Abstract: A protective member such as a helmet includes an outer layer and an inner layer interconnected by multiple connectors, such as extension springs, under tension along their longitudinal axis. The connectors absorb energy from an impact force by resisting further tension along their longitudinal axis and allow the outer layer and inner layer to move relative to each other. In the helmet application, the head of a user experiences less impact force, reduced change in momentum or position of the head and neck, reduced head and neck loads and reduced amounts of linear and rotational acceleration. The protective member can be used in numerous applications and environments, including for participants in sports, in applications including bumpers, passenger cabins, car seats and beds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a form-fitting glove and catching device that provides sports fans with a ready means to catch a ball entering the spectator seating area while not reducing the wearer's ability to handle items will the glove is worn. The device comprises a glove having a body region covering the palm region and backside region of the wearer's hand, a thumb portion, a forefinger portion and a plurality of shortened finger portions. Spanning between the thumb and forefinger portions is a mitt web material for accepting a baseball or similar sports ball therein. The palm region includes a layer of protective padding, while the base of the body region comprises an opening having a strap securement means. The mitt web is a woven or netted material being secured along its periphery to the exterior portion of the thumb portion and forefinger, or alternatively to the thumb portion and middle finger.

Abstract: A leg guard assembly comprises an elongated pad extending along the outside of the leg guard assembly, a shin guard sleeve positioned on the front of the leg guard assembly and connected to the elongated pad, an inner ankle pad positioned opposite the elongated pad on the inside of the leg guard assembly, and an elastic positioned at the lowermost portion of the leg guard assembly, the elastic forming a loop that is adapted to secure a foot between the sole and the instep.

Abstract: A garment having compartments for holding objects. Some compartments are operable to permit waste to pass out of the compartments. Others are attached to the garment on the thigh or other location to permit access where a standard hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt. Others have apertures in addition to the normal hip pocket opening which may permit access to the pocket where the opening to the hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt. The garment may be used by a worker, such as a carpenter, with knee pads in compartments in a knee area of the garment, the compartments having apertures operable to permit sawdust and other waste to empty from the compartment. Additionally, a thigh pocket may have a cover preventing waste from entering the pocket, and can provide storage where a hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt or rendered inaccessible by kneeling.

Abstract: A zipper closure includes a first coil fixed to a first panel of an article and a second coil fixed to a second panel of the article, the second coil engagably securable to the first coil. A slide selectively engages and disengages the first coil and the second coil when a pull connected thereto is moved. A flap is fixed to the one of the panels and is releasably fixed to the other panel. A positioned on an underside of the panel is sized to receive the pull when the slider is in a first position. This holds the slider in place against forces acting on the zipper or article itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infant hand covering having an enclosed distal end for accepting a child's hand and fingers, along with an elongated forearm portion extending from the mitten distal end along the child's arm before terminating at a closure means that secures the open end of the forearm portion against the child's forearm or upper arm. The enclosed mitten portion provides a barrier that protects the infant from scratching or poking itself, while the elongated forearm portion provides a means to secure the mitten to the infant's hand without becoming easily dislodged with movement. The closure means places a small amount of compression on the infant's arm to secure the forearm termination in place, while its elongated structure allows freedom of motion without ready movement of its terminal end.

Abstract: A headpiece for use under helmets combines absorbent and wicking technical fabrics to prevent sweat from running into the user's eyes. The headpiece is specifically intended for use inside ventilated helmets, especially cycling helmets, but also climbing helmets, skating helmets, and even hard hats. The headpiece has a forehead-covering browpiece that incorporates an absorbent, soft wicking layer next to the forehead of the wearer, an absorbent layer of hydrophilic felt, and and outer skullcap “drape” of wicking fabric. The headpiece is worn on the user's head with the browpiece against the forehead. The inner layer and the middle layer go from approximately temple-to-temple across the user's forehead and the third layer extends over the top of the wearer's head. The outer “drape” wicks moisture from the absorbent hydrophilic layer so it evaporates and cools under the vented helmet top.

