Abstract: A water-sport garment constructed with waterproof, breathable fabric panels and waterproof, non-breathable fabric panels. The waterproof, breathable fabric is constructed of one layer of a waterproof, breathable membrane with an inner and outer layer of synthetic knit fabric. The synthetic knit fabric is treated with a durable water repellant coating to prevent water absorption yet retain heat dissipation properties. The waterproof, breathable fabric is affixed to a conventional waterproof, non-breathable fabric used in the construction of water-sport garments. Construction of garments using panels of the waterproof, breathable fabric results in greater flexibility for the wearer, due to the waterproof, breathable fabric's improved stretchiness, as well as improved comfort for the wearer due to heat dissipation from areas of high heat generation during highly aerobic water-sports activities.

Abstract: A gripping pad for supporting and protecting the hand of a weightlifter or other user performing an activity that is strenuous to the hand. The gripping pad cushions the junction of the fingers and palm without constricting flexibility or airflow to the skin. Constructed of flexible resilient material, the glove has polymer gel cushions that cushions the palm of the hand and the intermediate phalanges without affecting finger articulation. The bottom surface of the gripping pad has increased friction characteristics.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a protective hand guard. The protective hand guard essentially comprises an elongate, tubular sleeve or sheath of a pliable fabric material which is elasticized in a manner allowing the sleeve to be resiliently stretched both radially and axially relative to an axis defined thereby. Disposed in a prescribed position within the sleeve is an aperture or opening which is sized and configured to accommodate the thumb on one hand of a wearer/user.

Abstract: There is currently nothing available to temporarily wear on the penis to stop the drops before they stain clothing, or produce unsightly wet spots on clothing. This is an invention that allows men to carry with them at all times these protectors that are very easy to carry, use and discard.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel towel easily fixed about the body of a wearer, the towel having a substantially planer rectangular main body having a single vertical opening in the main body for securing the towel to body of the wearer by placing the towel over the wearer's head allowing the wearer full use of their hands.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to an apparel article, such as an article of clothing, that includes a pre-worn piece as a design element integral with the article of clothing. The pre-worn piece may be, for example, a cut-out of an athletic jersey, a uniform, a shirt or the like, formed in a particular design pattern, that was worn by a member of a sports team such as a professional sports team. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for marketing an article or articles in a line of apparel, such as sporting goods apparel, with such pre-worn pieces affixed to the articles as integral design elements.

Abstract: A swaddling system and method for use when swaddling the upper and lower torso of an infant separately. The system is equipped with fasteners that allow the upper and lower torso portions to be secured separately, and to allow for the changing of diapers without unwrapping the upper torso. In addition, the system allows for the partial swaddling of an infant while in a car or stroller seat.

Abstract: Safety harness (100) having an upper portion (6) for surrounding a torso of a wearer and a lower portion (8) configured to clutch calves of the wearer. The harness includes left and right guide straps (26) which extent from the upper portion (6) to the lower portion (8) and which each accommodate a tension member (54) which may be a steel cable which is slideable within a wear preventing sheath. The lower portion (8) includes clutching means (12) which have calf straps (38). A lower portion of each tension member (54) is laced between spaced ends of the one or more calf straps (38) in such a manner that tensioning of the tension member (54) causes one or more of the calf straps (38) to clutch a calf of the wearer. An upper portion of the tension member (54) is connected to or constitutes a lanyard (60) for connection to a restraint. The harness (100) may include a pair of overalls (102) or a pair of trousers.

Abstract: SPORTS GARMENT, being those with a hood for covering the head of a user and an outer enclosing body surrounding the entire neck all the way around, the hood and the enclosing body coming together in a confluence zone in which both elements join, characterized in that it comprises an inner tubular piece (6) arranged on the inside of the enclosing body (3), said inner tubular piece (6) being joined by its upper perimeter edge hanging down.

Abstract: An apparatus for stiffening the folded collar of a dress or collared shirt is provided. A collared shirt includes a placket and a folded collar including an interior fold. The apparatus includes a circular, semi-rigid element for surrounding the interior fold of the folded collar, wherein the semi-rigid element is coextensive with the folded collar and includes a gap located at a placket of the shirt. The apparatus further includes a first elongated element that projects downwards at an acute angle from a left side of the semi-rigid element such that a tip of the first elongated element contacts a left shoulder of the shirt. The apparatus further includes a second elongated element that projects downwards at an acute angle from a right side of the semi-rigid element such that a tip of the second elongated element contacts a right shoulder of the shirt, wherein the semi-rigid element and the first and second elongated elements are integrally formed of a single piece of material.

