Abstract: The invention relates to highly elastic polyurethane foams which are suitable as functional materials having thermally insulating properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glove comprises a main body adapted to receive a wearer's hand and a wrist cuff suspended over the main body. The main body further comprises a plurality of finger parts and a back hand part. The back hand part comprises a first protective panel hingedly connected at one end to the main body so that the first protective panel is suspend over the main body and slidably overlapped with a second protective panel. As the first protective panel slides over the second protective panel following the bending action of the fingers, a coordinated movement of the hand can be achieved. The second protective panel is also hingedly connected to the main body suspended over the main body and the wrist cuff, which allows for more coordinated rotating movement of the hand and the wrist following the bending action of the fingers.

Abstract: A protective device for a wearer's digit features a flexible sleeve wearable with a distal end of the digit projecting out from the tubular sleeve and the wearer's palm unobstructed by the sleeve. The tubular sleeve has a dorsal face defined by a multi-way stretchable material to be worn on a dorsum side of the digit, and a palmar face defined by a second less stretchable material to be worn on a palm side of the digit. Each end of the tubular sleeve is shaped to form an inwardly curved end of the palmar face that curves inwardly along the axis toward a centerline of the palmar face from opposite sides thereof. This beveled configuration of the sleeve ends avoids bunching of material in joint crevices. In longer sleeves, the first material spans uninterruptedly over a full length of the sleeve to fully cover a joint of the digit.

Abstract: A garment worn on the arm of an individual made of a tubular shaped sleeve having a first end opening and a second end opening end opposite said first end, wherein said tubular shaped sleeve is made of an elastic material including spandex such that the sleeve snuggly fits the arm of the individual.

Abstract: What's new about this innovation is that it evolves the game of American Football by combining a sports apparel compression shirt that many football players wear today especially in the cold, with the sticky rubber found on the palm side of a receivers football gloves in a unique way that gives a ball carrier more of a realistic chance of a fumble caused by himself rather than the shirt he wore. Therefore fixing the problem of increased fumbles due to wearing a long sleeve moisture-wicking compression shirt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a one-piece bodysuit for infants and toddlers having a torso portion and a crotch or leg portion. In one embodiment, a portion of the bodysuit may be formed of unidirectional expansion fabric. In another embodiment, the crotch portion includes a first coupling member including textured material that engages a fastener disposed on a second coupling member. In still another embodiment, a portion of the garment is formed of a first unidirectional expansion fabric configured to expand in a first direction, and a second portion of the garment is formed of a second unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a second direction. The bodysuit can accommodate children of various heights and girths, accommodating a growing child.

Abstract: A Microfiber strip 1¼? to 1½? wide by 12? long 300 GSM (Microfiber having 3 times absorbancy of cotton terry, 6 times finer than a human hair, durability, and washable.) is attached to headgear by a. sandwich method on the inside band of existing headgear. The microfiber is single stitched to an elastic band 1? to 1¼? wide×12? long at the top edge of the microfiber strip by one stitch providing means of seperating the lower portion as a upside down v shape. By seperating the Microfiber and the elastic band the item is placed over the existing band of such headgear. the Microfiber is then pressed against a strip of 1? wide×12? plastic self adhesive impenetrable hook tape that is attached to the outside edge of the existing band of the such headgear.

Abstract: A headgear for a head safety product such as a face shield, hardhat or welding helmet includes a spring buffered cradle mounted on the horizontal band of the headgear to improve the fit, function, stability and comfort of the headgear. The cradle is flexible and has a concave inner surface contoured to conform to the shape of the head. A spring element is coupled between the cradle and the horizontal band to buffer the tension between the band and the head and more equally distribute pressure across the head. In a preferred embodiment, an occipital cradle includes two leaf springs coupled to the rear portion of the horizontal band.

Abstract: There is provided a bottom periphery length adjustment mechanism usable for apparel in which a very high importance is attached to design of appearance. The length adjustment mechanism comprises a slide adjuster. The slide adjuster comprises a band and a buckle that are formed of a synthetic resin. An engagement claw of the buckle is engaged with a serrated engagement groove provided on the outer surface of the band so that, in an engaged state, the band freely approaches the buckle but cannot retract. The buckle is fixed to the backside of the bottom. When the band approaches the buckle, the periphery of the bottom shrinks while, when the band moves away from the buckle, the periphery of the bottom expands.

