Abstract: A glove with a protective insert is disclosed. The protective insert can be a hard piece of plastic and can be disposed within the rear ply of a baseball or softball glove. The protective insert can prevent injury to a user's hand when the user attempts to tag out a base runner on the opposing team. The protective insert can also prevent a user's finger from bending backwards when that user catches a hard-thrown ball outside the center section of the glove. A glove can have one or more protective inserts. The glove can have only one protective insert to protect a user's thumb, or can have multiple inserts to protect the thumb and one or more fingers.

Abstract: A shin guard for combat sports is provided having increased protect for the wearer and the opponent. The shin guard has sleeve for surrounding the lower leg of the wearer and a front padding attached to the sleeve with a top portion reversibly secured which covers and hides a closure system. The shin guard may also have a calf reinforcement.

Abstract: A personal equipment suspension system with active support to the lumbar region includes a belt to surround the user's waist and a frame supported on the belt with a resilient membrane of synthetic elastomeric crystalline material in tension on the frame to be interposed between the belt and the user. The frame includes spaced ends and the membrane is a lattice in tension between the spaced ends. In one embodiment, the system is a support belt. In another, it is load bearing such as a backpack configuration. In another, it includes stanchions to support a body armor vest.

Abstract: A wraparound garment has a designated pouch section with a top opening. Two elongated, relatively wide arm members extend from opposite sides of the top opening. The arm members can be wrapped around a wearer's body to encircle and/or cover the shoulders, neck, waist, back, or breast areas. The length of the arm members and their widths ensure that the garment can be wrapped in a wide variety of configurations.

Abstract: The invention provides a lower body garment comprising an interior layer comprising an elastic material to be worn around a wearer's leg, an outer shell, and a tunnel pocket system positioned between the outer shell and interior layer. The tunnel pocket system defines a tunnel extending from the exterior pocket of the outer shell and terminating in an interior pocket positioned in or on the elastic material of the interior layer. In use, the wearer can access the interior pocket through the exterior pocket. The elastic material of the interior layer facilitates retention of items stored in the pocket against the wearer's leg, thereby reducing movement of items when the wearer moves. Retention of items stored in the pocket against the wearer's leg can be further enhanced by providing that the pocket be of elastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding the swing of a user of a piece of sporting equipment, such as a golf club, baseball bat, tennis racquet, hockey stick, or field hockey stick, is provided. The apparatus may be made of a relatively dense and elastic material, and may comprise a front opening in a front portion of the apparatus, and a front sleeve extending from the front opening. The front sleeve may have a proximate end at the front opening, a distal end, and an opening in the distal end through which the user's arms and hands may penetrate. The front sleeve may further be tapered from the proximate end to the distal end, generating a compression force on the arms, thereby “connecting” the arms to each other and to the core of the body before and during the swing.

Abstract: A disposable medical gown (100) includes a body covering portion (101) and optionally one or more sleeves (107,108). The body covering portion (101) defines a head insertion aperture (104) between a frontal body covering portion (103) configured to cover a frontal body portion of a wearer and a rear portion (203) configured to cover at least parts of shoulder blades of the wearer. A torso opening (201) is disposed on a side of the rear portion (203) opposite the head insertion aperture (104), and extends distally from the rear portion (203). One or more perforations (202) extend across the rear portion (203) at least partially between the torso opening (202) and the head insertion aperture (104), and facilitate easy removal of the gown (100). A user removes the gown (100) by pulling the front portion (103), thereby tearing the perforations.

Abstract: An ergonomic glove, fingered or fingerless, is provided for use with devices that require gripping such as ski poles, dumbbells, and bicycle handlebars. The glove shape is of a sports-fitted glove with built-up areas on the thumb, fingers, and palm, whereby when the wearer grips an item, the thumb is supported and the hand and wrist are in a neutral position generally aligned with the forearm. A thumb retainer is provided to position and support the thumb while bent. The glove is also provided with a padded insert or exsert of two different constructions, both having three portions, which insert or exsert acts to restrict the contraction of the successive fingers at a gradual rate. The insert/exsert causes the knuckles to be in linear alignment. The glove promotes improved alignment and stabilization of the user's body parts and in particular shoulders, hips, legs, etc., for greater stability and movement efficiency.

Abstract: A glove includes a main body that defines an interior space that is operable to receive at least a portion of the hand of the wearer. The main body includes an opening that divides the main body into a first portion and a second portion. The glove also includes a hook-and-loop fastener that includes a hook member and a loop member. The hook member and the loop member are operable to removably attach to each other. One of the hook member and the loop member is operably supported on the first portion of the main body, and the other of the hook member and the loop member is operably supported on the second portion of the main body. At least one of the hook member and the loop member is divided into a plurality of respective sections that are separated at a distance from each other.