Abstract: A patch for a performance garment including a sheet of fabric and an elastomeric adhesive adhered to one side of the sheet such that the sheet may be applied to the garment, wherein at least one of the sheet and the elastomeric adhesive have an independent stretch greater than the stretch of the garment. Embodiments of the invention further include methods of repairing an opening in or reinforcing a garment using the patch, repair kits for containing the patch, and methods of making the patch.

Abstract: A garment for retaining long hair is disclosed and claimed. The garment includes a tubular sleeve formed of a lightweight flexible material. The tubular sleeve includes an open front, an open rear, a body therebetween, and an inside surface. The open front is configured to extend across a wearer's forehead. The body extends from the open front over substantially the entire region of the wearer's head. A pocket is attached to the inside surface of the tubular sleeve and includes an opening The pocket is arranged for retaining long hair such as braids or dreadlocks.

Abstract: A lower body garment such as shorts or pants are separable into two complementary halves, each including a decorative element. The garment can convert into two distinct and unique wearable garments. A lower body garment can also include independently reversible complementary halves capable of converting into eight distinct and unique wearable garments.

Abstract: A pocket for articles of clothing provided with an upper edge 2, a lower edge 3 and a first and a second lateral edges 4, 5. In a non-assembled configuration, the pocket comprises is defined by a first portion 6 exhibiting a first edge 8, and a second portion 7 exhibiting a second edge 9. A seam 10 realises an assembled configuration by the joining of the first portion 6 to the second portion 7, by the superposition of an edge 8 on the other one 9 and the nearing of an edge 8 to the other one 9 to give the pocket a curved three-dimensional conformation. Said pocket 1 being obtained by a nearing step of the first portion 6 to the second portion 7 and a connecting step thereof. Said pocket 1 being applied to trousers 14, such as to be superposed during use on a buttock of the person wearing the trousers. Said pocket 1 being applied to a shirt 25, such as to be superposed during use on the breast of the person wearing the shirt.

Abstract: An undergarment has a fabric body portion and an attached cotton-appearing fabric crotch portion, which crotch portion comprises a separate, breathable, hydrophobic, cotton-appearing fabric layer.

Abstract: An undergarment includes a lower body portion having a waist opening and a crotch portion. The crotch portion has a skin contact surface and an outer surface and includes a weft knit fabric portion with at least a first predominately cotton yarn and a second predominately cotton yarn. At least one of the first and second yarns have a moisture wicking treatment applied prior to knitting and comprises at least about 40% of the weight of the weft knit fabric. The weft knit fabric includes an antimicrobial treatment. The undergarment has improved moisture management and comfort properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to goggles with lens protection film include: film adapted to cover the front surfaces of lenses; a film supply part adapted to be coupled to one side of the goggles so as to unroll the film toward the front of the lenses in a state of winding the film thereinto; a film return part adapted to be coupled to the other side of the goggles so as to roll the film unrolled to the front of the lenses thereinto; a drive part adapted to be coupled to the film return part so as to generate power to automatically roll the film; and a manipulating part adapted to be connected to the drive part with wire or without wire so as to remotely control an operation of the drive part.

Abstract: A garment comprising a portion suitable for being combined with an inflatable member for protecting a user. is described. The portion of the garment includes a covering surface suitable for forming a covering for the inflatable member. The covering surface comprises at least one insert made of elastic material.

Abstract: A dry trap valve, such as usable in a non-flushing urinal and other drains, is employed to transport a fluid, such as urine or other wastewater to a sewer line for receipt and disposal of the wastewater. The dry trap valve includes a holder (e.g., a band holder) having an entry for receipt of the wastewater, a drain for disposal of the wastewater, a passageway (e.g., dent, depression or bypass) for conducting the wastewater from the entry to the drain, and an element e.g., a sealing band) for sealingly covering the passageway. The sealing band includes a hinged portion adjacent the lower end of the dent and is disposed to articulate upon flow of the wastewater from the dent and to permit the wastewater to flow to the drain and to close in the absence of the wastewater flow. Gases from the sewer line also press upon the sealing band in the absence of wastewater flow to further seal the dent.

