Abstract: A protective face mask comprising: an eye-protecting shield made essentially from a flexible plastic material and an adjustable metal nose bridge. The eye-protecting shield being dimensioned to cover at least the eye portions of a human wearer, the eye-protecting shield having a perimeter defining a surface facing the wearer's face; providing a substantially watertight and releasable sealing engagement between at least a portion of the perimeter forming an upper edge of the face mask and at least a portion of the skin of the wearer's face, a portion of the lower part of the perimeter of the mask is free from the wearer's skin, and wherein the mask extends along the contour of the wearer's face from the forehead to cheekbones and the lower perimeter thereof extends to the bridge of the nose, provides a comfortable and flexible mask without the need for adhesive, straps, or side bars, avoids pressure on the skin in the contact zone, allows free eye movement and airflow and minimizes the formation of dew.

Abstract: A finger grip for providing protection to the fingertip or finger and also enhancing the grip of the user, the finger grip having a flexible resilient sheath having a first open end and a second closed tip end, the finger grip being formed of a predetermined length for encapsulating the fingertip or the finger, the finger grip being perforated or imperforate and capable of being coated with an adhesive or anti-bacterial, depending upon the intended use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compression garment (10) for clothing a body part including a lower body part of a wearer. The compression garment has a first panel (12) of stretchable material joined to a second panel (14) of stretchable material by a first seam (16). The stretchable material of the second panel (14) has a higher stretch and recovery characteristic compared to the stretchable material of the first panel (12). In use, the first panel (12) of stretchable material is adapted to support a larger, more powerful muscle group than the second panel (14). The second panel (14) is joined to a third panel or the first panel (12) by a second seam (18). The second panel (14) is adapted in use to be located along a substantial part of the illiotibial band of the wearer.

Abstract: A costume assembly has one or more structures such as headgear structures, body structures or single composite structures. Each of these structures has at least one foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation. Each frame member can include fabric material covering the frame member to define a panel. A fabric shell can be attached to the at least one frame member, with the fabric shell defining an interior for accommodating the body and head of the user.

Abstract: A garment, such as a sports uniform, may provide visibility zones and/or flicker zones to enhance the ability of teammates to perceive the wearer. Different zones on a garment may have different sets of visual properties that may contrast with one another and/or a visual background. A denier differential between layers of a garment may facilitate moisture transport across the layers of the garment. Flicker zones may be discrete from or combined with visibility zones. One or more zones of a garment may also be substantially non-reflective at wavelengths associated with the visual background encountered while wearing the garment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clothing item comprising front and back with a neck opening (3) in the front. A zipper (5) extends with one end to the neck opening (3). A reinforcement (6) serving as a bite edge is provided at the neck opening (3) in the region of the end (55) of the zipper (5). The user can grip the reinforcement in his/her mouth to facilitate one hand operation of the zipper.

Abstract: A sports garment, for example a cycling suit, comprises a seat pad located in a crotch area, the seat pad is attached to the garment in a front attachment region and in a rear attachment region of the seat pad, and a central portion of the seat pad is free from attachment to the garment and forms as a loose portion in the inner crotch area of the garment; said attachment regions are made with attachment lines or several attachment points, made by stitching, glueing or other techniques.

Abstract: An eye mask with an internal heating mechanism worn over the eye and sinus regions of the wearer. The eye mask provides heat and pressure to the face. A plurality of heating wires internal to the mask provide heat, the heating wires being driven by temperature and time controls contained in an external enclosure that may also contain batteries or other connections to a power source. The mask may have pockets for weighted pebbles, magnets or other material for adding weight to the mask to bring the heat closer to the face of the wearer. The mask may have a reflective material in an internal layer to reflect heat from the heating wires back to the face of the wearer. The mask may have a memory foam for molding the mask to the contours of the face, bringing heat to a greater portion of the face of the wearer.

Abstract: The disclosed sweatband includes a piece of fabric including upper and lower edges. Overcast stitches are provided on ends of the upper and lower edges. Further, there are upper and lower folds in the fabric, such that the upper and lower edges of the fabric are folded toward one another by way of the upper and lower folds. A center seam connects the upper and lower edges of the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning eyewear lenses includes: a wearable article or an accessory and a gas supply conduit provided within the wearable article or accessory. The gas supply conduit has a spray nozzle connected to one end of the gas supply conduit and one or more compressed gas storage containers connected to the other end of the gas supply conduit. An actuator is provided to release gas from the compressed gas storage container(s) through the gas supply conduit and out the spray nozzle. The gas in the compressed gas storage container is pressurized to a level sufficient to remove at least one of water, ice, snow, perspiration, dirt, and dust from the eyewear lenses.