Abstract: A head wrap is provided comprising of a main body shell configured to fit on the head of a wearer including a tail; at least one liner insert is sewn to the inside of the main body shell. A headband configured to fit around the head of the wearer and sewn to the outside of the main body shell. A nylon zippered compartment incorporated on either side of headband. A fabric cased elastic band; and left and right stylish ties to be sewn to the bottom end of the headband; comprising of left and right eyewear holders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a variety of stylish sleeves for wear with sleeveless outfits. A bust band circles the rib cage and the back with either front or back closure. A pair of shoulder straps are attached to the bust band. Stylish lace, sheer or other sleeves are sewed or otherwise attached to the shoulder straps and/or bust band. The band generally runs around the front chest just under the bra and around the back at the approximate vertical location of the rear part of the bra. The sleeves are typically sewed onto the shoulder straps and/or bust band; however, it is within the scope of the present invention to use removable sleeves with various fastening techniques. In the preferred embodiment, small silicone strips are attached to the interior of the shoulder straps that allow the sleeves to adhere to the shoulder and not slip down.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resiliently flexible article and method for receiving and coupling two straps, etc., of a clothing item while providing support and comfort for the person wearing the clothing item. The article has generally planar dimensions with a thickness between top and bottom surfaces of the article and has only two holes for receiving the two straps, etc. The article when viewed at its top or bottom surface has an oblong shape with a major axis and a minor axis. The length of the article in the major axis direction is greater than its width in the minor axis direction. The two straps, etc., of the clothing item may be received through the two holes from the bottom side of the article and coupled together above the top surface of the article to rest on the top surface of the article between the two holes.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflective material, adapted for the efficient retro-reflection of radiation emitted by radar, the material comprising a multiplicity of reflective entities which are typically embedded in a substrate, the multiplicity of reflective entities being comprised in at least one reflective surface or electrically conducting surface, and the at least one reflective surface or electrically conducting surface comprising an electrically conductive coating, a high permittivity material, a foil, a film or a fabric formed from electrically conducting fibres or filaments. The reflective entities may comprise discrete shaped entities, most preferably di- or tri-hedral shaped entities, which are preferably embedded in a high permittivity medium. More preferably, the reflective entities are comprised in the machined surface of a reflecting substance comprising a polymeric sheet material which is machined to provide an irregular patterned surface.

Abstract: A helmet, which includes an injection molded shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the injection molded shell including a first main body portion and a second main body portion, wherein the first and second main body portions are formed of a first material; and a first molded hinge portion formed intermediate the first and second main body portions, the molded hinge portion adapted to allow the first main body portion and the second main body portion to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A goggle is disclosed that includes a frame having an opening with a top, a bottom, and opposite sides. A lens may be selectively removable from the opening even when the goggle is worn by an individual. To enable the removal of the lens, the lens may form a magnetic latch with at least one of the top, bottom, or opposite sides of the opening during insertion and removal. The frame may also include an overhang constructed and adapted to promote a pivoting movement of the magnetic latch and positioned over the magnetic latch.

Abstract: A protective clothing with ventilation effect is revealed. The protective clothing includes an airproof protection portion and a plurality of ventilation portions. A periphery of each ventilation portion is connected to the airproof protection portion. Each ventilation portion includes a filter material. Heat and moisture inside the protective clothing can be removed by air flowing in and out through the ventilation portions while wearing the protective clothing. Thus uncomfortable feeling is reduced and working efficiency is improved. As to the filter material of the ventilation portion, it is used to filter while air flowing. Thus the protective clothing still provides users high-level protection beside the ventilation effect.

Abstract: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another.

Abstract: Protective apparel for use in martial arts or fitness training exercises involving contact between two participants, such as pad work or spar training, comprises a strike surface (11) carried on an inflatable bladder (12), and securing means (21-23) to enable the apparel (10, 40) to be worn by a user (30) during spar training. During use, the inflatable bladder (12) is inflated to a sufficient pressure to withstand strikes from a sparring partner. The protective apparel may take the form of a torso protector (10) or thigh protector (40), or other variants. These may be worn by the user (30) either alone or in combination to increase the area of the strike surface (11), and thus also increase the area of the user's body (30) which is protected.

