Abstract: A cut away vest featuring a first panel connected at a bottom portion to a rear or second panel by a belt. The belt engages the front panel at first ends and engages an attachment point on the rear or second panel at two second ends. A pair of shoulder straps communicate between the first and second panels. A first flexible member such as a cable is translatable to release the second ends of the belt from the second panel. A, second cable may be translated to release the shoulder straps sequentially from the first panel. The cables may be translated concurrently when engaged to a single handle or independently when having two separate handles.

Abstract: A ballistic armor helmet has two or more shell elements which are fixed to one another to define one or more ventilation gaps. The shell elements preferably overlap to keep projectiles from entering the helmet.

Abstract: An apron for storing heated hair care appliances comprising a body panel of material comprising a fabric sheet; at least one strap attached to the body panel; and a heat resistant pocket attached to a front side of the body panel, in which the body panel covers the torso of a user, in which the strap secures the body panel to the torso of a user, in which the heat resistant pocket comprises a fabric sheet and at least one heat resistant material for storing heated hair care appliances in the body panel, in which the heat resistant pocket has a square, rectangular, circular, triangular, or hexagonal shape, in which the heat resistant pocket comprises an open top portion and an open bottom portion, in which the open bottom portion comprises at least one zipper, at least one clasp, at least one button, or at least one fastener for closing the open bottom portion, and in which the heat resistant pocket comprises at least two side members securely attached to the body panel.

Abstract: A clothing article for a foot including a sole including a sealed collapsible air cavity having disposed therein a return support for expanding a collapsed air cavity wherein the air cavity includes an outlet permitting a quantity of air to exit when the air cavity is collapsed; an upper, coupled to the sole, for covering a portion of the foot; an air-actuated active element coupled to the upper, the active element including a first mode and a second mode, the active element biased to the first mode and responsive to the quantity of air to transition from the first mode to the second mode; and a communication channel, coupled to the outlet and to the active element, for transferring the quantity of air from the air cavity to the active element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clothing article that facilitates a wearer's ability to use the bathroom while wearing the clothing article. Such a clothing article may include a garment that covers a pelvis region of a wearer. The garment may have a front side and a rear side such that the front side covers the front portion of the pelvis region and such that the rear side covers the rear portion of the pelvis region. The rear side includes a rear flap that, when closed, covers the rear portion of the pelvis region. When opened, the rear flap may expose the rear portion of the pelvis region and is capable of extending around the pelvis region and being secured at attachment points on the garment.

Abstract: A strengthening glove comprising a glove which includes finger coverings, a thumb covering and a wrist cover; a finger attachment fastened to the finger coverings and the thumb covering; a finger guide attached to a base of the finger coverings; a wrist strap wrapped around the wrist cover, where the wrist strap secures the glove on the hand; a resistance strap, one for each finger covering and the thumb covering, where the resistance strap includes an elastic strip attached to a finger grip portion at one end and a wrist grip portion at an opposing end; wherein the resistance strap attaches to the glove by the finger grip portion engaging the finger attachment, the elastic strip passing through the finger guide and the wrist grip portion engaging to the wrist strap. The resistance strap creates tension against a backside of the hand to strengthen the hand during movement.

