Abstract: Described herein are new and improved devices, systems, and methods for providing protective clothing and other like garments. The protective clothing can comprise an outer layer and an under layer. The outer layer and under layer can each comprise a plurality of protective plates. The protective plates of the outer layer can be configured to move over and between the protective plates of the under layer, and vice versa, to provide a wide range of motion and flexibility to a wearer without compromising protection.

Abstract: A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the groin, crotch, substantial areas of the buttocks and the inner thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the skin of a user to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection whilst permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement. Varying thickness of the Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against blast wave and fragment penetration.

Abstract: A wet suit material includes a heat-reflective layer in combination with an insulative layer. In some embodiments, the heat-reflective layer is a metalized polymer film slitted to facilitate movement. In other embodiments, multiple panels of heat-reflective layer facilitate movement. In other embodiments, a reflective coating is incorporated in a stretchable liner.

Abstract: A welding helmet for detecting arc data is provided. One embodiment of the welding helmet includes an arc detection system configured to detect one or more welding arcs that occur during one or more welding operations. The welding helmet also includes control circuitry configured to count a number of the one or more welding arcs detected by the arc detection system. The welding helmet includes a storage device configured to store the number of the one or more welding arcs.

Abstract: Face covers, protective outwear systems, and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. A cover is disclosed for protecting the human face, head, neck, and/or shoulders against environmental conditions. The cover, which does not cover the eyes, nostrils or mouth, includes 2-4 separate pieces which can be worn together or individually. A first piece covers the face from above the mouth to below the eyes, including the nose and cheeks. A second piece covers the face from below the mouth to the bottom of the neck. These pieces can overlap on the cheeks to minimize/prevent air and moisture from reaching the face. A third piece covers the head and/or neck and/or shoulders. These pieces can be joined together by any known means. Any piece can be made with a moldable material and/or elastic components which allow the mask to fit different faces and/or help ventilate exhalations away from the face.

Abstract: A batting pad comprising a body made from a cushioning material and having a ring portion adapted to fit over a batter's thumb and an appendage to cushion the palm area between a batter's thumb and index finger. The appendage has a thickness T at its thickest point located between the first end and the distant end, and the thickness T of the appendage is selected to optimize an angle of a bat in the batter's hand relative to a line parallel to the batter's forearm, the angle being determined by the thickness T of the appendage displacing the bat toward the tip of the batter's index finger and causing the bat to contact the palm of the batter's hand near the batter's little finger.

Abstract: A finger extension is disclosed for assisting a person in holding down material with a finger of the person. The finger extension may comprise a body portion and a pawl. The body extension has side flanges that extend laterally around the finger of the person. The side flanges are malleable so that a person may bend the side flanges against the person's finger so that the finger extension may be retained on the person's finger during use. The pawl extends out from the body portion. A distal tip of the pawl is used to hold down the material and allows the person to keep his or her finger away from a work head (e.g. sewing head) at a safe distance.

Abstract: An insect-repelling leg garment wearable on a person generally comprising a tubular member and a semi-conical section fabricated from a piece of fabric sheeting impregnated with an insect-repelling solution. The semi-conical section includes an elastic strap configured to engage a structural feature of an article of clothing. The tubular member includes a lower portion having a circumferential sleeve for accommodating therewithin a drawstring equipped with a drawstring tie for closing and sealing an annular opening formed by a circular wall section and one's leg. An elastic circular band positioned at the lower portion simultaneously engages loops connected to the lower portion and one's footwear such as to oppose the upward tensioning caused by the elastic strap, whereby the insect repellency inherently present within the fabric sheeting and the structural barriers inherently present within the leg garment collectively serve to protect the lower extremities of one's body against biting insects.

Abstract: A bib system includes a liquid resistant flexible body member having a bottom configured to cover a torso of a user extending a lower periphery. A closure system is configured to engage the flexible body member with the torso of the user. A collapsible support structure is integrated with the flexible body member and is coupled to the closure. The collapsible support structure is configured to support the lower periphery of the flexible body member when the closure is engaged so that the bottom of the flexible body member forms an open pouch at the bottom of the flexible body member. The collapsible support structure is also configured to not to form the pouch when the flexible body member is not applied around the torso of the user.

Abstract: The elastic garment top has an interior surface, and a lower portion with a bottom edge adapted to overlap the upper portion of a conventional garment bottom of the type having an exterior loop for a belt. A device extends from the interior surface of the garment top at a point spaced from the bottom edge of the garment top for engaging the belt loop or belt on the exterior of the garment bottom. The device encircles the belt loop or the belt. The device may be a fabric strip one end of which is attached to and extends from the interior surface of the garment top. The free end of the strip is removably attached to the interior surface of the garment top by snaps, or by hook and loop ribbon. Alternatively, first and second tie strings may be used to engage the belt loop or the belt.

Abstract: An apparel comprises a body portion and a pair of arm portions, where an underarm region is located between said body portion and each said arm portions. The body portion further comprises (a) a torso portion, (b) a skirt portion, (c) a band portion located between the torso and skirt portion and (d) at least one elastic element located between the band portion and underarm region.

Abstract: Garments and methods are provided for carrying an infant in skin-to-skin contact. In one exemplary embodiment, a garment can have a back panel and two front panels. The front panels can be configured to overlap and adjustably couple together such that the front panels can securely hold a baby against a wearer's chest. One of the front panels can have a pocket formed on an interior surface thereof that is configured to prevent a baby from slipping out of the garment. The garment can also have an adjustable belt configured to be positioned around the garment. The belt can provide additional support to the garment for securely holding a baby against a wearer's chest.