Abstract: Linked articles and a method for customizing the linked articles are disclosed. The linked articles comprise a first link matrix and a second link matrix comprising a first portion of the article and a second portion of the article, respectively. The first link matrix consists essentially of links of a first material and the second link matrix consists essentially of links of a second material.

Abstract: A fabric assembly attachable to the front side of a men's underwear and a men's underwear having such a fabric assembly are described. The fabric assembly has layers of fabrics having linear slots perpendicular to each other so that the wearer can take his genital organ out through the intersection of the linear slots. The peripheries of the fabric layers are elastically stitched together to make a fabric assembly. The fabric layers have sufficient rigidity such that the linear slots do not open under the pressure of the genital organ, unless the wearer uses his hands to open the slots. The fabric assembly may also have a flap on the inside or outside of the the fabric layers. One or two sides of the flap may be attached to the men's underwear and the other sides may not be attached to permit easy opening of the flap by hand.

Abstract: A protective helmet, which includes a motion restrictor device, is disclosed which has at least one strut member associated with the helmet and a harness assembly, and the at least one strut member includes a locking assembly associated with the strut member, which upon a predetermined force being sensed by a force sensor or a predetermined amount of or rate of acceleration being sensed by an acceleration sensor, stops substantially all relative motion between the ends of the strut member and the predetermined force is substantially transferred from the helmet to the harness assembly.

Abstract: A face shield, such as a visor, mounts to a protective helmet using a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has a base, a spacer assembly, and a pair of posts. The base is disposed on the interior of the helmet. The posts are connected to the base and extend outwardly through holes that are formed in the side of the helmet. The spacer assembly slides over the posts when the posts are inserted through the corresponding holes in the helmet, and frictionally engages the outer surfaces of the first and second posts such that the helmet is disposed between the base and the spacer assembly. The posts threadingly receive corresponding fasteners that attach the face shield to the helmet.

Abstract: A face shield, such as a visor, mounts to a protective helmet using a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has a base, a spacer assembly, and a pair of posts. The base is disposed on the interior of the helmet. The posts are connected to the base and extend outwardly into the holes that are formed in the side of the helmet. The posts may or may not extend completely through the holes formed in the helmet. The spacer assembly engages the first and second posts such that the helmet is disposed between the base and the spacer assembly. The spacer assembly receives corresponding fasteners that attach the face shield to the helmet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an eyewear device for wearing on the face of a user. The device includes a frame body with an interior portion, a front side, a rear side, a top portion and a bottom portion. The frame body also includes a first lateral appendage, a second lateral appendage, a first top lateral hingepoint and a first bottom lateral hingepoint, a second top lateral hingepoint and a second bottom lateral hingepoint. The frame body additionally includes a first distal side and a second distal side. The frame contacts the face of the user on the rear side, except at the first and second distal sides. When the hingepoints of the frame body are engaged, the first and second lateral appendages are rotatable toward said front side of the frame body.

Abstract: A removable goggle frame that may be releasably fastened to a goggle having a frame that retains a lens is provided. The removable frame may be stiffer (harder) than the goggle frame, and, when fastened to the goggle, may protect the goggle from damage cause by undesirable impacts by shielding the goggle frame and/or stiffening the goggle frame. The removable frame may also be more flexible (softer) than the goggle frame, and, when fastened to the goggle, may provide a more comfortable fit for the user. A removable drape that may be releasably fastened to a releasably attached frame is also provided. The drape may be configured to hang below the goggle to protect the user's face when worn, and to be releasably fastened over the lens to protect the lens when the user places the goggle elsewhere, such on his/her helmet as he/she wears the helmet.

Abstract: A pair of swim goggles include a lens frame body, a lens unit, and buckle devices, characterized in that each of the buckle devices includes: a resilient element, an engaging arm, and at least a button, wherein the resilient element has a first base plate and a second base plate both bending in a same direction and spaced away from each other, the first and second base plates having end portions at opposite ends thereof, the engaging arm having a connecting end and an engaging end opposite the connecting end, the connecting end connected with the first base plate, the engaging end engaged with a head strap after being assembled, the at least a button having a press portion and a linking portion opposite the press portion, the linking portion connected to one of the end portions of the first and second base plates.