Abstract: A modified cap for the attachment of eye protective lenses or modified sunglasses via retractable arms movable in several directions can provide quick placement of the sunglasses on the face. The sunglasses which do not need temples can be partially stowed under the cap's brim or in a recessed compartment in the cap's brim, either of which may have friction points or magnets set to keep the sunglasses from dropping down. The user can release the sunglasses to position them on the face where they can be held in place by the telescopic arms that extend/retract according to the required placement of the sunglasses determined by the differing head size and facial contours of the wearer. Certain embodiments, therefore, allow the fast placement and removal of sunglasses in an efficient manner by keeping them close to the user's face in a safe position when not in use.

Abstract: An auxiliary structure for facilitating removal of a body covering comprises a plurality of plates being movably connected, each plate having an inner surface to serve as a wearing portion for a body part (such as a hand) and having an outer surface, capable of attaching to an inner surface of a body covering (such as a glove), to serve as an engaging portion, so that the auxiliary structure can be fitted into the body covering and inserted by the body part, whereby one portion of the body covering would not be contacted with the body part, and the body covering can be easily removed from the body part by simultaneously holding the body covering and the auxiliary structure and applying a removing force to them.

Abstract: A removable apparatus for selectively adjusting the length of a western riding chap. The present invention enables a dismounted rider to selectively elevate the drop of a western riding chap from the ground. In an embodiment, a removable chap elevating apparatus includes a locking clip, at least one rivet, a first strap, a second strap and a kiltie pin.

Abstract: An improved design for a helmet to reduce injuries caused by helmet-to-helmet collisions. The helmet has a thin layer of padding added onto the hard shell of the helmet. The padding may be textured to add “crumple zones.” A thin, rugged, low-friction exterior cover is affixed to the padding. In one embodiment of the helmet, the cover is separated slightly from the padding to provide air space. The air space, combined with the textured padding, provides a substantial reduction in peak acceleration resulting from a helmet-to-helmet collision.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes a head cap, which surrounds and moves with a wearer's head, and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. The outer shell is movable both radially and circumferentially relative to the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner is located between the head cap and the outer shell. The liner is attached to the outer shell and the head cap so that neither the head cap nor the head of the wearer is otherwise attached to the outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.

Abstract: A garment such as a plate carrier has a front part and a back part which are held together by a plurality of buckles. The buckles are releasable manually, and also are simultaneously releasable as a group via a quick release mechanism that includes an actuator cord extending through a plurality of rings. Reassembly of the garment after actuation of the quick release mechanism is effected by buckling the plurality of buckles.

Abstract: An improved miniature portable child's training toilet comprises a first chamber with a toilet seat opening, a second chamber connected thereto, and a flap member at a connection point. A miniaturized tank portion with valve means and means of selectively causing the valve to open, allows fluid from the tank to move under gravity to the first chamber and continue into the second chamber, flushing material into the second chamber of the toilet. A means of separating the first and second chambers of the toilet for emptying the second chamber after flushing comprises a gasket for sealing the junction of the chambers. An electronic sound and light producing means plays congratulatory sounds and causes the toilet to illuminate when flushed. An alternate embodiment further comprises an “S” bend connecting the chambers, forming a water trap, and causing siphon action when the toilet is flushed.

Abstract: A personal, portable sanitary device and system is disclosed. The device and system may include various components, such as a portable container for housing fluid, an attachment body with a lumen formed through the attachment body to allow for fluid flow, a fastening system to attach the attachment member to the portable container, a wand comprising a lumen to allow for fluid flow and an outlet to allow fluid to exit the wand, a connecting member for connecting the attachment body to the wand, and a member used to seal an opening in the portable container.

Abstract: Electric shock to a user has been a major concern for a conventional electric water heater installed in or near a bathroom. An electrically insulated air-conducting water heater utilizes electrically insulating hot air to indirectly heat water to avoid electric hazard to a user of an electric water heater. The present invention comprises an air pump unit, a heating and temperature control unit, and an air venting unit having a plurality of tiny air nozzles immersed in a water pool. Ambient air is collected by the air pump unit, heated in the heating and temperature control unit, and injected into a water pool through the air venting unit as a form of zillions of small hot bubbles to heat the water. Apart from serving as an electrically safe water heater, the present invention also functions as a hot-bubble sauna machine, bathroom body dryer, and air conditioner.

Abstract: Anti-entrapment drain cover [A] for pools is formed by a molded wheel-like cover unit [10] of radial dimensions greater than the radius of any pool sump or drain [10] to be covered, so as to extend over the drain floor radially beyond the drain. Radial ribs [14] below the cover unit define channels opening at the periphery to provide a side inlet [18] between each rib pair so that the periphery stands off the surface sufficiently for water flow through the inlets but with spacing insufficient for user grasping of the cover. Arcuate inlet recesses [20] open periphery between rib pairs, so water flows into the channels for draining without potential for pool user entrapment even if a pool user attempts to block them. Securements are such that the cover, which is user unbreakable, cannot be pulled away by the user.

