Abstract: A protective skirt for use in martial arts provides leg protectors for providing protection to the thighs of the user in the event of a full-forced attack to the thighs. The leg protectors are removable elements allowing the skirt to be used with out the leg protectors. Alternatively, the leg protectors can be integrated with the skirt.

Abstract: A protective trouser sports garment is made of an elastic fabric both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction, and has respective longitudinal reinforcements both in the front part of the garment intended to act on the quadriceps muscles and in the rear part of the garment, intended to act on the hamstring muscles, extending on both front and rear faces from the waist and on both legs to the area slightly above the knee of the user, both reinforcements having considerable elasticity in the longitudinal direction and another elasticity in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A knee protection apparatus has a knee protecting portion affixed atop one or more fixator struts which surround the side of a user's lower leg, and descend behind the leg near the Achilles tendon area of the wearer and continuing into the user's shoe where a heel cup grasps the user's foot at a posterior and plantar portion of the heel. The fixator strut or struts work to minimize or eliminate the vertical, horizontal and rotational movement of the knee pad away from its primary and intended area of protection at the patella.

Abstract: A garment, for example, an undergarment, that includes a pocket is described. The pocket is positioned on the interior of the garment and can be positioned against the wearer's body. The pocket is generally aligned with the centerline of the wearer's body. In an example, the garment includes a body to partially cover the wearer's body. The body includes a rear panel substantially aligned with a center line of the wearer's body. The rear panel includes an interior face to be proximal the wearer and an exterior face to be distal the wearer. A supporting band is to support the body generally at a waist of the wearer. The pocket can be positioned on either the supporting band or the rear panel or both. The pocket is designed to store small or flat objects in a manner that is essentially invisible outside the wearer's clothes.

Abstract: A garment and restraining device is provided comprising an attachment for attaching a leash or tether and a tether attached to the attachment of the garment for controlling or restraining a child.

Abstract: A partial garment lift/quick-access system for installation in an upper body garment for wearers who have a need for immediate and unobstructed access to the waist/belt line to retrieve essential items. The quick-access system allows the wearer to immediately expose an item at the waist/belt line, for complete and unobstructed access by pulling a simple cord at the chest pocket. This act produces a curtain-like affect at the bottom hem of the garment; assisting the wearer to make rapid hand-to-item contact while keeping the hem of the garment suspended for the duration of the required activity. The pull cord may be installed on one or both sides of the shirt system to allow for the most efficient access by the wearer. The quick-access system can be installed in various types of upper body garments such as, but not limited to, short or long sleeved shirts, vests, pullovers, and jackets.

Abstract: Presented is a nursing cover with a neck strap which attaches the cover to a nursing mother's neck. The cover body of the device covers the nursing mother's front torso, and specifically covers a nursing infant. The cover includes structure which holds the cover slightly away from the nursing infant, so that the mother can see the nursing infant but the infant is otherwise covered while it is nursing.

Abstract: A glove comprising a hand portion having a palm portion and an opposing back side portion, the back side portion including a plurality of protective portions formed therein, the palm portion and opposing back side portion defining a cavity, a cuff portion, a band disposed on and outward of the cuff portion and having a first ventilation opening, said cuff portion having a second ventilation opening disposed coaxially with the first ventilation opening, and wherein air traverses through the first and second ventilation openings to the cavity.

Abstract: A support hat for maintaining a person's head upright. The support hat is comprised of a fabric cap for snugly engaging the person's head and a support strap passes through spaced openings in the back of the cap, and the strap has two tether ends that extend from the spaced openings for securing the cap to a seat back. The support strap tethers are releaseably secured together with a fastener inside the cap whereby the cap may be released from the tethers so that the cap may be worn independently of the support strap, leaving the support strap secured to the seat back. A bottom annular hem is provided in the cap with an annular band of stiffener material secured therein and fully therearound. This keeps the hat from distorting and sliding off the head of the baby, child, infant, or person with disability.

Abstract: A convertible garment with legs (4,5) that can be shortened. The legs (4,5) extend to below knee length and each have a bottom hem end (6,7). Releasable seams (9,10) extend from each hem (6,7) along an inner leg side of the legs (4,5). Leg attachment devices (30) are provided on a lower portion (F) of each leg (4,5). Respective upper garment attachment devices (31) are provided above an upper end of the releasable seams (9,10). The garment is converted from a long leg configuration to a short leg configuration by opening the releasable seams (9,10) and folding a lower portion (F) of each leg (4,5) to extend beside an upper portion (G) of the garment. The leg attachment devices (30) are releasably engaged with corresponding ones of the upper garment attachment devices (31) to secure the lower portion (F) to the respective upper portion (G).