Abstract: A writing glove comprising a glove, where the glove covers a hand of a user, a writing surface attached to a backside of the glove, a holder attached in proximity to the writing surface on the backside of the glove, and a writing utensil secured within the holder wherein the writing utensil enables the user to record information on the writing surface. The writing utensil and the writing surface create an erasable combination to enable the user to repeatedly write on the writing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device for improving the haptics and/or gripping impression of humanoid or android type hands. Said device comprises an active surface that interacts with parts (16, 18, 22) of the respective hand to carry out a movement and that has individual, stem-like projections, each comprising a free end face such that said projections at least partially improve the adhesion of at least parts of the hand or of a hand protector (10) to surfaces, particularly smooth or delicate surfaces, that are touched. Said invention is characterised in that the respective free end faces (26) of said projections (24) are designed in such a way that the adhesion thereof results from acting van der Waals forces between said free end faces (26) and the respective surface.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a protective headwear having a headband and an insulating drape and a method of manufacturing the same. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to an apparel band system for attaching clothing items together during cleaning or storage. The apparel band may also be used to provide athletic support. The material for the apparel band is a flexible, comfortable material that stretches, and preferably matches the color of the clothing article it is attached thereon. Attachment to the clothing article may be fixed or removable. The apparel band may be attached to any portion of the clothing article. Preferably the apparel band is attached such that it can be hidden or placed inside the clothing article. In addition, there may be more than one apparel band attached to a single clothing article. In another embodiment the sock band may be inherently formed in the sock such as in the form of a slot.

Abstract: A goggle accessory that includes a substantially planar element that has one or more folding elements along its longitudinal axis, so as to divide the planar element into multiple substantially planar sections; an attachment means configured to attach these planar sections to each other; and openings through the planar element configured to receive a goggle keeper-strap of a helmet. Other embodiments include a planar element made of a flexible material; an opening defined by the attachment of the accessory to a goggle strap; and/or design element(s) attached or integrated to the accessory. The goggle accessory offers an aesthetic design for use over a goggle strap with or without the use of a helmet and its concomitant goggle-keeper strap.

Abstract: Adornments for dressing up feet are disclosed. An adornment may include an ankle member. An extension member extends from the ankle member and has a proximal end portion coupled to or integrally joined with the ankle member. At least one arch member is coupled to or integrally joined with and extending from one of the ankle member, the distal end portion of the extension member, the intermediate portion of the extension member, and a combination thereof. Another adornment may include an ankle member. At least one arch member is coupled to or integrally joined with and extending from the ankle member. An extension member extends from the at least one arch member and has a proximal end portion coupled to or integrally joined with the at least one arch member.

Abstract: Next-to-skin garments for men include an internal stretch panel. An opening in the stretch panel receives a wearer's external genitalia. A three-dimensional pouch is defined between the stretch panel and a front portion of the body of the garment. Embodiments provide garments such as undershorts, boarding shorts, and athletic shorts.

Abstract: An improved underwear garment includes an inner compartment and an outer aperture. The inner compartment is sized to receive the male genitals and secure them in a resting and comfortable position. The outer aperture may be secured with either a button or a zipper in some preferred embodiments. Users may choose to use the inner compartment to secure the male genitals. However, users may forego the use of the inner compartment, as it is versatile in its operation.

Abstract: A closure assembly that is infinitely adjustable within an operating range of the closure assembly and includes a vent port therethrough. The closure assembly includes a housing and an operator that rotationally cooperates with the housing. A flexible member is movably supported by the housing and cooperates with the operator so that manipulation of the operator alters the amount of the flexible member that extends beyond the housing. A biasing means cooperates with the operator and interacts with the housing to maintain a desired orientation of the operator, and thereby a desired orientation of the flexible member, relative to the housing to define a shape of a closure of the item of apparel. A vent port is formed through the housing and the operator and mitigates heat collection therebehind.

Abstract: A fan cooled and heated hard hat system comprising an outer safety shell with louvers in the top of the dome, a removable fan, a removable heating pad, and a screen system having an upper and a lower screen for placing the removable heating pad between when desired by a user-wearer. The fan is mountable to the interior dome of the shell with the propeller of the fan between the screen system and the louvers such that ambient air is drawn through the louvers via the fan and forced through the screen system about the user-wearer's head. The hard hat system cools the user-wearer's head when the heating pad is not in place and heats the user-wearer's head when it is in place.

