Abstract: A glove having a hand portion including a palmer region and a dorsal region with a finger portion and a thumb portion extending outwardly from the hand portion. The finger portion includes a first finger member for receiving a finger therein. The first finger member has a dorsal portion, an inner portion and a pair of sidewalls extending therebetween. A pair of seams join the dorsal and inner portions to the sidewalls and the seams are recessed inwardly so as to fall along the sides of an athlete's fingers when the glove is worn. The dorsal portion includes a plurality of protective pads, the inner portion includes one or more frictionally engaging surfaces; and the sidewalls permit air to flow into the finger cavity.

Abstract: A protective sports glove including a hand portion having a palmer and dorsal region that surround and define a cavity for receiving a player's hand. A finger portion and thumb portion extend outwardly from the hand portion. A cuff portion joins the hand along a junction and extends outwardly from the hand portion in a direction opposite the finger portion. A wrist guard is disposed proximate the junction and is attached to the hand portion. The wrist guard includes a primary member and a secondary member. The primary and secondary members articulate relative to each other and are movable relative to the dorsal portion.

Abstract: A sports glove having a hand portion including a dorsal region and a palmer region. A finger portion and thumb portion extend outwardly from the hand portion. The palmer region has a lower edge that extends between the thumb portion and dorsal region and has a length as measured there between. The length of the lower edge is adjustable. An intermediate area of the lower edge is made from an elastic material that is expandable and relaxable to change the length of the lower edge and allow the glove to be put on and taken off easily. The entire lower edge may be made from an elastic fabric. Additional elastic fabric may extend outwardly beyond the intermediate area and lower edge to form an elastic inner layer to the palmer region of the glove and thereby ensure a snug fit of the glove on the hand.

Abstract: The invention provides swim caps comprising a pocket for holding an object. In certain embodiments the pocket is oriented on the swim cap such that an object placed in the pocket remains above water, or near the surface of the water, when the swim cap is worn while swimming. The swim caps are particularly suited for holding a global positioning satellite (GPS) device, such that satellite signal with the GPS device is maintained during swimming.

Abstract: An airbag device for the body instantaneously activates an airbag without malfunctions. When an absolute value of an angular velocity detected by an angular velocity sensor exceeds a predetermined angular velocity value, angular velocity values are integrated from a most recent detected value to an oldest value within a predetermined time period, and if an absolute value of a resultant value of integral exceeds a predetermined value and an acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor is smaller than a predetermined acceleration, the airbag is inflated. Based on the value of the integral of the angular velocities, a case in which an angular velocity gradually increases is distinguished from a case in which an angular velocity momentarily increases, so the airbag device effectively prevents malfunctions caused by an action other than falling over. Additionally, because it is unnecessary to intentionally delay determination to prevent malfunctions, the airbag can instantaneously be inflated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a garment for maintaining body temperature to enhance sperm production. The garment includes a mesh material configured to encompass at least a portion of the male testes and a support structure attached to the mesh material. The support structure includes a belt having a length suitable for encircling a male torso.

Abstract: An aerodynamic garment may comprise zones with applied textures. Each zone may be associated with properties and characteristics based on the movement of the garment associated with each zone through air during an athletic activity. The texture in each zone may be applied using a variety of methods such as printing. The resulting aerodynamic garment improves the performance of an athlete wearing the aerodynamic garment by reducing the aerodynamic drag experienced during the performance of the athletic activity.

Abstract: The method comprises the phases of: knitting at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion of the two cylinders of a double-cylinder machine; -knitting the leg pieces (9 A, 9B) with a continuous rotational motion of the two cylinders (11, 13), a first leg piece being knitted by a first of said cylinders and a second leg piece being knitted by a second of said cylinders. It is provided for an arc of needles (C) to be maintained temporarily inactive on each of said two cylinders while knitting said at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion. Furthermore, it is provided that the temporarily inactive needles are set to work at the end of the knitting of said at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion, thus forming an interknitting line (CC) for joining the two leg pieces (9 A, 9B), then continuing the knitting with continuous rotary motion with all the needles (15) of both the cylinders (11, 13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hat for preventing a visual field from being covered. According to the present invention, the hat does not come off and does not cover the visual field when the user wearing the hat, which is attached to clothing, turns his or her head right or left or bends his or her body forward, thereby eliminating the risk of accidents. In addition, since the hat adheres to the wearer's head, the thermal effect and the wearing sensation are improved.