Abstract: A sock for helping to retain a pant leg in position on a leg of a wearer of the sock, includes a leg portion that extends along the leg of the wearer and over the pant leg, the leg portion having a grip on its inner surface for gripping the pant leg to resist upward movement of the pant leg along the leg of the wearer. The sock can also be used alone with the grip helping to reduce slippage of the sock on the wearer's leg. The sock also can help to maintain athletic equipment in place on the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A fixing structure for safety helmet fastening strap, including a frame body mounted under a bottom of a helmet shell. The frame body has multiple fixing seats each of which is formed with a passage and an opening through which a fastening strap can pass. The fixing seat has arms extending from the fixing seat. The fixing seats are securely connected with the frame body with better load capability. Accordingly, the fixing seats can bear the extrusion force of the injection molded foam material without deflection or displacement. The helmet shell, the frame body and the fixing seats are bonded with a foam material filler to together form an integrated body. The arms of the fixing seats help the fixing seats and the frame body to hold the foam material filler.

Abstract: A helmet adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the size of a helmet having first and second retention members (e.g., plastic straps) movable with respect to each other. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuating member (e.g., a pinion) coupled to at least one of the retention members and movable (e.g., rotatable) in two directions to move at least one of the retention members relative to the other. A clutch mechanism is coupled to the actuating member and includes at least one locking member (e.g., two locking members) that inhibits movement of the actuating member in both of the two directions. The adjustment mechanism also includes a release mechanism (e.g., including a rotary dial) adapted to move the locking member from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow movement of the actuating member. When the actuating member is being moved, the adjustment mechanism also provides a ratcheting detent.

Abstract: Ear muffs including a pair of arm members, each arm member provided with a noise suppression portion mounted rotatably thereto adjacent a first end of each arm member and having a first portion of an attachment system located at a second opposite end of each arm member, the first portion of the attachment system attachable to a second portion of the attachment system provided on a carrier portion adapted to be supported on a wearer's head.

Abstract: This invention concerns protective shoulder pads (2) having a release mechanism (7). The shoulder pads (2) protect an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. Release mechanism (7) allows the protective shoulder pads (2) to be more safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2).

Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective rib and lower back pads (2) for protecting an individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) against impact to the ribs and/or lower back region of the human body. The improvement comprises protective rib and lower back pads (2) with release mechanism (1) that allows the protective rib and lower back pads (2) to be safely and easily detached from its corresponding pair of protective shoulder pads (4) while the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of a secondary injury to the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) as the protective rib and lower back pads (2) and associated protective shoulder pads (4) are removed.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a toilet includes a seat that forms a substantially airtight seal with an upper rim of a bowl, an aperture extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, and a conduit coupled to the bowl outer surface at a first end and forming a substantially airtight seal with the aperture. The conduit is coupled at a second end to a vent pipe, wherein the vent pipe is positioned within a wall adjacent the toilet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover (10) intended for a pool system (1), the cover being lightly flexible and formed as a pool-covering structure and serving as a protection, where said cover (10) is adapted to cooperate in edge-related fashion with a guide arrangement (11) or similar means, said cover (10) being oriented by support means (112) at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of a body of liquid or body of water enclosed by the pool. Said cover is integrally formed with and/or adapted to support liquid-Tillable or liquid-filled channels (14, 14a) where said channels are adapted to be included in one or more thermal energy absorbing units (6a) included in one or more suntrap apparatuses (6). A liquid in these liquid-filled channels (14), heated by solar energy, is adapted to be heat exchanged with said body of liquid or body of water (2) enclosed by the pool.

Abstract: A pool cover, pool covering apparatus, system and method for covering a pool: A swimming pool cover consisting of two layers, suitably bonded together, with air trapped in gas tight compartments extending across the width of the cover. These features give the cover improved lateral stiffness, low wetted surface area, and a feedback mechanism for centering the cover as it is being rolled up. A pool covering apparatus that consists of: A movable reel assembly that can also be used a seat to store the cover wrapped around a shaft; A float, attached to the cover, to pull the cover onto the pool when the operator by means of a rope pulls it onto the pool; A cranking device to wind up the cover on the shaft in the reel assembly to remove the cover from the pool. The pool is broken down into a plurality of sections, one apparatus serving each section, to allow an easily operated system to cover a large pool and to allow the design features of the cover make it easier to deploy and remove.