Abstract: A sealing member for securing a vinyl pool liner to a stair system and including a first sealing component which is secured along a side wall defining the stairs; a bottom sealing component secured to the wall beneath the stairs and a corner assembly disposed between the two. All of the first and bottom sealing components and the corner assembly include an inner frame member and an outer frame member which are configured to snap-fittingly engage each other and clamp a portion of the liner between them. The corner assembly is curved and a cover is engaged over the outer frame member of the corner assembly to prevent accidental disengagement thereof. The cover extends for a distance along each of the first and bottom sealing components. The outer frame member defines a plurality of apertures in its upper surface which are configured to receive studs extending outwardly from the cover.

Abstract: A multi-piece shower enclosure includes a base section, a plurality of vertically extending sidewalls and a flange extending horizontally outward along a top portion of sidewalls. A back wall section is removably attachable to the base section, the back wall section having a ledge provided on the bottom portion of the back wall section. One or more side wall panels are removably attachable to the back wall section. A plurality of pins is used for securing the back wall section to the base section and the side wall panels to the back wall section. Each of the pins has a lower rivet portion and an upper threaded portion separated by a central portion. Each of the pins is insertable into a corresponding opening provided on the ledge of the back wall section or a side of the back wall portion adjoining each of the side wall panels.

Abstract: A cylindrical water spout member is provided inside the tip section of the water spout pipe, the optical fiber on the light projection side and the optical fiber on the light receiving side are passed inside the water spout pipe up to the tip section of the water spout pipe, and the tips of the optical fibers configure a light projection section and a light receiving section. Moreover, fitting convex section are provided on the outer surfaces of the tip sections of the optical fibers, and the fitting concave sections are provided on the outer surface of the water spout member. The tip sections of the optical fibers are fixed in a positioned state based on the concave-convex fitting.

Abstract: A sofa configured to be converted into various positions, including a sofa, lounge, bed and chaise position. The sofa includes a seat deck and a backrest. Further, the sofa includes a first type of click-clack mechanisms placed between the seat deck and backrest which are used to convert the sofa to the lounge or bed position. Also, the sofa includes a second type of click-clack mechanisms placed throughout the seat deck and backrest. These are used to convert the sofa to one of two possible chaise positions. In particular, these click-clack mechanisms enable the sides of the seat deck and backrest to be raised to various levels (e.g., 20 degrees, 40 degrees). As a result, opposing sides of the seat deck and backrest can be raised at the appropriate level thereby providing two individual chaises facing one another.

Abstract: An occupant assist assembly (38) for an occupant of a bed includes a pair of substantially vertically extending stanchions (44) laterally spaced apart by a prescribed clearance C. A lower portion (44A) of the pair of stanchions is configured to be connected to a person-support apparatus (10). A longitudinally extending support arm (72) is connected to an upper portion (44B) of the assist assembly. The clearance space C between the stanchions provides easy access to a bed occupant for a caregiver positioned at the head end of the bed and also provides an unobstructed line of sight when an attendant moves the bed from place to place.

Abstract: A apparatus with an adjustable height mattress can include a crib frame with a stationary support frame secured to it. The mattress rests generally on an elevator frame which slides up and down with respect to the stationary frame. The crib further includes a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting height of the elevator frame, an operating mechanism for operating and locking the height adjusting mechanism and a leveling mechanism for maintaining the level of elevator frame horizontally stable. The mattress height can be adjusted not only on a semi-permanent basis, but can also be varied as needed. The mattress can be set high when a parent is placing a child in the crib and can be lowered with the child on it for the child's safety. The elevator frame may also be manually raised with the child on it via an external handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment interface for attaching bed legs onto square/rectangular cross-section slatted bed base tubes and onto L-shaped North American style bed base supporting angle iron structures, of a type comprising a supporting platform provided with a base and a lateral setting flange, on which are provided a helical screw mounted rotably free in recesses made, respectively, in and perpendicular to, the front of the laterally setting flange and a wall of the interface which is diametrically opposed thereto, at a lower level than that of the supporting platform, subdivided into two parts arranged on both sides of the vertical plane passing through the axis of the helical screw, the latter comprising at least one axial stop, an actuator thumb wheel arranged at the end thereof, beyond the wall of the attachment interface base, and being provided with a mobile element, which, at the upper portion thereof, opposite the lateral setting flange, forms a grip jaw, and which ensures the horizontal

