Abstract: Headgear having a cap portion configured to fit the head of a user and cover a top portion of the user's head, the cap portion including a layer of a fabric material, and at least one piece or layer of impact absorbing material attached to the layer of fabric material, wherein the impact absorbing material provides enhanced protection from impact to the user's head.

Abstract: A light attenuating optical arrangement for assembly to an eye-shielding device includes an optical element having an electronically controlled guest-host liquid crystal cell for variably attenuating transmission of light, the liquid crystal cell including first and second plastic substrates. A controller is electrically connected to the liquid crystal cell and is configured to selectively supply a voltage across the liquid crystal cell. The controller is provided with a means for electrically connecting the controller to a power source, and a means for attaching the controller to the eye-shielding device. The optical element is provided with a means for attaching an outer periphery of the optical element to a surface of a viewing lens of an eye-shielding device.

Abstract: Wrist guards configured for providing support to a user's wrist are disclosed. An illustrative wrist guard includes a wrist pad having a dorsal section configured for placement adjacent to the anterior side of the user's wrist and a palmar section configured for placement adjacent to the posterior side of the wrist. A number of stiffener elements coupled to the dorsal section of the wrist pad provide support against hyperextension of the user's wrist.

Abstract: An athletic tape or protective athletic sleeve is formed from an impregnated fabric substrate that is sealed on both sides. The impregnated fabric includes a shear thickening fluid that is made up of a suspension solution and solid particles. The shear thickening fluid is sealed within the fabric through use of sealing layers on both sides of the fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for protecting collars on garments during washing or cleaning. Said device comprises two halves which are made of a sheet material and each of which has two edges that taper at the same acute angle (?). The halves are each hinged in such a way that the same can be folded open and closed along one of the two edges. Furthermore, blocking mechanisms are provided which allow the halves to be blocked in the folded state.

Abstract: Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate.

Abstract: A suit particularly for dead lifters comprises a front having a neckline substantially higher than in the back. This covers more of the front of the chest and reduces the tendency of the lifter to bend the upper torso forwardly. A method comprises wearing the suit while deadlifting.

Abstract: The art disclosed here is about a lifted edge hood and a hood garment. The lifted edge hood disclosed here includes a hood and a pad element on the inner surface of the upper area of the hood, wherein the pad element is adapted to prop up the front edge of the hood when the hood is worn on a person's head. The garment disclosed here comprises a garment, a hood on the garment, and a pad element on the inner surface of the upper area of the hood, wherein the pad mechanism is adapted to prop up the front edge of the hood.

Abstract: A glove-doll entertainment system is presented. The glove-doll system allows for playing with the doll separate from the glove, playing with the doll attached to the glove, or using the glove as a hand covering without the doll. The appendages of the doll directly and removeably attach to exterior surfaces of the glove's finger receiving cavities. Each of the attached appendages can be separately articulated by finger movement. The doll is three dimensional and is physically distinct from the glove. Contemplated dolls can include an electronic circuit that generates a sound when an appendage is moved. A sequence of sounds can be generated by movement of a plurality of appendages to generate a song or a story. Contemplated gloves are sufficiently thick and waterproof to replace a regular pair of winter gloves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package of disposable gloves and to a method and an apparatus which can use the package to enable the gloves to be applied to a user's hands. The gloves are stored in a roll and are unrolled and opened by the apparatus so that a user can hygienically insert their hand into a glove without touching the glove. The user, with their hand in the glove can then sever the glove from the roll of gloves by moving their hand downwardly and away from the apparatus. The apparatus can then unroll and open another glove for the user to insert their other hand.

Abstract: There is provided headwear comprising, a crown defining an opening for receiving a head of a wearer, an actuator configured to receive an application of a force, and a force transmission member coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to effect, when a head is received within the crown, and relative to the head received within the crown, a change in disposition of the force transmission member to any one of a plurality of conditions in response to an application of force to the actuator, wherein, in at least one of the plurality of conditions, an operative surface of the force transmission member is bearing against a surface fraction of the head received within the crown.

