Abstract: User-friendly welding helmet assembly configurations to be worn on the head of a welder are disclosed. The welding helmet assembly configurations include various advanced features including a spatter shield that is easily replaceable from an external front portion of a shell of the helmet assembly configuration, and an adjustable ratchet headgear within the shell having a repositionable lever adapted to easily adjust a detent position of the ratchet headgear with respect to the shell. Other user-friendly features are also provided, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A protective article of clothing for preventing cuts and injury to a lower leg of an ice hockey player is provided. The protective article of clothing comprises a sock element and a protective barrier element for protecting a back of the lower leg.

Abstract: A novel bathing garment set for taking showers in public places. Oversized, snap-fastened shirt tops and shorts are designed for easily putting on and disrobing normal clothes in public with privacy. Made of semi-permeable fabrics, the bathing garment is to be worn during a shower and while washing.

Abstract: An elastomeric wrap for restricting two fingers during flexion and extension. The wrap covers the proximal phalanx and interphalangeal (PIP) knuckle and part of the middle phalanx of both fingers. Instructional text and directional graphics is silk screened onto the wrap. Fastening is constructed of two opposing strips of hook-and-loop fabric. Buttonhole and straight stitching techniques is used to secure and finish fabric. To form the wrap: First, face the palm upward, second, insert the ring or middle (plus index for right hand) finger into the anchor loop section, third, wrap the elongated section over then under the adjacent left finger, fourth, join one of the two affixed opposing hook-and-loop fabric strips on the elongated section with the other hook-and-loop fabric strip on the anchor loop section to fasten. The wrap is constructed of a strip of elastomeric fabric.

Abstract: A surface-treated water sports garment with the outer rubber glue layer and a surface treating method thereof is provided. The rubber glue layer can closely join a rubber sponge layer to provide water-repellence and wear-resistance to the surface-treated water sports garment.

Abstract: A garment includes a torso portion and a turtleneck portion. The turtleneck portion extends from the torso portion. The turtleneck portion includes a first panel made of a first material and a second panel made of a second material. The second material is more permeable than the first material.

Abstract: A garment can have an upper body section. The upper body section of the garment can have a stretchable portion. A spring constant ratio of the stretchable portion to the garment material may be at least about 1.0. The percent set ratio of the stretchable portion to the garment material may be less than about 1.0. The garment may also have a lower body section. The lower body section of the garment may have a fit panel. The spring constant ratio of the fit panel to the garment material may be less than about 1.0.

Abstract: A shoulder harness that has four D-rings. Two in the front of shoulder harness at shoulder length and height And two on the back at shoulder length and height.

Abstract: A textile arrangement that includes at least one flexible circuit board integrated with a textile and a fixedly-integrated electronic component in the flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board includes a flexible and/or tensile substrate, which is configured to bend and/or stretch at least in one direction. In addition, the flexible circuit board includes at least one electrically-conducting trace, at least one end of the trace being coupled with the component. The electrically-conducting trace is configured to bend and/or stretch with the flexible and/or tensile substrate of the circuit board at least in said one direction, when the circuit board is bent and/or stretched.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disposable worn article of the present invention includes: a first step of applying an adhesive on at least one of a first web and a second web; a second step of sandwiching an elastic member between the first and second webs and combining the first and second webs and the elastic member together, thereby producing a combined web; and a third step of melting a portion of at least one of the first and second webs and a portion of the elastic member, thereby reducing a shrinking force of the elastic member in the melted portion.

Abstract: A combination of a stroller and a warm muff. The combination includes the stroller, including at least one handle, the warm muff including, a first end, a second end, an opening in the first end for a hand, a hole through the second end for the at least one handle, wherein the hole is perpendicular to the opening, and a fastener, wherein the warm muff attaches to the at least one handle through the hole in the second end and is fastened to the at least one handle with the fastener.

Abstract: A child or adult glove which allows the child or adult to see his or her thumb and fingers up to the moment when they are inserted in the glove finger and thumb holes. This is accomplished with at least one and preferably two zippers or hook and loop fasteners which extend from a wrist opening along the dorsal side of the glove towards the finger openings. The zippers or hook and loop fasteners are arranged such that the back of the glove can be folded out of the way so that the entry to the thumb and finger holes is clearly visible.

