Abstract: An article of manufacture for protecting the upper leg against injury from small arms fire that also protects against shrapnel and debris propelled from an explosive compound or device that also provides for attachment points for a myriad of combat equipment such as magazine pouches, holsters, grenade pouches, radio pouches, first aid kits, etcetera, includes a knee length set of chaps type of protective garment. The chaps provide frontal and flank protection to the upper leg and accordingly the femur and femoral artery, thus providing an over-garment that protects the wearer without impairing the wearers flexibility, and a piece of combat equipment that incorporates up to level 4 ballistic protection.

Abstract: A ballistic hand protector and methods of use are provided. The ballistic hand protector includes a ballistic pad having a hand surface adjacent to the back of a user's hand and an outer surface. A wrist strap wraps around the user's wrist and the ballistic pad, and a hand strap wraps around the user's palm and the ballistic pad. The wrist strap and hand strap are held in place on the ballistic pad by at least one wrist strap loop and one hand strap loop attached to the outer surface of the ballistic pad.

Abstract: An armor composite material has been invented which contains a fabric which has been impregnated with shear thickening fluid. This invention offers a ballistic resistant material that is more flexible and less bulky than comparable, conventional ballistic fabric. The material in the alternative can be puncture resistant. The invented material offers superior ballistic performance and/or puncture resistance compared to conventional ballistic fabric based materials of equal thickness. The invented material can be applied to applications requiring armor that is compact and/or flexible, such as body armor, protective clothing and flexible protective devices and shields, and stab resistant clothing and devices.

Abstract: A light weight body armor is constructed from offset layers of mosaic like panels. The panels are formed from woven material made from volcanic black rock. The panels are light weight and strong, and the woven material is less expensive than know materials used to construct body armor.

Abstract: A wetsuit includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is attached to the outer layer and includes a plurality of fibers having wool and being configured in a plurality of clusters. The inner layer also includes a plurality of interconnected channels. At least a portion of each channel is defined by a space between adjacent clusters. The wetsuit also includes an opening that is disposed on a rear side of the wetsuit. The wetsuit additionally includes at least one fastener that is connected to the opening to open and close the opening.

Abstract: A garment with a magnetically attachable garment accessory, including at least one magnet permanently affixed to the garment and at least one magnetic attachment body affixed to the garment accessory, the magnet capable of magnetically attaching to the attachment body. The garment and garment accessory can have a second set of complementary magnetic attachment elements, enabling the garment accessory to attach to the garment at two positions, thus spanning a portion of the garment. Because the garment accessory is readily detachable from the garment, the garment can easily be stylistically varied in innumerable ways.

Abstract: A training garment (10) for developing an athlete's inspiratory muscles, comprises a resistance band (12) and adjustment means (13). The resistance band (12) is configured such that when the training garment (10) is in use during the performance of aerobic exercise, the resistance band (12) embraces the athlete's thorax and imparts a resistive load thereto. The adjustment means (13) enable the athlete to vary the applied resistive load. The training garment (10) resists the expansion of the athlete's thorax during the performance of aerobic exercise, but without restricting the athlete's range of motion.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A material structure (1) comprises a base structure (10) that includes, at least partially, a flame-retardant material with a first side (12) and a second side (14), at least the first side (12) of the base structure being printed with a pattern (20) that has open areas (50) through which the surface of the base structure (10) is visible. The pattern (20) has a material (30) containing a fluorescent dye (40), the visible surface of the first side (12) of base structure (10), in combination with pattern (20), producing a color of the material structure that satisfies the requirements of European standard EN 471. The material structure can be used, in particular, to produce warning and protective clothing.

Abstract: Running shorts, active wear, pants, or another garment to be worn by a woman that allows urination while standing without removal or lowering of the garment. The garment has overlying flaps and may have a flap frame.

Abstract: Footbeds (e.g., in footwear, socks, etc.) for engaging a plantar surface of a wearer's foot include one of the lateral or medial sides having a smooth or substantially smooth feel or surface while the opposite side has a textured feel or surface, e.g., by providing plural raised areas that define the textured feel or surface. Depending on the location of the texturing (lateral side or medial side) and/or the type of ambulatory activity (e.g., running or walking), lower extremity movement during the activity may be affected, e.g., to reduce pronation, reduce maximum eversion, reduce rearfoot range of motion, reduce eversion velocity, reduce plantarflexion when pushing off during a step, reduce inversion at heel strike, reduce eversion range of motion, reduce maximum internal tibial rotation, to increase stability during cutting motions, etc.

