Abstract: This invention relates to armored protective helmets offering the wearer ballistic protection, and specifically to helmets offering lightweight ballistic protection from rifle ball ammunition. Potential applications include use by law enforcement personnel and combat soldiers.

Abstract: A waterproof and airtight laminated fabric is disclosed. The fabric is suitable for the manufacture of dry suits, or for the manufacture of a convertible car soft top hood. A dry suit and a car hood made from the fabric, and methods of manufacturing the fabric, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a weightlifting wrist guard. The weightlifting wrist guard comprises a wrist support component with at least one claw-like component secured to an end of the wrist support component. Preferably, there are two claw-like components positioned to engage a standard diameter weightlifting bar. The claw-like components wrap around the bar and support a user's wrist against the weight of the bar and associated free weights. Furthermore, the weightlifting wrist guard comprises a means for securing the wrist support component to a user. Preferably, the means for securing comprises two straps secured around a user's forearm and an additional strap secured around a user's wrist. The straps can contain padding to cushion the upper portion of the user's hand, and will strap around a user's arm leaving a user's hands free at all times.

Abstract: An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjec

Abstract: An article having an inner article layer and an outer article layer to be worn by a mammal comprising a thermally insulating layer of a reflective metal polymeric insulation material adjacent to at least one of the inner and outer article layers. The insulation material provides enhanced thermal retention.

Abstract: Clothing for the upper half of a body is provided, which makes it possible to reduce distortions of the body and alleviate fatigue by simply wearing the clothing and leading a usual life. A distortion reducing portion formed with a plurality of strip portions exhibiting a constrictive power stronger than that of a main body cloth is provided. The distortion reducing portion comprises one pair of strip portion sets each having at least three strip portions aligned so as to incline in the same direction. The pair of strip portion sets are arranged symmetrically while intersecting each other. The clothing also has at least two surrounded portions surrounded by a plurality of strip portions. The structure provided with such a distortion reducing portion improves the activity balance between the spinal column and muscles of the wearer. This corrects distortions in the body of the wearer and reduces the difference in hardness of muscles between the right side and left side in the back part of the wearer.

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

Abstract: A hand covering configured to enclose a human hand, fingers and thumb, having a dorsal side and a palm side. The hand covering includes a wrist portion and a hand portion. The hand portion includes at least one digit receptacle and a thumb receptacle. An opening is formed in the dorsal side of the hand covering, and extends from a location rearward of the thumb receptacle, across the dorsal side, to a side of the hand covering opposite the thumb receptacle. The opening is configured to allow the digit receptacle and the thumb receptacle to be removed from the digits and thumb of the wearer, while the wrist portion remains attached to the wearer and covers a dorsal side of the wearer's hand.

Abstract: A polylactide hydrosol polymer formulations suitable for thin film articles and methods of making the thin film articles are provided. The formulations and methods can be use to make articles such as gloves, condoms, catheters and the like using dip forming, and various casting processes.

Abstract: Retractable Pocket Security Device for pockets to retain the contents against loss or unauthorized removal. The device consists of a vertical pocket covered by a fabric flap affixed to button/snap/Velcro which covers said pocket when engaged in front position (security position). The device is either affixed in the security position or rotated backward and secured into the rear/storage position by a second button/snap/Velcro. Attached or stored in retracted position, the device will allow regular functioning of said pocket. Placement of front and rear button/snap/Velcro allow attachment of utility pockets/belts ie, water bottle holder, camera/video camera holder, utility belt, etc.

Abstract: A waterproof garment pocket, and a method of making the same, that is submersible and protects the contents of the pocket, such as handheld electronic devices, against exposure to water. The waterproof garment pocket incorporates a waterproof zipper and is made from fabric that is impervious to water.

Abstract: A clip that fastens the cuffs of apparel, such as pants, shirts, and skirts, without doing damage to the apparel fabric. This is accomplished primarily by means of a crimp located at the clip's base, configured to keep the clip's outer and inner edges close together but not in contact at the clip's base. The crimp, a feature lacking in previously patented pants cuff clips, is found in most of the embodiments of the present invention. Other features designed to hold apparel fabric in place are included in other embodiments, to include a rubber coating placed on the surface of the clip, a rubber stopper placed on the tip of the clip's inner edge, a hinge placed at the junction of the crimp and the inner edge, a pin and clasp to hold the apparel material, and magnets that clasp the apparel material.

