxyl- and/or carboxamido-containing fiber material.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of carminic acid lakes, novel carminic acid lake compositions and their uses in foods, such as yogurt, fruit preparations, beverages, other miscellaneous food products that may need a stable red color, and in cosmetics.

Abstract: The invention is a vehicle and equipment hauler attachment for pickup trucks. It allows a standard pickup truck to haul vehicles and other equipment such as zero turn radius lawn mowers and ATVs above the bed of the pickup truck while preserving storage and other towing options. The invention comprises a framing system to support the apparatus and to attach it to the bed of the pickup truck; a ramping system to aid in moving the vehicles and equipment; a decking system to support the vehicles and equipment; and a lifting system utilizing hydraulics and a winch.

Abstract: A cleaning processing unit includes a spin chuck for horizontally holding a substrate and rotating the substrate around the vertical axis passing through the center of the substrate. A bevel cleaner is disposed outside the spin chuck. The bevel cleaner includes a cleaning brush. The cleaning brush has a shape that is symmetric about its vertical axis, and has an upper bevel cleaning surface, an end surface cleaning surface, and a lower bevel cleaning surface. The end surface cleaning surface is a cylindrical surface having its axis in the vertical direction. The upper bevel cleaning surface extends out from and is inclined upward from the upper end of the end surface cleaning surface, and the lower bevel cleaning surface extends out from and is inclined downward from the lower end of the end surface cleaning surface.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a driving source; a vibrating member having a brush; a transmission mechanism which converts an output of the driving source into vibration of the vibrating member; and a control unit that controls the output of the driving source. The vibrating member has a first resonance point in which the brush resonates in a first direction, and a second resonance point in which the brush resonates in a second direction; and the control unit has a first operation mode which controls the output of the driving source so that a resonance in the first direction is generated, and a second operation mode which controls the output of the driving source so that a resonance in the second direction is generated.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to neck. The head includes a first carrier that is coupled to the head and is operatively connected to a first drive for moving the first carrier in a first direction. The first carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. The head also includes a second carrier that is coupled to the head and is in selective engagement with a protrusion extending in a recess defined by the first carrier to impart movement in a second direction. The second carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, the first carrier oscillates in a rotational direction and the second carrier moves in a direction parallel to the head.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to neck. The head includes a first carrier that is coupled to the head and is operatively connected to a first drive for moving the first carrier in a first direction. The first carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. The head also includes a second carrier that is coupled to the head and is in selective engagement with a protrusion extending in a recess defined by the first carrier to impart movement in a second direction. The second carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom, in an exemplary embodiment, the first carrier oscillates in a rotational direction and the second carrier moves in a direction parallel to the head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for cleaning wheel rims. Said device is used for removing sticky excess powdered pigments from the flange and hub of the rims prior to the baking process during powder coating. The inventive device comprises a first brush which can be introduced into the hub of a rim that is to be cleaned as well as a second brush which is concentrically disposed around the first brush and rests against the flange surface of the rim when the first brush is inserted in the hub of the rim. The first brush can be axially displaced relative to the second brush and is spring-mounted on the second brush. Furthermore, a drive unit is provided which rotates the first and the second brush by a specific angle, respectively.

Abstract: After a liquid sample is dropped onto a sample-holding platform 11, a window plate 22 is moved closer to the sample-holding platform 11 to hold the liquid sample between them. Measurement light is delivered onto the liquid sample, and the light transmitted through the sample is measured. After the measurement is completed, a window plate holder 23 is raised, and a hear 14 is moved from a standby position into the gap between the window plate 22 and the sample-holding platform 11. Then, the window plate holder 23 is lowered so as to press the window plate 22 onto the head 14 until the head 14 touches the sample-holding platform 11 below. From this state, the head 14 is swung back to the original position, whereby a wipe material 40 fitted on the head 14 simultaneously wipes off the liquid sample from both the lower surface of the window plate 22 and the upper surface of the sample-holding platform 11.