Abstract: A spa apparatus including a basin releaseably coupled to a base assembly. The basin and base assembly may be configured for quick coupling and releasing. Coupling the basin and base assembly may simultaneously couple electrical components and/or plumbing components. The basin may be interchanged for aesthetic purposes, because of wear, or for sanitation purposes. The spa apparatus may further comprise a base and a seat moveable by a support structure. The seat may be raised and lowered and/or rotated along an axis. The seat may further be moved fore and aft. A joint may releaseably secure seats having any of a number of configurations to the base assembly, with or without the use of tools, providing for quick and easy replacement of the seat.

Abstract: A waterproofing flashing and resulting juncture, comprising in a first embodiment a generally horizontally positioned planar member which is positioned in sandwiched engagement between the upper peripheral edge of a shower pan or shower bench sidewall (or equivalent wallboard) and a lower peripheral edge of adjacent wallboard (or equivalent shower bench, shelf or ledge), and a vertically extending member attached to a distal edge of the horizontal member extending vertically upwardly behind the wallboard (or equivalent shower bench, shelf or ledge). An alternative form of the invention comprises a T-shaped flashing member comprised of a mid-section to which are connected first and second attachment members or wings, the wings adapted to connect the flashing to the room-facing side of the wallboard and/or shower module sections.

Abstract: A patient positioning device for restoring a patient to a desired position in a hospital bed. An example patient positioning device may include a flexible track positioned along each of the lateral edges of a sleep surface and extending substantially the entire length of the sleep surface, a sheet including beaded edges for slidably engaging the tracks such that the sheet spans between the first track and the second track on the sleep surface, and/or a drive mechanism located proximate a head end of the sleep surface and configured to pull the sheet towards the head end of the bed.

Abstract: The Smart Zipper is designed to seal off all openings for bugs to escape from. The encasements come with a 3 sided zipper that come around and ends at the extended zipper part. The extended zipper is about 5 5/12 inches and has an extra lining inside to eliminate all spaces. Attached to the zipper extension is Velcro that folds in half to create a blockage in the path way. The concept in the design was to leave no passage way but eliminating all the free space and also add the seal wall for guaranteed protection.

Abstract: A headboard and/or footboard cover for a bed comprised of a back panel with at least one cinch cord and at least one tie back on each side of said back panel; a front panel with at least one cinch cord and at least one tie back on each side of the front panel; wherein the front panel has at least one pocket which may be filled with foam, feather, polyester or other like material; and a top cinch cord; wherein the top cinch cord connects the back and front panels.

Abstract: An axillary support device is provided for decompressing the axilla (armpit) and associated structures in a sidelying position. A thoracic cushion provides firm axillary support to a user at the level of the mid to upper thorax, distal to the axilla. A head cushion connected to the thoracic cushion supports the user's head and may maintain a neutral cervical spine alignment position. A connector connecting the cushions creates a valley to receive an upper arm of the user. A back support may be used to maintain the sidelying position. An inflatable bladder may be used to adjust the axillary support device in order to appropriately relieve pressure on the user's axilla and associated structures. With the axillary support device, the upper arm of the user is relatively free to extend perpendicularly in front of the body in the sidelying position with reduced stress on the lateral shoulder and axilla.

Abstract: The pillow (10) comprises two adjacent portions, a lower portion (12) with an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the human subject's body and a truncular portion (14) extending the lower portion on the proximal side. The lower portion is intended for supporting a right or left subject's lower limb (42), while the truncular portion, extending transversely and in a dissymmetrical manner relative to the lower portion, supports the homolateral side of the thorax as well as the homolateral upper limb (38) of the subject. The distal edge (46) of the truncular portion forms a resting edge for the top of the subject's thorax, and the pillow is essentially devoid of a portion for supporting the subject's head (44).