Abstract: A pad element may include a base member, a pair of cover layers, and a plurality of insert elements. The base member defines a plurality of apertures. The cover layers are secured to opposite surfaces of the base member and extend across the apertures. The insert elements are located within the apertures and between the cover layers. As examples, the base member and the insert elements may be formed from polymer foam materials, and the cover layers may be formed from textile materials. The pad element may be utilized to attenuate impact forces and provide one or more of breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide fibers, a clothing fabric, and underwear which can maintain excellent cool contact feeling, texture, and pleasant feeling and can suppress fiber yellowing and reddening in distribution process or during in use. The present invention provides fibers containing a thermoplastic elastomer, an acidic compound, and a phosphorus antioxidant, wherein the acidic compound is a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer or an acid anhydride and the acidic compound is contained in an amount of 0.1 parts by weight or more per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A helmet is made by the steps of measuring the geometry of human head to map its contour, selecting an appropriately sized unfinished helmet having an oversized thick foam liner with an unfinished interior surface, collapsing selected areas of said foam liner by using an ultrasonic tool to heat said selected areas to provide a finished interior surface having a predetermined shape conforming to said contour of said human head. The helmet comprises a helmet shell with an interior-facing liner having selected areas of collapsed foam which provide an interior facing foam liner surface which conforms to a predetermined geometry of a human head.

Abstract: A protective garment including a body portion and an extremity permanently coupled to the body portion. The extremity includes a joint that provides the extremity with a bent position forming an acute angle relative to a vertical axis when the extremity is at rest without an arm or leg of a wearer received therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl, the toilet bowl including a seat positioned above the toilet bowl includes a main body having an inlet opening and an airflow exit opening; means for mounting the main body proximal to the toilet bowl with the inlet opening positioned substantially between the bowl and the seat; a drawer removably securable to the main body; an air treatment chamber defined by at least one of the main body, the drawer, and a combination of the main body and the drawer; fan means for drawing gas in the inlet opening, through the air treatment chamber and out the air flow exit opening; a power source; light sensitive control assembly means connected with the fan means and the power means for detecting the presence of a person sitting on the seat and activating the fan means; and, air treatment means positioned within the air treatment chamber for removing odiferous particulates at least when the fan means is drawing gas through the air treatment chamber.

Abstract: A toilet cleaning system, using a bifurcated communicating pipe which provides cleansing material to a toilet bowl. The system is provided as a component of a water closet, which is inexpensive to manufacture, and is capable of delivering a limited amount of cleanser to the toilet, while preventing accidental flushing of the cleanser unit into the toilet bowl. The bifurcated communicating pipe has an angled branch and allows a portion of the cleanser unit seated in the angled branch to project into the central channel of the communicating pipe for contacting the flush water, to provide cleansing action. The flush water passing through the communicating pipe dissolves or disperses a certain amount of the cleanser and therefore provides cleansing of the flush water. Optionally, a removable cap is present for sealing the angled branch, to prevent the flush water from exiting the angled branch. Anchoring means are provided for anchoring a cleanser unit within the angled branch.

Abstract: A water saving device for a toilet adapted for mounting on an overflow tube above a flapper valve. The device uses a mainframe connected to the overflow tube to position a highchair that is pivotally mounted to the mainframe. A water cup is mounted to the highchair for weight and a vertical cam descends from the highchair to contact and close the flapper valve.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly of a toilet bidet and its control method are disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes: a cleansing nozzle with a cleansing water flow path; a dispensing tube connected with the cleansing water flow path to dispense cleansing water; an actuator including a connector coupled to the dispensing tube and a plurality of polymer driving bodies coupled to the connector, wherein an electroactive polymer is housed within the polymer driving bodies, a pair of electrodes are formed on an outer surface of the polymer driving bodies, and when voltage is selectively applied to the electrodes of each polymer driving body, the electroactive polymer moves toward one electrode to force a corresponding polymer driving body to be bent to thereby adjust a dispensing angle of the dispensing tube; and a voltage supply unit that applies voltage to the electrode of the polymer driving body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-functional bidet having an extra function such as an enema function for a constipated person, in addition to its normal function of cleansing pubic area and anal region.