Abstract: A system with a shock absorbing device shaped to fit onto straps of any size, introducing low amplitude shock absorption into the strap fixation system without compromising the fixation. The present device essentially takes up a small amount of slack in the strap and stores it within a serpentine course through a body made of a deformable material. In the event that increased and potentially damaging loads are experienced, the Strap Shock-Absorber deforms, but the fixation never exceeds the length of the strap itself. With potential applications ranging from chin straps to industrial straps, working in one or two dimensions, this device can reduce damaging force transmission to protect valuable but vulnerable structures. The deformation of the device may be either elastic or plastic, or may be a combination of both.

Abstract: A protective clothing device having an article of clothing having an inner layer and an outer layer is disclosed. The protective clothing device may have at least one thin force absorbing member coupled to the inner layer or outer layer of the article of clothing. In one embodiment, the protective clothing device may be a protective hat.

Abstract: The present invention is a dry erase helmet with dry erase markers and/or a stencil set. The dome-shaped helmet of the present invention includes adjustable straps and an exterior surface of the helmet cover that is also a writing surface that can provide a clear high contrast message or other expression in a temporary and repeatable fashion. The helmet comes with a set of dry erase markers and a stencil kit to help with designs. The invention is a combination of two existing products, a helmet and dry erase markers. The exterior surface of the helmet shell is adapted to retain dry erase ink when written upon by a writing instrument and to release dry erase ink therefrom when wiped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a goggle, which comprise two lenses, with a hole or concave at the periphery or near the external; a frame body, with front-end protrusions used to withhold the holes or the concave of said lenses; and a headband, with buckles on both sides, used to connect with the two sides of said frame body. With above said design and structure, when users' myopia changing or the lenses being damaged, users can combine or disassembly the lenses and the frame body of the goggle easily, in order to achieve the purpose for economic and environmental protection.

Abstract: A self-securing sterile gown comprises a gown body. A first sleeve and a second sleeve are coupled with the gown body. A first strap attached to the first back portion terminates within a sterile field of the self-securing sterile gown at a first free end. A second strap attached to the second back portion terminates within the sterile field of the self-securing sterile gown at a second free end.

Abstract: A thermal vest having a front panel sized and shaped to substantially cover a front of a wearer's torso. A back panel is spaced apart from and opposes the front panel, the back panel being sized and shaped to cover a back of the wearer's torso. At least one pocket is on an interior of at least one of the panels, the pocket having an opening sized and shaped to receive a thermal pack. An insulative pad is selectably attached to the pocket, the insulative pad being selectably movable between a stowed position facially adjacent the pocket and a deployed, non-adjacent position away from the pocket. The insulative pad provides thermal insulation between the pocket and the wearer in the stowed position and is movable by the wearer to the deployed position when thermal insulation is not desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for protective body armor to protect the head, neck, and spine from impaction, lateral extension, hyperflexion, hyperextension, while allowing for normal physiologic movement and range of head and neck motion is disclosed. In at least one embodiment a protective body armor includes: a shell adapted to couple to at least one upper body plate, to cover the head and neck, to allow normal physiologic movement and range of the head and the neck within the shell, and to prevent movement beyond the normal movement and range, wherein the shell does not move relative to the at least one upper body plate once rigidly coupled and the farthest distance the head can move upon an impact to the user is within a boundary of the shell; and a skull pad for wear by the user directly upon the head within the shell and for coverage of the skull area.

Abstract: An article of adjustably fitted protective apparel includes a vest and an adjustable tensioning system for selective tensioning of the vest into a snug fit on a body of a wearer of the vest. The adjustable tensioning system includes a rotary tension adjuster disposed on the vest and including a housing and a first spool disposed within the housing, and a tensioning line extends from the housing. The tensioning line is attached directly or indirectly to the vest. A portion of the tensioning line is configured to be wound upon the first spool during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in a first rotational direction thereof. Winding of the portion of the first tensioning line draws together first portions of the vest for providing a snug fit of the first portions.