Abstract: A load-carrying device including a rear panel supporting a load and two carrying mechanisms, the ends of each carrying mechanism being connected to the rear panel. The carrying mechanisms include a second extensible zone located in the area of the front portion of the torso of the wearer, the second extensible zone having anisotropic extensibility properties, such that the transverse tensile force required to obtain a 25% elongation of a panel forming the second extensible zone is less than the longitudinal tensile force required to obtain a 25% elongation of such panel.

Abstract: A device for protecting the cervical vertebrae, in sports motorcycle racing and car racing, includes elements suitable for opposing inertia forces due to strong accelerations whereto the individual is subject, prevents harmful stresses to the bony structure, in the normal performance of the races, and minimizes them in the event of an accident. The device includes a support structure, made substantially integral to the pilot's trunk, a helmet, and elements suitable for connecting the helmet to the support so as to restrict the mobility of the helmet with respect to the support, which include a ring element, or collar suitable for quickly connecting the helmet to the support structure, and obtaining a swivel coupling therewith, the reciprocal rotation between the helmet and the support taking place according to an axis that, in the zone of the cervical vertebrae, substantially coincides with the physiological axis of rotation of the cervical vertebrae.

Abstract: A stopper assembly for a drain system of a fluid basin is provided. The stopper head assembly includes a stopper head having a seal to sealingly engage the drain system of the fluid basin when the stopper assembly is moved from a drain position to a plug position and a strainer to strain fluid passing through the drain system when the stopper head is in a drain position. The stopper head assembly further includes a stopper body operably coupleable to a control element to move the assembly between the drain position and the plug position. The stopper body may be detachably coupled to the stopper head and/or the strainer to enable selective removal of the stopper head and the strainer from the stopper body when the stopper body is installed for use and coupled to the control element. Related methods, systems and components are also provided.

Abstract: Shapable protective covers for vertical drains and other holes to prevent spills and other liquids from flowing therein are disclosed. The shapable protective covers include a backing layer with a malleable shapable core and a pliable, tacky sealing layer. The pliable, tacky sealing layer may be secured to the other layers by a bonding layer adhered to or partially embedded in at least one of the layers. The shapable protective covers may be positioned over a vertical drain such that an exposed surface of a pliable, tacky sealing layer contacts a portion of the surface surrounding the vertical drain, thereby preventing liquids from passing through the drain.

Abstract: A method for providing treatment to a sink is disclosed. The method includes providing a device that includes a dome that includes one or more treatment materials, and a support member extending in a generally radial direction from the dome. The method further includes placing the device into a sink basin such that the support member engages the basin and the dome is generally aligned with a drain opening of the sink.

Abstract: A macerating apparatus for a toilet in which the problem of jamming the macerator at startup is solved by rapidly detecting the flushing of the toilet and accelerating the macerator before motion-jamming solid objects in the effluent from the toilet can reach the macerator. The macerating apparatus may be comprised of a macerating cutter operatively connected to a motor, and a sensor in communication with the motor. The sensor may detect the flow of effluent from the toilet toward the macerator, the flow of makeup water from the supply tank into the toilet, or the mechanical action of the mechanism used to flush the toilet. The apparatus may include an intake basket having an asymmetric inlet tube and containing the macerating cutter, wherein the asymmetry of the inlet tube provides additional operating clearance between a cutting blade of the macerating cutter and the intake basket.

Abstract: Disclosed are a self-closing water saving device, method, and toilet. The self-closing water saving device for mounting in a tank of a toilet bowl is used for supplying water to the tank, and is characterized by comprising: a water inlet adapted to be connected to an external water source, a water outlet adapted to provide water to the tank, and a jet-propelling port for jetting water to the bottom of a water trap of the toilet bowl or the bottom of a sewer; wherein, when the tank discharges water to the water trap, the water jetted from the jet-propelling port is used to propel the water which is discharged from the tank and flows into the water trap, the bottom of the water trap, or the bottom of the sewer.