Abstract: A sleeping bag system includes two sleeping bags each having a facial cowl in a hood portion of the bag. Each bag has attachment members on or adjacent the facial cowl. Each attachment member is configured for connection with a corresponding attachment member of the other bag to provide one of a plurality of flexible connections between at least the hood portions when one of the bags is positioned inside the other bag. The attachment members can prevent or minimize shifting of one of the bags inside the other bag.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress and bolster assembly in which the mattress frame receives a series of individual inflatable air cells to form the mattress. Side bolsters are secured to the opposite long sides of the mattress frame by means of retaining straps. The air cells have end tabs that pass through holes in the side bolsters and attach the air cells to the long sides of the mattress frame. An inflatable safety rail is mounted on top of each of the side bolsters for added patient safety. The air cells, side bolsters and safety rails are all independently inflated so that they can be separately adjusted for firmness.

Abstract: An interactive, customizable bedding ensemble system, with components constructed from a pants-like design concept that are used in conjunction with each other to form a system whereby parents and children can interact with the bedding ensemble system to educate, stimulate, develop, and train children in a variety of basic skills, and wherein these components incorporate design elements providing options whereby user can continuously customize the appearance of the bedding ensemble system.

Abstract: A movable lift device including a rotatable bed which can be lifted or rotated by a user, with laying a user thereon. The movable lift device having a rotatable bed includes a base frame comprising a plurality of wheels installed therein; a post rotatably coupled to the base frame, the post upwardly extended from the base frame a predetermined length in an “L” shape; and a bed comprising a bed part that is able to ascend along the post, the bed part allowing a user to lie thereon. The post rotatably supporting the bed has an “L” shape and the supporting point of the post rotatably supporting the bed is formed in the center of the base frame, such that the structure may be stably maintained even when the bed having the patient lying thereon is rotated, only to prevent an accident of overturning the movable lift device.

Abstract: A novel article of adjustable bed is disclosed. The adjustable bed comprises at least two body-support portions and a base support for supporting the body support portions. The body support portions are mounted with respect to the base to allow angular adjustment of their relative positions to alter the configuration of the bed. Actuators are provided for angularly moving one or more of the body-support portions to effect angular adjustment of the bed. A load-bearing member projects from one of the moveable body-support portions and is supported by a bearing means arranged to run on a curved support such that each moveable body-support portion is pivotally mounted with respect to the base about a respective pivot axis defined by the centre of curvature of the respective curved support. The pivot axis of the movable body-support portion is positioned above the base in a plane offset from the top edge thereof .

Abstract: A system and method for patient transfer, including patient transfer from a bed to a rollable chair and patient transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. A docking assembly can connect a rollable chair to a bed for transfer. The systems and methods can provide a safe, dignified, and comfortable transfer for patients. A transfer bed, a docking assembly, and a wheelchair can be used together as a system and can reduce the physical and psychological burden of bedridden patients and their caregivers. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be appropriate for use within a patient's home, nursing home, hospital or any location where a patient is transferred between a bed and a wheelchair. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be controlled such that a patient is transferred from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed.

Abstract: A pad, in particular for a mattress in the nursing care and hospital sector has a liquid-impermeable and elastic lower layer and a liquid-permeable and elastic upper layer arranged on the lower layer. The lower layer and the upper layer are surrounded by an outer casing, which has a liquid-impermeable outer casing lower part facing the lower layer and a liquid-permeable outer casing upper part facing the upper layer. The pad is very comfortable to lie and/or sit on and has a high degree of breathability. Moreover, the pad is easy to clean and can accordingly be reprocessed frequently. The pad can be easily and economically retrofitted to improve the lying comfort and the breathability of existing mattresses.

Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine (20) is provided with a tape or ribbon guide (30) that is operated by a method by which a narrow strip (32) is fed against a facing layer (11a) of a wide multi-layered material (24) as it is fed into the quilting machine. In the quilting machine (20), series of chain stitches are sewn, at least one of which joins the tape (32) and layers of the multi-layered material (24) together with the same thread in a quilting process, thereby applying the tape (32) to the quilted product in a single quilting operation without the need for a post-quilting tape application step. The tape may form a decorative strip or have unsewn sections that serve as handles for a mattress when the quilted product is formed into a mattress cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in one aspect, to a cooking utensil including a functional member configured to engage a food item and a handle member extending from the functional member for gripping the utensil and for moving the functional member. The functional member includes a blade having a pair of opposite surfaces meeting at a pair of opposite lateral edges, one of the lateral edges being sharpened to form a cutting edge and the other one of the lateral edges including prongs and at least one of the planar surfaces having one or more recesses that do not pass entirely through the blade. In a preferred form, the one or more recesses include one or more concave depressions in the at least one of the planar surfaces.