Abstract: A modular stair unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall includes a vertical wall having opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels and being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of the contiguous wall panels at its joinder therewith and at least two planar steps extending downwardly and protruding from the vertical wall into the pool, the top step being recessed below the top of the vertical wall and at least one of the steps defining a seating area for supporting a person seated thereon. A plurality of hydrotherapy jets are spaced apart along the vertical wall above the seating area and below the water line of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A wall panel holder for a shower pan which comprises a holding body including first and second spaced apart sidewalls. The sidewalls define a holding gap between them which is sized and shaped to permit a lower part of a wall panel to be snuggly received by it. the holding gap is located away from a perimeter wall of the shower pan so as to hold the wall panel away from the perimeter wall and to allow water to flow between the perimeter wall and under the lower part of the wall panel.

Abstract: An automatic washing device includes a plurality of fluidic oscillators arranged on the periphery of a rotating drum. The fluidic oscillators emit a pulsatile stream of fluid at a predetermined angle through a slit that is perpendicular or at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the oscillator. The automatic washing device can remove microorganisms from the pliant epidermal surface of a human hand that comprises brushlessly scrubbing the pliant epidermal surface of the human hand with a plurality of cleansing fluids.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an infant bed. The infant bed includes a chassis. A carriage moves relative to the chassis and includes a mattress support upon which a mattress can rest. A motorized control assembly enables a user to controllably move the carriage relative to the chassis. In one embodiment, the carriage includes a pair of end panels and a rear panel extending vertically upward from the mattress support. A front panel may be slidably mounted to the chassis to thereby contain the infant in the infant bed.

Abstract: A bed form (10) is made from easy to recycle sections (12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) and can be quickly assembled without tools by means of fasteners (64) that can be secured by hand. An egg carton-like base (100) is formed from a first set of long sections (12a, 12b, 12c) having slots on the top edge (16a, 16b, 16c) thereof that engage with slots (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) in the bottom edge (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) of a second set of shorter sections (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d). The long and short sections (12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are preferably molded from structural foam and the top edge (16a, 16b, 16c) of the long sections (12a, 12b, 12c) include a plurality of threaded male projections (42a, 42b, 42c) molded into them. Fasteners (64) are used to attach upper deck sections (54a, 54b, 54c) to the threaded projections (42a, 42b, 42c) on the base (100).

Abstract: A support device for use in supporting an animal during the carrying out of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan includes a main bed (A) on which the body of an animal can be supported and an auxiliary unit (J), which is movable relative to the main bed (A) and on which structures are provided for supporting a limb of the animal on the main bed (A) while an MRI scan is carried out on the limb.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for continuous collection of human waste products is disclosed. The apparatus may include a bed frame, a lower plate having a container coupled thereto, an upper plate having an aperture defined therein, a mattress having an aperture defined therein, a mattress cover having an aperture defined therein and an absorbent pad or drawsheet having a bag coupled thereto. The apparatus may further facilitate preventing human waste products from contacting the skin of the patient, thereby substantially reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers. The apparatus for continuous collection of human waste products may also provide continuous zero pressure in the area of the buttock while maintaining the patient in a comfortable position. As a result, the apparatus can prevent and treat pressure ulcers that frequently occur in the area of the buttock.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable cell for anti-eschar mattresses, including an inflatable housing having an elongate shape and two main opposed side surfaces, as well as several oblong welds that have a main longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the housing, which are spaced apart along the length of the housing, and which connect two main opposed side surfaces of the housing together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating fabric conditioner for washable silk products, which can provide smoothness to silk products since fabric conditioners of different kinds are mixed and treated together and decrease whiteness or prevent yellowing.

Abstract: An epilatory composition of the adhesive type comprises a gel-like matrix material, for example of a rosin-based or sugar-based material, together with 0.1-5 wt % of a branched polyalkene, for example polyisobutene. The resulting compositions offer skin care benefits whilst maintaining excellent viscoelastic and adhesive properties.

Abstract: Improved hair coloring agents which do not adversely effect the health of the user and which are environmentally safe and which permanently colors only gray hair.