Abstract: An elastomeric flexible article and method for manufacture has moisture absorbing characteristics. An example of such an article is a disposable protective glove that includes a first layer; and a second layer with an effective amount of super absorbent polymer dispersed therein, the second layer to be closer to a hand than the first layer, when the glove is worn on the hand. The second layer is configured to absorb excess moisture, when the glove is worn for a period of time, to facilitate wet donning and provide for breathability of the skin, and thereby to provide for a comfortable environment for the skin.

Abstract: A compression garment, having: (a) a first portion that wraps at least partially around a body part to provide compression to the body part; and (b) a second portion that wraps at least partially around a body part; wherein the second portion is wrapped onto the first portion or is attached to the first portion such that the attachment of the second portion onto the first portion changes the elastic profile of the garment from a first elastic profile to a second elastic profile; and wherein the dimensions of the first and second portions are selected such that the relative amount of the circumference of the body part that is covered by each of the first and second portions of the garment results in a garment applying a pre-determined range of compression level fluctuation to the body part during wear.

Abstract: A belt comprises a strap (10) extending between a first end portion (10a) and a second end portion (10b) along a respective principal direction of extension (A) and comprising a plurality of through locking holes (11) arranged one after another and at least one through fastening opening (15). The belt also comprises a buckle (2), which can be removably coupled with the strap (10), comprising a main body (3) and at least one tongue (4) connected to an inner face (3b) of the main body (3) and projecting from it to form a free end (4b) which can engage in at least one of the through locking holes (11) in the strap (10) The buckle (2) also comprises a fastening element (5) protruding from the inner face (3b) of the main body (3) and configured for removably coupling with each other the buckle (2) and the strap (10) The fastening element (5) comprises a portion of maximum width (5a) having a predetermined shape and sized to match the fastening opening (15) in the strap (10).

Abstract: The invention generally relates to easily removable clothing that is intended for individuals with limited mobility. The invention further relates to easily and safely removable clothing for individuals that may be recovering from surgery or suffer from a disability which limits their physical mobility. The invention also relates to pull-tab systems that may be combined with clothing or accessories in order to facilitate easier and simpler removal and wear.

Abstract: A protection device for a helmet includes a base, and a protection member coupled to the base. The base and protection member are configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the helmet.

Abstract: Helmet pads are removably attached to the outer surface of an existing sport's helmet. The pads are constructed to conform to the contours of the outer surface of the helmet. The pads are made from layers of thermoplastic material structured to absorb both shock and acoustic waves that may cause concussive type injuries.

Abstract: A protective molded gel headgear for protecting a wearer during an impact to the wearer's head is provided. The molded gel headgear has a shape that approximates the outer periphery of portions of the wearer's head to be protected. The molded gel headgear is made of an energy absorbing gel material to reduce the impact to the wearer's head during a head-impact event. One or more methods for producing the headgear are also provided.

Abstract: An impact attenuating bladder for lining a helmet shell, the bladder having: a top layer and a bottom layer of fluid impermeable material defining a fluid containment chamber; a fluid outlet in flow communication with the fluid containment chamber; and a fluid release control valve in flow communication with the outlet, the control valve having: a sacrificial elastic membrane with an inside surface in flow communication with the fluid containment chamber and an outside surface, where the outside surface is disposed in an initial configuration when the bladder contains fluid at a minimum initial pressure, and in a rupture configuration when the bladder contains fluid at a maximum rupture pressure; and a membrane rupture device with a membrane engaging tip disposed a predetermined initial distance from the membrane in the initial configuration, and engaging the membrane in the rupture configuration.

Abstract: Protective gear is provided, such as, for example, protective headgear that includes a rigid helmet structure, an engagement system configured to engage a user's head, and a plurality of tethering devices coupled between the engagement system and the rigid helmet structure to suspend the rigid helmet structure from the user's head when the protective headgear is worn. The protective headgear further includes at least one damper coupled to one or more of the plurality of tethering devices to resist motion of the rigid helmet structure relative to the engagement system when the rigid structure is impacted during an impact event.

