Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for user-moldable sports equipment, for example, shin guards and sports shoes. The sports equipment includes an integral component having relatively rigid thin shell curved walls with a thermoplastic component sandwiched in between the thin shells. The thermoplastic transitions to a moldable state at a temperature between 150° F. and 210° F. The sports equipment is placed in a waterproof bag and into heated water to become moldable, and hardens to a rigid state when cooled. In a heel cup embodiment, a composite layer is applied directly to the shoe upper, and a pre-formed thermoplastic component is positioned over the composite layer. A second composite layer is then laid over the thermoplastic component and the assembly is cured. The heel cup may include arms that extend upwardly to engage the shoe closure structure.

Abstract: A textips system comprising: a text-tip assembly comprising finger-fit sleeves, and raised nodule(s). The text-tip assembly may comprise rubber. Finger-fit sleeves of the text-tip assembly comprises a raised nodule located on a finger-tip portion of the finger-fit sleeves suitable when used by the wearer-user to accurately touch-manipulate electronic communication devices and other objects. The text-tip assembly further comprises an isolator whereby the finger of the wearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with the key to avoid the wearer-user experiencing pain in the finger(s). The finger-fit sleeves fits about at least one finger of a wearer-user or other embodiments may be simply adhesively attached directly to the fingertip. The finger-fit sleeves are deformable such that they can be fit on a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and/or a pinky finger alternately or in combination.

Abstract: An audio source system may be built into a garment such as a hooded garment in such a way that safety concerns such as with a hooded garment for children are taken into account so that the audio system wiring cannot be made loose causing a danger of strangulation nor can the hood be cinched. This is done by putting speakers into the hood between a lining and an outer layer and passing the wires into the space between them and then into a tube that is open to the hood inner space and down the tube to a pocket in the body of the garment. Also securing tabs are used to prevent cinching action upon pulling the wire.

Abstract: A method for controlling a conveyance speed of a sheet comprises the steps of: setting a reference rotation angle; rotationally driving a drive motor (8) and a rotary cutter (15); detecting a marker (2a) of a backsheet (2); detecting a rotation angle of a rotary blade of a cutting member when the marker (2a) is detected; ascertaining an angular difference between the detected rotation angle and the reference rotation angle; and controlling rotational driving of the drive motor (8) to reduce the angular difference.

Abstract: A hospital garment and method includes a garment fabric having a set of sleeves constructed and arranged to enclose a patient's arms, and a body portion constructed and arranged to enclose a patient's back, chest, and abdomen. The body portion defines a front side corresponding to a region of the body portion constructed and arranged to be worn on top of the patient's chest and abdomen, and an inner surface constructed and arranged to face the patient's back, chest, and abdomen. The hospital garment also includes an adjustable pocket attached to the inner surface of the front side of the body portion. The adjustable pocket defines a left seam, a right seam, a bottom seam, an attaching surface, and a pocket chamber, the adjustable pocket attaching to the inner surface at the attaching surface.

Abstract: A yoga glove has a palm section, a back section and a finger section. The palm section has a thumb hole formed through the palm section. An edge of the palm section has a front segment and a rear segment. An extending length of the back section is longer than that of the palm section. An edge of the back section has a front segment and a rear segment. The rear segment of the edge of the back section is connected securely with that of the edge of the palm section. The finger section is crescent. An edge of the finger section is connected securely with the front segments of the palm section and the back section. Therefore, the ergonomically curved yoga glove can match the curved shape of the hand and stay close to the hand.

Abstract: A surgical glove has inner and outer surfaces. At least one of the surfaces is treated with a treatment consisting of a non-ionic hydrocarbon solution with a carbon chain in the range of 8-16 and containing a hydrophilic functionality with a pH within the range 4.5-6.5. After treatment, the treated surface or surfaces are dried, the glove packaged and then irradiated. The treatment controls the initial contact angle of the surface to be less than 70 degrees, so that liquid material will spread quickly across the treated surface or surfaces, thereby ensuring that the presence of the liquid, indicative of the glove having been compromised, is visible to the wearer or other observer as quickly as possible.