Abstract: A scarf/shawl useful for general fashion wear and also useful to give a mother and baby privacy during nursing. The scarf may be a flat piece of semi-transparent or “semi-sheer” lightweight fabric, with a slit for the woman's head formed between the middle and a rear edge of the scarf. The fabric may have a non-sheer pattern on the outside surface that permits the mother to view a nursing baby through the scarf, but that obscures the details of baby and breast to nearby people. In a preferred form the scarf is an oval with the slit formed on the longitudinal axis. The scarf may also be used as apparel for the upper shoulders and breast area when not nursing, and rotated from a back fashion position to a front nursing position if it is desired to leave the scarf on for different uses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot. In particular, an apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot for a necktie, with the knot being symmetric, and the tie hanging straight and of proper length for the wearer or the necktie. The apparatus and method are universal for neckties, not requiring a special necktie to be used in conjunction with the apparatus and method.

Abstract: A glove having a hand portion, including dorsal and palmer regions, with a finger portion and thumb portion extending outwardly from the hand portion. A thumb crotch is disposed intermediate the thumb and finger portions. The thumb crotch includes a protective pad shaped to form a top wall and a side wall. A first section of the top wall is curved. An exterior surface of the dorsal region is made from a first material and at least the curved section of the thumb crotch's top wall is made from a second material which is different to the first material. Specifically, the second material has a higher coefficient of friction than the first material. The shape of the top wall and use of the second material improves the cradling and gripping characteristics of the glove.

Abstract: A noise and light occluding sleep-enhancing device 10 is disclosed, the device having an elongated pillow portion 12 with attachment members 16, 18 disposed on opposite ends of said elongated pillow portion. When in use, the sleep-enhancing device surrounds a user's head, thereby suppressing both noise and light and providing a user with a comfortable pillow for the full lateral circumference of the user's head.

Abstract: A piece of fabric is provided with a band; and a plurality of temporary fastening members disposed on the band. A skirt is formed by helically securing the temporary fastening members to the band so that the skirt can be put on the waist, the buttocks, and the legs of a person. The formed skirt can accommodate the changed shape of a woman, thereby minimizing the chance of discarding unfitted clothes.

Abstract: A greeting card having a pair of nested textile foot-coverings, a rigid planar insert and a graphic insert for including a message to a recipient. Alternatively, said card may be enclosed in an envelope or clear plastic packaging.

Abstract: A garment worn by humans having a pocket attached to the garment, wherein the pocket has an access point for inserting and removing a padding and the pocket comprises an absence of material at a point or over a area where the user will come into contact with a surface.

Abstract: A face shield comprising a contoured visor with three-dimensional structures with varying angles along multiple axes for improved protection and user comfort, an adjustable attachment member for easy user adjustment, and head contact area with improved ventilation. Methods of producing optically clear three-dimensional plastic structures with varying angles along multiple axes and tools for said method.

Abstract: A baseball hat protective insert and a protective baseball hat containing the protective insert are disclosed. The protective insert is a unitary piece of unique shape and construction that is placed in the inside of a baseball hat to reduce, soften, and otherwise deflect and disperse blunt trauma to the head. The protective insert is comfortable to wear, lightweight and virtually unnoticeable to an observer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first curved band portion and a second curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. The first curved band portion defines a passageway between the first end and the second end of the first curved band portion. The passageway has a first opening. The second curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. A motion-restraint portion is proximate to the first end of the second curved band portion. The first end of the second curved band portion is insertable into the first opening of the passageway of the first curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a range of motion within the passageway of the second curved band portion.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for manufacturing an article of clothing with a permanently embedded protective covering over at least one predetermined portion of the clothing that can be worn by infants, children and adults. The protective covering is made from a thermoplastic material that is applied to and thermally bonds or co-mingles with the outermost fabric fibers of the clothing article creating a permanently embedded liquid impermeable, non-porous protective covering that retains the same flexibility as the underlying fabric of the clothing article. The protective covering can be positioned across the top front portion of the clothing article and extend downward to a lower portion of the front of the clothing article creating an easy to clean particle and dirt resistant covering for the clothing article.

