Abstract: A separating garment system has two sleeves and a chest piece and collar that can be opened. The chest piece having a front and a back and having a length in the front and the back such that the chest piece extends downward on a wearer so as to cover no more than a chest of a wearer. The chest piece also may not extend under the arms of the wearer.

Abstract: A wetsuit has a plurality of pieces of material that are stitched or glued together to form the wetsuit, a drag-creating section provided on one of the pieces of material. The drag-creating section has a base, and a plurality of water catch devices, each water catch device having a flap piece, with a cavity defined between each flap piece and the base of the piece of material and an opening that leads to the cavity. Each flap piece is constructed such that it can be moved between a collapsed configuration where it is generally flat adjacent the underlying base of the piece of material , and an expanded configuration in which it stretches away from the underlying base of the piece of material. The plurality of water catch devices are arranged in two rows on opposite sides of the base, with the openings of each row of water catch devices facing each other.

Abstract: The shield is formed of a single thin (approximately 2 mils thick) flexible sheet, which may be made of polyurethane. The sheet has a surface and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge has the shape of the body part to be protected. The surface is coated with an adhesive. The coating is adapted to removably attach the shield to the body part to protect the body part from contamination from objects to which the protected body part may come in contact. A second shield formed of a similar sheet has a peripheral edge with a shape that is substantially the mirror image of the peripheral edge of the first sheet for use with paired body parts, such as hands or feet.

Abstract: A sleeve garment provides sleeves that are worn with a sleeveless dress or top. The sleeve garment includes sleeves and side panels attached to the sleeves. The sleeve garment is attached to a bra by passing the shoulder straps of the bra through channels in the side panels of the sleeve garment and by attaching the side panels to side straps or wings of the bra. The channels are provided with openings for access to adjustment buckles of the shoulder straps. The sleeve garment may be permanently or temporarily attached to the bra.

Abstract: An apparatus may be configured with one or more sensors arranged to detect a first shape-related parameter, one or more control elements arranged to provide a force, and circuitry operably connected to the one or more sensors and the one or more control elements to determine the force provided to the one or more control elements.

Abstract: A garment is constructed of a plurality of interchangeable panels. A mirror pair of side panels is selectively attached to a center panel by various attachment means, e.g., a zipper. Each panel includes two designed surfaces, an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface and the outer surface are interchangeable. Accordingly, a complete garment can be configured having various color and design pattern fabric combinations in similar concepts and different designs or cuts.

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant garment may include a first fabric layer with a first recovery property and a first direction, and a second fabric layer with a second recovery property and a second direction. The first recovery property is greater than the second recovery property. The second fabric layer is disposed on the first fabric layer in a predetermined orientation of the first direction and second direction to provide enhanced sliding of the second fabric layer along the first fabric layer.

Abstract: Moisture activated invisible stencil technology is created by applying a moisture blocking agent in accordance with an artwork is applied to a base substrate. The base substrate is preferably fabricated of a moisture absorbing material. When the object is subjected to moisture, moisture wets to the exposed portion of the base substrate and is repelled in the areas where the moisture blocking agent is applied thereon. The wetted portion of the base substrate changes in shade or color to expose the concealed image. The moisture activated invisible stencil technology can be applied for simple aesthetic applications or advanced for applications to identify wet objects. The advanced applications can include warnings for wet roadways, pool decks, umbrellas, etc.

Abstract: An electronic touchscreen operative glove, providing a conductive path from the skin to the exterior of the glove, so one need not remove the present glove to operate a touchscreen. The conductive path can be provided from the skin to one or more conductive panels on the tips of one or more finger and/or thumb of the glove. The glove can include one or more layers, preferably an inner and outer layer, the inner layer being weatherproof, and the outer layer forming the exterior of the glove, and having the conductive panels that can operate a touchscreen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clamp assembly useful for attaching together two items of clothing, a garment comprising the clamp assembly, and a process for attaching two items of clothing; the clamp assembly including a circular band and a tubular resilient cover having a hollow body, and wherein the clamp is positioned in the hollow and is encased on all sides by the resilient cover.

Abstract: A golf training device has a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member. The substantially rigid, sleeve-type member is configured to be secured over a forefinger of a user's lower hand and a palm area of the user's lower hand directly below the forefinger. The substantially rigid member is adapted to limit the user's ability to bend the forefinger.