Abstract: An attachment system for securing a frontal helmet extension to protective headgear, the attachment system including one or more magnetic elements disposed on the helmet and/or frontal helmet extension and one or more complementary elements disposed on the helmet and/or frontal helmet extension and adapted to engage the magnetic elements. The magnetic elements and complementary elements are configured to detachably couple the frontal helmet extension to the helmet in a position wherein the frontal helmet extension extends forward from the helmet. The magnetic properties of the magnetic elements are adapted to magnetically attract the complementary elements so that the frontal helmet extension is effectively secured to the helmet during ordinary use of the helmet while allowing release of the frontal helmet extension from the helmet upon impact.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide swimming goggles including left and right frames, a connecting element interconnecting the left and right frames, padding portions, and buckling devices respectively attached to outer sides of the left and right frames for connecting and guiding a head strap, wherein the connecting element has left and right portions for integrally covering inner sides of the left and right frames. The connecting element has flexibility to allow the connecting element to be perfectly fitted to a user's nose bridge. Furthermore, flexible elements are disposed between the buckling devices and outer sides of the left and right frames to allow the swimming goggles to be fitted to the user's face. Accordingly, the swimming goggles are ergonomically designed and provide comfort in wearing without water leakage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable airbag system for people, comprising a support intended to be worn by a user, and an airbag device comprising at least one inflatable bag having at least one central part (2a) designed to be disposed behind the head of a user after triggering. The airbag device is assembled in a cover or bag part forming a unit configured to be disposed entirely on the back of a user before deploying, the airbag device being fixed by means of a fixing device such as to be removable and separable from the support.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment provides segmented padding is patterned to conform to the size, shape and motion of the muscles it is protecting. Segmented padding is supplemented in joint areas by tangentially-stepped articulated shielding, each comprising a hingeably interconnected series of rigid shells. The structure and orientation of the shells deflects impact forces tangentially, while the rotational mobility of the shielding has a force-damping effect. The protective athletic garment has a combination of latticed resilient padding covering vulnerable body areas, such as chest, arms and back, plus articulated, perforated rigid shield panels over joints areas, such as shoulders and elbows. Synergistic dynamic interaction of padding and shielding is achieved by converting impact forces to torques within a series of articulated shield panels and spreading out the forces transmitted to the underlying padding both over area and time.

Abstract: This invention comprises a toilet seat with airflow vents, one or more turn on/off switches, which could be attached to the toilet seat, an exhaust fan or pump with different speeds and an exhaust pipe that will pull the bad smell out of the house before it even reach the user's nose. This invention will solve the bad smell problem witch usually come to our noses while defecating.

Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve structure includes a valve base. A float assembly that is adjustable in buoyancy is movable between a sealing position and a flushing position. An overflow tube is attached to the float assembly and extends from a lower end in communication with a water outflow passage of the valve base to an upper end in communication with the interior space of the toilet tank. The upper end of the overflow tube is adjustable relative to the float assembly independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly. A guide member guides movement of the float assembly. A stop member on the guide member limits upward travel of the float assembly from its sealing position. The stop member is adjustable in position lengthwise of the guide member or by extension of the guide member independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly.

Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve structure includes a valve base. A float assembly is movable relative to the valve base between a sealing position and a flushing position, the float assembly being adjustable in buoyancy. An overflow tube is attached to the float assembly and extends upward from a lower end in fluid communication with the water outflow passage of the valve base to an upper end in fluid communication with the interior space of the toilet tank. The upper end of the overflow tube is adjustable relative to the float assembly independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly. A guide member extends upward from the valve base for guiding movement of the float assembly relative to the valve base. A stop member is mounted on the guide member at a location above the float assembly for limiting upward travel of the float assembly from its sealing position.

Abstract: A toilet training seat includes a base having a platform and a support structure, the base including a cavity accessible through the platform. The seat also includes a waste receptacle including a bowl having a rim and a bowl diameter. The receptacle also includes a handle extending from the bowl at an attachment point to a distal end, the handle having a length, wherein the handle length is at least 1.5 times the bowl diameter, the waste receptacle and the base being configured such that the waste receptacle can be removably disposed on the base such that the bowl is at least partially within the cavity. The seat can also include a removable cover disposed over and at least partially enclosing the base and the waste receptacle.

Abstract: A cleaning system according to the invention includes a scanning unit for determining body dimensions, for example, the girth measurements such as height and breadth of the person to be cleaned, at least two mouldings having a body-size opening, wherein the opening corresponds to a pose, that is, a body position of the person to be cleaned, a conveying unit that conveys the person to be cleaned through the mouldings, wherein at least one of the mouldings contains adjustable spray nozzles, the spacing of which from the person to be cleaned is adjusted corresponding to the body dimensions of the person to be cleaned determined by the scanning unit.