Abstract: A form-fitting glove having improved mechanical resistance, chemical permeation resistance, anti-static discharge (less than 1.0×108 ? vertical resistance at 23° C. and a relative humidity of 50%) and a method of manufacture are provided. The glove is either one layer or multi-layered and formed utilizing a standard latex dip line.

Abstract: A multi-layered garment may comprise components that are affixed using integrated belt loops. In particular, shorts belt loops of a shorts component may pass through an opening created when single-layer skirt belt loops of a skirt component are oriented outwards. Both the skirt belt loops and the shorts belt loops may be fully functional and aesthetically pleasing belt loops. Additionally, the shorts belt loops may be combined with the skirt belt loops to form integrated belt loops, thereby allowing a belt to pass beneath both sets of belt loops simultaneously to affix the shorts component to the skirt component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to socks and related items and specifically, toe socks that are breathable but include a thin protective barrier on the sole to guard against most types of penetration. The invention comprises a five toed sock that includes a thin elastomer protective layer, preferably natural latex rubber or nitrile, generally located on the exterior portions of the heel, arch, pad, and toes sections.

Abstract: A method for use by a woman wearing a bra and wearing pants having belt loops, to provide a certain support for the pants. The method makes use of a generally flexible article, having a top portion generally in shape of a V and a bottom and having a hook at the top of each branch of the V and a downwardly extending hook at the bottom.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a visor on a helmet includes a visor assembly having a lens and a fastening element with a pair of latching prongs each with a resiliently displaceable prong end; a casing attached to the helmet and having a pair of channels each for receiving the a latching prong and a pair of fixtures, each fixture for engaging a respective prong end when displaced outwardly; and a lock having a pair of locking prongs, each locking prong being insertable into one channel from an opposite end as the latching prongs and each locking prong having a locking prong end that is positionable under a respective latching prong to prevent displacement of the latching prong end inwardly to disengage from the respective fixture.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics are formed by warp and fill yarns having different fiber contents. The fabrics are constructed, for example, by selection of a suitable weaving pattern, such that the body side of the fabric and the face side of the fabric have different properties. The fabrics described herein can be printable and dyeable on both sides of the fabric and are suitable for use in military and industrial garments. Methods of forming flame resistant fabrics, and methods for forming garments from the fabrics, are also described.

Abstract: A toilet with bad-odor exhausting mechanism includes a toilet main body having a bowl and a seat. An exhausting mechanism is provided in the toilet main body for exhausting bad odor in the bowl to an outdoor environment, and includes a passage extending around a top of the bowl, a plurality of vents communicating the passage with a space in the bowl, an extension passage extended from an end of the passage to an outer side of the toilet main body, a connecting member connected to another end of the extension passage, an exhaust pipe having an end locked to the connecting member, and an exhaust motor connected to another end of the exhaust pipe. When the exhaust motor is started, bad odor in the bowl is sucked into the passage and exhausted to the outdoor environment via the extension passage and the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on a toilet that allows a user to move an element of the toilet without having to touch the element. The apparatus has a member with two ends, and a means to attach one end of the member to the toilet element such that pulling on the other end moves the toilet element. The member can be attached to the toilet element using a suction cup, an adhesive means, or a magnet. The elements which may be moved by using the apparatus include the toilet lid, toilet seat, and toilet tank lid. The apparatus may have a handle attached to the end where pulling force is applied, which can be constructed in a ring or a tubular shape. The apparatus can be constructed of materials making it inexpensive and portable or disposable. The apparatus can be threaded through a pulley structure, redirecting the force required to move the toilet element, making it easier to use.

Abstract: A system is provided herein which includes a closet flange insert and at least one spacer to be positioned between the closet flange insert and an installed closet flange. The closet flange insert includes a toilet connecting flange which extends radially outwardly from a through pipe. The through pipe is sized to be inserted into a pipe section of a closet flange. Each spacer includes spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the through pipe of the closet flange insert but not the toilet connecting flange of the closet flange insert. With the subject invention, a system is provided which allows the closet flange insert to be mounted atop an installed closet flange flush with surrounding finished flooring.

Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub is provided. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.