Abstract: An improved article of headwear having a method for securing the brim (16) out of the way of the wearer's view during the participation in various sports, including water sports and/or sports involving high wind. Said headwear having a crown (14) having a first attachment means (18), and said brim of flexible material having a second attachment means (20). Said flexible brim can be flexed upward, folding where said brim attaches to the bottom edge of said crown and continuing to flex said brim upwardly and backwardly until said brim having said second attachment means comes in contact with said crown and first attachment means providing a secure detachable mating between said bill and said crown, thus unobstructing the visibility of the wearer of said headwear. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: Garments having one or more stretchable sections positioned in an otherwise relatively less stretchable (or “non-stretchable”) garment. Among other things, the one or more stretchable sections preferably provide improved wearability when worn by the user. The relatively more stretchable section or sections preferably are constructed of material that provides at least 4-way directional stretch capabilities to the stretchable material and are selectively shaped and/or positioned on an article of clothing in an area where the wearer's body movement may cause stress to the garment material. The relatively more stretchable material facilitates garment expandability, thus providing for improved garment wearability, increased wearer comfort, and extended garment life.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent, removable, biodegradable material for use on eyewear, computer screens, touch sensitive devices, mobile phones, and the like. Because the material is transparent, it can provide protection for eyewear or devices such as laptops and mobile phones without obscuring vision or display. Because the material is biodegradable, it can be safely discarded no matter the location, thereby reducing cleanup and disposal costs. The biodegradable nature of the material greatly extends its range of uses to include uses such as road motorcycling, search and rescue use, medical uses, mountain biking, vehicle windscreen protection such as for helicopters, skydiving, parasailing, sailing, laptops and mobile phone use, caving, potholing, spelunking, cave diving, a wide variety of military uses, protection in conditions such as sandstorms, and other activities where biodegradable, transparent, removable screens would be advantageous.

Abstract: The goggles of the invention utilize a substantially rigid frame with separate top and bottom individually rotatable elements, namely an upper browbar and a lower nosepiece, that firmly capture the lens from above and below. The lens is further secured to the frame by projections on each of the browbar and nosepiece which fit through apertures in the lens. At the top, a post which projects forwardly from the frame is received in the well of the browbar by snap-fit engagement. At the bottom, a prong on the rotatable nosepiece passes through a bottom aperture of the lens and is received in a recess of a bottom portion of the frame by snap-fit engagement. The apertures and cooperating projections are preferably located along the center of a one-piece lens. Thus, the rotatable browbar and nosepiece capture the lens top and bottom by edgewise compression and hold the lens front-to-back.

Abstract: A customizable eyewear for use in water recreational activities includes a main frame member having a first and a second opening and a support surface disposed on an outer surface adjacent to the respective first and second opening. The eyewear also includes a first and a second eyecup disposed in the respective first and second opening. The eyecups include a retention member and a receiving channel between the retention member and the support. An ornamental frame is removably received in the receiving channel.

Abstract: A vest having front and rear members made of rigid or semi-rigid material where each member has recesses for receiving a user's head and both arms. Left and right shoulder pads are located between and attached to both members on each side of the recess for receiving the user's head with pivotably connecting members, and side access panels are located between and removably attached to both members below the left and right recesses for a user's arms with pivotably connecting members which prevent the shoulder pads and the side access panels from being displaced laterally from the front and rear members when the vest is subjected to a compression load. A lift harness is integrated into the front and rear members and a lift ring, which is permanently connected to the lift harness, is removably connected to a rescue rope that has distance markings thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed are automated aerosol dispensers for delivering chemicals (e.g. cleaners, fragrances, insect control agents) from the dispenser to selected locations (e.g. the air; a toilet bowl; a shower enclosure). There is an actuator (e.g. a push button or a foot pedal) for initiating dispensing, and a holder for an aerosol container. The aerosol container stores the chemical before use. There is a switch associated with the holder that recognizes when the aerosol container has been mounted to the holder, and when thereafter that aerosol container has been dismounted from the holder. A controller controls dispensing of the chemical from the aerosol container in response to actuation. The controller has a timer that determines the amount of time that chemical is to be delivered from the aerosol container upon the dispenser being actuated by the actuator. A database is provided for assisting the controller in varying the time that the timer permits dispensing in response to activation.