Abstract: A seam joining structure (1) includes a first material web (10) with a first barrier layer (42) and with a first edge (14) on an outer boundary of the first material web (10), a second material web (30) with a second barrier layer (42) and with a second edge (34) on an outer boundary of the second material web (30), as well as at least one seam (21) that joins the first and second material webs (10, 30) in a seam area (3) to form a first seam allowance (13) between the seam (21) and the first edge (14) of the first material web (10) and to form a second seam allowance (33) between seam (21) and the second edge (34) of the second material web (30). The first and second material webs (10, 30) are arranged one above the other in seam area (3) and the second seam allowance (33) is folded around the first edge (14) of the first material web (10) and covers the at least one seam (21) to form a seam cover (2), whereby the seam cover (2) is joined in the seam area (3) to the first material web (10).

Abstract: A device and method reducing the resistance to emergency safety helmet removal from the head of a crash victim by extracting the shock-absorbing elements from within of the helmet cavity. The removal of he shock-absorbing elements frees the head thereby enabling removable of the helmet with negligible force.

Abstract: A water jet injector for a sanitary self-cleaning toilet seat device includes a foothold having a connector to connect with an external duct; a pipe installed at the front edge of the foothold and having two chambers; and two jet pipes each installed in its corresponding chamber and having a nozzle provided at the top edge of the jet pipe with a water outlet. The jet pipes are movable to and fro to clean the contaminated parts of the user's body with the cleaning water jet. Besides, a shade is stretched out of the pipe to cover the top edges of said nozzles so as to prevent the nozzles from being dirted by the soil and the user's body from being wetted by the residual water in the pipes.

Abstract: A flush valve utilizes a sensor to determine how close a user is to a toilet to determine whether to utilize a longer flush with more water to remove, typically, solid waste or a shorter flush with less water to remove, typically, liquid waste. If a user is in a zone that is closer to the toilet, a longer flush is deemed necessary and if a user is in a zone farther from the toilet, a shorter flush is deemed necessary. Users sometimes move between one zone or the other and the flush valve determines whether a user spends more or less time in the zones to determine whether to provide a shorter or a longer flush.

Abstract: A combined toilet and seat apparatus, capable of being transformed from a flat-pack configuration for storage and/or transportation to a box-like configuration for use. The apparatus comprises front and rear panels connected by respective side panels, which side panels are capable of forming inwardly-angled side panels to thereby provide support to a top panel connected to either of the front and/or rear panel, the top panel forming a seating platform and a base panel connected to either of the front or rear panel. The top panel and/or the base panel comprises one or more interlocking portions for interlocking the top panel and/or the base panel with one or both side panels to thereby maintain the apparatus in the box-like configuration.

Abstract: A commode is provided comprising a hinged seat 104 having a rim surrounded by a recess and an aperture 500 under said hinged seat leading to two rollers 402, 404. The aperture 500 is adapted to receive a pan forming cartridge containing a commode liner comprising length of flexible tubular polymer material. The rollers 402,404 have a heat sealing element thereon arranged such that, in use, rotation of the rollers draws the tubular polymer material through the rollers and creates at least one seal therein so as to form a pouch for containing a user's excrement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating a current used during swim-in-place exercise. Current-generating apparatus can comprise a discharge device having at least 20 spaced-apart, fluid discharge openings comprising a plurality of perimeter openings, where the area defined by the perimeter openings is in the range of from about 0.5 to about 20 square feet.

Abstract: A cover for a bathtub includes a base and wall that extends from the base. The wall defines an interior space and includes a plurality of wall segments. A panel is connected to the wall and closes an end of the interior space. The panel is adapted to engage the bathtub and has a plurality of pockets for protecting the bathtub.

Abstract: A modular waste drain can includes at least two of the following separate modules that can be selectively attached and detached from each other: an inlet assembly, an outlet assembly and a knife gate valve. An additional module can be provided by a valve guard assembly.

Abstract: A loft bed includes a framework including head and foot portions, each having front and back upstanding posts. Each front post defines a pin guide channel. A pair of pins is attached to respective end rails of an upper bed frame for receipt in the pin guide channels. Rocker arms are pivotally coupled at lower ends to the head and foot portions and at upper ends to bed frame end rails. The upper bed frame is movable between a sleep configuration to a folded configuration when each the rocker arms are pivotally moved from a rearward configuration in which end rail pins are not received in the pin guide channels to a forward position in which the end rail pins are received therein. Safety doors are movable between closed and open configurations for selectively preventing or allowing receipt of end rails pins in respective guide channels.