Abstract: A toilet seat cover, comprising a surface element comprising an annulus and adapted to fully cover a toilet seat, and with at least an upper surface suitable for comfortable contact with a human posterior, a plurality of flaps, integral to the surface element and arranged in pairs, each pair of flaps positioned axially one from the other with one flap extending outwardly from an outer circumference of the surface element and one flap extending inwardly from an inner circumference of the surface element, and a plurality of fastening means on or attached to the distal ends of each flap, wherein each pair of flaps is adapted so that each pair of flaps may be fastened together using the fastening means on or attached to the distal ends of each flap in order to firmly attach the surface element to an upper surface of a toilet seat.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an insulating device that is simply and easily applied to a variety of conventional toilet seats. The insulating device is designed to maintain comfortable toilet seat temperatures, decreasing the likelihood that a user will feel cold. The insulating device is easily attachable to and removable from most existing conventional toilet seats, and is easily customizable with little skill or effort. Once applied, the insulating device provides a comfortable sitting surface that instantly feels warm to the touch.

Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.

Abstract: A control system for a flush toilet includes a water delivery device for delivering a source of flush water to a bowl. The control system includes a controller and a user interface. The controller is operative to control the toilet through a flush sequence in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a predetermined amount of water to the bowl. In the second mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a user adjustable amount of water to the bowl. The user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting between the first mode and the second mode. Where the toilet is a macerator toilet, the controller monitors current draw unit when the current draw satisfies a predetermined current condition. The controller may operate in a normal mode and a lockout mode.

Abstract: A bidet includes one or more water sources, a generally elongate wand, and a spray head. The wand is configured to communicate water from the one or more water sources to the spray head. The spray head is configured to spray the water received from water sources, and the spray head is also configured to releasably couple to the wand by being received through an upper surface of the wand into a receptacle thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a urine bag comprising a bag portion and a collar comprised of a single piece of plastic and having a top edge, a medial edge, two distal edges, and an inside face. A tab extends outward from each of the distal edges. The collar further comprises a lip that extends at least partially around the top edge two sets of ridges on the inside face of the collar. The ridges are positioned such that they form a closure mechanism when the collar is folded along the medial edge. The plastic collar extends into the bag portion approximately one-fifth of the length of the bag portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide improved bathing or soaking mechanisms. A vessel may be provided with a plurality of horizontal support surfaces disposed in a cavity and a plurality of separate drain paths. A lid is adapted to span the cavity and be received in the top of the vessel. The lid may be a two-piece hinged lid, which may be actuated from a closed position to an open position and back again. The lid is provided with one or more drain holes which may cooperate with one of the plurality of drain paths when the lid is in the closed position. The vessel and lid combination may be installed through a floor, beneath a conventional shower stall, to enable showering with such stall without substantial contamination to the vessel.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation basin is formed as a round bowl with outwardly flaring upwardly extending peripheral wall. A front cutout is formed in the peripheral wall, and a back cutout is formed in a back portion of the peripheral wall. The front cutout has greater depth than the back cutout. A wide resting ledge is formed along the front cutout to make it more comfortable for the patient. The upper edge of the peripheral wall portions is provided with outwardly extending and downwardly curving lips. Measuring indicia is formed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall to allow health care providers to determine the amount of liquid collected in the basin. A spigot is fitted into the peripheral wall for draining the irrigation fluids.

Abstract: A sink is provided. The sink includes a basin having a first side wall, an opposite second side wall and a front wall. The sink also includes a rim supported at and extending outwardly from an upper end of the first and second side walls in a substantially horizontal orientation. The sink further includes an apron extending vertically below the rim and laterally between a first end and an opposite second end to define a front portion of the sink. The first end of the apron extends outwardly past the rim associated with the first side wall and the second end of the apron extends outwardly past the rim associated with the second side wall.

Abstract: A self-rimming sink is provided. The self-rimming sink includes a basin and a rim extending outwardly from an upper end of the basin in a relatively horizontal orientation. The rim is configured to be placed on top of a countertop for supporting the sink The self-rimming sink also includes an apron coupled to the rim and defining a front portion of the sink The apron has a front surface extending vertically below the rim and laterally between a first side surface and an opposite second side surface. The first and second side surfaces each having a front vertical lip that extends laterally to an outer periphery of the rim and a rear side wall portion. The rear side wall portion is recessed relative to the front vertical lip and the outer periphery of the rim.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing a sink to a countertop supported by a cabinet is provided. The mounting system includes a receiving structure configured to be supported under a rim of the sink, a bracket having a first portion configured to engage a portion of the cabinet and a second portion configured to engage a bottom of a basin of the sink, a linking member extending between the receiving structure and the bracket, a first connector configured to engage a first end of the linking member and retain the linking member relative to the receiving structure, and a second connector configured to engage a second end of the linking member and secure the bracket against the cabinet and the bottom of the basin of the sink.