Abstract: The present invention's toilet provides a toilet odor removal apparatus The toilet may additionally provide a dual flushing system and/or water overflow prevention system. The odor removal apparatus is operable to withdraw air fain a toilet bowl via a suction assembly comprised of a motorized fan to discharge air into a sewer discharge line through a ventilating passage. A valve assembly for controlling the configuration of the system includes a valve controlling means and a solenoid iron plunger. Three main configurations include water flow from the toilet tank to the bowl (flushing), no water flow to the bowl and air flow from the toilet bowl through the fan to the ventilating passage (odor removal), and finally no water flow or air flow (not is use).

Abstract: A toilet seat incorporating a laser pointing device for creating a target to increase accuracy during standing urination. Several embodiments of decorative and/or functional lighting may also be combined in various embodiments of the toilet seat. Power may be supplied from an internal battery pack or, optionally, from an external power supply connected to the power grid. Numerous versions of sensors and/or controls may be implemented to switch one or more features on or off depending upon such factors as ambient light levels, the proximity of a person to the toilet seat, etc. In some embodiments, timers may be used to control one or more features. Ancillary devices such as audio annunciatiors, audio message generators, and fragrance generators may also be included.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A shaped body suitable for use as acid-releasing body in toilets includes 10-95% of a lactic acid oligomer with an average degree of polymerization between 1.8 and 4. The shaped body provides for the controlled release of lactic acid, which serves to reduce or prevent to the formation of calcium and magnesium deposits in the toilet, contributes to soap scum removal, and has a sanitizing and disinfecting effect. The shaped bodies may be used in-bowl or in-cistern.

Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.

Abstract: A portable swimming pool for use at the beach formed from vinyl or other flexible waterproof material comprising a circular base and a side wall that extends upward from the base and tapers outward as it extents up. The base and the side wall are formed into a generally truncated conical figure. Extending horizontally outward from the top of the side wall is a sand apron which lends stability to the pool during utilization. A user digs a hole into the beach sand which hole has a size and configuration that approximate those of the portable pool. The user conforms the sand and the pool so that base and the side walls are pressed against the sand. The user extends the sand apron out over the sand and the sand apron is covered with sand providing stability.

Abstract: The Portable Hot Shower provides an operational shower stall for outdoor use. The unit, an adult sized, vertical tent-like unit, featuring a canvas covering to ensure durability as well as privacy. A series of connectable polyvinyl chloride piping, PVC, is provided to facilitate the plumbing action of the unit. This material is lightweight, weather-resistant, durable, non-corrosive, and rust resistant. The piping culminates in a showerhead, similar to the types found in home bathroom stalls. The heat source stems from a copper coil situated in a steel cylinder, which rests on a propane heater. Integrally connected to the shower assembly, water circulates through the copper coil cylinder to produce hot water. The water source for the product comes from a portable water tank, an existing body of water such as a river or creek, or a water hose with spigot, if available. The entire Portable Hot Shower unit is sold in kit form, easily assembled and disassembled as needed.

Abstract: A shower curtain support system includes a first rod having a first arcuate portion and a first end portion and a second rod having a second arcuate portion and a second end portion. The second arcuate portion is telescopically mounted within the first arcuate portion. A first end support is removably and pivotably mounted to the first end portion and a second end support is removably and pivotably mounted to the second end portion.

Abstract: A drainage system including grated tracks adapted to be located along a periphery of a floor. In addition, the drainage system includes at least one drain located on the grated tracks, an underneath channel running below the grated tracks, and at least one drain conduit running from the at least one drain to a floor drain.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame and an endboard. The frame is configured to move between a substantially horizontal position and a chair position. The endboard assembly includes a base coupled to the frame and an endboard removably coupled to the base. The endboard is coupled to a first portion of the base in a first position to define a first portion of a perimeter edge of the frame and coupled to a second portion of the base in a second position to define a second portion of the perimeter edge of the frame.

Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.