Abstract: A bladder comprising an outer and inner surface having a length, height and width, first and second ends, and an internal volume. A support structure is disposed within the bladder and has a length, width, height as well as an inner and outer region. The outer region of the support structure comprises support projections which define openings in the outer region of the support structure. The support projections have an engaging end which contacts the inner surface of the bladder and exerts force upon the inner surface of the bladder. The support projections maintain the internal volume of the bladder in a no-load sate. The openings in the support structure allow air to move freely in the bladder versus a solid support structure lacking openings. This aids in distribution of air within the bladder and provides air-like pressure management and comfort in addition to the structural support provided by foam inserts.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers and a moveable inflatable limb elevation chamber. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers. The limb elevation chamber may also be selectively inflated and deflated as well being positioned at any desired portion of the inflatable mattress in order to raise one or more human limbs off the surface of the mattress.

Abstract: A single tool functioning as a screwdriver, a socket wrench and a brush. A shaft serves as an element of a screwdriver, the shaft of a socket wrench and a handle and support for a brush; In one embodiment, a tube with sockets at both ends is attached at its center to one end of a shaft that is also slidably disposed within an axial channel through a brush, and the other end of the shaft is shaped as a screwdriver blade.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a combination tool with a hammer and wrench. The tool may include an elongated handle having a first and a second end and a hammer head formed substantially perpendicularly and extending from the first end of the elongated handle. The tool may further include a circumferential wrench wall formed substantially perpendicularly and extending from the first end of the elongated handle and substantially longitudinally and extending away from the hammer head. The wrench wall may include an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, wherein the inner wall surface may have a cross-sectional perimeter shaped to define a bolt head pattern.

Abstract: This object relates to a natural leather which is obtained by forming a coating film through the greasing step following re-tanning and dyeing and the drying step. The purpose of this object is to provide a natural leather, wherein the generation of free formaldehyde and acetaldehyde is inhibited, and a treating agent to be added in the greasing step for natural leather. A natural leather wherein formaldehyde and acetaldehyde generated by a tanning agent, a re-tanning agent, a dye and a greasing agent having been incorporated into a leather are confined in the leather with a treating agent to be added in the greasing step for natural leather which contains a hydrazide compound optionally together with sodium hydrogen sulfite to thereby inhibit or prevent the generation of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, and an automobile interior part coated with this natural leather.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of removing colorants from a material. The method includes providing colored material, providing an oxoacid or oxoacid ester of phosphorous acid, and combining the colored material and the oxoacid or oxoacid ester of phosphorous under conditions effective to remove the colorant from the colored material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method or treating a fabric comprising the steps of: a) contacting the fabric with a compound of an alkaline earth metal, titanium or zinc, followed by; b) contacting the fabric with C8-C24 soap, and; contacting the fabric with a water soluble compound of aluminium prior to or concurrent with the step (b), where each of the steps is carried out in presence of an aqueous carrier.

Abstract: A laundry treatment method and apparatus are provided. The laundry treatment method includes (a) measuring the amount of detergent in wash water in a tub during a rinsing operation; and (b) automatically determining whether to continue performing the rinsing operation based on a plurality of operating variables including the amount of detergent in the wash water.

Abstract: A toilet (13) has a nappy holder mounted thereon. The nappy holder (15) contains a nappy ((1),also known as a diaper) of the type comprising a main body portion (3) and a tongue portion (5) for collecting excreta from a baby. The nappy holder (15) is so arranged that the tongue portion is positioned away from the main body portion of the nappy, such that when the toilet is flushed, the flush washes over the tongue portion and washes excreta (such as faeces and urine) off the tongue portion and into the toilet bowl. The nappy holder may have a wire frame.

Abstract: Provided is a second part composition for hair dyeing or bleaching, which is mixed with a first part composition containing an alkali agent before use, the composition containing the following components (A) to (D): (A) an organic amine having at least one hydrophobic chain or a salt thereof; (B) an oily component which is a liquid form at 25° C. under normal pressure (1013.25 hPa); (C) an oxidizing agent; and (D) water, in which the composition has a pH of 1 to 6 at 25° C.