Abstract: A device for affixing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a fixing component having a through-hole and removably coupling to a fixing member, a hinge base receiving the fixing component, a hinge cover, the hinge cover being rotatable when covering a portion of the hinge base and having a locked position, and a rib on an internal surface of the hinge cover, the rib including an inward projection for engaging an indentation of the fixing component when the hinge cover is in a locked position. The hinge cover of another device can slide onto the hinge base into a locked position. The device can quickly install the toilet seat and provide quick release of the toilet seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and lowering a toilet seat assembly includes a motion sensor, a motor assembly, a first gear located on a shaft of the motor, a second gear interfaced with the first gear, a drive shaft interfaced with the second gear. A lever is coupled to the drive shaft for lifting the toilet seat. The apparatus may include a bearing housing that includes a movable lead screw with a detent. A first end of a first spiral spring is connected to a slot of the drive shaft within the bearing housing. The first spiral spring is wrapped around the drive shaft. A second end of the first spiral spring is located in a path of the detent. The hubs of the second gear and the drive shaft may be connected together using a crank shaft. A microcontroller may control the motor assembly and be programmable using the sensor.

Abstract: A toilet unclogging device rests on top of a toilet bowl rim and a user actuating a diaphragm or expandable central portion generates a temporary vacuum that repositions or reshapes an obstruction located below a water line to unclog the toilet without submerging any items beneath the water line of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for catching grooming waste. The system includes a sheet. The sheet includes a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is configured to cover a bathroom fixture. The system also includes an adhesive, where the adhesive covers at least a portion of the second surface of the sheet.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a device for regulating a fluid flow are described that can include first and second downwardly-sloping valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the device. The device can also include first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats, and configured such that an end portion of the first valve can be seated beneath the first valve seat and an end portion of the second valve can be seated beneath the second valve seat when the first and second valves are in a closed position, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a urinal drain trap which is capable of preventing diffusion of odor for a long period of time. The urinal drain trap (10) is equipped with a lid (11) having an inlet (11A); a body (12) having an outlet (12C); and a tubular partition wall (13). The interior of the body (12) is divided into a first region (31) and a second region (32). The first region (31) and the second region (32) are linked with each other by a third region (33). Sealing liquid is injected into the first region (31), this sealing liquid being non-water-soluble, having a lower specific gravity than urine, and forming a sealing layer (S) at an elevation above retained urine. In a peripheral area of the lower end of the partition wall (13), there is formed a connecting portion (14) which extends laterally. In a peripheral area of the tip of the connecting portion (14), there is formed a folded portion (15) which extends upward.

Abstract: A towed trailer mounted portable sanitary facility for use in the field by workmen that has a longer period between servicing due to large volume on-board fresh water and waste collection tanks, respective pumps and controls for operating the pumps associated with each of the tanks, and a rechargeable battery system for controlling the pumps so that the trailer can be maintained and operated for lengthy periods without the need for a service vehicle.

Abstract: A splash guard designed to protect the gap between the back of a sink and the adjoining wall or mirror. The guard has an upper edge and a lower edge. There upper edge is attached to the mirror, preferably through the use of suction cups. The lower edge is provided with a bendable bar which a user can bend—using hand strength—into any desired shape. The bendable bar is bent into a shape which conforms the lower edge of the guard to the posterior sink geometry. The lower edge is then placed immediately behind the posterior sink geometry.

Abstract: A crib frame includes a lower chassis, an upper chassis, a connecting chassis that connects the lower chassis and upper chassis, and a driving mechanism. The connecting chassis includes a first supporting chassis and a second supporting chassis. The driving mechanism includes an electric motor and an actuator. The first supporting chassis and the second supporting chassis are connected in an “X” shape. One end of the actuator is connected to the first supporting chassis and the other end is connected to the bottom chassis and arranged to control the height of the upper chassis relative to the lower chassis.

