Abstract: The invention provides a portable hand-warming apparatus for athletes that is easily attached and detached from the athlete's clothing but remains safely unobtrusive with the movement of the player during an athletic event. The apparatus is made of multiple layers of materials to reduce moisture, insulate, and resist wind and water. In one specific embodiment, the apparatus may be used to warm the throwing hand of a baseball or softball player while inactive during play, such as between pitches or while playing in the field.

Abstract: An article of clothing configured to cover leg portions of a wearer; wherein the clothing includes a first leg member. The first leg member includes a first selectably sealable aperture disposed about a front portion of the first leg member. The first leg member also includes a second selectably sealable aperture disposed about an exterior side portion of the first leg member. The first and second selectably sealable aperture include a zipper. In addition, the clothing includes a modesty layer coupled to the first and the second selectably sealable apertures. Furthermore, the article of clothing includes a second leg member coupled to the first leg member. The second leg member includes selectably sealable apertures that are substantially mirrored in number, position and orientation of those of the first leg member.

Abstract: A reusable glove holder device includes: (a) a belt loop portion at an upper end of the glove holder device; (b) a backbone portion extending downward in a generally vertical direction from the belt loop portion; (c) at least two corresponding strips of hook and loop material, each of the corresponding strips extending out from an opposite side of a base of the backbone portion in a generally horizontal direction; (d) at least one finger release strap attached to a first end of at least one of the at least two corresponding strips; and preferably (e) a sheath within the backbone portion.

Abstract: A clothing accessory is provided to be worn on the head of a user and is provided with an upper end portion, an open lower end portion, a forward portion and a rearward portion. The forward portion is provided with at least one eye opening. The rearward portion is provided with a rear opening that is shaped and sized to permit the user to pass the user's head from within an interior portion of the clothing accessory through the rear opening. A removable visor may be coupled with the clothing accessory above the eye opening. One or more flaps may be positioned near the rear opening for covering the rear opening.

Abstract: Sound muffling headwear includes a flexible circumferential band, flexible housings coupled to opposing sides of the flexible circumferential bands, and flexible earmuffs received at least partially within the flexible housings. Sound muffling headwear can also include flexible earmuffs received at least partially within the flexible housings. The flexible earmuffs can include a base layer and at least one additional layer secured to the base layer with a silicone material, the additional layer having a recess defined therein.

Abstract: Foot Alignment Socks are a uniquely designed adaptation of regular socks used to alleviate minor foot problems. Foot Alignment Socks differ from traditional socks in that there is no covered toe assembly. Instead the socks have four separators which fit in between the toes. They are cylindrical and sturdy yet soft and yielding as they are constructed from the same fabric as the body of the sock. The separators stretch and align toes into proper position in respect to the rest of the foot. This toe alignment counters the harmful effects of daily foot compression and stress caused by tight and ill-fitting shoes as well as relieving foot pain from excess walking, standing, jogging, or strenuous sports and activities. With consistent use Foot Alignment Socks soothe and straighten crooked and deformed toes. They are ideal as an over-night foot maintenance treatment.

Abstract: An energy-enhanced health-promoting sock structure is disclosed, wherein a sock body is provided with an energy-generating material that is distributed on at least one surface of the sock body at different densities and over different extents in accordance with a distribution density of acupuncture points on a human foot and requirements in selecting the acupuncture points on the foot, so that stimulating and conducting effects of various strengths can be produced at different meridians and acupuncture points of the foot. In addition, the sock body remains perfectly soft in areas that need not produce such effects and therefore provides a more comfortable wearing experience.

Abstract: Garment with an interchangeable patch system includes at least one panel having one or more openings extending from an inner surface adapted to face the wearer of the garment to an opposed an outer surface, and one or more patches each removably attachable via a front surface to the inner surface of the panel over a respective opening such that an opaque portion of the front surface of the patch is visible via the opening when viewing the outer surface of the panel. To enable the removable attachment of the patches to the panel, the panel and each patch include at least one pair of first and second cooperating fasteners. The first fastener of each pair is arranged on the inner surface of the panel and the second fastener of each pair is arranged on the front surface of the patch.