Abstract: When a bowl 20d discharges waste with flush water after temporarily receiving the waste, before the waste is transported from at least the discharge trap conduit 40 by the flush water supplied from a flush water supply hole 30d as flush water supply means, the flush toilet device CSd drives a siphon pump 505d and then drives a return pump 506d before the supply of the flush water has been completed.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a sanitary washing apparatus, characterized by: a nozzle being configured to wash a body of a user by squirting water from a water discharge port; a flow channel configured to guide water supplied from a water supply source toward the water discharge port; an electrolytic cell provided at an intermediate portion of the flow channel, the electrolytic cell being capable of producing sterilizing water; and a nozzle wash unit configured to wash or sterilize the nozzle with the sterilizing water produced by the electrolytic cell, a contraction portion being formed downstream from the electrolytic cell, a flow channel cross-sectional area being smaller at the contraction portion than upstream from the electrolytic cell, a strainer being disposed in the flow channel further downstream from the contraction portion. Clogging of the flow channel due to scale can be suppressed.

Abstract: A medical article comprising pigment free plastic is disclosed. The plastic medical utensil comprises a pigment free plastic composition, wherein the plastic article has at least a translucent side wall.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a pool jet fitting can include a housing and a redirector coupled to the housing. The housing can include a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body along a first direction. The bore is configured to receive a water flow. The redirector is disposed within the bore of the housing. The redirector can define an opening through which the water flow moves. The redirector can include an actuator that is configured to automatically move the opening from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by a heater. The water flow through the opening has a first trajectory when the opening is in the first configuration and a second trajectory when the opening is in the second configuration. The second trajectory is different than the first trajectory relative to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional spa device. It is mainly that an inlet of a pump controlled by a circuit is additionally connected to a vent pipe, an outlet of the pump is connected to a jet, and the pump sucks a water flow through an intake pipe while air is simultaneously sucked through the vent pipe to be mixed with the water flow in the pump. An outlet disk is configured in the jet, and pores are distributed on an outer circumference of the outlet disk. With the jet inside-out to transmit the air-mixing water flow, the air-mixing water flow is further compressed and released through the pores, thus to output water flows or the water columns carried with ultramicro bubbles.

Abstract: A sink cabinet system that includes a water collection tray disposed over a sink cabinet's floor that collects water from m joints, hoses and fixtures located above and inside the cabinet. In one embodiment, a single large collection tray is used that includes a full extending bottom panel, two raised sidewalls, a rear wall, and a front wall. Formed on each sidewall is a lateral extending flange that either abuts against the inside surface of the side panels or extends into an optional horizontal slots formed on the cabinet's side and rear panels. Mounted over the rear wall is a detachable drip shield with a diagonally aligned top flange. Also, formed on the floor of the tray is a elevated platform upon which an electric moisture detector may be placed. In a second embodiment, the large single tray is replaced by two half trays connected together by a detachable drip plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning and monitoring a portable toilet are provided. The system's components include a chemical detector, a concentration sensor, a cleaning device, a container, a rotatable spray nozzle, a locator, an automated door locking device, a processor, and memory. The memory causes the processor to execute a method which involves detecting and sensing urine and feces concentration levels, and cleaning the areas of highest concentration with chemical neutralizers dispersed by the spray nozzle. Data regarding the sanitary condition and GPS location of the toilet may be sent to servers for remote human monitoring. The door locking device may be triggered if the toilet is found to have harmful levels of chemicals associated with urine and fecal matter.

Abstract: An easy-access over-the-bed bassinet especially useful in hospitals for new mothers that has a barrier to prevent the infant from rolling off a sleeping platform, wherein one wall may be lowered to permit a mother to reach in and cradle the infant. The convertible wall has a restoring mechanism to move it back to its original barrier position upon removal of the weight of the mother's arms. The convertible wall may translate vertically into a frame, or pivot about a bottom edge, or pivot or roll underneath the sleeping platform. The bassinet may include a strap that maintains contact of the mother against the bassinet while breast feeding the baby in the bassinet. The entire sleeping platform may tilt about a horizontal axis, and may rotate about a vertical axis for ease of positioning relative to the mother. The bassinets are mounted on sturdy frames that permit over-the-bed positioning.