Abstract: An article comprising a fabric wherein said fabric comprises a cationic dyeable polyurethane elastic yarn and an acid dyeable yarn.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula (I) a process for their preparation and their use for dyeing and/or printing organic substrates.

Abstract: Loading dock lighting systems having one or more colored lights for communicating information, such as loading dock equipment status information, to dock operators and/or other personnel working in or around a shipping trailer or other transport vehicle are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a lighting system for illuminating the interior of a transport vehicle during loading/unloading can include a lighting feature that visually communicates information to a person or persons working in the vehicle. The lighting feature can include, for example, one or more lights of various colors and/or flashing lights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface comprising a hollow body; rolling members; a filtration chamber which is provided in the hollow body; a motorized pumping device configured for generating a flow of liquid between a liquid inlet (9) and a liquid outlet which are connected, wherein it comprises a directional flux guide (91) which is mounted for rotation on a liquid outlet (10) about an axis of rotation and which has a shape configured for orientating the current of liquid which is discharged via this propulsion outlet (10) through this flux guide (91) so that it creates, by means of reaction, in the region of an outlet of the flux guide, forces whose resultant has a non-zero drive component of the apparatus parallel with the immersed surface; an actuator for rotatably driving said flux guide (91); and a unit for controlling said actuator for rotatably driving said flux guide (91).

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator that generates the reciprocating rotational motion of an electric toothbrush or similar without employing a drive transmission mechanism as a separate entity from a drive source. An actuator (100) includes a fixed body (110) comprising an outer yoke (140) having inner wall planes that respectively oppose the magnetic pole planes of unlike poles of a magnet (150) with a predetermined gap therebetween. A coil (122) is arranged to encircle the magnet (150) between the magnetic pole planes of the unlike poles of the magnet (150) and the inner wall planes of the outer yoke (140) that respectively oppose the magnetic pole planes of the unlike poles, and this coil (122) is movably supported as a movable body (120) by way of an elastic member (130) fastened to the fixed body (110).

Abstract: A rotary broom mounts upon a slotted plate that pivots upon a double gearbox. The broom has bristles upon an axle within a shield that receives power from a chain drive that receives its power from a driveline from a top gear box. The top gearbox orients in the direction of the chain driveline and delivers its power through an output shaft. The top gearbox joins to a slotted plate that turns in the same direction as the broom. The top gear box receives its power through an input shaft perpendicular to the output shaft. The top gearbox input shaft extends downwardly and becomes the output shaft of the bottom gearbox. The bottom gearbox has an input shaft that connects to a power take off. This rotary broom receives rotational power, rotates it 90° upwardly, then rotates it 90° downwardly and at an angle laterally to drive the broom.

Abstract: Work string-mounted cleaning tool and a method of assembling such tools using a quick release for the cleaning element. Oblong pad element has a curved upper surface with slots to receive work surface segments. Opposite edge has a part-circular recess with part-circular peripheral lip around an upper edge of the recess. A retainer fastening component in the recess has a core with socket adapted to receive a driving tool. The retainer is sized to permit it to rotate when mounted within the recess. Roll pins are provided for use in locating the fastener component in predetermined rotational configurations in relation to the recess. Shear pin is provided to inhibit unintended rotation of the fastener component, and to lock the retainer for normal use of the cleaning tool. Shearing of the shear pin permits disassembly of the tool.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a caulk tool comprises a body member having a raised handle and two working heads. The first working head is adapted for the application of caulk and is connected to the first descending end of the raised handle. The first working head preferably comprises a triangular member formed of soft plastic material. The triangular member is rotatable, having three tips of varying size. The second working head is adapted for the removal of old caulk and is connected to the second descending end of the raised handle axially opposed to the first working head. The second working head preferably comprises a metallic head having two tips suited to remove old caulk. In a preferred embodiment, a third working head in the form of a flat scraper is positioned adjacent to said second working head.

Abstract: An adjoined shock absorbing non-breakable two-sectional swivel type attachment in which one section is made from a unitary shock absorbing flexible elastomer material absorbing shocks and allowing for a quick release clamp mechanism and the other section is adjoined by an axis that retains the handle allowing for swivel movement. The combination of the quick release unitary flexible clamp mechanism adjoined to a swivel mechanism allows for small tools, cleaning devices, such as scrub brushes, wall washers, abrasive pad holders, etc. or any other type of device requiring a non-breakable quick disconnect device to occur that can be easily engaged and disengaged allowing tools, etc. to also be used as a hand held device. When the swivel mechanism is in the locked fixed non-swiveling position, the shock absorbing axis and its supporting upper and lower plates, that are retained by a pin, flex and absorbs shocks due to its elastomers flexible properties and eliminates breakage when hitting stationary objects.