Abstract: Systems are presented for providing the ability to accessorize handbags and belts to coordinate with a user's outfit. The systems include a plurality of handbags having different shapes and sizes. Each handbag is configured to represent a different style of handbag. The system also includes a plurality of belts having shapes and widths and a plurality of decorative attachments varying in at least one of color, shape or pattern. Each handbag and each belt is configured to receive any of the plurality of decorative attachments such that the received decorative attachment is detachably secured thereon. Further, each decorative attachment is configured to be a proper size and shape for decorating any of the handbags or belts.

Abstract: A brief style undergarment for men is constructed of spandex or the like and is adapted to fit tightly against the abdomen, perineum, and pubic areas. Thereby providing force against internal organs protruding through hernial openings of the abdominal wall. The snug, forceful, fit of the garment is facilitated by having a hole in the garment front to pass the wearer's penis and scrotum, thereby permitting the elastic to pull the garment panels tight against the wearer's body. Abdominal control is enhanced by forming an elastic waistband that encircles the body high in the back and low, at least under the navel, in front. A second optional band encircles the body across the wearer's navel to support hernias in the navel area.

Abstract: A positioning structure for the male reproductive organ, and more particularly provides a positioning structure which contributes to the hygiene, health and comfort of the male reproductive organ, and mainly includes a main body, a spacing portion, a holding portion and a positioning portion, wherein the main body further comprises at least one lower retaining portion and a waistband portion. The present invention is able to avoid the pants crotch, and enables upwardly centrally fixing the position of the penis to prevent it from falling down to one side, thereby resolving the problems of ill health, unhygienic state and discomfort of the penis resulting from constant skin contact between the penis and the scrota, while at the same time effectively preventing the problem of compression deformation of the penis when an erection occurs when wearing tight-fitting pants.

Abstract: A helmet padding consists of sets of one or more tubes, with each set of tubes located at a crucial area of the shell of the helmet. An armature and tubes are connected together and mounted within the inner shell of the helmet. The helmet uses a new fastener to fasten a cage to the helmet shell allowing sides of the cage to be mounted directly against the shell, reducing the width of the shell on each side. A ball is attached to a portion of a bar of the cage to act as a limit stop precluding movements of the cage with respect to the helmet. A chin bar is fastened to the helmet at two points on each side of the shell. The shell is molded with recessed portions designed to receive the two branches of the chin bar on each side where they will be fastened to the shell so that the outer surfaces of the chin guard are flush with the shell at the locations of attachment to provide a smooth transition and reduce weight.

Abstract: The eye guard, while complying with ASTM F803-03, has been ergonometrically designed to comfortably fit on the user's face, and to provide openings for the eyes allowing clear vision while at the same time protecting the eyes from impacts from a lacrosse ball. The eye openings are completely open and have dimensions intended to preclude a lacrosse ball from passing therethrough. The upper edges of the eye openings are displaced rearwardly with respect to the lower edges a sufficient distance to preclude a lacrosse ball from striking the two edges simultaneously in a direction that could possibly cause an eye impact. That displacement is specifically devised to cause a lacrosse ball striking one or the other of the edges to be deflected away from the eyes of the player. The upper edge of the eye openings also defines the lower edge of a visor surface. That visor surface transitions from the openings to the rearward edge of the eye guard where it engages the face of the user above the eyes.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics and garments that have improved resistance to pilling and/or abrasion are disclosed. The fabrics, the fibers or yarns that make up the fabrics, or garments made from the fabrics are treated with a finish composition that is applied to the fibers, yarns, fabrics, or garments and then cured. The finish composition increases the resistance to pilling and/or abrasion of the fibers, yarns, fabrics, or garments. The finish composition includes a polymeric abrasion resistance aid, an alkylfluoropolymer, a polyethylene, and a wetting agent.

Abstract: A single layer, lightweight protective garment prepared from a fabric made of woven polytetrafluoroethylene staple fiber yam, the fabric having an outer surface composed fluoropolymer staple fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.