Abstract: The device is formed by a funnel connected by a hose to a tank containing the fluids, the hose has provided one in each end of a sealing screw top, which screws into the funnel receiver of fluids, and on the other end of the hose screws into the tank containing the fluids.

Abstract: A toilet adaptable wheelchair comprising a wheelchair including a set of standard features comprising a back rest, a seat, a pair of arm rests, a pair of wheels, a set of foot bars, a set of foot rests, a plurality of side bars and a pair of side panels. The toilet adaptable wheel chair further comprises a cutout within a central portion of the seat beneath where a person sits, a plurality of lifts coordinating with the plurality of side bars, where the plurality of lifts raise and lower the seat, a control panel to activate the plurality of lifts; and a chute secured beneath the cutout, wherein the chute directs substances which pass through the cutout into a toilet to enable the person to use the toilet without leaving the toilet adaptable wheelchair.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus driving circulation in baths, pools and the like, comprising a pump powered by a drive, further a filter section consisting of a housing and a cover, a filter being configured in said housing and being kinematically linked by hookup elements to the cover in a manner that said filter moves jointly with said cover.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a reversible seat for use in a shower. The seat having an integral handle for moving the seat from a closed position to an open position and a means for retaining the seat in a closed position in either a standard orientation or reversed orientation.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, a support frame mounted to the base. The support frame extends over the base and is configured to move from a first position spaced above the base at a first height wherein the support frame may be extended over and proximate a support surface for engaging the sling when placed on the support surface to a second position spaced above a second height greater than the first height once engaged with the sling wherein when the support frame and the sling are raised to the second position the sling is raised above the support surface so that a person supported on the sling may be lifted off the support surface with the sling and moved away from the support surface by the base. Further, the sling may be rotatably mounted to the support frame to facilitate reorientation of the person.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for handling and moving bedridden or mobility impaired patients. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a vertical arm that is arranged in a vertical cabinet, which vertical arm is connected to an arm that is pivotal in a horizontal plane arranged in a horizontal overhead cabinet, the arms being adjustable from an inactive and secured position arranged in the cabinets to an active position arranged outside the cabinets. The horizontal overhead cabinet is connected to the arm that is pivotal in a horizontal plane, and follows the movement of the arm from an inactive and secured position to an active position. A drive unit is further connected to the arm that is pivotal in a horizontal plane, which drive unit via at least a wire or the like is connected to a removable lifting bar. In an inactive and secured position of the system for handling and moving bedridden patients or mobility impaired persons, the horizontal overhead cabinet will house the arm.

Abstract: A siderail system of a patient support apparatus includes a siderail having a siderail opening formed therein. A sanitizer container is positioned within the siderail opening. The sanitizer container contains a sanitizer substance therein.

Abstract: A bed skirt support (10) is disclosed comprising a relatively flat, central portion or decking (14) having at least on side support section (16,18, 20) removably or fixedly attached thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: A diaper changing pad includes a first fabric layer with a first side and a second fabric layer, the first fabric layer being fastened to the second fabric layer at least about an outside perimeter, the first side of the first fabric layer being opposite the second fabric layer. The first side of the first fabric layer has a plurality of markings disposed thereon, the plurality of markings including a first marking indicating diapers, a second marking indicating wipes, and a third marking indicating clothing. The first side of the first fabric layer is substantially flat.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and a sealing layer. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to the base and extend outwardly from the base. Moreover, the plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication. The sealing layer is coupled to at least one of the base first and second layers. At least one of the sealing layer and the base defines a plurality of lock pockets, wherein each of the lock pockets is positioned between adjacent hollow cells for selectively controlling flow communication independently to each of the plurality of hollow cells within the cellular cushion. At least one of the plurality of hollow cells has a height of at least about 4.5 inches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mattress fabric constructed of a warp polyester/spandex or nylon/spandex knit that may be imprinted with at least one aesthetically pleasing design, and a process for manufacturing the printed warp knit fabric.

Abstract: An electric can opener for opening a top of a metal can which includes a housing that has a top end and a front side. A can cutting mechanism is on the front side of the housing proximate the top end of the housing. A hand held jar grip is removably mounted on the top end of the housing. The housing includes an opening that at least partially receives an opener tool.