Abstract: A method and sofa for converting the sofa into a bed. A seat back of a sofa bed is pulled and rolled out using roll out wheels concealed underneath the seat back as they glide across a track mechanism (also concealed underneath the seat back) until the roll out wheels lock into place. The back rest is pushed down until the back rest is level with the pulled-out seat bed thereby forming a regular-sized bed. In this manner, a sofa bed may be easily converted from the “sofa” position to the “bed” position while forming a regular-sized bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a joining device for the rails of a baby bed, in which the joining device is adapted for connecting two adjacent rail tubes of the rail and an end of each of the rail tubes is pivotally connected to said joining device, said joining device is formed as a saddle part in a shape, the joining device of a baby bed is characterized in that two outer edges of an iron plate at two ends of two shorter sides of an arched portion of said joining device are processed such that they are bent downwardly so as to be formed as smooth contact faces, and each of the backsides of said contact faces is further subject to a trimming process so as to be formed as a smoothly trimmed face in order to prevent a possibility that a fabric covering is directly cut off or broken when the fabric covering covered on a bed frame is gripped between the rail tubes and the arched portion of said joining device, and a possibility of generating an indent due to friction or pressing since the tube walls of said rail tubes are ramme

Abstract: A bed in a box is provided. The bed in a box comprises a plurality of components and a box. The plurality of components includes a headboard, a footboard, at least two first segments, at least one first connector for joining the at least two first segments end to end to form a first side rail, at least two second segments, at least one second connector for joining the at least two second segments end to end to form a second side rail, and a mattress support system. The plurality of components are disposed in the box. One or more of the at least two first segments is in a position other than end to end with another of the at least two first segments. One or more of the at least two second segments is in a position other than end to end with another of the at least two second segments. A bed frame and method for packing a bed in a box are also provided.

Abstract: A sheet that incorporates a continuous piece of cloth uniting the fitted massage table sheet and the head cradle cover. An elastic band, preferably ½ inch to 1 inch in width is sewn into the outside edge of the cloth enabling the said sheet to be held in place on the table.

Abstract: An improved bed covering comprising a generally rectangular cover piece and an elastic member attached to the bottom side of the cover piece near the bottom of the bed. The member comprising an adjusting means and having sufficient length to extend under a mattress such that the member is not visible while the covering is positioned on the bed.

Abstract: A device and a method for imaging an animal including an animal holding device for keeping the animal immobile and at a desired temperature during the scanning operation for imaging the animal in real-time in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: A cushion unit includes shell having a first cushion retaining portion and a second cushion retaining portion that are demarcated by a hinge-seam including a fastener portion. The fastener portion is secured to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the cushion unit includes a cushion member affixed to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an outboard surface of the cushion member and secured indirectly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. A method for manufacturing a cushion unit is disclosed. A method for providing a cushion unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mattress constructed with multiple foam layers joined together provides reclining support with pressure redistribution for heavy weight persons, particularly those weighing over 350 pounds. The mattress includes: a core layer having a substantially planar top surface and at least two spaced apart regions in a bottom surface from which foam material has been extracted to leave cavities separated by an interconnected network of foam walls, a top layer of viscoelastic foam with an air permeability above 60 ft3/ft2/min, and a bottom layer of stiffer supporting foam. The open cavities of the core layer are directed away from the body supporting top surface of the mattress.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a handle body having a first end, a second end, an exterior surface and a bore configured to receive a shaft. A wire stripper is integrated into the exterior surface of the handle and configured to cut and remove the insulating layer of a conductive wire. The wire stripper includes a first sharp edge and a second sharp edge intersecting the first sharp edge to form a v-shaped notch.

Abstract: A bit structure for powered tools includes a shank action end at one end of a bit and a tool gripping section at another end. The shank action end has a conical directing portion formed by extending rearwards from a front edge of the shank action end. The directing portion is extended rearwards to form an expansion bore cutting section between the shank action end and the tool gripping section. The expansion bore cutting section has at one axial cutting edge formed at a length equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the directing portion. The bit structure thus formed can simultaneously perform multiple functions of drilling holes, expanding holes and fastening screws faster with less time and effort.