Abstract: A baseball type cap with a circumferentially stretchable headband to adjust to different head sizes is modified to add a stretchable fabric member that is stitched to the cap cover gores and to the stretchable headband. The lower edge of the fabric member extends about halfway around the back of the cap ending on either side near the ears of a user wearing the cap and stretches along with the stretchable headband to adjust to the head size of the user. A number of seams join the stretchable fabric member to the cap cover, creating a center pocket with an open top to hold a stereo jack and a removable audio device such as an MP3 player. The seams also create bud pockets on either side to hold ear buds. The dual wires from the stereo jack lead to a T-junction in the bottom of the center pocket and are long enough to manipulate the controls of the MP3 player outside the pocket while wearing the cap.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing customer interest in head coverings. A set of actuating components are coupled to moveable elements of an active head covering, the moveable elements respond to operation of an actuating mechanism in a side extension.

Abstract: Sports taping tights include multi-layered coats of silicone or urethane on sections in the front and back of arm muscle parts, front and back of shoulder muscle parts, the belly muscle parts, front and back of lower waist and buttock muscle parts, front and back of thigh and calf muscle parts, the front and back of ankle muscle parts and sections of knees in the inside or outside surface of the upper and lower halves of the tights applied by multi-step print coating to provide selective distribution of stronger fabric tension without necessitating cutting of main fabric, thereby maximizing the tightness of the contact of fabric with body, assisting and reinforcing the muscles and ligaments, enhancing the mobility of body, protecting and increasing the power of muscles and ligaments and protecting the body.

Abstract: A clothing accessory to be worn on the bottom cuffs of the wearer's trousers includes a sleeve or ring of fabric that folds over to cover the trouser cuffs. The fabric is held in place with a fastener such as a clip, which in preferred embodiments is fastened with permanent magnets that attract each other through the fabric and trouser leg, thus urging the layers of the sleeve together while allowing the user to easily apply a countervailing force to urge the fastener open and thereby allowing the accessory to be removed.

Abstract: The present invention includes socks, as well as a method and a system for manufacturing socks. For example, a sock includes a first area and a second area, wherein the first area includes increased knitting relative to the second area. For example, a method intended for utilization in conjunction with a knitting machine comprising one or more needles, includes selectively controlling operation of said one or more needles by selectively modifying operation of at least one of said one or more needles.

Abstract: An open toe stocking is provided. The stocking includes a body with a foot engaging portion having a heel area. The body also includes an open toe area disposed in front of the heel area of the foot engaging portion and a bottom area extending from the heel area of the foot engaging portion to the open toe area of the foot engaging portion. A leg engaging portion is integrally formed with, and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from, the foot engaging portion. The stocking also includes an elastic circumferential band encircling a lip of the open toe area of the foot engaging portion so as to allow the open toe area of the foot engaging portion to engage the foot of the wearer when the toes of the wearer are passed therethrough. A retention strap extends through the open-toed area of the foot engaging portion so as to engage between a pair of adjacent toes of the wearer.

Abstract: An appliqué includes a substrate or carrier, flock derived from recycled material, ink in the flock, and an adhesive for adhering the appliqué to a fabric.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: preparing a first suction-holding section and a second suction-holding section; positioning the first suction-holding section and the second suction-holding section in such a manner that respective surfaces of the first suction-holding section and the second suction-holding section are aligned side-by-side while facing the same side; suction-holding a forward surface of a main body of an developed module by the first suction-holding section, and suction-holding a rearward surface of the main body of the developed module by the second suction-holding section; closing the first suction-holding section and the second suction-holding section to fold the main body in half; and releasably joining superimposed portions of the developed module half-folded by the half-folding step.

Abstract: A system for clearing fog and particles in goggles and for cooling masks and helmets includes a portable fan and battery box that can deliver a stream of air to a desired location. The stream of air can be provided on an inside face of eye-wear, for example, to prevent fogging. The stream of air can also be provided to an inside of a mask or helmet for cooling the user and providing increased comfort. The portable fan can be used with an air stream directing tube for directing the air stream to a desired location, or can be used as a fan for simply blowing a stream of air inside a mask or helmet.