Abstract: A base for bed mattress having a plurality of transverse slats, with each slat end attached to the frame of the base and pivotally connected to first end of a rod at the centre of each slat is provided. The rod is attached at its second end to a dynamic pulley. The dynamic pulleys are connected by a common cord or flexible attachment running over stationary pulleys mounted between the slats to a central beam attached to the frame of the base. Improved distribution of human body support can thus be achieved independent of the contour and weight of the body at any sleeping position. Springiness of the base can be modified by changing the elasticity of the flexible attachment. The dynamic support base reduces the need for thickness of the mattress and of the bed pillow.

Abstract: An encasement for a bedding item includes a cover comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall attaching the top portion to the bottom portion, an opening in the side wall sized to permit a bedding item to be removably inserted into an interior of the encasement, a zipper disposed in the opening of the side wall configured to reversibly seal the encasement, the zipper comprising an open end, a closed end, a zipper pull, and opposing complementary zipper tracks, and a zipper end stop disposed at the closed end of the zipper, the zipper end stop comprising an interior support panel attached to the top portion and the bottom portion of the cover beneath the zipper, a first securement means affixed to the interior support panel adjacent the zipper tracks, and a plurality securement members associated with the opposing complementary zipper tracks. Closing the zipper forms a beg bug impervious seal.

Abstract: A mattress protector having a top portion and a bottom portion configured to fasten together over the mattress and/or a mattress and box spring includes sides and ends extending from each of the top portion and the bottom portion. A fastener is also included on each of the top and bottom portions. The fastener includes a fastener assembly to seal the mattress against bed bugs and dust mites. When the top and bottom portions are placed around the mattress, and the fastener is secured, the entire mattress is surrounded by the mattress protector and protected from penetration by bed bugs and dust mites.

Abstract: Improved patient support systems comprising a coverlet configured to be coupled (e.g., removably) to an airflow unit. Improved airflow units configured to be coupled (e.g., removably) to a coverlet of a patient support system.

Abstract: The invention is a “blanket ball” or a baby blanket that can be made into the shape of a “soft” ball or other suitable shapes. The blanket is made from two layers of material that are connected together around their periphery. An opening in one of the layers defines a pouch that is normally received or stored between the two blanket layers. The pouch may be reversed and pulled through the opening to create a stuff sack for the remaining portions of the blanket. When the other blanket materials are stuffed into the pouch, it creates a ball shape.

Abstract: A bedcovering with an expandable center extension of fabric for accommodating an animal pet while sleeping. The bedcovering accommodates a pet, such as a dog, in sleeping on the bed without depriving human occupants of bed coverings. The bedcovering is comprised of two side panels affixed longitudinally to a central panel extension. Further, on each side panel, proximal to the center panel extension is a longitudinal attachment means. The two attachment means mate together to allow the center extension to be collapsed and hidden beneath the two side panels, giving the appearance of a standard bed covering. Non-pet owners who desire extended bed coverings may also use the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is a bedding apparatus, to be used with a conventional mattress. The bedding's bottom layer is fitted, so as to fit snugly around a mattress. The bottom layer is connected to the top layer by an attachment device, preferably two zippers. The top layer extends over three edges of the bottom layer, so as to appear aesthetically pleasing and provide comfort to the user. The zippers allow a user to easily and quickly make up the bed after sleeping in the bedding. It also functions to keep the top layer from falling off of the bed while sleeping and facilitates the user in weekly changing of the bed.

Abstract: An encasement for a bedding item includes a cover comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall attaching the top portion to the bottom portion, an opening in the encasement is sized to permit an item to be removably placed therein. A zipper disposed in the opening is configured to reversibly seal the encasement. The zipper includes an open end, a closed end, a zipper pull, and opposing complementary zipper tracks, and a zipper end stop disposed at the closed end of the zipper. The zipper end stop includes an interior support panel, a first securement member affixed to the interior support panel, and a second securement member associated with the opposing complementary zipper tracks. Closing the zipper forms a beg bug impervious seal. The encasement may further include a removable cover.