Abstract: A method of treating a textile, the textile carrying a stain. The method comprises the following steps: (i) applying a liquid detergent composition in the form of a foam to a textile, the liquid detergent composition comprises a time dependent fading chromophore, and carriers and adjuncts to 100%; (ii) waiting until the foam, as applied, has changed colour from its originally applied colour; (iii) rinsing the portion of the textile to which the foam has been applied with water; and, (iv) drying the textile.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The washing machine has a plurality of washing tubs to clean laundry in different ways classified according to capacity and types of clothing. Different washing tubs simultaneously stop operations or are stopped at different times spaced apart from each other by a predetermined time, although washing tubs have different washing conditions (e.g., different input times of laundry, different amounts of laundry, different washing courses, etc.) when laundry is cleaned using the washing tubs.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-component hair dye composition excellent in bleaching property and dyeing property. A multi-component hair dye composition including components (a), (b) and (c), wherein the components are mixed upon use: (a) one or more kinds of glycylglycine derivative represented by general formula (1) and having two or three amino acid residues, or salts thereof; [wherein X represents a bivalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group, or an amino acid residue; Y represents an amino acid residue, or a bivalent group represented by general formula (2): (wherein symbol -* represents a bond that binds to an adjacent carbonyl group or oxygen atom); R represents a hydrogen atom, or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in which the hydroxy group may be substituted; and m and n each represent 0 or 1, provided that when both m and n represent 1, X is not an amino acid residue]; (b) an alkali agent; and (c) an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is azo derivatives containing a pyrazolinone unit having the following formula (I), their mesomeric forms, their addition salts with an acid and their solvates and their use for dyeing keratin fibers. The subject of the invention is also a composition for dying keratin fibers comprising at least one azo derivative containing a pyrazolinone unit of formula (I) as direct dye, and the method for dyeing keratin fibers using this composition. The present invention makes it possible in particular to obtain chromatic colours that are resistant to the various attacks to which the hair may be subjected, in particular to shampoos and to light.

Abstract: A process for preparing a photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is disclosed, which contains nano TiO2 and functionalized carbon nanomateiral. The process includes reacting a dispersion of functionalized carbon nanomateiral and a TiO2 precursor in a liquid organic medium under sol-gel conditions to form a carbon nanomaterial/nano TiO2 composite colloidal solution; mixing with an aqueous polymer solution, and forming a paste suitable for coating by concentrating the resulting mixture; coating the paste on a conductive glass substrate and calcining the coated layer at 300-520° C. in air for 10-60 minutes to obtain a conductive glass plate having a coating of nanocomposite, which can be used to prepare a photoanode of DSSCs by immersing in a dye solution to adsorb a dye thereon.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing footwear including the steps of positioning a sole member on a first portion of a cutting assembly; heating a second portion of the cutting assembly, the second portion including a cutting die; pressing the heated cutting die into the sole member to form a plurality of sipes in the sole member; and removing the cutting die from the sole member.

Abstract: A mobile boarding bridge (101) is equipped with climate control facilities. The mobile boarding bridge is furnished with multiple collapsible tunnels (110, 120). A heating/cooling device (160) comprising a climate controller (161) generates hot or cold air and is furnished on the outside of the first tunnel (110) of said tunnels. A connection pipe (163) that connects to ducts (164) within the tunnel is attached to said climate controller (161). A duct (164) connected to said connection pipe (163) directs air that has been heated/cooled by the heating-cooling device (160) to the interior of the first tunnel (110). An aspirator comprises an air intake (171) which intakes air from the interior of the tunnel and an intake pipe (172) which leads air taken in at said air intake (171) to the interior of the climate controller (161).

Abstract: An example dock leveler for a loading dock includes a position sensor system that not only senses upper and lower travel limits of the dock leveler's deck and/or lip but can also sense a plurality of intermediate positions between the limits. In some examples, the system includes one or more cable-extension transducers that provide a feedback signal that varies as a function of the deck's position relative to a dock platform and/or varies as a function of the lip's position relative to the deck. Such a position sensor system makes it possible to operate the dock leveler automatically with little to no manual intervention.

Abstract: A washing device has a washing cloth for removing contaminants, ink, etc. from a surface and an ultrasound device for assisting a cleaning operation. The washing device includes one or more ultrasound generators and one or more resonators each in the form of an oscillating flat metal body, from which sound energy is output onto a substantially linear region on the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush capable of suppressing loss of vibration energy while suppressing the vibration of the portion a user grips with hand is provided. In an electric toothbrush including an inner case, made up of an inner case main body and a motor holder, mounted with various components including a motor; an outer case which interiorly accommodates the inner case and which acts as a portion the user grips with hand when brushing teeth; an eccentric shaft, configured by a shaft main body and an eccentric member, which center of gravity is arranged at a position shifted from a shaft center and which rotates by a drive force of the motor; and a vibration transmitting component for transmitting the vibration generated with the rotation of the eccentric shaft to a brush portion; where the vibration transmitting component is positioned with respect to the outer case by point contacting the inner wall surface of the outer case at a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A small electrical appliance is provided. The small electrical appliance includes a switch element having an on position and an off position that can be activated by a user; an indicator element having a first function and a second function; and a control unit for monitoring the switch element and for controlling the indicator element. The small electrical appliance includes a first operating condition and a second operating condition. And the control unit activates the indicator element to indicate the first function when the small electrical appliance is in the first operating condition and the switch element is in the off position, and the control unit activates the indicator element to indicate the second function when the small electrical appliance is in the first operating condition and the switch element is in the on position.