Abstract: A structural toilet accessory support system used in bathrooms provides comfort, support and stability to the user when sitting down or standing up from a toilet. The invention responds to the need for a suitable support for the arms and back of anyone using a toilet. The system is suitable for use with toilets and seats already commercially available and adds aesthetics to the surrounding environment. The invention is available in various colors so that it can blend with the environment. For example, the invention can be made with silver plating, chromium plating, brushed steel or lacquer of different colors. In addition, the invention can be easily removed or transported.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a passively discharging and water-saving toilet bowl having an operation mechanism in which all parts are accurately operated as well as a water supply controlling mechanism by which the water level in a water reservoir can be controlled arbitrarily. The toilet bowl, having an operation mechanism conducted with an operation unit comprising: a first operation unit, operated with a manipulation lever, communicating both with a stool-discharging piston for opening or closing a stool-discharging pipe and with a flap valve for opening or closing a water reservoir; and a second operation unit, operating in response to the position of a float for controlling the water level of the water reservoir in such a manner that the second operation unit is connected to and separated from the first operation unit when the float is situated at an upper position and a lower position, respectively.

Abstract: A birthing pool for holding water comprises a floor 2 having at least one inflatable chamber 20 and a perimeter wall 3 having at least one inflatable chamber (30a, b, c), wherein there is further provided a removable liner 5 arranged, in use, to line, or at least lie adjacent at least some of the internal surfaces of the pool 1. The pool 1 may be ovoid in shape, it may have handles 4 for ease of use and may incorporate an integral step.

Abstract: A system (10) for automatically filling a bathtub (14), is operatively arranged to supply heated water to the bathtub and to drain water from the bathtub through a drain outlet (12) after use, the system comprising a conduit (14b) through which water from the drain outlet is recirculated back to the bathtub in use. The bathtub outlet comprises a passageway having an upstream end connectable in fluid communication with the bathtub, a downstream end connectable to a drain (60) and a servo-actuated valve (34) disposed to control water flow through the passageway, the passageway comprising a branch (80) in fluid communication with it at a region between the upstream end and the servo-actuated valve. The branch may be used to fill the bathtub and/or for the water recirculation. Alternatively the bathtub overflow outlet (30) comprises an inlet (18) connectable to an external supply (50) of filling water and directing this filling water into the bathtub in use.

Abstract: A transfer device transfers an individual from a bed to an adjacent support surface or vice versa and includes a mobile unit defined by a base and an upstanding structure having lower and upper end portions respectively adjacent to and remote from the base. A lower drive pulley and an upper idler pulley are located respectively adjacent to and remote from the base. A motor rotates the lower drive pulleys to wind thereupon a cable at least partially entrained upon the upper idler pulley. Clamps releasably connect the cable to a slide interposed between an individual and a bed or an adjacent support surface upon which an individual is reposed whereby upon operation of the motor, the slide with an individual thereon is pulled from a bed to an associated adjacent support surface or vice versa.

Abstract: A manual lifting pelvic harness for lifting or otherwise assisting debilitated patients has a adjustable belt, adjustable straps for encircling the thighs adjacent the buttocks, and fasteners such as tongues and buckles for securing the belt about the patient and securing the straps to the belt. Straps encircle the legs independently or cross over at the patient's crotch. The belt is wide, padded and slightly stiff. Alternatively, the straps have links at their ends and the links fit over the tongue of the belt before the tongue is inserted into the buckle to fasten the belt.

Abstract: A foldable cot includes a cot frame includes two longitudinal and a plurality of supporting legs, and a fabric made cot panel, wherein the longitudinal arms are coupled with the longitudinal edge portions of the cot panel respectively. A tensional enhancing arrangement includes two transverse arms coupled with the transverse edge portions of the cot panel, and four coupling joints rotatably mounted with end portions of the transverse arms to couple with four ends of the longitudinal arms respectively, wherein each of the transverse arms is rotated between a releasing position that the cot panel is loosely supported by the longitudinal arms and the transverse arms, and a setup position that the cot panel is stretched towards the four peripheral edges thereof for enhancing a tension of the cot panel.

Abstract: An apparatus has a collapsible base that assumes a deployed position and a collapsed position where the base has a smaller size than in the deployed configuration. A surface is removably attached to the base. The base includes a frame system that includes a plurality of struts that are hingedly connected to each other. The surface can be used as a sleeping surface, a table top, a game surface, or for other similar purposes.

