Abstract: A wetsuit for aquatic activities may include a wetsuit material having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The wetsuit may also include a chest pad located on the first surface in an anterior portion of the wetsuit corresponding with a portion of the wetsuit associated with the chest region of a wearer of the wetsuit. The chest pad may include a left-angled superior surface and a right-angled superior surface that intersect at a prow disposed at a superior portion of the chest pad, each of the left-angled superior surface and the right-angled superior surface being configured to route water from the chest region in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A garment protection device for infant care used in locations with limited infant care facilities. The device having a first and second portion. Either portions having a top, bottom and side edges. The portions connected together at one or more edges at two or more connection points; the bottom edge and one or more side edges having no connections or obstructions. The length of the device is at a minimum the length of an average adult user's body from shoulder down to the waist line. The width approximately an average adult user's shoulder width. Both portions having an external absorbent side and water resistant internal side. It may be donned or removed in one movement with one hand, with minimum movement, and accommodates both left and right handed individuals. It shields the user's front and back sides, provides private coverage for nursing mothers and may be disposable.

Abstract: An upper body apparel with concealed pouches includes an upper body garment, an opening, and a concealed section. The concealed section is positioned within the upper body garment, and the opening, which is positioned with a front pouch of the upper body garment, allows a wearer of the upper body garment to access the concealed section. The concealed section includes at least one accessory pouch and a holster pocket. The at least one accessory pouch enables the wearer to store electronic device or any other related devices, and the holster pocket enables the wearer to concealed a gun or any other type of weapon. A loop and a securing strip secure the concealed section to a belt of the wearer's pants, where the securing strip and the loop eliminate unnecessary movement of the stored items and the upper body garment.

Abstract: A multi-component coverall includes a jacket portion. The jacket portion includes an upper shell portion, a circumferential skirt portion coupled to the upper shell portion, and a circumferential draft guard positioned within the circumferential skirt portion. A pant portion is releasably couplable to the circumferential draft guard.

Abstract: A defensive or offensive weapon in the form of a mitten. The mantle of the mitten is either rigid or somewhat pliant. The interior of the mitten has located therein a cross bar to be grasped by a user to maintain the mitten on the arm of a user. The outer surface of the glove weapon has located thereon a plurality of outwardly directed spikes having pointed ends. The other end of the spikes has a screw threaded end which is screwed through the mantle of the mitten. The outer surface of the glove weapon has a plurality of dimples thereon, whereby each of the dimples has the screw end of the spike passing there through resulting in stabilizing each of the spikes in an outward direction.

Abstract: A glove construction and/or kit may be used to outfit an electronic device so that the user thereof may more easily carry or transport the device. The glove construction comprises a flexible, load-bearing, strap-like material member having a glove length and a glove width. A series of finger-receiving sleeves extend widthwise intermediate the glove length. The ends of the material member are outfitted with a first set of fasteners matable with a second set of fasteners outfitted upon the electronic device. The first and second sets of fasteners are matable and together form a fastener interface for removably attaching the glove construction to the electronic device. The glove construction and the fastener interface are supportable of the device weight, and thus enable the user to manually carry the electronic device via the glove construction by inserting a series of fingers into the finger-receiving sleeves and lifting the combination therewith.

Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove, actuator assembly, and controller. The glove includes a digit, i.e., a finger or thumb, and a force sensor. The sensor measures a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove. Phalange rings are positioned with respect to the digit. A flexible tendon is connected at one end to one of the rings and is routed through the remaining rings. An exoskeleton positioned with respect to the digit includes hinged interconnecting members each connected to a corresponding ring, and/or a single piece of slotted material. The actuator assembly is connected to another end of the tendon. The controller calculates a tensile force in response to the measured grasping force, and commands the tensile force from the actuator assembly to thereby pull on the tendon. The exoskeleton offloads some of the tensile force from the operator's finger to the glove.

Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove and a flexible sleeve. The glove includes a digit such as a finger or thumb, a force sensor configured to measure a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove, and adjustable phalange rings positioned with respect to the digit. A saddle is positioned with respect to the finger. A flexible tendon is looped at one end around the saddle. A conduit contains the tendon. A conduit anchor secured within a palm of the glove receives the conduit. The sleeve has pockets containing an actuator assembly connected to another end of the tendon and a controller. The controller is in communication with the force sensor, and calculates a tensile force in response to the measured grasping force. The controller commands the tensile force from the actuator assembly to tension the tendon and thereby move the finger.

Abstract: A message-conveying athletic glove with enhanced gripping is provided. The glove comprises a palm-side portion and a back portion connected to form four finger sheaths, a thumb sheath, and an opening capable of receiving a human hand. A first image portion of a complete image is located on one or more of the palm-side portion or the back portion of the glove. When the glove is worn by the user and interlocks with a second glove having a second image portion of the complete image displayed, the complete image is displayed by the interlocked gloves, conveying a message. The palm-side portion of the glove is made of a material to enhance gripping.

Abstract: The glove of the present invention includes: a glove body made from fibers; a first coating layer being applied at least on a palm side region of the external surface of the glove body, and containing a plurality of pores; and a second coating layer being laminated at least on a part of the external surface of the first coating layer, and being constituted with a plurality of particles and a binder thereof. The second coating layer has particle-clustering regions that are scattering. In the glove, the pores preferably include interconnected cells. Also, in the glove, regions other than the particle-clustering regions of the second coating layer preferably have moisture permeability, and a percentage of the total area of the particle-clustering region with respect to the area of the second coating layer is preferably no less than 20% and no greater than 90%.

Abstract: A reversible hand or bag pocket and method of making the same are provided. The reversible pocket can be incorporated into reversible garments, for example, reversible jeans. The pocket is fully functional regardless of in which configuration the jeans are worn. The pocket also appears finished, aesthetically pleasing, and substantially the same in both configurations. A reversible fly and reversible hem and methods of making the same are also provided. The reversible fly and/or hem can be incorporated into reversible garments, for example, reversible jeans.

Abstract: The collapsible pocket includes five parts consisting of: one part static or rigid material such as canvas, one part pliable material easily folded, one part dynamic or elastic material such as elastic mesh, one part elastic cord, secured at the top of static material via stitching and also joined by stitching to top of elastic mesh, and one part closure system. The invention is a unique collapsible pocket able to be folded away when not in use. The invention can be applied to any type of carry bag and article of clothing.

Abstract: An undergarment for a man includes a waistband and a downwardly extending brief-shaped pants portion. The front section of the pants portion has a genital opening defined therethru, the opening being positioned such that when the waistband is disposed on the waist of a man, the genitals may be positioned through the opening and the front section defines a partition between the genitals and the groin of the man. An outer panel is detachably connected to the front section of the pants portion. The outer panel has an attached configuration wherein the panel covers the genital opening such that the genitals positioned through the opening are covered by the outer panel.

Abstract: A technique for alerting a user of approaching moving objects from the side or rear includes a rear looking radar with audio alerts to the user. Feasibility of the Rear Looking Snow Helmet is shown using the skiing and snowboarding applications where variable frequency (distance related) audio alerts are provided to left and right earphones depending on the location of the approaching skier/snowboarder. The electronics driving the system are mounted in the skier's/snowboarder's helmet while two antenna elements are mounted on the rear of the helmet. A large ON/OFF switch is mounted on the helmet for easy access. We show feasibility of the concept using performance analysis and by proposing an implementation architecture for the skiing and snowboarding applications. We claim the system will meet an acceptable level of performance when parameters are varied and traded off and that the system is technology independent.

Abstract: A protective band that may be added to a hat, such as a baseball hat, is included. The protective band may include an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer may include cloth and the inner layer may include foam. The protective band may fit within the hat and may be worn with the hat.