Abstract: A fire and chemical resistant coverall suitable for use by fire investigators. The coveralls are preferably made of a three-layer laminate. The outer layer is heat and moisture resistant. The middle layer provides additional thermal protection. The inner layer—which will lie next to the wearer's skin in some regions—is selected for its tactile properties. The coverall is sized to fit loosely over a law enforcement officer's normal uniform. It includes a loose-fitting waist section in order to provide clearance for an officer's utility belt and firearm. A firearm access port is located on the waist, proximate where a hip holster is worn. This port allows the wearer to reach through the coverall and retrieve a firearm stored in a holster on a utility belt. The firearm port is covered by a protective flap which ordinarily remains closed.

Abstract: A protective plate assembly comprises a plurality of overlapping rigid plates (1, 2, 3) for covering a wearer's chest and abdomen, the plates being attached together such that the amount of overlap between successive plates is variable. Elements (13, 16) of compressible material are provided, distributed on an inner side of the assembly, such that when the amount of overlap between the plates (1, 2, 3) increases, the elements move closer together in the direction in which said overlap increases, and vice versa. Two adjacent plates of the assembly are attached to each other by means of a peg (12) extending from one of said plates, which peg is captive within a slot (9) on the other of said plates, the slot running substantially perpendicular to the overlapping edges of the plates.

Abstract: A spinal protective device includes a plurality of support members abutted in series with one another along a spine of a user. Each adjacent pair of support members has a respective pair of forward fulcrum contact areas where the support members abut one another for relative pivotal movement in a hyperflexion direction and a respective pair of rearward fulcrum contact areas where the support members abut one another for relative pivotal movement in a hyperextension direction. A rear tension member connected between the support members limits relative movement in the hyperflexion direction and a front tension member connected between the support members limits relative movement between the support members in the hyperextension direction. Straps about the torso secure the support members along the spine of the user.

Abstract: An odor ventilation system for a bathroom comprising: a venting assembly, where said venting assembly is installed under a toilet seat; an air hose assembly, where said hose assembly connects to the venting assembly at a first end; a fan motor, where said fan motor connects to the hose assembly at a second end; and a vent opening, where said hose assembly continues from the fan motor to the vent opening and said hose assembly transfers odors from the toilet seat to the vent opening.

Abstract: A device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a cleaning and/or deodorizing chemical is disclosed. The device includes a container for the chemical, a container holder, a sprayer through which the chemical can be sprayed laterally at least halfway around a perimeter of the sprayer, means for attaching the sprayer near a rim of the toilet bowl, and a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the sprayer. The toilet bowl cleaning device can include a hand or foot actuated lever for releasing a fluid from the container into a fluid delivery system, and a clip for mounting the sprayer adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl wherein the clip can be adjusted to fit different size toilet bowls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance, particularly a toilet. The said devices are adapted to be used in the cistern or tank of a toilet or other lavatory device.

Abstract: A device for resurfacing seats including a reusable seat cover adapted to be utilized multiple times and adapted to be sanitary. A device for resurfacing toilet seats including a seat cover and means for attaching the seat cover to the seat. A method for resurfacing seats including attaching a seat cover to a seat, where the seat cover can be utilized multiple times.

Abstract: Combinable and interchangeable water features used on a standard universal mounting system to create the desired color, style, jet, directional flow, filter, light, return fittings, or other water feature for a pool or spa. Some water features include removably attached and rotatable male receptor and female receiver connections to create a variety of water effects.

Abstract: A mobile floor device for a swimming pool including a stationary floor, standing lateral walls, a mobile floor and a mechanism for pulling said mobile floor. The pulling mechanism includes cables and drivers driving the cables in one direction or in a reverse direction. Each cable having a first end connected to the mobile floor and a second end connected to the swimming pool. For each cable, at least one driver drives a maximum of one cable. The drivers are attached either to the swimming pool or to the mobile floor with the lengths of the cables between the drivers and the mobile floor and the swimming pool, respectively, being substantially equal to one another.

Abstract: A bathroom sauna device having a heating device for heating air in a bathroom, a humidifying device for humidifying the air in the bathroom, and an airflow path for sending the air, which is adjusted in temperature and humidity by the heating device and humidifying device, to the bathroom. The temperature and humidity of the air in the bathroom are controlled by the heating device and humidifying device to a temperature and humidity immediately before which a human body starts sweating.