Abstract: Provided is a bath fluid heating system that includes an inlet, an outlet, a pump located in a fluid path extending between the inlet and the outlet, a heater located in the fluid path extending between the inlet and the outlet. During use, a bathing fluid is to flow into the inlet, to flow through the heater, to flow through the pump and to flow out of the outlet. The fluid path is oriented at an angle to facilitate drainage of substantially all of the bathing fluid from the fluid path.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for assisting a person during entering and exiting a bathtub and shower. In one embodiment, the method comprises a bathtub chair system having a support member having a first end coupled to the first side of the bathtub, extending across and beyond the second side of the bathtub to a base member at the second end of the support member; a seating surface moveably disposed on the support member; a low voltage electric motor disposed within the base member; and a drivetrain coupling the seating surface to the low voltage electric motor.

Abstract: A bath collapsible seat for persons requires bathing in sitting position and for persons, which takes a regular shower or bath comprises: a wall mounting unit rigidly attached to a bathroom wall, a seat assembly pivotally attached to said wall mounting unit to provide moveable between vertical and horizontal positions, where said seat assembly in vertical position not prevented the bather to take regular shower or bath, a water supply means, and means for bathing accessories.

Abstract: A shower seat frame may comprise a seat, a center support member, a rear support leg, and a pair of opposing end support legs. The seat may include a center support recess, a rear support recess, and a pair of opposing end support recesses. The center support member may be adapted to engage the center support recess and may include a vertical support, support fastener passageways, support fasteners, a lateral brace, a notch, brace fastener passageways, and brace fasteners. The support fasteners may be passed through the respective support fastener passageways to attach the vertical support to the seat. The lateral brace may be affixed to the vertical support and may be oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. The brace fasteners may be passed through the respective brace fastener passageways to attach the lateral brace to an underside of the seat. The rear support leg may be affixed to a vertical surface of a shower enclosure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a covering with pocket that provides a secure fit, for example, for a mattress. The covering may comprise a free end that is associated with a head of the mattress and a secured end that is associated with a foot of the mattress. The secured end of the covering having a pocket that includes a lower portion to be positioned under the foot of the mattress, a left side portion to be positioned along the left side of the mattress, and a right side portion to be positioned along the right side of the mattress. The pocket includes an expandable material that spans an opening along the lower portion of the pocket. The expandable material, which includes an elastic member and/or an elastic material, may or may not extend into the left side portion or into the right side portion of the pocket.

Abstract: A duvet cover assembly includes a duvet and duvet cover that appear like a traditional duvet and duvet cover but are connected into a single unit that is entirely machine washable. The duvet cover assembly prevents the duvet from clumping or pooling within the duvet. The duvet cover assembly is useable in home and commercial (e.g. hotel) settings. The duvet cover assembly improves hygiene and shortens the time taken for changing the bedding.

Abstract: A birthing stool is disclosed comprising a series of closed walls constructed from a non porous rigid material, molded into compound curves. The stool facilitates a range of physiologically effective positioning for labour and delivery and can be used submerged underwater during waterbirth. The stool ergonomically supports the body while also achieving structural integrity through a simple organic form that can be produced inexpensively using minimal material. All elements of the stool, including a seat portion that accommodates a labouring woman and her birthing partner, as well as handles and grips for carrying are integrated into a single part design, facilitating effective cleansing and disinfection of the apparatus. The invention includes the method of production of the stool, and describes method of using device.

Abstract: A baby change table which is to be mounted on a wall so that it can be folded up against the wall when not in use or lowered about a hinge axis when required, has a platform for a baby which can be installed either extending parallel to the wall, or at right angles to the wall. The orientation of the platform may be fixed at the time of installing the table, as the platform can be installed either orientation while maintaining a generally constant distance from the wall.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, an endboard, and a handle assembly. The endboard is coupled to the frame. The endboard includes a grip. The handle assembly is configured to be removably coupled to the endboard. The handle assembly includes a handle configured to rotate with respect to the endboard between a first position and a second position. The handle is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress from the person-support apparatus in the first position.

Abstract: A mattress pad assembly for use with a child containment area is disclosed. The mattress pad assembly includes a mattress pad having a plurality of panels each of which is coupled to at least one other panel along a flexible seam, wherein the mattress pad is reconfigurable between a non-planar configuration and a planar configuration defined by the cooperation of the plurality of panels to form a flexible top surface and a substantially rigid bottom surface. The mattress pad assembly further includes a support assembly coupled to the bottom surface of the mattress pad when the mattress pad is in the planar configuration, the support assembly having one or more support connectors coupled to at least two of the plurality of panels, and a brace configured to removably cooperate with the one or more support connectors, wherein the brace is configured to engage each of the plurality of panels to prevent bending along the flexible seam.