Abstract: A vessel for containing liquid includes a floor perimetrically surrounded by a plurality of upwardly projecting walls; at least one exit port incorporated into at least one of the walls proximate to an upper edge of the at least one wall; and a liquid circulation pump apparatus. The liquid circulation pump apparatus includes a first conduit in fluid communication with the vessel; a circulation pump positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a supply conduit positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the circulation pump; and a diverter valve positioned downstream of the circulation pump and upstream of the supply conduit. The circulation pump is adapted to pump liquid from the vessel through the first conduit and deliver liquid through the supply conduit to the exit port. The diverter valve is adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the exit port.

Abstract: A drain system for a tub of the type having a tub body defining a bathing cavity, a doorway with door sill in the tub body and a door in the doorway. The drain system comprises a drain piping section adapted to be in fluid communication with a tub drain hole in a bottom of the bathing cavity for drainage of bathing liquid therethrough. A drain unit is adapted to be connected to a door drain hole in the door sill for drainage of liquid therethrough. The drain unit has an inner cavity and a check valve held releasably captive in the inner cavity. The check valve is manually removable from an exposed surface of the door sill. A pipe connects the drain unit to the drain piping section to direct liquid collected by the drain unit to the drain piping section.

Abstract: The multi-layer disposable shower curtain liner provides a plurality of individual disposable shower curtain liners secured together in a way that permits easy removal and replacement of a used shower curtain liner. The multi-layer disposable shower curtain liner includes a plurality of water impermeable shower curtain liners that are joined together to form a common curtain-hanging strip along the upper edges thereof. The common curtain-hanging strip has a plurality of apertures formed therein for removably receiving a plurality of shower curtain rings. Each of the liners has a row of perforations extending across the width of the liner adjacent the upper end thereof and beneath the plurality of apertures so that the outermost liner may be removed by tearing along the row of perforations and replaced by the next liner.

Abstract: A shower system with a wall connection, a conduit connected thereto to connect the wall connection to a changeover device, and an overhead shower head and a hand shower to which water can be supplied via the changeover device. A first flow restrictor with a first flow restriction is disposed in an area of the wall connection and a second and third flow restrictor are disposed in an area of the overhead shower head and hand shower in a series connection. In the area of the changeover device at least one fourth flow restrictor with at least one second flow restriction is provided and the changeover device provides at least one first direct line connection between the wall connection and at least the overhead shower head or hand shower and a second indirect line connection with a series connection of the fourth flow restrictor.

Abstract: An accessory system for a sink basin includes a support structure and an accessory. The support structure includes two or more spaced-apart elongated supports. The elongated supports are configured to support the accessory within the basin at different heights above a bottom of the basin.

Abstract: An integrated columar structure is connected to hot and cold water supplies. On the structure is separately mounted on eyewash and faucet. In an alternative embodiment a water bubbler can be substituted for the eyewash. Water passageways within the columnar structure separately supply the appropriate temperature water to the faucet and eyewash/bubbler. Valving mounted on the columnar structure, preferably with an angle oriented at an acute angle to the axis of the column, controls the temperature of water supplied to the fauce. Cold, or slightly tempered, water is supplied to the eyewash.

Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut. The cap can be removed when needed to permit the plumber to gain access to the diaphragm to cut it open for fluid flow after the system has been tested for leaks, or put in place after the cut takes place.

Abstract: A wall mount for a shower system at a wall connection emerging from a wall, whereby the shower system has at least one overhead shower head, a hand shower, and a shower rod. The attachment has at least one bracket with at least one conduit connected thereto and at least one adapter piece, whereby the bracket is configured to accommodate the adapter piece and a seal is provided between bracket and adapter piece, the seal allowing a relative movement between the bracket and adapter piece. The adapter piece is connectable to the wall connection by a first connecting component and the bracket is connected to the wall by a second connecting component. The bracket together with the adapter piece forms at least one conduit path between the wall connection and the conduit.

Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

Abstract: A therapeutic bed or treatment table capable of being employed for a massage or rendering chiropractic, medical, therapeutic, or other treatment to a patient or customer includes an upper torso support cushion having a plurality of breast recesses configured for accommodating human breasts; and an abdominal support cushion having an abdominal recess configured for accommodating a mid-section of an obese person or pregnant woman, wherein the plurality of recesses is configured to provide an adjustable support structure adaptive to the size of the human breasts and/or the mid-section of an obese person or pregnant woman. In an alternative embodiment, an unitary torso-abdominal support cushion is provided having a recess configured for accommodating human breasts and accommodating the mid-section of an obese person or pregnant woman.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a baby swaddle that includes an inner strap adapted to releasably connect around a baby's chest, an outer strap adapted to releasably connect around the inner strap and secure a baby's arms between the inner strap and outer strap, wherein the inner strap is configured to prevent the baby swaddle from moving toward a baby's head.