Abstract: A bluing composition concentrate comprises an aqueous medium and at least one colorant that exhibits a blue or violet shade when deposited onto a textile material. The concentrate can be used to produce a bluing composition, and the bluing composition can be used to treat textile materials in such a way as to decrease the visually-perceived yellow coloration of textile articles that can occur with repeated use and laundering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dye of the general formula (I) where D is the residue of a diazo component; R1 is hydrogen, (C1-C6-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, hydroxyl, halogen, —NHCHO, —NHCO(C1-C6)-alkyl, —NHCOaryl, —NHSO2(C1-C6)-alkyl or —NHSO2aryl; R2 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, phenoxy or halogen; R3 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl, substituted (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C3-C4)-alkenyl or substituted (C3-C4)-alkenyl; or R2 and R3 combine to form the radical —C*H(CH3)CH2C(CH3)2—, where the carbon atom marked * is attached to the phenyl nucleus; R4 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl; R5 is vinyl or a group of the formula —CHR6COR7, where R6 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl; R7 is (C1-C6)-alkyl, substituted (C1-C6)-alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl; and X is C1-C5)-alkylene. The invention for relates to a process to prepare the dye and their use.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the live and dead load balance between the arches of an arch bridge and the truss girder that supports the bridge deck. The method is achieved by providing hanger rods disposed between the arches and the top chords of the truss girder whose compression may be adjusted. In which the arch truss counter act the compression in the top chord of the truss. This interaction adds to the strength and safety of both elements of the structure. With this interaction there are no critical members which can cause catastrophic failure of the bridge by failing. By combining two of these bridges side by side, and then connected with the lateral members, both at top and bottom chord of trusses, it is possible to carry vehicular, train, and pedestrian lanes separated and accommodated with safety; all without a critical member.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a bridge on a vehicle and deploying the bridge to the ground is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket for mounting the apparatus to a vehicle, and a foot pivotable relative to the mounting bracket between a first position in which the foot engages the ground for supporting a bridge and a second position in which the foot is separated from the ground to permit movement of the vehicle. A bridge engaging probe is pivotable relative to the foot between a third position in which the bridge is on the ground and a fourth position in which the centre of gravity of the bridge is raised relative to the third position. First and second cylinder actuators pivot the probe between the third and fourth positions. Third and fourth cylinder actuators pivot the foot between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A modular bridging system comprising modules (10) which inter-link to form a deck suitable for use as a buoyant walkway or roadway; and in which the means for causing successive modules to interlink comprises pegs (61; FIG. 6A-6D) which, in use, joint the facing surfaces of adjacent modules allowing the modules a limited relative up-and-down linked movement and, which are readily detachable when the deck is to be dismantled.

Abstract: A connection assembly for a modular footbridge having two or more bridge segments, the connection assembly comprising a first connector member and a second connector member, wherein one segment of the modular footbridge is provided with the first connector member and is connectable to another adjacently disposed segment having the second connector member by connecting the first connector member to the second connector member.

Abstract: A personal care system having personal hygiene products and a display for assisting the user is described. The personal care system can include a personal care product (e.g., an electric toothbrush), an interactive display in data communication with the personal care product. The display provides information associated with a plurality of characteristics of a personal care regimen to the user. The display is in data communication with a network and operable to receive information from the network, and the display is operable to run one or more applications to display the information received from the network.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling.

Abstract: A wheel washer includes a frame. The wheel washer also includes a arm attachable to the frame, the arm being capable of movement with respect to the frame. The wheel washer further includes a brush attachable to the arm, the brush being capable of movement both in and out with respect to a surface of the frame and being capable of rotation in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The arm can be an articulated arm or a multi-axis arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning male electrical pins comprises a base portion, a first cleaning extension, and a second cleaning extension. The first cleaning extension extends from the base portion and defines a first substantially half-cylindrical shell. Likewise, the second cleaning extension extends from the base portion in a direction substantially parallel to the first cleaning extension, and defines a second substantially half-cylindrical shell. The first cleaning extension and the second cleaning extension define a gap therebetween. In addition, each of the first and second substantially half-cylindrical shells comprises a respective knurled surface region facing the gap.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and tool to perform an analysis of CRUD on a nuclear fuel rod. The method recites providing a nuclear fuel rod with a layer of CRUD on an exterior of the fuel rod, scraping the CRUD from the fuel rod with a CRUD scraping tool and collecting CRUD flakes from the CRUD scraping tool. The method also provides for sorting the CRUD flakes into particle fractions, and analyzing the CRUD with a scanning electron microscope, wherein the scraping tool has a blade with a rigidity that is matched to an anticipated CRUD deposit shear strength.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a pad that is curved to fit the inside surface of a toilet. The pad is large enough to cover the entire inside surface of the toilet. The lower portion of the pad is submerged into the trapped water at the bottom of the toilet. A part of the trapped water sucks up to the pad through the fibers of the pad materials. The wet pad stays on the surface of the toilet bowl. The leaning agent stored in the cleaning pad works with the stain on the bowl surface to clean the surface.