Abstract: A physical assistive robotic device may include a frame including an upright support member, a lateral member slidably engaged with the upright support member, a handle slidably engaged with the lateral member, an elevation actuator coupled to the upright support member and the lateral member, and a lateral actuator coupled to the lateral member and the handle. The elevation actuator translates the lateral member and the lateral actuator translates the handle to transition a user between a standing position and a non-standing position.

Abstract: A mechanical baby rocker includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a plurality of straps, and a motor. The first cylinder is telescopically affixed with the second cylinder. The first cylinder is actuated by the motor. The motor is housed within the second cylinder.

Abstract: A therapeutic back support device is disclosed which has adjustable curvature and portable thermal application. The back support device allows the user to change the curvature of the device to conform to the individual user's spine. The back support device includes include a support rib covered on one or more sides by padding. Built into the rib, padding, or both is a pocket or recess configured to accept a thermal cell. The thermal cell provides a heating or cooling cell to be placed within the pocket to thereby present heat or cold therapy to the user. On the back of the to device are one or more straps which may be length adjustable to maintain any degree of arch in the back support device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling mat in which an effective cooling effect can be promoted by a simple structure free from separate manipulation or external power sources, capable of increasing reliability in operation and portability, the cooling mat including: a plurality of cooling pads filled therein with a phase change material; an upper cover coupled to the cooling pad, lengthwise formed with a plurality of openings and exposing an upper surface of the cooling pad through the openings; a bottom cover coupled to the upper cover at an edge portion; and a folding unit formed between the openings of the upper cover to provide a bending flexibility.

Abstract: A perimeter panel for a person-support apparatus comprises a panel body and a handle. The panel body includes a perimeter edge. The handle is movably coupled to the panel body and configured to move between a storage position and a deployed position. The handle forms a portion of the perimeter edge of the panel body when the handle is in the storage position and extends from the panel body in the deployed position.

Abstract: A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support frame coupled to the frame and movable between first and second positions, and a barrier coupled to the support frame and movable therewith. The siderail assembly further includes a handle coupled to the barrier to move between a first position and a second position relative to the barrier. The siderail assembly may include electronic controls to change the position or limit movement of various portions of a patient support apparatus on which the siderail assembly may be coupled.

Abstract: A siderail 52 comprises a rail 70 having a lower edge 72 extending longitudinally from a head end 74 to a foot end 76, and a longitudinally outer link 80 comprising a head side outer link segment 82 and a foot side outer link segment 84. Each segment is connected to the rail at a joint OR and connected to a host frame 28 at a joint OF. The siderail also includes an inner link 110 longitudinally intermediate the outer link segments and connected to the rail at a joint IR and to the host frame at a joint IF. The head side outer link segment extends longitudinally from approximately the head end of the rail lower edge 72 toward the inner link without longitudinally overlapping the inner link. The foot side outer link segment extends longitudinally from approximately the foot end of the rail lower edge 72 toward the inner link without longitudinally overlapping the inner link.

Abstract: A device for covering a human or animal at rest on a surface comprising a support to reversibly fix the device relative to the surface, and an adjustable covering to cover the human or animal wherein the covering is reversibly fixable at a length so as to ensure that the human or animal's face is not covered by the device.

Abstract: A surface-mounted motorized upper body lift, or Inclinator assembly has two frames that are connected to each other by hinges so as to form a wedge shape can be selectively adjusted. The adjustment is made by the user with the application of a remote control, which activates a motor to result in the adjustment of a linear actuator which is attached at either end to the interfacing portions of the two frames. The frame contacting the body of the user is covered by a platform attached to the frame, with a cushion providing protection and comfort attached in turn to the platform. By adjusting the angle between the two frames, the Inclinator assembly provides a wide variety of user-configurable options in order to allow a user to select the configuration that is most comfortable to the user.