Abstract: A toothpaste measuring toothbrush for allowing users of a toothbrush to know how much toothpaste is needed or recommended simply by filling a reservoir in the toothbrush. The toothpaste measuring toothbrush generally includes toothbrush bristles, a head that attaches to the bristles, and a well surrounded by bristles.

Abstract: An inexpensive cleaning sheet is provided which attains an excellent cleaning efficiency and with which even large dust particles or heavy dust particles can be easily caught. The cleaning sheet is obtained by bonding a cleaning-side sheet to a base sheet at bonding areas, interposing a strip between the base sheet and the cleaning-side sheet, bonding the strip to the cleaning-side sheet, with one end of the strip projecting outward from the cleaning-side sheet, forming a perforation for cutting off in the cleaning-side sheet, and forming a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the surface of the base sheet which faces the region of the cleaning-side sheet surrounded by the perforation, This cleaning-side sheet is configured so that the region of the cleaning-side sheet surrounded by the perforation is cut off by pulling the strip.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an elongate cleaning element holder which contributes to a smoother cleaning operation, for a cleaning tool in which a cleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned is attached to the cleaning element holder. The representative cleaning element holder 120 includes a holding element 132 to be inserted into an insert region of the cleaning element. The holding element 132 has an inclined part 136 wherein a height of the inclined part 136 in a direction transverse to an extending direction of the holding element 132 gradually increases toward the connection.

Abstract: A cover for a dental appliance, such as a toothbrush, includes an exterior sleeve or sheath and an expansible foraminous interior cup. The head of a toothbrush is removably nested within the interior cup. The exterior sheath is formed from a pliable material which may be twisted around the head of a toothbrush to isolate it from the ambient. A disinfectant is disposed within the interior cup either by impregnation thereof or by an additional layer and which is in contact with the bristles of the toothbrush head. The disinfectant is water soluble and is activated by contact with water. A dispenser may be utilized therewith which removably stows both a toothbrush and a plurality of the covers.

Abstract: Example segment bodies and scrapers for conveyor belt scrapers are disclosed. An example segment body for a conveyor belt scraper includes a mounting body that can be connected to a segment carrier in a rotationally fixed manner, a holding portion that is designed for applying force from at least one wear element, a support portion in contact with the holding portion and the mounting body, and at least one spring element provided between the holding portion and the mounting body, which interacts with the mounting body and the holding portion in such a way that a force can be transmitted from the at least one spring element to the holding portion.

Abstract: A device for wringing liquid-absorbing wiping elements comprises a first substantially plate-shaped pressing jaw (18) and a second substantially plate-shaped pressing jaw (20) that are connected to each other at their respective first ends through a joint (40); and a pressing lever (32) connected, via a first bearing (42) in an articulated manner, to the second pressing jaw (20) at the second end of the second pressing jaw (20). The device is characterized in that the first pressing jaw (18) is arranged stationary with respect to the wringing device (10), and the pressing lever (32) comprises a knee lever portion (48) between the first bearing (42) and a second bearing (50) stationary arranged at the pressing lever (32), wherein at the second bearing (50) a knee lever member (52) is arranged that forms a rigid connection between the second bearing (50) and a third bearing (54) at the second end of the first pressing jaw (18).

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner comprising sensor means for detecting physical contact with stationary objects in the environment of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner comprises a handle (1) for carrying the vacuum cleaner by hand (3). The handle (1) can be in a second position whereby the handle (1) is located close to the body (4) of the vacuum cleaner, whereby the sensor means detect forces exerted on the handle (1) during operation of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a brush roll which has a housing. A motor is disposed within the housing and has a pulley mounted on a shaft of the motor. A roller is disposed within the housing and has a drive wheel. A belt couples the pulley to the drive wheel, so that the motor can drive the roller. The roller has bristles for sweeping a surface to be cleaned.