Abstract: A lavatory is provided. The lavatory includes at least one wash station, at least one electrically operated fixture associated with the wash station, a control system configured to control a flow of a fluid through the at least one electrically operated fixture, a power source selectively coupled to the control system, and a power management system coupled to the power source to control the power provided to the control system. The power management system includes a detector configured to monitor the output voltage of the power source, and a switch configured to electrically disconnect the power source from the control system when the output voltage of the power source drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A furniture system (400) includes a furniture back (408) having a back front surface (410). A desk (414) having an upper work surface (434) extends forwardly from an upper central portion of the front back surface (410). The system (400) also includes a pair of bases (426) with a pair of seats (424) positioned above the bases (426). A spatial interior area (427) exists between lateral sides of the seats (424), and the desk (414) is centered laterally between the seats (424). The furniture system (400) is movable between sitting configurations and sleeping configurations.

Abstract: Transfer pads for horizontal and/or vertical translocation are provided. The transfer pads include the fewest possible number of components required to provide a plenum chamber, the operative features of which are controlled at least by the provision of one or more interior sheets having specific characteristics with respect to position, perforation and attachment.

Abstract: Particular infant support or nursing pillows are disclosed, for supporting an infant in a variety of settings by providing a stable surface upon which to rest. Various embodiments include a generally crescent shaped device, including a resilient fill material surrounded by a fabric shell and having a top and a bottom surface connected by a band of uniform width extending vertically and wholly about the perimeter of the pillow. The support pillow may be combined with an accessory device to form a support pillow assembly. An attachment mechanism may be configured to attach the accessory device to the support pillow such that the accessory device is arranged to direct a perceptible effect to at least one of the first arm, the second arm, and the medial region of the support pillow.

Abstract: A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bed configured to support a subject and having an insertion hole through which a subject portion that is part of the subject is inserted; a pair of compression plates configured to hold and compress the subject portion when the subject portion is inserted through the insertion hole; and a unit including therein the pair of compression plates and having an opening through which an operator inserts a hand when the subject portion is inserted through the insertion hole. The unit includes a receiving plate at a position opposite to the opening in an insertion direction of the hand within a range of the insertion hole when viewed from the insertion hole.

Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

Abstract: The orthopedic support pillow is for use by a patient having a retained arm while the patient is lying in a generally prone position sideways on a resting surface. The orthopedic support pillow comprises two side surfaces, the two side surfaces opposing each other, and a bracing surface. The second side surface accommodates the retained arm of the patient and is at least as wide as the ailing forearm of the patient. The bracing surface is disposed between the two side surfaces, and has a generally concave shape. The abdominal section of the patient abuts against the bracing surface of the orthopedic support pillow when the patient is lying in the prone position sideways. The orthopedic support pillow provides stability and support to the retained arm in an elevated position while the patient is in the generally prone position on the resting surface. The orthopedic support pillow includes a strap or pocket positioned for retaining the hand of retained arm of the patient.

Abstract: A modular supporting element has a supporting surface for a user and includes a plurality of elastic modules, suitable for being deformed according to a direction substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface of the user. Each module has a side surface and an upper portion, wherein the modules are arranged juxtaposed to each other with the side surfaces substantially in contact or with the side surfaces at such a distance as not to prevent contact between one module and another during the elastic deformation movement. The modules have anti-friction surfaces arranged in a part of the side surface of the modules in such a way as to prevent interferences by friction between one module and another. The modular supporting element is made up of a plurality of modules with different rigidity from area to area without any appreciable influence between one module and another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting imbalance in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash basket that is rotatably mounted in a wash tub. The wash basket is rotated in the wash tub during a cleansing cycle or during a spin cycle to extract water from a wash load loaded in the wash basket. The system and methods of the present disclosure include a plurality of activators mounted to the wash basket and the sensor mounted to the wash tub. The sensor can generate an activation signal each time an activator passes in front of the sensor. The activation signals can be analyzed to determine imbalance in the washing machine.

Abstract: The need for a bleaching composition providing improved removal of fatty stains and red food stains, particularly during low temperature washing, can be met by incorporating an aryliminium organic bleach catalyst, an activated peroxygen source, and a bleach activator, in specific levels.