Abstract: A siderail assembly comprises a siderail body and an indicator. The siderail body includes a handle configured to be gripped by a person. The indicator is configured to emit light to identify the location of the handle.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bed for a medical image scanning apparatus including a lateral movement device which is light and has less deformation while suppressing a bed height in the lowest position of a top board. A bed for a medical image scanning apparatus includes a base 8, an upper portion frame 2 that supports a top board 1, and a lifting and lowering device 40 that is positioned between the base 8 and the upper portion frame 2 and lifts and lowers the upper portion frame 2, and the lifting and lowering device 40 includes a lateral movement device (a motor 10, a pinion gear 12, and rack 23) which relatively moves at least two members (a rail receiving block 17 and a rotation axis 18, and a rail receiving block 15 and a rotation axis 20) constituting the lifting and lowering device 40 along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the upper portion frame 2 in the top board surface of the top board.

Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.

Abstract: A bed frame assembly includes a base frame 32, an elevatable frame 40 and a lift system 80. The lift system includes a carriage 82 longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame and a lift arm 84 having a crank end 86 and a remote end 88. The crank end of the lift arm is mounted to the carriage at a pivotable joint A for pivoting about a laterally extending crank axis 100. The remote end of the lift arm is connected to the elevatable frame by a lift arm connector 102, which may take various forms. The lift system also includes an actuator 120 mounted on the carriage at a juncture B and connected to the lift arm such that operation of the actuator rotates the lift arm about the crank axis. The lift system also includes a part span connector 130 pivotably connected to the lift arm at a joint D and pivotably connected to the base frame at a joint C. In one embodiment the lift arm connector is a single link 132.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a lift mechanism , a drive mechanism, and an upper frame. The lower frame includes a lift drive configured to at least one of expand and contract the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is pivotably coupled with the lower frame to rotate about a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is coupled between the lift mechanism and the lower frame. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the lift mechanism about the rotational axis. The upper frame is supported on the lift mechanism and responsive to the rotation of the lift mechanism to rotate a patient about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a deck configured to support a mattress assembly thereon; and a footboard removably coupled to the deck. The footboard includes a latch mechanism movable between a locked position wherein the latch mechanism is engaged with the deck to prevent the footboard from being removed from the deck and an unlocked position wherein the latch mechanism is disengaged from the deck to allow the footboard to be removed from the deck. The footboard further includes a tool-receiving device coupled to the latch mechanism and configured to receive a tool therein in order to move the latch mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: An improved orthopedic head pillow enables a user to maintain correct spinal alignment while sleeping in a variety of positions. The pillow has a stuffed resilient body formed from cloth cover having a generally rectangular central aperture. For one embodiment, pillow dimensions are about 48 cm by 76 cm, with a 10 cm by 15 cm central aperture that is aligned so that its longitudinal axis is aligned with the pillow's lateral axis of symmetry. For back sleepers, the back of the head is cushioned by the edges of the aperture yet positioned at mattress level. Side sleepers can use either side portion of the pillow to the side of the aperture, with the head being centered on the side portion and the face facing either the aperture or the edge of the pillow. Stomach sleepers can place the side of the face on a downward slope adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: This application discloses a composite material comprising one or more silk elements in an acrylic or cross-linked protein matrix. The silk elements are made from the group of silk elements consisting of domestic silkworm silk, wild silkworm silk, spider dragline silk, and filaments spun from recombinant silk protein or protein analogues. The composite material is particularly useful for use in-surgical-implants.

Abstract: Devices for delivering reusable environmentally friendly laundry additives to a plurality of wash cycles and drying cycles are provided. The devices include a container that has an inner chamber and a plurality of apertures and protrusions located on an exterior surface thereof. The apertures are configured to allow the laundry additive to leave the inner chamber and interact with clothing during a plurality of wash cycles and drying cycles. The protrusions are configured to make contact with, and soften, clothing during the drying cycles. The container is configured to receive the laundry additive by a user of the device, prior to placing the device in a first wash or drying cycle, and effectively disperse and administer said additives.

Abstract: A washing machine including a wash tub, a basket rotatably coupled within the wash tub, an agitator coupled within the basket, and a controller is provided. The controller is configured to receive user defined settings for a wash cycle, send a signal to add, to the wash tub, a first quantity of water based on the user defined settings, send a signal to execute a wash agitation for a predefined period of time based on the user defined settings, send a signal to drain water from the wash tub, and initiate a rinse cycle by sending a signal to add, to the wash tub, a second predefined quantity of water that is less than the first predefined quantity of water.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is increased. The increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to either an intermediate rinse or a pre-rinse depending upon which module or zone the goods occupy.