Abstract: A method of producing a ticking includes laminating a flame retardant backer to film material, wherein the backer releases flame retardant in the vapor phase that reduces the rate of flame propagation along the film material, when the ticking layer is exposed to flame. The backer is laminated in direct contact with the film material. In some embodiments, the laminated ticking is configured to release less than 15 MJ of heat in the first ten minutes when exposed to a flame in accordance with the testing protocol set forth in 16 CFR 1633. Upholstered articles, such as mattresses, mattress foundations, and articles of furniture, may incorporate the ticking layer.

Abstract: A mattress, in particular for use in the care and hospital sector, has a base layer and a top layer arranged thereon. The top layer is formed by a resilient knitted spacer fabric, which is covered by a top layer cover. The top layer cover has a liquid-impermeable top layer cover lower part and a liquid-permeable top layer cover upper part. The mattress allows simple and frequent reprocessing.

Abstract: An air-operated device for better sleep includes a pad whose inside has an interlayer composed of two sheets stacked together. The top surface of the pad has an accommodating cavity in communications with the interlayer. The pad has an air vent. Two airbags are disposed adjacently in the accommodating cavity. The airbags are in touch with the interlayer by the adjacent side. The airbags are connected to the air vent of the pad via an air-transporting pipe, respectively. An action pad is disposed correspondingly in the accommodating cavity and depresses the two airbags. A controller is connected to the air vent of the pad to inflate and deflate the airbags. When the airbags are inflated, the action pad is pushed by the air bags to sway upward.

Abstract: A body support including a visco-elastic foam layer having a length and a non-planar top surface with peaks and troughs that define a horizontal distance between peaks and a vertical height between a peak and a trough. The peaks and troughs of the non-planar top surface form sinusoidal or domed waves. A density of the foam at the peaks is substantially the same as the density of the foam at the troughs. A ratio of the length to the distance is from 10 to 50, optionally from 15 to 40. The ratio of length to distance can be from 20 to 30 and optionally from 20 to 25.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: This invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising organic catalysts having enhanced enzyme compatibility and processes for making and using such cleaning compositions.

Abstract: A low volatile sublimation printing process comprises transferring a sublimation ink solid in an unsublimed form in a desired design by means of, for example, lithographic printing machinery, onto a medium such as paper. The image then is transferred from the medium onto a desired material in which sublimation takes place at the time of transfer onto that desired material. The sublimation ink can have a total volatile content of less than 10%, and preferably may have a total volatile content of less than 5%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dyes of the formula (I), in which R1 to R4, D1, f, and M are defined as indicated in claim 1, to processes for preparing them, and to their use for dyeing and printing hydroxyl- and/or carboxamido-containing materials.

Abstract: Novel compounds based on distyryl-biphenyl are provided. The compounds conform to the general structure The compounds are useful as optical brighteners. Compositions, such as laundry care compositions, containing such compounds are also provided.

Abstract: An erection method by simple tower instrument during upper bridge construction installation, consists of installing 8 bolt?1 ½?-400 and lower joint plate 24 mm bold, ?50 cm on head of bridge construction pillar as hook designed tower, installing 5 locking plates from lower plate with 24 mm bold, 42 cm height as joint of premier steel pile?30 cm, 6.5 mm bold, through 8 bolts and lower joint plate on every head of bridge construction pillar, installing and locking wind fastener?15 cm through joint plate 16 mm bold and 4 bolts ?¾? to unite premier tower 3?30 cm, 6.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle having a neck. A head is mounted to the neck and has a first surface and an opposed second surface. At least one fixed tuft block is mounted to the head in a fixed orientation and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A movable tuft block is flexibly connected to each fixed tuft block and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A drive assembly is operably connected to the movable tuft block to move the movable tuft block with respect to each fixed tuft block.

Abstract: An oral care instrument, such as a motorized toothbrush, which activates upon exposure to the oral environment of the user, is described. The electrical conductivity of saliva, optionally mixed with toothpaste and water, may be utilized to complete an electrical circuit that powers a motorized device within the instrument.