Abstract: Improvements to a hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the lid and seat of toilettes, characterized by a left and right modules comprising a casing with a central transverse shaft whose ends protrude, each said casing is divided into three recesses; the left shaft end is attached to the lid and the right shaft end to the seat, the opposite end of each shaft being fixed to a drive plate of three flaps, one of each flap housed in each recess of the casing, with each recess also housing a cylindrical diaphragm, which when filled with water press simultaneously against the flaps to cause a partial rotation of the shafts, to raise or lower the lid and seat together or separately by rotary displacement; said diaphragms are fed through a check valve that allows the passage of feed water to fill the diaphragms and to discharge the water from the diaphragms through a duct into the toilet tank when the toilet flush button is actuated; the left and right floor actuation valves are connected to a general water

Abstract: An air ventilation apparatus for controlling foul odors around a toilet, the apparatus including a plurality of ducts disposed about the toilet for receiving air and a motorized means coupled to the ducts for directing foul air and airborne feces through said ducts. One duct carries water and solids into a sewage drain while air flow rises naturally and/or is pulled into an elongated vent by a motorized device (e.g., fan). The elongated vent runs substantially parallel to the duct and includes an opening in communication with the duct. A spring-based flapper valve prevents gases, water and/or solids from backing up into the toilet from duct.

Abstract: A head care system (hair washing apparatus 100) according to the present invention includes a base (bowl 101) having a head support 11 for supporting a head 10 of a human. The system includes a pair of arm units (washing unit 12) for taking care of the head 10. Each of the arm units has a support shaft mounted to the base. The arm units are arranged such that the head support 11 is located between the pair of arm units. The system includes a pair of shaft driving members for driving the arm units in such a manner that each of the arm units rotates about the corresponding support shaft. The system includes a controller 400 for controlling driving operations of the shaft driving members.

Abstract: The present invention application provides a bathtub. On the bathtub wall are fixed ultrasonic transmitters, and an ultrasonic transducer drive circuit is electrically connected to ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transmitters further include an ultrasonic divergent structure which, after reflecting and scattering the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic transducers, transmits the same into the bathtub (e.g., into the water of the tub).

Abstract: This is a device and method to keep the temperature of the water in a bathtub at constant temperature throughout the duration of its use. The invention runs off of the electricity supplied to a home. It provides a system that conserves water and energy. The invention only replaces the energy lost to the environment and recycles the water.

Abstract: A shower apparatus comprises a head, a base end portion, and a multi-spherical bendable joint pipe disposed between the head and the base end portion, the pipe comprising a plurality of spherical joints provided consecutively. Each joint has a male or female spherical surface for rotationally fitting with adjacent joints each other. The spraying direction of shower water is freely changeable by adjusting the direction of the head through a flection of the multi-spherical bendable joint pipe. The shower apparatus allows a jet direction of shower water to be changed widely three-dimensionally compared with a conventional shower apparatus, and thus the present invention provides a user-friendly shower apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic faucet using a radio wave sensor, which is capable of preventing erroneous stop of water spouting, with a simple configuration. The automatic faucet (1) has a radio wave propagation space, a radio wave emitting port (27), and directivity setting device. The directivity setting device is configured to direct a radio wave being emitted from the radio wave emitting port (27), in such a manner that, during a water stopping state, the emitted radio wave lies along a spouting direction (A) along which washing water is to be spouted from a spout port (26), and, during a water spouting state, a part of the radio wave emitted disposed offset in a direction C, with respect to the spout port (26) interferes with a region of a peripheral surface of a stream (W) facing in the direction C.

Abstract: A segmented drain system comprises a drain body, operable to mate with a drain fitting installed in a bath or shower area, and a bonding flange body, adjustable relative to the drain body. An integrated bonding flange extends from the bonding flange body, the integrated bonding flange being operable to be sealably attached to a bondable waterproof membrane to provide a substantially water-tight seal between the membrane and the bonding flange body. A seal is oriented between the integrated bonding flange body and the drain body, the seal being operable to provide a slidable, substantially water-tight interface between the integrated bonding flange body and the drain body.