Abstract: Multi-purpose shears have a distal end and an opposing proximal end. The shears include a first elongated member having a first shearing end and a first gripping end opposed to the first shearing end. The first gripping end is in contact with a user's hand. The shears include a second elongated member with a second shearing end and a second gripping end opposed to the second shearing end. The second gripping end is in contact with the user's hand. The first and second elongated members are coupled to one another by a coupling element at a pivot location, wherein the first and second shearing ends move toward or away from one another in response to actuation by the user. The shears include a bladed tool configured to have an insertion slot that is generally oriented along an axis, wherein the bladed tool includes a blade within the insertion slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing skin removed from a human donor, removal of cellular components and sterilizing the decellularized skin. The process comprises the following steps: (1) decellularizing the skin including soaking the tissue in a detergent and rinsing same with sterile water; (2) sterilizing the skin with electronic beam irradiation, gamma irradiation or ultraviolet light for a time period to achieve a concentration to maximize sterilization; and (3) processing the tissue by cutting the tissue to a designated size.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a water-soluble unit-dose pouch, comprising at least a first compartment wherein the first compartment comprises a powder composition, and wherein the powder composition comprises an oxygen bleach source and between 2% and 20% by weight of the water-soluble unit-dose pouch of a salt of citric acid. It also contemplates methods of using the pouch in a fabric washing machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreating device, and method, that is intuitive for the customer, ensures good penetration of the liquid laundry detergent composition into a stain, particularly greasy stains, and is suitable for washing delicate fabrics, particularly at low temperatures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.

Abstract: A process of covalently modifying a lignocellulosic material is provided. The process includes oxidizing a lignocellulosic material having hydroxyl groups with an oxidant to oxidize at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups to carboxylic acid groups, optionally activating the carboxylic acid groups with an activating agent to form activated carboxylic acid groups, and reacting the carboxylic acid groups or the activated carboxylic acid groups with a first nitrogen-containing reagent selected from amino acids, peptides, or protected derivatives thereof to provide a treated lignocellulosic material. The treated lignocellulosic materials thus prepared displays resistance to degradation.

Abstract: A soluble solid hair coloring article having cationic direct dye and one or more soluble porous solids containing nonionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, such that the one or more soluble porous solids have a density of from about 0.03 g/cm3 to about 0.15 g/cm3; and methods of applying the soluble solid hair coloring article to hair.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for making a shoe outsole and to shoe outsoles made using such techniques. In one such technique, a sheet of composite material is produced by extruding a base material together with a sheet of fabric material. The sheet of composite material is then cut into an outsole component, and a shoe outsole is fabricated using the outsole component.

Abstract: A dual traction cutout ramp having a top surface and a back surface, and having plurality of apertures punched through the top and the back surfaces in alternative forming protrusions and indentations throughout the surface of the ramp. This dual traction cutout ramp can remove mud and dirt from the wheels of vehicles that move onto the ramp.

Abstract: An object searching method includes: capturing an image in front of a cleaning robot by a camera. Comparing the image with a number of reference images to determine whether the image is the same as one of the reference images. Storing a position of the cleaning robot and the image when the image is the same as one of the reference images, adjusting the path of the cleaning robot to stop the cleaning robot from cleaning the object; and emitting an alarm.

Abstract: A dispersible wet wipe constructed of at two layers is disclosed. A triggerable binder composition binds said web substrate together. The wet wipe also includes a wetting composition including at least 0.3 percent of an insolubilizing agent.

Abstract: A handle (1) for a cleaning device (2), comprising a rod (3) consisting of a multilayered, extruded plastic rod is provided.

Abstract: A compact cleaning device includes a housing having opposed front and rear portions. A first pair of first and second opposed flaps is connected to the front and rear portions, respectively, each of the first and second opposed flaps having inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the first pair of first and second flaps is a moist wipe material. Each of the first and second flaps is movable between a closed configuration in which respective inner surfaces bear against one another and an open configuration in which the respective inner surfaces are displaced from one another. The first pair of first and second flaps is biased toward the closed configuration by spring members. The cleaning device further includes a scent dispenser and a light member.