Abstract: A method for determining an over-sudsing condition during a wash cycle of operation in a laundry treating appliance containing a foamable liquid.

Abstract: A control method of a washing machine including receiving purpose data of laundry, determining an operating course based on the purpose data of the laundry, and controlling washing of the laundry according to the determined operating course. The operating course is determined by confirming a material of laundry and predicting kind and amount of contamination of the laundry based on the purpose data of the laundry, thereby performing proper washing according to the purpose of the laundry whenever washing of the laundry is performed. Further, proper washing is performed according to the kind and amount of contamination of the laundry, thereby improving utility of the washing machine. Contamination degrees of wash water and rinse water during washing and rinsing cycles are detected, and a washing time and a frequency of times of the rinsing cycle are adjusted based on the contamination degrees, thereby increasing washing efficiency.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprises a bleach and a cationic surfactant for use as a pre-treatment composition in a laundry/fabric washing operation.

Abstract: A rolling mode washing method using pulsator and a washing machine using the method are disclosed. The method performs several times of lifting and dropping laundries with ribs on the two slantedly arranged pulsators, and then repeating the above process in different direction. A side auxiliary force is provided to the laundries by at least one pulsator during washing. The exchange of inner and outer laundries is significantly enhanced such that the detergency of laundries is significantly enhanced due to performing the washing process of multi-direction rolling. A rolling effect which is better than that of a drum washing machine can be achieved in an upright tub washing machine. Meanwhile, because the balance mode of upright tub washing machine is adopted, the difficulties of balance control in high speed of rotation are significantly decreased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laundry treatment composition comprising an anionic dye-polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing footwear by means of a mold (1 and 2) and a counter-mold in the form of a last (3), between which the pieces (4 and 5) that will form the upper are arranged, these pieces demarcating channels (9) between one another which, together with cavities (10 and 11) demarcated between mold and counter-mold, determine a network of channels and cavities into which a thermoplastic material in molten state is injected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, in particular to a cleaning apparatus, for carrying out a working movement moving to and fro, in particular a periodic working movement, in particular a cleaning movement, having a holding rod defining a longitudinal direction and a work unit which is coupled to the holding rod and which is movable relative to the holding rod for carrying out a working movement running parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein an external drive is provided for generating the working movement.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.

Abstract: A fluid rotation drive, in particular for cleaning apparatus, having at least one drive wheel, in particular a turbine wheel or bucket wheel, which can be directly set into rotation about a drive axis by the action of a supplied fluid, in particular supplied in jet form; having at least one planetary transmission, with a sun gear of the planetary transmission being connected to the drive wheel; and having a housing which includes the drive wheel and the planetary transmission and which has at least one inlet for the fluid supplied for acting on the drive wheel, with a first ring region for the fluid being defined by the drive wheel and the housing and a second ring region for the fluid being defined by a toothed arrangement of an annulus gear of the planetary transmission, and with the first ring region and the second ring region being arranged in direct spatial proximity to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning surfaces has a cleaning head which includes a base part and at least two brush elements which are provided at opposite the sides of the base part and which can be set into a cleaning movement relative to the base part. A fluid drive is integrated into the base part and is designed to convert the flow energy of a fluid supplied to the base part under pressure into the cleaning movement of the brush elements. The fluid drive has a drive member, in particular a turbine wheel or a bucket wheel, which is driven by the fluid and by which both brush elements can be driven together.

Abstract: A rotary toothbrush includes a handle member to be held by a user; a head member having bristles and connected to the handle member; a tilting member, provided on the head member, for tilting upwardly the head member at a predetermined angle; a rotating member, provided on the handle member and the head member, for rotating the head member with respect to the handle member so that the head member is arranged in a T-shape with respect to the handle member; and a driving member for driving the head member to rotate and tilt the head member. With the rotary toothbrush, a user can freely brush his or her teeth in an upward and downward direction or in a left and right direction, and bristles can come into contact with a lower portion of front teeth to prevent dental plaque from getting buildup as much as possible.