Abstract: A hand covering. The hand covering has at least a portion of a gripping region comprising a first material having a first air permeability and a first coefficient of friction when gripping an article, the first material defining openings therein, other regions of the hand covering except the gripping region comprising a second material having a second coefficient of friction when gripping the same article and a second air permeability lower than the first air permeability, wherein the second air permeability lower than the first air permeability allows a user's perspiration to be more easily removed through the gripping region than through the other regions, wherein the first coefficient of friction is greater than the second coefficient of friction, and wherein the openings in the first material occupy between about 20% and 60% of an area of the first material.

Abstract: A scarf made from a loop of clothing material forms a channel between a front opening and a rear opening. The fastening device secures together opposing portions of a rear perimeter of the loop of clothing thereby reducing a size of the rear opening relative to a size of the front opening and forming a hood within a portion of the channel forward of the fastening device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reusable masquerade formed of delicate or fragile material that can be retained to skin surface without straps/bands through a backing and adhesive. Suitable delicate materials may include lace, embroidery, brocade, crochet, netting, fishnet, mesh, tissue paper, sequins, beads, and filigree. The backing is applied to the delicate material by ironing, heating, or melting it on. Suitable backing materials may include vinyl, rubber, and plastic. The periphery of the masquerade comprising the delicate material together with attached backing is precisely cut to at least partially conform to a design on the delicate material and to conform to an anatomy of a target skin surface on which it is placed. The masquerade may be placed on the face with a hole for the eye in it. It can be worn again as the adhesive is easily removed from the backing and skin with conventional means.

Abstract: An ear muff is provided and includes a mounting having at least an end portion to which a support element for a loudspeaker is associated. The support element is configured as a single body with the end portion of the mounting.

Abstract: A head garment is provided that has a head band and at least one hair holding component. The head band is formed from an piece of material that is folded over on itself to provide inner and outer layers and a bottom edge. A top edge is formed by sewing the free edges of the layers together. Ends of the layers are also sewn together to provide a rear seam. The rear seam is provided with an opening through which the component can be extended when it is desired to be used, or which can be moved through the opening to be held between the layers when not desired to be used. The component being secured between the layers. An alternative head garment has a button attached to a rear of a head band for releasably securing a hair net thereto. Each head garment may include a visor if desired.

Abstract: The invention is a universal flexible barrier that is first put on the child, and then, when the child is in a confined seat—such as a shopping cart seat, a car seat, a booster seat, a high chair, or even a stroller—the barrier is mushroomed outward from the child to cover the edges of the confined seat. In this manner, the child is protected from the dirt and germs of previous children that might have used the seat, protected from the dirt and germs of adults who may have previously handled the seat, and/or protected from the harsh cleaning solutions often used to clean the seat.

Abstract: The invention provides clothing such as shorts which is capable of fitting excellently to the lower region of the hips of a person and certainly preventing hip hemlines thereof from rising. The clothing includes a stretchable front covering portion 11 and a stretchable back covering portion 12, and a gusset portion 13 disposed between an inner-crotch front portion 16 at the lower end of the front covering portion 11 and an inner-crotch back portion 17 at the lower end of the back covering portion 12 and covering the crotch of the person. A body 14 is opened and developed along a back center line S2 of the back covering portion 12, and in the developed body 14, with respect to a front center line S1 of the front covering portion 11, the back center line S2 of the back covering portion 12 is set so that the downward extended line of the back center line S2 approaches the downward extended line of the front center line S1 in a downward narrowing manner.

Abstract: A garment system enabling helpers or care givers to provide physical assistance to elderly or handicapped persons and the like. The garment system includes a pair of pants, front straps, back straps, side support straps and an inner lining attached to the interior of said pants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering device for attachment around a bra-strap wherein the covering device has three panels, wherein the panels are substantially the same length as the strap length and at least as wide as the strap width, where the two side panels having complementary pairs of fastening devices to secure the side panels around the bra-strap, thereby securing the bra-strap between the panels.

Abstract: An undergarment designed for both men and women includes two strap portions connected by a crotch panel. A set of fasteners disposed on a set of ends of each of the strap portions enable the fastening together of the two strap portions to form a single strip that encircles the waist of a wearer. When being worn, the crotch panel extends between the legs of the wearer to cover the wearer's crotch. Due to the shape of the undergarment and the position of the fasteners, the underwear can be donned and removed without requiring the full removal of outer layers of clothing such as, for example, pants, shorts, etc.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing absorbent articles (9) includes feeding a longitudinal web (1) of web material having openings (16) such that spaced apart, opposing margins (18) of web material are formed between the respective opening and opposing longitudinal edges of the web material; carrying out a folding action (20) of folding the web about itself along its longitudinal direction; carrying out a second (30) folding action of folding at least a portion of the web along its longitudinal direction; after the second folding action, forming a joint (46) in the web, the joint being formed at least in a part of the region in which the opposing margins have been brought together by the second folding action; finally separating (8) the web through the joint to separate an individual absorbent article from the end of the web.