Abstract: The disclosure and claims herein are directed to a composite support pad comprising a foam base portion with a top surface, an opposing bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and a plurality of receptacles in the foam base portion, and a top portion comprising a top layer on the top surface with a plurality of columns extending from the top layer into the receptacles. The disclosure and claims herein are also directed to a method for producing a composite support pad, the method comprising the steps of providing a foam base portion with a top surface, an opposing bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and a plurality of receptacles in the foam base portion, applying a composition to the foam base portion, and curing the composition, wherein the curing adheres the top layer to the top surface and the columns to the receptacles.

Abstract: A plurality of bed bug monitoring and/or trapping devices are secured to the side portions and end portions of a fitted bed sheet or are secured to the side portions and end portions of a box spring. Each of the devices includes a pocket having a fluted member inserted therein.

Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a mattress assembly comprising a plurality of foam members having varying densities with at least one inflatable bladder positioned in between the members. The inflatable bladder may be inflated or deflated by a user in accordance with the user's requirements.

Abstract: Removable massage modules provide a mattress with a massage function. The mattress is compressed and shipped in a packing box with the massage modules separate from the mattress. The end customer then inserts the massage modules. The mattress has a bottom foam layer with cavities whose walls are perpendicular to the outer surface of the foam layer. Each massage module includes a massage motor encased in molded foam. The molded foam is attached to a foam section with cylindrical holes that pass from an outer side to the molded foam and allow hot air to escape the massage motor. The top and bottom sides of each massage module have the shape formed by the walls of the cavities. The massage modules are connected by power cords to a module controller that receives RF signals from a remote control device. The massage modules can also be inserted into a mattress topper.

Abstract: By providing a plurality of preformed components which are quickly and easily affixed in engagement with each other, a final construction is realized which peripherally surrounds any desired mattress configuration in cooperating association therewith. In this way, a new foam plastic product is achieved which is capable of being quickly and easily mounted to mattress constructions peripherally surrounding the mattress and providing an enhanced side support system. In this way, any desired mattress size or configuration is capable of being peripherally surrounded with a foam support assembly for enhancing the mattress construction and configuration. Furthermore, by employing the present invention, a rapid, convenient, and virtually labor free assembly is realized.

Abstract: A washing apparatus includes an expandable and contractible wash tub and an auxiliary tank communicating with the wash tub to store wash water. Laundry in the wash tub is washed using bubbles supplied by a bubble supply device and using contraction and expansion of the wash tub.

Abstract: A washing machine and control methods thereof to enhance washing quality, even when using eco-friendly natural soap-based detergent. Controlling a rinse water temperature based on a wash water temperature to reduce a temperature difference therebetween prevents gelation caused by natural soap-based detergent and maximizes washing quality when using this type of detergent.

Abstract: A composition comprising (a) a betaine of formula (1), wherein R1 is a monovalent radical of an aliphatic C4-C30 hydrocarbon, R2 and R3 independently of one another represent C1-C12 alkyl and X and Y independently of one another denote a bivalent radical of an aliphatic C1-C12 hydrocarbon, (b) a quaternary ammonium salt of formula (2), wherein R4 is a monovalent radical of an aliphatic C4-C30 hydrocarbon, R5, R6 and R7 independently of one another represent C1-C12 alkyl, C5-C24 aryl or C6-C30 aralkyl, A? is halogemde, nitrate, hydrogensulfate or sulfonate, and (c) an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, is suitable as shade enhancer for the EL portion in PA/EL blends in the dyeing process using dark shade dyes.

Abstract: A sweeper apparatus includes a brush frame with first and second sides and a top surface. A brush roll is supported on the brush frame and is adapted for rotation to dislodge snow or other debris from an associated surface. A brush hood is connected to the brush frame and includes a hood surface located between the top surface and the brush roll. The hood surface extends between the first and second lateral sides of the brush frame and is selectively movable between an up position and a down position. A stripper bar is connected to the brush hood and is movable with the hood surface when the hood surface moves between its down and up positions. At least one actuator is operably connected between the brush frame and the brush hood and is selectively operable to move the hood surface between its up and down positions.