Abstract: A protective impact-absorbing headgear liner for use with various types of helmets and protective gear or clothing. The lining material has unique impact absorbing properties to additionally protect a wearer from impact related injuries. The headgear liner has a band and crown which are variously shaped and positioned to received impact-absorbing pads. The position of the pockets depends on the helmet style. In one example the liner is a stretchable material. Impact absorbing pads as described herein may be used in a variety of clothing and protective gear to protect from impact injury. Examples are football shoulder ads, thigh pads, bicycle helmets and the like. The liner may also be an expanded foam. A preferred pad material is a gel containing a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet includes features that promote efficient fit adjustment and efficient donning and removal of the helmet. The helmet optionally includes a front shell portion pivotably connected to a rear shell portion to promote easy donning and removal of the helmet. Further, the upper region of the front shell optionally is longitudinally adjustable relative to the upper region of the rear shell. Cam mechanisms optionally are provided on the helmet shell for securing straps of a chin cup at desired lengths. The cam mechanisms optionally each include a self-energizing grip member that increasingly engages the strap when the strap is pulled taut while the cam mechanism is in the locked position. A face guard optionally is attached within the helmet shell structure, or within padding inside the shell, which provides a smooth helmet exterior and promotes distributed energy transfer from the face guard to the helmet shell.

Abstract: A hard hat suspension is provided for use in a hard hat for protecting a wearer's head. The hard hat comprises a rigid outer shell. The suspension comprises a central portion for resting on the wearer's head, and a plurality of resilient impact absorbing corrugated strap members depending from the central portion. At least some, or all, of the strap members comprise a corrugated segment and terminate in an uncorrugated attachment end that is configured for attachment to an inner surface of the rigid outer shell. The suspension may be of unitary construction or may be formed of separate strap members.

Abstract: A helmet for protecting the head of a wearer from external impacts is disclosed. The helmet includes a shell and at least a pair of straps. One end of each of the straps is attached with attachment device to the shell. The other end of each of the straps includes fastening device suitable for fastening the two straps together such that a continuous strap is formed running from one attachment device to the other, and passing under the chin of a person when worn. The fastening device includes a lock. The straps have a cut resistance according to ASTM F1790-05 of at least 20 g/mm, preferably of at least 40 g/mm.

Abstract: An ear protection to be fastened to a protective helmet, particularly for forestry workers, is described. The ear protection comprises two ear protectors each of which comprises a fork-like supporting bracket comprising ear protection capsule pivotably supported thereon and a rotary plate connected to the supporting bracket by a tilting joint in relation to which the supporting bracket can be bistably tilted into an extended and into a retracted position. The rotary plate is rotatably supported in a receiving part attached to the helmet. A yoke spring disposed between the rotary plate and the supporting bracket pre-stresses the supporting bracket to abut on stoppers defining the extended and the retracted position of the supporting bracket. The receiving part is attached to the inside of the helmet. The ear protectors are therefore rotatable into a parking position within the helmet.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an outer shell is described. The outer shell is rotatable around an internal framework coupled with the outer shell. A guide track is also disclosed such that the guide track is coupled with an outer shell. Also, an eye shield is disclosed such that the eye shield may deploy out of and retract into the guide track.

Abstract: Multi-layer non-woven fabric material composed of non-woven fiber sheets of aramide/polyethylene fibers, impregnated with resin and/or a filler material, and oriented at various angles, which is used for manufacturing protection garments. The invention also describes a method for manufacturing said multi-layer non-woven fabric material and the protection garments thus obtained.