Abstract: A natural fiber impact attenuation system capable of protecting a user engaged in a professional, recreational, or competitive activity is disclosed. The system may be constructed partly or entirely of biodegradable natural fiber materials such as cork in an agglomerated or non-agglomerated form. Impact attenuation pads may be installed within the shell of a helmet so that a user's head decelerates during an impact event by causing natural fiber impact attenuation pads to deform into void spaces or empty areas. The natural fiber impact attenuation system may be secured to a helmet by adhesives or other fastening methods.

Abstract: An ear protection device made of thermally insulating fabric for fastening to goggles for winter sport use. The device includes two downward extensions of fabric disposed to overlie the wearer's ears. Each downward extension includes a pocketed region for holding small self-heating chemical or electrical packs. An additional security pocket may be accessed from an interior headband component to this device.

Abstract: A flexible ear protector for protecting the outer ear from heat, chemicals, or sharp objects, using a curling iron, hot comb, blow dryer, scissors, to style hair having a body portion, a front opening for receiving a human ear, a proximate opening, a distal opening, a cavity for receiving a human ear, and a reinforced perimeter for exerting force upon the body portion thereby returning the body portion from a second position to a first position.

Abstract: An eye cover for use in an aquatic environment is provided. In certain embodiments, the eye cover comprises an elastic headband configured to be worn around a wearer's head and configured in use to cover or surround the wearer's eyes. The elastic headband can be configured to provide an at least water-resistant seal around the wearer's eyes. At least one eye chamber disposed on a surface of the headband that in use faces the wearer's eyes can further be provided. The at least one eye chamber permit the wearer's eyes to remain open when the headband covers the wearer's eyes. The at least one eye chamber comprises a flange extending from the headband, wherein the flange is configured to provide at least a water-resistant seal around the wearer's eye.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens assembly including a first lens, a lens bracket coupled to the first lens, and at least one connection portion disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the lens bracket. A goggle including a goggle frame and at least one coupling point disposed on the goggle frame and adapted to couple to the at least one connection portion on the lens bracket. The at least one coupling point and the at least one connection portion may be corresponding magnetic portions adapted to couple to each other by a magnetic interaction, and/or the at least one connection portion may be a protrusion, and the at least one coupling point may be an aperture adapted to receive and couple to the protrusion. This allows the lens assembly to be attached to and detached from the goggle frame quickly and easily with reduced manual dexterity.

Abstract: A combination toilet cleaning and splash preventing device includes a sheet of biodegradable material which may be laminated for floating at least temporarily on the surface of the water in a toilet bowl and a pocket in the sheet of material for receiving a portion of the hand of a user, whereby the device can be used to wipe a toilet and/or seat before being placed on the water in the bowl to reduce or prevent splashing.

Abstract: Presently disclosed is a seat cover including a sheet of biodegradable material wound about itself so as to define a hollow core, the hollow core having an interior perimeter sufficiently large so as to fully encompass a toilet seat about a trans-axial perimeter thereof when inserted thereover. Also disclosed is a seat cover including a plurality of biodegradable balls connectedly associated with a substrate, wherein the substrate has substantially the shape of a toilet seat. Also disclosed is a method of making a seat cover including winding a sheet of biodegradable material about an object having a trans-axial perimeter about the same size as a toilet seat, wherein a wind partially overlaps a preceding wind such that winding progresses in an axial direction along the object with each successive wind, and removing the wound sheet from the object.

Abstract: A retrofit, submersible swimming pool deck deployable in existing swimming pools without altering the pool infrastructure. The submersible deck includes: (a) a panel, which is configured to be moved reversibly between a lowered state that is substantially parallel to a floor of the swimming pool and a raised state that is substantially flat and horizontal; and (b) at least one motor, operationally coupled to the panel, wherein the motor is configured to effect the reversible movement of the panel between the lowered state and the raised state.