Abstract: A method of positioning an occupant (98) of a bed includes identifying (204) the presence of a discrepancy between an existing occupant position and a target occupant position, and establishing (206) an elevation gradient having a direction, magnitude and position compatible with moving the occupant from the existing occupant position to the target position. In one variant of the method the step of establishing an elevation gradient is one substep of a preordained sequence of bladder inflations and deflations. In another variant, the method includes determining (210) if the discrepancy has been corrected and responding to any noncorrection of the discrepancy. An associated bed (20) includes a mattress (82) at least one layer (100) of repositioning bladders (102, 104, 106, 108) a sensor array (130) a controller (140) and a pump (142).

Abstract: A lightweight bed assembly kit includes slats and runners adapted for connection to each other at spaced apart locations to form a grid. A U-shaped channel member is adapted for connection to the grid to form a support frame. A covering constructed to form a substantially smooth sleeping surface for an adult human is sized and shaped to be disposed on a top surface of the support frame. A method of assembling a lightweight bed includes arranging runners and slats transversely to each other and connecting the runners and slats together to form a grid. A U-shaped channel member is connected to the grid to form a support frame. A covering constructed to form a substantially smooth sleeping surface is mounted on a top surface of the support frame. A second support frame can be connected to the first support frame by another U-shaped channel member.

Abstract: An extendable folding bed frame includes a pair of first sub-frames having a pair of spaced apart and extendable longitudinal bars, each longitudinal bar having a first end and a second end. The opposing longitudinal bars are fixedly connected together by a plurality of lateral support bars. The pair of first sub-frames are pivotally connected together at corresponding longitudinal bar first ends by first pivotal connecting members. The pair of first sub-frames are pivotable from an open configuration whereby each first sub-frame is aligned longitudinally to form a generally rectangular co-planar support surface and a folded configuration whereby each first sub-frame is substantially overlapped and adjacent to each other. The folding bed frame also includes a connecting bracket for attaching additional bed frames to provide a larger mattress support surface.

Abstract: Described is a mattress or box spring covering that includes a device that can be used to store bedside items. The device is a vessel or pocket that is attached to the sheet or blanket that cover the sleeping mattress. The pocket is positioned on the sheet so that it is within easy reach of a person in the bed. Mattress or box spring covering further includes a means and method for securing an air hose for breathing equipment used by people suffering from sleep apnea. This utility patent application claims priority of provisional patent application No. 61/464,381.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a pillow case with multiple enclosures. In some embodiments, a pillow case comprises a first enclosure that comprises a first edge and a second edge, and a second enclosure that comprises a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the first enclosure is hinged to the first edge of the second enclosure via a first hinged connection. Additionally, both the first and second enclosures receive pillow-filling material.

Abstract: A rest-supporting device has an inflatable supporting part which is of a generally cuboidal configuration and to which straps serving for fastening to a body of a user are attached. The supporting part is formed by an outer covering and at least one inflatable cushion accommodated in the interior of the covering.

Abstract: A fire-retardant mattress having at least one sleeping side is disclosed that has an inner support compartment with a generally parallelepiped shape with a top side opposite the sleeping side and a fire-containing compartment covering the top side of the inner support compartment and located between the sleeping side and the inner support compartment. The fire-containing compartment includes a first fire-resistant layer consisting essentially of natural fibers, the first fire-resistant layer being in direct contact with the top side of the inner support compartment, a second fire-resistant layer consisting essentially of natural fibers, the second fire-resistant layer located separate from the first self supporting layer of fire-resistant material, and a plurality of combustible cushioning layers positioned between the first and second fire-resistant layers.

Abstract: The present invention is a multipurpose hand tool. The hand tool includes a substantially planar body, a continuity tester, and at least one triple-stacked socket wrench. The continuity tester has a single test lead connected to an indicator means connected to a power means connected to the substantially planar body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a washing machine capable of compensating for a vibration characteristic due to an unbalanced state of a drum, by effectively controlling a ball balancer for compensating for a balance of a rotary body such as a drum. The method includes accelerating the drum having laundry therein for a first time duration (t1) until the drum reaches a reference speed from a stationary state, and decelerating the drum for a second time duration (t2) longer than the first time duration (t1) until the drum reaches the stationary state from the state having the reference speed.