Abstract: A lift strap device and method of use for a human patient. The device and method are configured for single-use applications with disposable materials. The device comprises: a main support member consisting of a Velcro® (or the like) compatible fabric and adapted for positioning above a person's knee or below the person's knee; one or more Velcro® (or the like) surfaces secured to the bottom of the main support member; nylon webbing (or the like) secured to the bottom of the main support member; and one or more eye member(s) secured to the top of the main support member and the nylon webbing (or the like), wherein the eye member(s) has a plurality of eyelets enabling device attachment at a plurality of patient leg lift settings.

Abstract: A playyard includes a collapsible frame having a rail support adapted to support a playyard floor and a playyard top rail. The playyard top rail includes a left rail segment and a right rail segment. The left rail segment and the right rail segment move relative to one another from an inline use position to a folded-storage position when the playyard is collapsed for storage or transportation.

Abstract: Bed-ridden patients may need to be removed from their beds several times a day, for changing of soiled linens, or showering. This may create an exceptional burden on cardiac, paralyzed, traumatized, post-operative, burned or obese patients. It also takes a toll on medical staff and caretakers. Close monitoring of fluid balance in such patients and those suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, incontinence, or bodily discharges, is often required, but currently such fluid losses cannot be measured. Handling of contaminated sheets can spread life threatening infections, and replacement of stained sheets is costly. The Bib sheet Poop sheet System addresses these problems and the problem of pressure sores. The Bib sheet, Poop sheet and Poop mattress may be made of impervious fabric to protect the patient's clothing, underlying sheets and mattress. A porous mat and marginal rim conduct fluids down to tubes draining into measuring buckets at the foot of the bed.

Abstract: A medical bed includes a bed body, a headboard, a footboard and a bed top. The bed body has a head set and a foot set. The headboard and the footboard are attached to the head set and the foot set, respectively. The headboard and the footboard each have two ground-mounted supporting posts, a transverse bar connected between middle portions of the two supporting posts and a headboard body or a footboard body detachably mounted on the supporting posts. The headboard body and footboard body are each a plastic unity. The bed top is installed over the head set and the foot set and has an outer frame and a plurality of parallel flat planks. The medical bed can have its components compactly arranged and received in a single carton. The medical bed is structurally simple and requires reduced packing material and storage space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing decubitus ulcerations including a frame having a pair of frame supports spaced from each other. A mattress is supported on the frame between the frame supports. A pliable support material extends between the supports. The material is adapted to support an individual thereon in a generally recumbent position. A lift mechanism is disposed on the frame and operably connected to the support material. The lift mechanism adjusts the tension of the material so that the support has a first position resting on the mattress and a second position wherein the support is raised above the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and seat, thigh, and head sections coupled to the frame. A linkage is coupled to the head, seat, and thigh sections. The linkage has a first mode of operation in which the seat and thigh sections remain substantially parallel to each other as the head section is raised and lowered and the linkage has a second mode of operation in which the thigh section tilts relative to the seat section as the head section is raised and lowered. A handle is movable relative to the head section between a first position in which the linkage is in the first mode of operation and a second position in which the linkage is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: An endboard for a person-support apparatus comprises an endboard assembly including a first endboard body rotatably coupled to a frame and a second endboard body rotatably coupled to the first endboard body by a locking mechanism. The second endboard body is configured to be movable between a storage position and a deployed position with respect to the first endboard body. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively maintain the second endboard body in at least one of the storage position and the deployed position with respect to the first endboard body. The second endboard body is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress to/from the frame when the second endboard body is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A pelvic examination wedge made of medical grade foam with a medical grade vinyl cover. The pelvic exam wedge includes a sloping top surface portion that slopes backwards from a front vertical face along sloping edge walls toward a bottom portion. The bottom portion lies flat on a surface, such as an examination table or gurney. The front vertical face connects the bottom portion and the sloped top portion. A semi-circular cut-out extends from the front vertical face parallel to the sloping edge walls to form a cavity in the pelvic exam wedge that is sufficiently deep and wide to allow the unencumbered use of instruments during examination of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control wait configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool includes a handle with a plurality of tool arms connected with the handle. In one embodiment, one tool arm includes a muddler/reamer that includes an end portion that is rounded with a fluted outer periphery and that tapers in transverse cross-sectional dimension in a direction toward a distal end. In another embodiment, one tool arm includes at least one jigger including a cup configured to receive and retain a volume of liquid. In still another embodiment, the muddler/reamer is pivotally connected with the handle so as to extend between two jiggers when in a storage position and to be pivotally moved away from the two jiggers and from the space in relation to the handle when deployed in an operational position.