Abstract: A method for providing a cushion and tub assembly is provided and comprises obtaining a cushion with magnets within the cushion. The method also comprises obtaining a metallic member, the metallic member magnetically attracting to the magnets in the cushion. The metallic member is permanently secured to a hidden surface of a tub at a location corresponding to a desired location of the cushion on the exposed surface of the tub. The tub and cushion are provided with a cushion being releasably connectable to the exposed surface of the tub at the desired location by attraction forces between the magnets and the metallic member through the tub wall.

Abstract: A portable emergency unit comprises an eyewash and shower station coupled to a chassis. A water tank and a pump are coupled to the chassis and are in fluid communication with the eyewash and shower station so that the pump is operable to supply water from the water tank to the eyewash and shower station when the eyewash and shower station is activated. A temperature control system is also coupled to the chassis and is in fluid communication with the water tank. The temperature control system is operable to maintain the temperature of water stored in the water tank within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drain system for a walk-in bathtub. The drain system includes a conventional drain opening in the bottom of the walk-in bathtub and a second drain opening in the side of the foot well of the bathtub. A motorized pump pumps water out of the bathtub through the second drain opening in the foot well. A first drain line provides water outflow from the conventional drain opening to a primary drain pipe. A second drain line provides outflow from the motorized pump to the primary drain pipe, and a third drain line joins the primary drain pipe from an overflow opening near the top of the bathtub. A low water sensor is coupled to the second drain line and motorized pump and deactivates the pump when the water level in the bathtub is equal to or lower than the second drain opening.

Abstract: A yoga mat defined by an upper surface and a lower substrate contacting surface, and a peripheral edging, the upper surface having positioned thereon a plurality of textured non-slip positioning pads in parallel relationship, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mat and extending laterally across the width of the mat or portion thereof, in raised relationship to the upper surface of the yoga mat providing comfortable non-slip tactile contact with the bare hands and bare feet of a yoga practitioner performing certain yoga positions.

Abstract: A drawstring secured fitted sheet where the corners are fashioned to avoid binding the string. It has a hem that holds the drawstring that is fabricated separately to allow that the edges of the sheet can be curved. The hem is terminated short of closing to allow a gap for the drawstring to exit. A stiffener is added at the gap to hold it open. There can be a block or pulley added to aid in tightening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bed sheet and blanket system and method including a fitted foundation and a selectively detachable connecting sheet or blanket. Embodiments of the invention include a second connecting sheet or blanket disposed above or on top of the first connecting sheet or blanket. The fitted foundation, the first connecting sheet or blanket, and the second connecting sheet or blanket may be connected through interconnecting components such as zippers.

Abstract: There are provided a gantry with an opening having a central axis inclined so that the opening is directed obliquely downward, a chair disposed obliquely below the gantry, and having an inclined surface for supporting a patient M so that the central axis of the opening and a body axis A of the patient M become parallel, and a chair moving mechanism for driving at least one of the gantry and the chair to insert the patient M into the opening parallel to the central axis of the opening of the gantry. Thus, images can be picked up of the patient M in a comfortable position safely and efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an automated anti-snoring bed system, which includes a bed designed to support a user lying thereon and internally provided with a driving device, a sensing device able to send out a detection signal toward the user's chest at regular intervals of time and receive a reflected signal returning from the user in response to the detection signal, and a control device. When the sensing device determines that the user is snoring according to the reflected signal, the sensing device sends out a control command to the control device and the control device then drives the driving device to change the configuration of the bed to a mode for stopping the user from snoring. Thus, the user is prevented not only from sleep disorders, but also from sleep apnea which may otherwise jeopardize the user's sleeping quality and health.

Abstract: The invention features devices for positioning and supporting the limb (e.g., an arm or leg) of a patient. The devices provide adjustable support for, e.g., the upper and lower leg. In addition, the device provides unfettered access to the patient's extremities and joints (e.g., the knee and portions of the leg above and below the knee). The invention further features methods of using the devices during diagnostic review, surgery, and rehabilitation. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone or tissue defect by using a device described herein.

Abstract: A pad, in particular for use in the nursing care and hospital sector, has an elastic spacer textile, which is surrounded by an elastic foam body, a separating layer being arranged between the foam body and the spacer textile. The pad can be produced with any desired outer contour by foaming the foam body onto the spacer textile, an uncontrolled penetration of the foam body into the spacer textile and an undesired increase in the compression hardness connected therewith being avoided by the separating layer. The pad is accordingly very comfortable to sit and/or lie on.