Abstract: A mechanism for securing a mattress on an automated bed is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to a mattress-retention mechanism for preventing a mattress from moving towards the foot end of a bed during articulation. The mattress-retention mechanism includes a mattress-support structure adapted to support a corner of a mattress, with a portion of the mattress-support structure having a curved interior surface. The mattress-support mechanism also includes a foundation attachment surface for removably attaching the mattress-retention mechanism to the top of a mattress foundation, where the foundation attachment surface is perpendicular to the curved interior surface. The mechanism may include a bedding aperture on the side of the mattress-support structure to accommodate bedding inserted through the bedding aperture. Further, the mechanism may include a side attachment surface for removably attaching the mattress-retention mechanism to a vertical side of the mattress foundation.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a bed clip system includes a female clip having an inlet, a male clip having a plug that is configured to be removably coupled to the inlet, and a strap coupled to at least one of the female clip and male clip.

Abstract: A bed for nursing care comprises a mat unit including a hip receiving portion for supporting a hip portion of a care-dependent person, an upper half body receiving portion for supporting an upper half body portion that is upper than the hip portion, and a lower half body portion for supporting a lower half body portion that is lower than the hip portion; a bed frame unit for supporting the mat unit; and a toilet unit moveable to an opening portion formed when the hip receiving portion is stored in a lower portion. The lower half body portion comprises a thigh receiving portion that supports thigh portions of the care-dependent person, wherein the thigh portion is lifted with rising of the thigh receiving portions.

Abstract: A retrofit footboard apparatus (100) for a bed comprises a footboard (108) for housing a media device (114) therein. The apparatus also comprises a retrofit engagement arrangement (200) coupled to the footboard (108) for maintaining location of the footboard (108) at a foot of a base of a bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber that receives a laundry load for treatment according to a cycle of operation. The method includes determining the size of the laundry load in the treating chamber; supplying a predetermined amount of liquid to the treating chamber based on the determined load size; applying mechanical energy to the laundry treating chamber by driving a clothes mover with an electric motor; determining a difference between an in-rush current to the electric motor and a steady-state current of the electric motor during the applying of the mechanical energy; and determining a laundry load type of the laundry load based on the determined difference.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a vertical axis washing machine appliance with features for applying steam to articles disposed therein. The washing machine appliance can be configured for filling a sump of the appliance with fluid and activating a pump in order to drain the sump of fluid. After the pump is activated, the washing machine appliance can be configured for submerging a heater in the appliance's sump with fluid and also starting the heater in order to heat the fluid in the sump and generate steam. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a head hair dyeing method using a two-part hair dye composition which contains a first part containing an alkali agent, a second part containing hydrogen peroxide and a non-aerosol type foamer container for discharging a mixture solution of the first part and the second part as foam, the composition containing a surfactant in at least one of the first part and the second part, the method including discharging the mixture solution as foam, applying the foam to the head hair, and then re-foamed on the head hair.

Abstract: A lift assist for a loading ramp includes two biasing mechanisms that cooperate to bias the loading ramp from a stored position under a truck to a working position that engages the truck bed. One biasing mechanism is a mechanical bias, such as a coiled spring. The other biasing mechanism is a hydraulic bias, such as a gas spring.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatably connected to the frame. The hub portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The hub portion includes a plurality of media elements secured thereto and arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction along the axis of rotation. The hub portion includes at least one translucent portion disposed on its outer surface. The translucent portion is disposed between a pair of adjacent rows of the plurality of spaced apart rows. The hub portion includes at least one illumination element for illuminating the at least one translucent portion such that said illuminated translucent portion is configured to be seen while the said hub portion rotates.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an inner surface of a slot includes a first block segment that has an outer perimeter that conforms to and fits inside the inner surface of the slot. A first cleaning pad is connected to the first block segment and extends beyond at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the first block segment.