Abstract: A device designed to ensure a smooth and tight fit of the sheet over the mattress, which includes a locking pin or convex cap and a base comprising a horizontal, bottom plate and a vertical plate with a locking hole or protrusion, respectively, whereby the sheet may be fit smoothly and tightly over the base and the locking pin inserted into the locking hole, or the convex locking cap fit over the protrusion, thus ensuring a smooth and tight fit of the sheet over the mattress.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers, that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A bedding system uses machine vision to makes adjustments for comfort and/or support. In one aspect, a pressure mapping engine measures a two-dimensional pressure image of a sleeper on the bedding system while the sleeper is sleeping on the bedding system. A machine vision process analyzes the pressure image. A comfort and support engine adjusts a comfort and/or support of the bedding system based on the machine vision analysis.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns an adjustable bed with a deck-on-deck appearance. A concealing assembly is attached to the center frame of an articulating bed, wherein the concealing assembly is situated below the mattress platform and conceals the base frame as the center frame moves along the base frame when the bed articulates. In other embodiments, such as for non-wall hugger beds where the center frame is stationary, a concealing assembly may still be used but will also be stationary.

Abstract: An axillary support device is provided for decompressing the axilla (armpit) and associated structures in a sidelying position. A thoracic cushion provides firm axillary support to a user at the level of the mid to upper thorax, distal to the axilla. A head cushion connected to the thoracic cushion supports the user's head and may maintain a neutral cervical spine alignment position. A connector connecting the cushions creates a valley to receive an upper arm of the user. A back support may be used to maintain the sidelying position. An inflatable bladder may be used to adjust the axillary support device in order to appropriately relieve pressure on the user's axilla and associated structures. With the axillary support device, the upper arm of the user is relatively free to extend perpendicularly in front of the body in the sidelying position with reduced stress on the lateral shoulder and axilla.

Abstract: A pillow case for receiving first and second pillow inserts. The pillow case comprises first and second sleeves each being formed of top and bottom substantially planar sheets connected to each other along peripheral edges thereof so as to form first and second cavities sized and shaped to receive the first and second pillow inserts therein. The first and second sleeves are connected to each other at a plurality of locations along the peripheral edges. Also disclosed is a pillow formed of the pillow case with first and second cushioning members located within the first and second sleeves.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pillow for use in a supine sleeping position is formed of a foam body that has a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a rear edge and an opposing front edge and lateral sides. The foam body is defined by a first region that includes the front edge, a second region adjacent the first region and a third region adjacent the second region and defining the rear edge. The first region has a convex shape, the second region has a concave shape and the third region has a convex shape. The first region having a first section that extends to the front edge and has a positive slope (convex increasing) and an adjacent second section that has a negative slope (convex decreasing). The pillow also includes a plurality of ribs located exclusively within the first section of the first region.

Abstract: A weight distribution device for a seated person is disclosed. The weight distribution device comprises a seat cushion designed to elevate a user's buttocks and pelvic region significantly when the user is seated upon a vehicle seat. The weight distribution device distributes the weight of the seated person away from the user's ishial tuberosities by elevating the user's buttocks and pelvic region so that pressure on the user's ishial tuberosities is greatly reduced in relation to the rest of the user's anatomical structures in the buttocks and pelvic region.

Abstract: An infant holding device, including an infant holding portion, including a ductile sheet covered with infant-compatible material and a stand portion, adapted to support the infant holding portion in a vertically diagonal position, so that the infant holding portion thereby has a top and a bottom. In one preferred embodiment the ductile sheet is made of aluminum. In an additional preferred embodiment the infant holding portion is separable from the stand portion.

Abstract: A quilted panel for a mattress having gel fibers incorporated therein so as to bring the gel material closer to the top of the mattress such that the benefits of the gel material are better realized by the user. In some embodiments, the gel fibers are incorporated into the FR fiber pad of the quilted panel. In other embodiments, a separate gel fiber pad is positioned within the quilted panel.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include mattress assemblies and components employing passageways for ventilation and airflow. A mattress may contain a mattress core to provide cushioning and support. For example, the mattress core may comprise an innerspring, air bladder(s), and/or foam layer(s). A mattress assembly may include a foam base and/or at least one foam side support member to at least partially surround a mattress core to provide cushioning and structure. The foam base and/or at least one foam side support member may include at least one passageway for facilitating diffusion and air exchange between an exterior environment and an interior space of the enclosure containing the mattress core. In this manner, as stagnant air and humidity developing in the mattress core may be avoided or reduced from the mattress core, which may otherwise cause unhealthy conditions or unpleasant odors for users.

Abstract: The invention describes objects that may be formed by unfolding and combining in space several parts, initially folded into a pocket-knife-like enclosure.