Abstract: The head of a toothbrush includes a first tuft block having bristles and a second tuft block having bristles. The first and second tuft blocks are mounted for counter-rotational or counter-rotational oscillating movement in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the head. The toothbrush head also includes a third section having bristles extending outwardly from the head to provide an extended field of bristles to support an elongated ribbon of toothpaste and for enhanced cleaning.

Abstract: The present application concerns the field of machines for floor treatment, such as cleaning and scrubbing, and in particular relates to the use of a vacuum squeegee assembly for collecting and lifting liquid from a floor surface during treatment.

Abstract: An implement for clearing debris from a drain cup or basket strainer in a sink includes an upright handle for gripping and operating the implement. A cutting member configured to cut up the debris and force it through the drain cup or basket strainer is mounted on a lower end of the handle. The cutting member includes a centrally disposed recess for the strainer basket handle or the basket attachment nut in the drain cup. A plurality of radially extending grooves are formed in a lower surface of the cutting member with cutting edges being formed on the edges of the grooves for cutting the debris and forcing it through the drain cup or basket strainer. The recess in the cutting member permits the blades of the cutting assembly to reach the base of the strainer without interference from the strainer basket handle or attachment nut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing ice from overhead utility power lines which includes a tool having an extendable pole with an ice removing roller having an annular outer channel rotatably supported on the pole. The pole is extendable for enabling a user to place the roller over an ice-laden utility power line while standing on the ground, and then is movable along the power line by the workmen while standing on the ground or walking along a line parallel to the power line for removing ice from the line.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus to be installed on a pail to allow debris to be swept into the pail when the pail is resting on its side on a surface to be swept. A mounting section is included which is configured to be positioned over at least part of a lip of the pail and secured in place on the pail. A debris collector guide is attached to the mounting section, with the debris collector guide including a pair of sidewalls and a bottom section disposed intermediate the side walls, with the sidewalls and bottom section forming a debris collection region which permits debris to be swept into the debris section and into a pail on which the adapter apparatus is installed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner conversion system utilizes a container or receptacle with an open top. A cover unit is configured to be positioned over the top of the receptacle and to be clamped to the receptacle to form a watertight connection. A first conduit extends through the cover unit. The conduit has an upper section extending above the cover and a lower section extending below the cover and into the receptacle. The lower section is totally enclosed at its lowermost end, but has an opening extending through its side surface. A second conduit extends through the cover. The second conduit has an upper section extending above the cover and a lower section extending below the cover and into the receptacle. The second conduit is open at its lowermost end. The first conduit has a connector providing an airtight connection between the conduit and a hose connected to a stand-up vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a golf massage club, including a handle (4), a cleaner body (3) connected to the first end of the handle (4), and a suction head (1) connected to the head of the cleaner body (3), wherein a golf massage head (5) is connected to the second end of the handle (4). With the vacuum cleaner of the invention, the user can use the handle for human body massage when the vacuum cleaner is not in use. The vacuum cleaner of the invention is of compact structure and multiple functions.

Abstract: A solar panel cleaning device includes a solar panel having a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in rows and embedded in the solar panel with space between the rows. A transparent dielectric overlay is affixed to the solar panel. A plurality of electrode pairs each of which includes an upper and a lower electrode are arranged on opposite sides of the transparent dielectric and are affixed thereto. The electrodes may be transparent electrodes which may be arranged without concern for blocking sunlight to the solar panel. The solar panel may be a dielectric and its dielectric properties may be continuously and spatially variable. Alternatively the dielectric used may have dielectric segments which produce different electrical field and which affects the wind “generated.

Abstract: A dampening device for use in a dampening system that operates to dampen and slow the movement of a closing door thereby reducing noise and the risk of injury, the dampening device including a piston and dampening apparatus that are moveable within a cylinder and an anchoring apparatus, the dampening device attached to various positions along a door frame or door panel.

Abstract: A curtain hanging system is described that includes a curtain rod hanger with an overhead suspension member and a collar with a bellows. The curtain rod hanger includes one or more collar engaging members. When the collar is coupled to the curtain rod hanger via the collar engaging members, the bellows surrounds at least a portion of the curtain rod hanger.