Abstract: A loading dock leveler with: a base; and a deck with a top platform, the deck having an inward end hingedly mounted to the inward end of the base for movement between an upper position and a lower position; an air compressor having a compressor capacity defined as a predetermined volume of compressed air delivered at a predetermined pressure delivered during a predetermined time period; a pneumatic deck lift actuator, comprising a pneumatic cylinder pivotally connected to the base and to the deck for rotary movement wherein the direct communication between the lift actuator inlet port and the compressor outlet, without a compressed air storage receiver tank, delivers compressed air directly from the compressor to the lift chamber at the compressor capacity within a lift actuation time period, and wherein the lift chamber volume divided by the compressor capacity equals the lift actuation time period.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for self-cleaning a door handle (4) by utilising the kinetic energy of opening a door (1). A cable (3), for example a multi-link chain, fixed to the door frame (2) and a gear assembly (10, 11, 12) is provided such that linear displacement of said cable is converted to potential energy in response to movement of said door. The invention provides a means for rotating a drive roller (5) to co-operate with the door handle to clean said door handle, only when the door handle is released and the door is closing or closed. The potential energy provides the energy to enable the rotation of the drive roller.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a particle removing member of a substrate processing equipment which can be assuredly conveyed into the substrate processing equipment and can conveniently and assuredly remove an adhered foreign matter, and a particle removing method of a substrate processing equipment that uses the particle removing member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipeline pig (10) comprising an elongate body (12) and annular front and rear supports (26,30) projecting radially from the body (12). Each support (26,30) has an upstream side and a downstream side, with the front support (26) including at least one first fluid passage (18) permitting fluid flow from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the rear support (30) including at least one second fluid passage (22) permitting fluid flow from the upstream side to the downstream side. The pig further comprises a launch valve (50) adapted to move from an open position to a closed position to close the at least one first fluid passage (18), and a control means adapted to control the closing of the launch valve (50). A launch trap for launching pigs into a pipeline is also provided.

Abstract: A dust removal paper for use with a mop is composed of a rectangular main body and two sleeve-joint portions. The sleeve-joint portions are connected with two short sides of the main body separately and each include a sleeve-joint channel. The dust removal paper can be connected with the mop via the sleeve-joint channels for mopping and cleaning the ground or wall. Because the mop does not need tiny hooks for connection with the dust removal paper, the dust removal paper can abut much against the ground or wall to enhance the cleaning efficiency. Besides, when two swing links of the mop pivot 180 degrees to exchange their positions, the dust removal paper can be flipped upside down automatically. It is very convenient in operation.

Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a base having a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a recovery tank removably coupled to the base and having a recovery tank handle, an extractor handle pivotally coupled to the base, and a supply tank coupled to the extractor handle for pivotal movement with the extractor handle with respect to the base. At least a portion of the supply tank is positioned above and over the recovery tank in a direction normal to a surface to be cleaned when the extractor handle is in an upright storage position. The supply tank is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle to supply cleaning fluid to the distribution nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine is liftable by the recovery tank handle when the extractor handle is in the upright storage position.

Abstract: A cleaning attachment, especially for a vacuum cleaner, includes a housing, a connection for a vacuum tube, an intake opening for ambient air, a plasma generator arranged in the housing to generate plasma, and at least one cleaning opening or a channel, along which a mixture of plasma and air passes over at the surface to be cleaned before the mixture is drawn back into the housing and through the connection. As a result, the cleaning attachment can also treat the air and the dirt with a sterilizing and odor-neutralizing action.

Abstract: The invention is a leaf blower with a handle extended from the rear opposite the exhaust blower pipe. The exhaust pipe has a turned down blower orifice extender. The leaf blower has an air inlet on the upper surface. Various handgrips which operate with the extended handle aids the movement of the blower pipe. The leaf blower may be held at the operators side or attached with various devices to a belt or neck harness with hooks or pommels on the extended handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detachable dust receptacle for collecting dust in a vacuum cleaner, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with such a receptacle. The dust receptacle comprising an inlet port connectable to a hose joint in the vacuum cleaner for receiving dust-laden air, a suction port, to which a source of vacuum is connectable, a first sealing element arranged for establishing an effective sealing of the inlet port against the hose joint, and a second sealing element arranged for establishing an effective sealing of the suction port against the source of vacuum, wherein at least one of the sealing elements is a lip seal. The dust receptacle can be detached/attached from/to the vacuum cleaner body, irrespective of the direction of the detachment/attachment relative the seal and irrespective of the number of sealing connections used to seal the receptacle to the vacuum cleaner body, without damaging of the sealing element and with maintained sealing effect.