Abstract: A shoe sole cleaning device includes a housing for storing a plurality of sanitation wipes therein. The cleaning apparatus includes a separation platform for supporting a scrubbing member thereon and a plurality of displacement pins coupled to the platform. The pins are positioned and configured to force a portion of a sanitation wipe into a corresponding retention member coupled with a scrubbing pad of a hand-held scrubbing member. There is also provided a lid that atmospherically seals the cleaning system to prevent evaporation and drying of the plurality of sanitation wipes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cross-contamination prevention wipe, comprising a cleaning layer having fibers which collect and trap contaminants and a barrier layer which prevents transmission of the contaminants from the cleaning layer and through the barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer is directly bonded to the cleaning layer.

Abstract: A system for brushing and cleaning includes an elongate handle forming a void for containing contents, a bristle structure longitudinally connected to the elongate handle, a cap connected to the elongate handle for enclosing the void of the elongate handle, and a dispenser connected to the cap for selectively channeling between the void and external to the elongate handle. The bristle structure includes bristles for brushing or combing. The handle contains contents, such as cleanser or shampoo. The dispenser selectively dispenses the contents. The handle is refillable with contents when emptied.

Abstract: To provide a toothbrush that can easily and surely brush, particularly, lateral sides of molars and premolars and rear surfaces of incisors. A toothbrush comprising a rod-like block handle and a bristle section having a bristle tuft unit composed with a plurality of bristle tufts and extended to the end part of the block handle, wherein the bristle tuft unit is equipped with a head-end bristle tuft unit disposed in the head end section and a level difference unit provided on the block handle side rather than on the head-end bristle tuft unit, having still shorter bristle tufts and at the same time, formed throughout a plane range larger than the head-end bristle tuft unit.

Abstract: A head for an oral hygiene device is disclosed. The head includes a carrier; and at least one elastic cleaning element attached to the carrier. The carrier is structured such that it provides the cleaning element with a first bending property in a first direction and a second bending property in a second direction. The first bending property and the second bending property are different from each other; and the first direction and the second direction are different from each other.

Abstract: An optical connector cleaner comprising a supply reel, a take-up reel, a case, an operation lever, a take-up mechanism, and a holding member. The supply reel stores a cleaning cloth member having one end side wounded thereon. The take-up reel takes up the other end side of the cleaning cloth member. The case has a connector connection portion on which the cleaning cloth member is exposed. The operation lever that has an operation portion projecting from the case and is swingably supported. The take-up mechanism rotates the take-up reel in a take-up direction by a predetermined angle when the operation lever swings. The holding member holds an optical connector on the connector connection portion in a state in which a coupling face of the optical connector is pressed against the cleaning cloth member exposed to the connector connection portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, a particle cleaning module is provided that includes a substrate holder and a pad holder disposed in a housing, and an actuator operable to move the pad holder relative to the substrate holder. The substrate holder is configured to retain and rotate a substrate in a substantially vertical orientation. The pad holder has a pad retaining surface that faces the substrate holder in a parallel and spaced apart relation. The pad holder is rotatable on an axis parallel to an axis on which the substrate holder rotates. The actuator is operable to move the pad holder relative to the substrate holder as to change a distance defined between the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: A seal cleaning device for seals located at the interface of the inner and outer tubes of a telescopically acting suspension or like unit; said device characterized in comprising a collar and at least one flexible cleaning projection; said cleaning projection adapted for insertion between a said seal and an outer surface of a said inner tube; said cleaning device adapted to removal of detritus from between a said seal and said inner tube.

Abstract: A sachet defining a volume. The sachet has a sheet of material fastened to itself and/or another sheet of material and contains a sufficient quantity of absorbent material such that when the sachet is exposed to liquid a swelled volume of the absorbent material exceeds the volume of the sachet, and wherein the fastening means weakens on exposure to liquid. The sheet material may be paper. The absorbent material may be a super absorbent polymer. The super absorbent material may be sodium polyacrylate.