Abstract: A protective liner is described comprising a collar having a main collar portion, a first extension emanating from the main collar portion in a first direction, a second extension emanating from the main collar portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Disclosed embodiments may include a chest portion extending from the main collar portion. The protective liner may also include an adjustable releasable fastener for joining the first extension to the second extension. The adjustable releasable fastener may be disposed upon at least one of the first extension and second extension, wherein a material of the protective liner comprises a non-woven, fluid repellent material.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifter is mounted together with a toilet seat on a toilet bowl. The design of the lifter enables the lifting and lowering of a toilet cover and/or toilet seat by means of a lifter controlling device or in the traditional manner. During the lifting of the toilet seat, the gear of the device assists the lifting of its components while, in the case of lowering them, the gear prevents their inert from falling. The design of the lifter enables the positioning of the toilet seat in a lifted position, preventing their resting against the wall or toilet cistern. In case of improper use, consisting in the lifting of the toilet seat components by means of a controlling device and simultaneously lowering them in the traditional manner (or inversely), the disconnection of the gear will result, precluding its damage.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a square closet flange support for overall support of closet flange and toilet bolts and to be used with new construction projects as well as in renovation projects to level, support and determine the final height of the closet flange and to prevent a need of cutting circular forms from floor tiles, hardwood or other floor covering. The square support has a seam that allows it to be snapped into two identical halves for use in renovation projects to enable sliding the support halves under the flange without a need to remove and reinstall an already installed flange.

Abstract: The extended barrier closes the space between the bottom of the toilet seat and the top of the toilet bowl preventing an inadvertent discharge of urine by a male from passing through the said space and out of the front of the toilet seat.

Abstract: A siphonic gravity-powered toilet is provided that is a rimless toilet and includes a toilet bowl assembly having a body and an inlet for receiving fluid. The toilet bowl has an interior bowl surface with an upper peripheral portion configured to have a shelf formed therein below an upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl. The rimless toilet includes a jet having a jet inlet, an outlet and at least one jet channel. A manifold is included which is configured so that fluid entering an inlet of the toilet bowl assembly divides into a portion that enters the inlet of the direct-fed jet and a portion that enters an interior area of the toilet bowl. At least one toilet bowl inlet port is positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl. The at least one inlet port is configured to receive fluid from the manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such that at least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf of the toilet bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism comprising a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a link arm member provided within the housing and pivotally coupled to the handles, and a moveable stop member provided within the housing. The first handle may be mounted to a first side of a toilet tank, and the second handle may be mounted coaxially relative to the first handle on the first side. The housing may be mounted to a second side of the tank. A rotation of one of the first and second handles results in rotation of the link arm member being limited by the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a first amount. Rotation of both the first and second handles results in movement of the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a second amount greater than the first amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a movable support for the ends of the movable partition walls of swimming pools, which is intended for dividing swimming pools into separate spaces having different sizes in order to carry out different activities and make better use of the space and which basically includes four wheels (1) driven by a mechanism (2) made up of a set of pulleys with idler devices (10) and connected to one another by belts (3), which includes a driving pulley (4) at the top which is connected to a reducing set of pulleys (5, 6) at the bottom, which in turn is connected with corresponding pulleys (8) secured to the shafts (9) of the wheels (1), wherein the set of wheels (1), pulleys (8) and idler devices (10) is installed in a base frame (12) and the driving pulley (4), the reducing set of pulleys (5, 6) and the corresponding idler device (10) are installed in a fairing (14) coupled to the base frame (12).

Abstract: A standalone hair washing sink includes a body coupled to a ground surface of a building and extending upwardly from the ground surface. The body defines a water channel extending between an upper portion of the body and a lower portion of the body at the ground surface and the water channel is in fluid communication with a drain at the ground surface and is sized to accommodate and provide access to long hair during a hair-washing process. An opening extends upwardly from the lower portion of the body toward the upper portion of the body and exposes a lower portion of the water channel. A receiving area at the upper portion of the body is shaped to comfortably receive and support a head or neck of a user.

Abstract: A bathing insert includes a base and one or more walls extending therefrom. At least one of the walls defines an opening therein. A door is coupled to the opening at a pivot joint. The pivot joint is configured to rotate the door about a pivot axis and to translate the door substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A bathing vessel that includes a multi-layer structure of a first polymer layer and a second, adjacent polymer layer. Prior to formation of the second polymer layer on the first polymer layer, a surface of the first polymer layer is abraded and a surface wetting property of the surface is modified to promote bonding between the layers.