Abstract: A brush assembly using a spacer and the spacer permit multiple brushes to be combined on a driveshaft that is driven in rotation. The use of multiple brushes allows one to vary the characteristics of the brush assembly along the assembly's length. This also permits one to change fewer than all brushes when needed, thereby saving the cost of replacing an entire brush assembly's brushes when worn. The spacer is a body with a central opening that is preferably polygonal in section, opposing ends that form shoulders and a radially extending gasket located intermediate the opposing ends.

Abstract: An autonomous movable vehicle including: a propelling device; a fluid receiving conduit having at least one fill opening through which a container can be filled; at least one fluid dispensing opening through which a fluid is dispensed; and a controller that causes the vehicle to autonomously approach a fluid delivery station that is separate from the vehicle and that causes the fill opening to couple to the fluid delivery station, wherein when the fill opening and the fluid delivery station are in an interfacing position, fluid is transferred from the fluid delivery station into the container, and the fill opening of the fluid receiving conduit is disposed at a location spaced apart from and to one side of a central mirror axis of the vehicle which axis extends in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a device for performing work in pipelines, whereby it is possible to exert an extremely large driving force within a pipeline. Moreover, provided are a method and a device for performing work in pipelines, which are provided with a means for forcibly drying the wet inner surface of a pipeline. The device is provided with an annular pressure boundary seal with a free-end portion that comes into contact with the inner wall of the pipeline. The seal separates the space within the pipeline into two spaces, a space (A) and a space (B), using the seal as a boundary. The end of the space (A) adjacent to the seal is connected with a suction pump via a hose, while the other end of the space (A), which is not adjacent to the seal, is connected with the fluid surrounding the pipeline via a vacuum breaker that adjusts the negative pressure within the space (A).

Abstract: Dispersible wet wipes, method for making same and articles of manufacture housing same are provided.

Abstract: Wet wipes that employ a fibrous structure and a liquid composition that exhibit novel properties are provided.

Abstract: An electrical connector cleaning devices includes a first elongate cleaning element extending outwardly from a housing, wherein the first cleaning element includes raised surface portions extending radially outward from its outside wall surface. A second elongate cleaning element extends outwardly from the housing and includes raised surface portions extending radially inward from its inside wall surface. Each of the first and second cleaning elements is a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally extending open seam forming a gap for permitting a flexing of the cleaning element walls through a biasing force placed thereon. Each of the raised surface portions forms rings extending around the inside and outside wall surfaces of the first and second cleaning elements, respectively. One ring has its raised surface portions angularly offset along the longitudinal direction from an adjacent raised surface portion in an adjacent ring of raised surface portions.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a clamp head comprising a handle member, a spring handle clamp being removably joined to the handle member, and a first coupler being removably joined to the handle member. The spring handle clamp comprises a coil base being configured to slide over the handle member and two clamp handles extending outwardly from the coil base. Each of the clamp handles terminates in a clamp head. The clamp heads are interlocked and configured for holding a cleaning item in a normally closed position with the clamp heads moved to an open position by squeezing the two clamp handles together. A utility handle comprises a second coupler being removably joined to the first coupler, and a contoured grip, in which the apparatus may be assembled by a user for holding the cleaning item to clean their posterior and subsequently disassembled for cleaning and transportation.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a handle with an open-ended elongated slot in the body of the handle that partially defines the handle with two opposing handle portions and a hinge portion. Wherein one of the handle portions is directly joined with the rest of the handle in a cantilevered manner and the other handle portion is joined with the rest of the handle in an elastically hinged manner via the hinge portion. The handle portions have oppositely facing straight sides for engaging opposite sides of a tube of toothpaste and the hinge portion allows for swinging and positioning of the hinged handle portion with respect to the cantilevered handle portion with a manually applied force on the hinged handle portion to effect the progressive collapse of a tube of toothpaste with forced movement between the handle and the tube to thereby force the toothpaste toward the dispensing end of the tube.

Abstract: A toothbrush and holder assembly includes a toothbrush having a handle, a head connected to the handle, cleaning elements extending outwardly from the head and a first magnetic element secured to a portion of the handle. A holder has a bottom surface, at least one recess formed in the bottom surface, and at least one second magnetic element seated in the at least one recess. Each recess is configured to receive the portion of the handle having the first magnetic element secured thereto.