Abstract: A bedding assembly includes a fitted sheet forming opposing side panels when engaging a mattress and including at least one fastener positioned longitudinally along at least one of the fitted sheet opposing side panels. The bedding assembly also includes a top sheet forming opposing side panels when engaging a mattress and including at least one complimentary fastener positioned longitudinally along at least one of the top sheet opposing side panels, the at least one complementary fastener of the top sheet substantially aligning with the at least one fastener of the fitted sheet.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a patient support, a base, and a plurality of support members, which supports the patient support relative to the base. The support members are adapted and arranged to raise or lower the base relative to the patient support. The stretcher also includes a releasable locking link between the patient support and a fixable point at the base.

Abstract: The present invention allows on demand retrofit of a bed (2) with the sensing units (9) of a new monitoring system, which allows mechanical sensing of the presence of patients, movements of patients, breathing and heart rate.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a patient support, a base, a plurality of support members supporting the patient support relative to the base, which are adapted and arranged to raise or lower the base relative to the patient support, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is actuatable between a locked position wherein the locking mechanism locks the support members at a fixed height and an unlocked position wherein the support members are released from being locked at the fixed height so that the base or the patient support may be moved relative to the other. Further, the locking mechanism is configured to provide a stop for the support members and absorb energy from the support members are release and the support members engage the stop.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes an articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together and supported from a frame movable relative to a stationary base. An lumbar support assembly, including a linear actuator operatively coupled to one of the deck boards, includes a plate which may be raised or lowered through an opening the articulated deck.

Abstract: An infant pillow device including a head and neck positioner(s) for retaining the infant's head and neck to prevent lateral, upwardly, downwardly, and rotational movement of the infants head. The infant pillow device aligns the infant's head, neck and spine when positioned on the infant pillow device.

Abstract: A changing table that is secured to most types of conventional baby carriages. The changing table is deployed from a fixed position on the baby carriage to take into account the proper weight, size and space requirements necessary to change a small child. When the changing table is not in use, it may be retracted and ultimately stowed into the baby carriage in an unobtrusive position. In this manner, the changing table becomes a useful, mobile alternative to those people who typically must seek out a safe, clean and adequate surface to change their small children.

Abstract: A portable, foldable, and machine-washable diaper changing pad which provides a sanitary area to change a baby or toddler in public restrooms is a single rectangular pad composed of several layers. The pad is sized so that, when folded, it is approximately the size of a small to medium-sized handbag. When unfolded, the top layer upon which the child rests is made of an impermeable material (e.g. vinyl) that is easy to clean. One end of the pad has an internal pocket which is sized to hold clean diapers, baby wipes, or other related accessories. A loop handle is attached to one side of the pad which allows the folded pad to be hung from a stroller, handbag, or other suitable location. The portable diaper changing pad is designed for one-handed use; that is, by a person who is assumed to be holding a child with the other hand.

Abstract: A method of making fabrics having first and second surfaces that exhibit different performance characteristics by virtue of having been treated with different chemical treatments is described. In addition, fabrics having first and second surfaces that exhibit different performance characteristics, such as one surface exhibiting oil and water repellency and optionally, soil release characteristics, and the opposite surface exhibits moisture transport characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is an improved process for stripping chemically bonded spinning solvent from a solution-spun nonwoven web by adding antioxidant to the fiber-forming polymer, and transporting the nonwoven web through a solvent stripping zone at a temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the solvent concentration of the fibers to less than about 1000 ppmw.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of altering the surface of a solid synthetic textile by placing a fabric containing at least some synthetic textile in contact with a at least one silicone additive to provide a synthetic textile having a durable hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for colouring keratin fibres especially human hair. Accordingly, the object of the present invention is a process for colouring keratin fibres, especially human hair, wherein keratin fibres to be coloured is wetted with water before application of a colouring composition comprising at least one direct dyestuff dispersed in a suitable medium for colouring wherein part of direct dyestuff is present in undissolved form.