Abstract: Described is an auxiliary cleaning tool assembly of a cleaning apparatus, the auxiliary cleaning tool assembly including a body part connected to a house and having at least one passage, a brush unit rotatably provided on the body part, a nozzle part configured to remove dust attached on the brush unit, and a power transferring part configured to convert an air flow of air passing through the at least one passage of the body part to a rotary force of the brush unit.

Abstract: A robot cleaning device includes a debris detecting unit. The robot cleaning device includes a body, a driving unit to enable the body to travel, a drum brush unit provided at the body, to sweep up debris, using a brush and a rotating drum, a debris box to store the debris swept up by the drum brush unit, a debris detecting unit to detect whether debris has been introduced into the debris box through the drum brush unit during a cleaning operation, and a controller to determine whether debris is introduced into the debris box and whether debris has been accumulated in the debris box in a predetermined amount, based on introduction or non-introduction of debris detected by the debris detecting unit.

Abstract: Manure is scrapped from a barn floor including an elongated conduit by blades on a trolley moving in the direction of the elongated conduit. The manure passes into the conduit via a slot. The trolley has a paddle wheel and drive wheels bearing on the conduit interior lower surface. The entirety of the drive wheels and most of the paddle wheel are in the conduit. A sprocket and chain arrangement connects the wheels so that, as the drive wheels turn, the paddle wheel turns to urge manure into the conduit.

Abstract: A cleaning tool includes a mop which includes at a lower end a mop head with a wiping object. The mop includes a mop rod formed of an inner rod and an outer rod and a drive mechanism is used to convert the telescoping motion of the mop rod to rotation motion of the mop head. The drive mechanism is a variable speed drive mechanism. As a result, the mop head of the cleaning tool achieves different rotation speeds under dry working condition with a lower resistance compared to washing conditions with a higher resistance. During washing, the mop head is washed rotationally at a lower speed, and the washing operation is conducted through depressing the mop rod.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a fluid delivery or steam mop, comprises a handle and a base housing pivotally attached to the handle. The base housing can be used in two positions, whereby opposing sides of the base housing can selectively engage a surface to be cleaned. A manifold can pivot relative to the base housing, such that fluid can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned in both of the two use positions.

Abstract: A dental hygiene device formed of a toothbrush component having an elongated handle and bristles extending from a first surface and a scraper component with a scraping edge positioned on a first side a body portion. The scraper component is employable in an as-used position to scrape the tongue surface of a user and engageable in a cavity in the toothbrush handle to a stored position. In the stored position, the scraping edge is positioned away from possible contact with the user's hand or storage surfaces which the device may occupy to prevent contamination by germs and bacteria.

Abstract: A dental device including an elongated handle and a tip portion formed at a distal end of the handle and tapering to a tip end. A plurality of bristles is integrally molded with the tip end from a flexible polymer material.

Abstract: A tool, an attachment head and a power tool system, each for working on contoured surfaces, are disclosed. The numerous embodiments of the designs are made possible through the use of flexible structures that exhibit a phenomenon known as the “fin ray” mechanism because it was first observed when studying the motion of fish. Similar to the fish fin, the working surface of the disclosed tools behave unexpectedly when a lateral force is applied: they do not bend away, but curve toward the applied force. Generally, each “fin ray” tool includes at two flexing sidewalls or members joined at their tips to form an acute triangle. A plurality of struts hold the members apart while allowing elastic movement. The curve of the working surface allows the tools to provide greater contact on contoured surfaces.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm connector includes a shell unit and a connecting member. The shell unit includes a stop wall, a pair of outer side walls extending from the stop wall, and a linking member connected to the outer side walls to define a receiving space thereamong. The shell unit is formed with an opening that is opposite to the linking member, that is in spatial communication with the receiving space, and that is adapted for extension of an end portion of a wiper arm therethrough into the receiving space. The connecting member is disposed on the linking member and is movable for connecting to and separating from the end portion of the wiper arm.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end, a rear end, and a pair of spaced apart main wheels having an axis of rotation. The surface cleaning apparatus also comprises at least one of a front stabilizer wheel provided forward of the axis of rotation and a rear stabilizer wheel provided rearward of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds. A vacuum cleaner system for a portable vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds, and having and at least one removably attachable harness, at least one removably attachable shoulder strap, at one removably attachable set of wheels and/or at least one wheeled tray.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.