Abstract: A solid fabric softening composition is disclosed which includes a quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound which is stabilized to form a solid with a mixture of a water soluble organic salt and a medium to long chain carboxylic acid. This stabilizing combination has been shown to effectively form a solid quaternary ammonium based fabric softening composition with up to as much as 70% by weight of quaternary ammonium compound. The formulations are stable at typical storage temperatures of up to 110° F. and provide fabric softening similar to and even superior to other traditional liquid formulations.

Abstract: A product for pre-treatment and laundering of fabric having a stained portion. The product comprising a pourable aqueous detergent composition and a dispensing cap. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a motor, a washing machine, and a method of controlling the washing machine that efficiently calculate an amount of laundry within a drum are provided. The method of controlling a washing machine that calculates an amount of laundry housed within a drum rotating by a motor, the method includes: accelerating the drum from a first rotation speed to a second rotation speed by enabling the motor to apply torque to the drum in a predetermined direction and decelerating the drum from the second rotation speed to the first rotation speed by enabling the motor to apply torque to the drum in an opposite direction; and calculating the laundry amount from the sum of currents applied to the motor at the accelerating of the drum.

Abstract: A product for pre-treatment and laundering of fabric having a stained portion. The product comprising a pourable aqueous detergent composition and a dispensing cap. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing detachable zipper shoe comprises steps of: I. preparing cardboards: 1) structuring a shoe last, 2) making cardboards, and 3) drawing arrays of marks; II. making a vamp: 1) making a first cutting die, 2) cutting, 3) drawing marks on the vamp, 4) combining the vamp, and 5) combining the vamp and an upper zipper; III. making an outsole: 1) forming the outsole, and 2) combining the outsole and a lower zipper; IV. making an inner sole: 1) making a second cutting die, 2) cutting, and 3) combining the inner sole and the outsole; V. fixing the vamp. The method of the present invention adopts sets of marks predetermined on the vamp, the upper zipper, the lower zipper, the inner sole, and the outsole to be aligned with each other, so as to prevent the combination of the afore portions from displacement. Therefore, one single sole of the same size can cooperate with different types of vamps for satisfying a mass production of shoes.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper, a sole, and a thread. The upper has upper holes around the upper peripheral. The sole has a lip portion on the sole peripheral lip portion has sole holes around the sole peripheral. The thread attaches the upper and the sole through the upper holes and the sole holes, and forms a set of stitches. A ripple is formed between two sets of stitches and the thread is embedded in the lip portion between the ripples. Each stitch goes through a first upper hole and enters the sole hole of the lip portion, such that the thread forms an angled stitch on the lip portion. The thread then goes through a second upper hole and exits from a third upper hole, such that the thread forms a horizontal stitch on the inside of the footwear.

Abstract: A bonded mesh composite panel of an upper includes a substrate layer formed from a substrate material, a mesh material layer and one or more skin material layers. The mesh composite can be fabricated by first arranging panels of substrate, mesh and skin layer material into an assembly corresponding to the locations of those panels in a completed upper. The assembly may include separate layers of hot melt bonding material interposed between the substrate, mesh and skin layers. The assembly is pressed at an elevated temperature so as to melt the bonding material and the skin layers and bond the elements together. Before the pressed assembly completely cools, it is then pressed a second time in an unheated press. A heat-conductive compressible pad can be used in the pressing process to create a surface effect in the skin layers that reveals a patterns of an underlying mesh layer.

Abstract: A hair extraction apparatus for easy removal of hair and other debris from a brush. The apparatus comprises a base for overlaying bristles of the brush. The base includes a plurality of apertures and a fastener. The apertures are formed such that each aperture is capable of receiving at least one bristle of the brush. The fastener is attached at one end of the base to secure and tighten the apparatus in position around the brush. The brush may be cleaned by simply loosening and pulling the hair extraction apparatus away from the brush, removing hair and other debris accumulated on the brush in the process.

Abstract: A pipeline pig brush and method of assembly of the pipeline pig brush is provided. The pipeline pig brush has a body with a plurality of recesses provided in an outer surface. A number of brushes, each brush having a ferrule and a tuft of bristles, can be mounted to the body, wherein the ferrule of each brush is inserted into the recess and a removable fastener is installed to engage the body and overlap the ferrule such that the ferrule cannot be removed from the recess without removing the fastener.

Abstract: A cleaning article comprising a melamine foam which comprises a cleaning fluid. Also disclosed a methods for the manufacture of said cleaning articles, and methods for their use in the treatment of hard surfaces.