Abstract: An air-oxidative type hair dye composition containing a melanin precursor prepared by a process including (A) an oxidation step for converting, into the melanin precursor, a tyrosine or derivative thereof used as a starting substance with an enzyme or cell that is derived from a fungus selected from the group consisting of fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Neurospora, Rhizomucor, Trichoderma, and Penicillium and that exhibits a catechol oxidase activity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shampoo composition with color enhancing effect and showing optimum hair conditioning properties, especially shine, softness and good manageability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, preferably well dispersed, more preferably translucent, and even more preferably clear, aqueous fabric color-restoring composition, fabric color-restoring methods, and articles of manufacture that use such fabric color-restoring composition. The fabric color-restoring composition comprises an effective amount of a silicone polymer fabric color-restoring agent, typically the minimum levels of fabric color-restoring agent included in the composition are at least about 1.75%, preferably at least about 2.0%, more preferably at least about 2.5%, even more preferably at least about 3.0% and typically maximum levels of fabric color-restoring agent are less than about 10.0%, preferably less than about 7.0%, particularly in the range of about 3.0% to about 6.0%; and optionally, but preferably, an effective amount to increase the coefficient of static friction, of a static friction-increasing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, preferably well dispersed, more preferably translucent, and even more preferably clear, aqueous fabric color-restoring composition, fabric color-restoring methods, and articles of manufacture that use such fabric color-restoring composition. The fabric color-restoring composition comprises an effective amount of a silicone polymer fabric color-restoring agent, typically the minimum levels of fabric color-storing agent included in the composition are at least about 1.75%, preferably at least about 2.0%, more preferably at least about 2.5%, even more preferably at least about 3.0% and typically maximum levels of fabric color-restoring agent are less than about 10.0%, preferably less than about 7.0%, particularly in the range of about 3.0% to about 6.0%; and optionally, but preferably, an effective amount to increase the coefficient of static friction, of a static friction-increasing agent.

Abstract: Dye mixtures that comprise at least one dye of formula together with at least one dye from the group of formulae wherein the radicals have the definitions given in the claims, are suitable, with good build-up behaviour, for dyeing or printing cellulose-containing fibre materials, and yield dyeings having a deep shade and good fastness properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ramp. The ramp includes at least two stiles. Each stile has a top, a bottom and four sides. A plurality of shoulders are equally spaced apart and mounted on one side of each stile. A plurality of rungs are aligned with the shoulders. Each rung has a right end, a left end and four sides. A plurality of notches are located on the right end and left end of each rung. The number of shoulders equals the number of the notches and the shoulders and notches are tightly fitted together to form the ramp.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device includes a handle and a cleaning head supported on one end of the handle. A vibratory source is supported on the handle and is operative to generate vibratory output. A mounting element is disposed between the handle and the vibratory source. A connecting member extends between the vibratory source and the cleaning head, and is adapted to generate motion at the cleaning head in response to the vibratory output generated at the vibratory source.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a cleaning tool for cleaning subsea conduits, such as tendons, risers or strakes. This invention comprises a flotation collar and brush member which may be attached to a subsea conduit and which may travel up a subsea conduit as a result of buoyancy forces and be retracted using one or more winches.

Abstract: A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game or other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. The controller may be employed with movement to provide a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user and with a surrounding skirt which is adapted to clean the back side of their hand while operating the controller.

Abstract: A cloth accessory includes a cover member of a soft and flexible material, which forms an enclosure having an opening therein. An insert is configured to fit within the cover member and hold the opening of the cover member in an open position with a substantially constant size and shape. A cloth is coupled to the cover member and has a first and second configuration. The cloth is retracted substantially into the cover member for storage in the first configuration. In the second configuration the cloth is extended through the insert and the opening of the cover member, and substantially out of the cover member for use while remaining coupled to the cover member. An associated method for cleaning or treating a device includes providing a cloth accessory, orienting the cloth into the second configuration and contacting a device with the cloth to clean or treat the device.

Abstract: An oral care toothbrush includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements. An oral care accessory is mounted to the opposite end of the handle. An oral care material dispenser is mounted in the head within the cleaning field defined by the oral care elements. The toothbrush is preferably made of small size and of lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. The at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged on a carrier element, which consists of a hard material, and is connected to the head part. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: A one-piece brush applicator formed by rolling a sheet of material is disclosed. The brush handle and the brush tip are formed from a single sheet of material that is rolled to form the brush with the handle. Only one material is required and no assembly is necessary. The brush handle and the brush tip are formed at the same time from a single sheet of material. The brush tip may have various shapes such as a flat tip or a pointed tip.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly to the design of the flushable wet wipe. The Glory Wipe as it is called has been designed to address the needs of users who have limited range of motion while cleansing personal areas of the body. The wipe enhances or extends the reach of its user.