Abstract: A bathing vessel includes a base and at least one wall extending vertically from the base. The wall includes a multi-layer structure that includes a layer of acrylic material on a first layer of polyurethane material, a layer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material between the layer of acrylic material and the first layer of polyurethane material, and a second layer of polyurethane material between the layer of ABS material and the first layer of polyurethane material. A wood-containing composite panel is chemically bonded to at least one of the first or second layers of polyurethane material.

Abstract: A bathing vessel is made of a segmented sheet wall of layered materials that includes a first layer of polyurethane material, a second layer of polyurethane material attached to the first layer, a third layer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material attached to the second layer, and a fourth layer of acrylic material attached to the third layer. The segmented sheet wall has a width a length and a first thickness. The segmented sheet wall has an integral first portion having a second thickness that is that is thinner than the first thickness. The first portion defines a first wall and a second wall in the segmented sheet wall and the first portion is corrugated.

Abstract: A shower attachment acts as a shield to block a child from the encompassing high pressure water spraying from an ordinary shower head. The shower attachment also acts as a kiddie shower that imitates the spraying action of an ordinary bathroom showerhead. The shield portion can include a funnel shape that allows the blocked water from the shower head to flow down through the shower attachment and then exit in a spraying fashion that is less frightening to children. The shower attachment includes a clamping mechanism to attach to a conventional shower arm, a funnel-shaped shield and shower, and extender bars interconnecting the clamping mechanism with the funnel-shaped shield and shower. The extender bars can be rotated to position the funnel-shaped shield and shower in front of the shower head to catch water being expelled therefrom.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system and method for a hand washing lavatory system is disclosed. The lavatory system comprises a receptacle defining a hand washing area, a fixture configured to deliver water to the receptacle, and a capacitive sensing system configured to detect the presence of a user and actuate the fixture. The capacitive sensing system comprises a first sense electrode coupled to the receptacle and configured to measure a first capacitive value, a second sense electrode coupled to the receptacle spaced apart from the first sense electrode and configured to measure a second capacitive value, and a circuit configured to control operation of the fixture in response to a change in the first capacitive value relative to the second capacitive value.

Abstract: A lift system comprises a lift assembly and a control system. The lift assembly is configured to assist a person in moving between a first position and a second position. The control system is configured to change the amount of assistance provided by the lift assembly as a function of a change in a characteristic of the person.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Wearable Blanket, or Tranquillow, a loose form fitting blanket with a warming pocket that can be folded within itself, transforming it into an attractive pillow when not in use. The design intent is to partner relaxation and convenience with form and function.

Abstract: A fitted bed sheet capable of fitting mattresses of multiple lengths is disclosed. The fitted bed sheet has a first section constructed primarily of non-stretch material and a second section sewn to the foot of the first section that is constructed primarily of non-elastic stretch material. The second section stretches to accommodate mattresses of longer lengths thereby eliminating the need to maintain multiple fitted bed sheets. The present invention increases user comfort, can be processed in commercial laundries, reduces the labor of making the bed, is easier to fold, and has a longer useful life than fitted sheets constructed with elastic stretch material. The fitted bed sheet can be washed, ironed, and folded automatically. The present invention may be used in institutional or private settings.