Abstract: A tool configured to engage a work piece includes an elongated body portion and a generally U-shaped hook extending from a first end of the body portion. The generally U-shaped hook may have first and second leg portions and a bight portion connected between the leg portions. The tool is devoid of structure above the bight portion of the generally U-shaped hook, thus enabling a work piece to be received within the generally U-shaped configuration. The first leg portion includes a scraper edge terminating the generally U-shaped hook. The generally U-shaped hook also includes a pivot configured to translate a pulling of the body portion into a prying action against the work piece by the first leg portion.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance may include a door supporting a wash aid dispenser. The door may be mounted for movement relative to a treating chamber and include a projection extending from a lower portion of the door on a side of the door facing the treating chamber. A wash aid receptacle for holding wash aid chemistry may be provided on the projection for dispensing of the wash aid chemistry into the treating chamber.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance to control a rotational speed of a drum to move the laundry within the drum according to a predetermined category of movement.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a foreign object trap located in a portion of a wash basket defines a foreign object passageway for retaining foreign objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a tub, a rotatable drum within the tub, and a rotatable drive shaft supported in a bearing assembly and mounted to the drum, with the bending moment acting on the bearing assembly being determined and used as an input to control the operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance has a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation and operated such that the extraction of liquid from the laundry load is controlled based on the inertia of the laundry load so that the total energy usage by the laundry treating appliance and a laundry drying appliance with which it is operably coupled may be minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an inertia of a laundry load for a laundry treating appliance during an acceleration phase.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance may have a rotatable drum defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load, a motor rotatably driving the drum, and a controller controlling the operation of the motor. The laundry treating appliance may be operated by accelerating the drum with the motor toward a final speed greater than a satellizing speed, determining a mass value indicative of the mass of the rotating drum and contents within the treating chamber during the accelerating, determining a current rotational speed during the acceleration, calculating a force value indicative of a force acting on the drum based on the determined mass value and the current rotational speed, comparing the force value to a reference force value, and repeating the determining, calculating, and comparing during the acceleration, and ceasing the accelerating when the force value obtains a predetermined relationship with the reference force value.

Abstract: Methods for providing, at the discretion of the user, at least two different oxidative hair coloring compositions providing different level of lift based on a single tint component. The methods involve the use of a tint component, an oxidizing component and a third component comprising a non-ammonia alkalizing agent. The compositions may comprise little or no ammonia.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a shoe, comprising the steps of providing an upper assembly with an upper portion comprising an outer material and with a bottom portion; providing a ventilating sole element (161) having a structure or material allowing for air flow through it; placing the ventilating sole element in a mould (220), said mould having pins (221) projecting in a lateral direction; positioning the ventilating sole element and the upper assembly such that an upper part of the ventilating sole element contacts the bottom portion of the upper assembly; closing the mould such that the pins contact a side wall of the ventilating sole element, and injection moulding so as to form a surrounding sole element (195) being fixed to the upper assembly and to the ventilating sole element, said surrounding sole element comprising lateral passages (50) from the outside of the surrounding sole element to the side wall of the ventilating sole element formed by the pins; and after injection moul

Abstract: Provided are partially and fully earth-anchored cable-stayed bridges, each of which uses a prestressing unit including anchor units and a prestressing member from deck segments installed at its main span such that the prestressing unit serves as a conventional windproof cable and can simultaneously introduce a tensile stress. Thereby, a magnitude of the maximum compressive stress acting on a cross section of each main-span deck segment is reduced, so that it is possible to reduce a cross-sectional area of each main-span deck segment and thus to ensure economical construction. All or part of the compressive stress generated at the main span can be offset by the tensile stress caused by the prestressing member.