Abstract: An article for personal hygiene is described, having a partly hollow holder part (2), a toothbrush part (6) and a fastening means (5) for a razor head (7). The toothbrush part (6) is arranged to be folded into the holder part (2), as the toothbrush part (6) has a first end with a hinge mechanism (13, 14), in such a way that the toothbrush part (6) is pivotally fastened to the holder part (2). In the partly hollow holder part (2) it is arranged a wall (22), constituting a physical separation between a first room (20) and a second room (21). The end of the toothbrush part (6) having a toothbrush head (23) is arranged to be folded into the first room (20). The wall (22) constitutes at the same time a fastening for a filling device (25), known per se. More air and drain holes (24, 35, 36, 34a, 34b) are preferably arranged on the article.

Abstract: An interdental brush includes a handle, an elongate bar mounted on a first end of the handle and having a surface provided with a plurality of bristles and a pointed shank mounted on a second end of the handle and having a surface provided with a plurality of serrated portions. Each of the bristles is provided with at least one intersection which divides each of the bristles to form a protrusion. The intersection of each of the bristles can expand a clearing extent during a reciprocal movement of the elongate bar to catch and carry away residuals left in a gap between a user's any two teeth exactly and completely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brush head for a toothbrush. The brush head has a brush disc (3) mounted in a rotatable fashion on a brush body (2) and a channel (7) with an opening for the application of a cleaning product and a composite part (6) that serves as a valve (12) for opening the channel (7) and as a rotational bearing for the brush disc (3). The composite part (6) comprises a tube (8) made of hard material on the one end thereof and is connected to the channel (7) there. The valve (12), which is made of an elastic material, is disposed on the other end of the composite part (6). The tube (8) of the compound part (6) is connected to the brush body (2) in a stationary fashion, for example, pressed into the brush body (2). The brush disc (3) is mounted in a rotatable fashion on the tube (8). The valve (12) is preferably designed as a slotted valve with a slot (13).

Abstract: A dental care device utilizing a shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion there between. A dental brush is located on the shaft at the distal end while a wishbone support is found on the proximal end of the shaft. The wishbone support includes a gripping post and a groove which allows dental floss to extend from the post, along its outer surface, and to span the end legs of the wishbone for use.

Abstract: An appliance and corresponding method for delivering antimicrobial agents to the vicinity of dental biofilm and for killing bacteria therein includes a system (18, 20, 24) for delivering polymeric capsules containing gas bubbles and an antimicrobial agent. A source of ultrasonic energy (18) is provided for moving the capsules toward the biofilm, the ultrasonic energy having sufficient intensity for thereafter bursting the capsules, in the vicinity of the biofilm, releasing the gas bubbles and the agent. The gas bubbles vibrate within the ultrasound field, disrupting the biofilm, so that the released agent can act effectively against the bacteria in the disrupted biofilm.

Abstract: A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of chenille fabric joined at their peripheral edges with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of a chenille fabric with a shaggy or spaghetti-like pile of about 2 cm. extending from the exposed surface of a canvas base that faces the steam frame. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.

Abstract: A nonwoven towel having protrusions and improved cleaning and water-absorbing capacity, suitable for use as wet towels, wet tissues, handkerchiefs, makeup removers, dishwashing sponges or electrostatic dustcloths. Absorbent nonwoven fabric made of fibers having a denier of 0.1-10 is press punched with heated pins, so that the nonwoven fabric has fibrous wrinkled protrusions having a height of 0.1-5 mm on one surface thereof to thus have a reduced fiber density and has recesses structured by perforations having a perforation rate of 5-50% caused by the punching in the other surface thereof. The portion of the nonwoven fabric not punched fluffs, thus reducing fiber density. This nonwoven towel is used in a manner such that two layers thereof are pressed through embossing so that the protrusions are disposed outwards, or absorbent nonwoven fabric or paper tissue is sandwiched between the two layers thereof and then the three-layered composite is pressed through embossing.