Abstract: A bed pad and a method for constructing a bed pad are disclosed. The bed pad comprises a first mat and a second mat, wherein the first mat is constructed of randomly aligned synthetic fibers which are opened and blended, randomly aligned into a web by airflow, joined by water based phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to produce an air-permeable varying mesh, the first mat being of unitary sheet construction and having a first stiffness and the second mat, cooperative with the first mat, is constructed of randomly aligned synthetic fibers which are opened and blended, randomly aligned into a web by airflow, joined by water based phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to produce an air-permeable varying mesh, the second mat being of unitary sheet construction and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A patient support system to be used in conjunction with a standard linear accelerator, and other sources, is described that allows access of the treatment beam to the breast from up to 360 degrees. This support system places the patient in a prone position with the breast going through an aperture. The prone position increases the separation of the breast from the chest wall and other critical organs and reduces motion of the target tissue due to breathing. This invention offers up to 36-degree radiation beam access to the breast. This helps in skin sparing, better dose conformity, and allows one to use modern treatment techniques such as IMRT and IGRT. It also includes a provision for an imaging system. This invention can also be used with CT and MR imaging modalities.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus has a patient table, a movable support plate for supporting a patient, a guide unit, which is designed to guide the support plate along at least one movement direction of the support plate, and a fastening unit for fastening an auxiliary unit to the support plate. The fastening unit has at least one setting unit for setting the position of the auxiliary unit in relation to the support plate in a flexible manner.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, in particular for a medical imaging apparatus, has a table for supporting a patient, and a support unit, wherein the table is arranged at the support unit such that the table may be displaced along a longitudinal extension of the support unit. Further, the patient support apparatus has a protective wall element which closes off a region for receiving fluids on the table and/or on the support unit in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a patient support deck that is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a lying position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. Depending upon a height of the patient, a lift system is operated to support the patient support deck relative to an underlying floor at different heights when the patient support deck is moved to the chair egress position. Depending upon a weight of the patient, at least one bladder of a mattress is either deflated or further inflated when the patient support deck is moved to the chair egress position and the patient is in the process of egressing from the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a travel pillow and tote combination having a pillow filler and a casing acting as a tote that is formed in a bladder shape with a receiving member and an engaging member at opposite ends of the casing. In order to use the combination as a travel pillow, the pillow filler, preferably a jacket, is inserted into the interior of the casing and the receiving member and engaging member are connected such that the pillow may fit around the neckline and shoulders of a user.

Abstract: A foot support device applicable to a surgery table for locating and supporting a patient's foot, which includes: a main body; a space being formed in the main body; a bottom end of the main body being connectable to the surgery table; an operation member up and down movably fitted around the main body, the operation member having an insertion pin therein; and a support including a bracket and at least one support body; an insertion hole is formed on the bracket. The bracket is rotatably mounted in the space of the main body. When the operation member is moved downward, the insertion pin is inserted into the insertion hole of the bracket to fix the support. By means of rotating the operation member, the operation member can be latched with the main body.

Abstract: A cushion with a support pad comprising a plurality of compressible suspension elements with a cover top and bottom joined together to form an impervious barrier, and a valve in fluid communication with the plurality of compressible suspension elements that allows the controlled expulsion of air until a user positioned on the cushion is optimally immersed in the cushion. When the user is removed from the cushion, the valve allows ingress of air into the cushion. In one aspect, the valve comprises an expansion valve controls air flow out of and into the cushion. In one aspect, the valve comprises a labyrinth seal that dampens air flow and pressure spikes. The valve comprises a pressure responsive compression spring that controls the expulsion of air from the cushion and, consequently, adjusting the immersion depth of the seated user.

Abstract: A mattress age indicating device includes an enclosure and an indicating assembly contained within the enclosure. The age indicating device may be configured to present an indication related to the mattress's age and may be coupled to the mattress or other bedding or seating product.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a plurality of therapeutic devices including a rotation device and a percussion-vibration device for carrying out rotation, percussion, and vibration therapy for a patient. The patient support apparatus includes a control system for controlling operation of the plurality of therapeutic devices. The control system comprises a touch-screen display segmented into a main menu portion and a data window portion. The therapeutic functions are represented by touch selectable buttons on the main menu portion. When any of these buttons are selected, a plurality of adjustable operating parameters appears in the data window portion. At the same time, the buttons corresponding to the therapeutic functions in the main menu portion remain visible such that an operator can easily select another therapeutic function. A method of tracking the therapeutic functions performed is provided.