Abstract: A finger glove for a touch screen of an electronic device includes a finger pocket adapted for being worn by a finger of a wearer, and a touch receptor which is made of electro-conductive material. The finger pocket has a tip portion covering a distal phalanx of the wearer's finger and a finger stall portion extended from the tip portion. The touch receptor is provided at the tip portion of the finger pocket at an outer surface thereof for responsively contacting with the touch screen of the electronic device.

Abstract: A glove for gripping a small object is disclosed. A glove for gripping a small object comprises: a glove main body comprising a finger portion for covering a finger; and a thimble portion comprising a thumb thimble portion and a forefinger thimble portion. Each of the thumb thimble portion and the forefinger thimble portion comprises a first layer facing the back of a hand and a second layer being opposite to the first layer. A front side of the first layer and a front side of the second layer are adhered to each other and form an edge line. A rear side of the thimble portion is open to be mounted on the finger portion. A right-and-left center line of an outer surface of the first layer of the thumb thimble portion and a right-and-left center line of an outer surface of the first layer of the forefinger thimble portion are aligned with each other within an error margin of about 0 mm to about 0.

Abstract: The present invention is to an improved glove having both anatomically correlating stress relief zones and/or reinforced zones to add support in areas opposite the stress relief zones to keep bunching or slipping of the glove from interfering with the bending of the user's joints. The glove may have corrugated relief zones over some or all of the joints and knuckles of the hand, wherein the relief zones are formed of peaks and valleys. A relief zone can also be provided over the webbing between the thumb and the palm. The vertical or longitudinal relief zones provide for improved glove quality while keeping manufacturing difficulty and costs at a minimum.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a cured absorbent composite comprising: liquid resistant layer of elastomer; and a layer affixed to the liquid resistant layer comprising an open foam of elastomer, wherein the moisture absorption capacity of the foam layer, normalized by the thickness of the absorptive layer, is 1.5 times that of Ansell's foam lined Household glove.

Abstract: A head covering garment designed for medical use comprising a single piece of flexible, insulating material sewn together to form a generally bag shaped article of clothing which is worn about the head of a medical patient functioning to prevent latent heat from escaping the patient's head area covered by the garment. The garment is easy to place about the head of the patient, is comfortable to wear, stays securely about the head, and can be packaged for sale in a generally flat condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stitched garment comprising a stitched background, a stitched pattern sewn into the background, and an opening through which an article can be inserted. Theopening is integrated into the stitched pattern such that the opening is hidden from view by the stitched pattern.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing textured thread textured thread comprises the steps of: processing textured yarn having a zero or near-zero twist by applying a singles twist thereto; plying at least two textured yarns together by twisting them in a direction opposing the singles twist; wherein the singles twists lie in the range 4 to 20 turns per inch and the plying twist lies in the range 2 to 18 turns per inch.

Abstract: An underwear garment comprising multiple panels but forming a single garment is described. The panels are formed to allow a person to put on the garment without having to balance, bend, stretch, or otherwise have to maneuver a garment over the feet and up the legs. A primary panel forms a back for the garment and has a first flap and a second flap that are connected via a connection mechanism to form a partial front of the garment. The primary panel is connected to a front panel to form a crotch of the garment. The front panel connects to the primary panel via a connection mechanism, which upon connecting, the front panel forms the front for the garment and a portion of the front panel and a portion of the primary panel overlap.

Abstract: A woman's visual privacy garment presents a smooth appearance over the vaginal area.

Abstract: The present application discloses a helmet, an impact liner system for a helmet, and energy management structures for a helmet. The helmet generally comprises a helmet shell and an impact liner system removably attached to the helmet shell. In certain embodiments, the impact liner system comprises a plurality of compressible energy management structures and one or more carriers for supporting the energy management structures within the helmet shell. The energy management structures are positioned between an interior surface of the helmet shell and the head of a user when the impact liner system is attached to the helmet shell.

Abstract: An accessory attachment system for a helmet and its method of use are disclosed. The accessory attachment system for the helmet may include a base configured for attachment to a helmet and an accessory attachment portion associated with the base. The accessory attachment portion may be configured to selectively attach at least one accessory. The accessory attachment portion may also be automatically secured at, and selectively movable between, at least a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position.

Abstract: A mouth guard retaining device is provided for retaining a mouth guard against a protective helmet when the mouth guard is not in use. The device includes an elongated member having a connection device at a lower end for connection with a portion of the helmet and a detent or reversely folded portion at another end which is operable to displace the elongated member. The member is formed of synthetic plastic material which has a limited degree of flexure so that the member is displaceable between a normal closed condition where the detent engages the helmet and an open condition where the detent is spaced from the helmet to allow the user to insert or remove the mouth guard from the device.

Abstract: The invention pertains to full-face-type helmet windshields, like motorcycle helmet windshields. A modern full-face-type motorcycle helmet, where the windshield is free to be opened and closed as a piece separate from the helmet proper, has a fully open position which stops before the top protective surface or crown area of the helmet, a fully closed position where the windshield rests on the bottom protective surface or chin guard of the helmet, and 1 or more intermediate catches between the fully opened and fully closed positions. At speeds around or above 55 mph the catches do not hold the windshield in place—wind resistance forces it fully open or fully closed. To permit airflow into the helmet and prevent the windshield from being blown completely open or closed an auxiliary prop is required.

Abstract: Waterproof, breathable, stretch-recoverable composites are described herein. They are utilizable within footwear assemblies and exhibit stretchability in at least one direction by at least about 35% at 4 lbs force and exhibit at least about 80% recovery. The composites also exhibit a minimum compression of about 1 mm under a 10 kPa load and recovery of at least about 90% when load is removed.

Abstract: A protector for a goaltender is provided and may include an upper portion having a first surface opposing a thorax of the goaltender and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the upper portion than the first surface. A lower portion may be attached to the upper portion and may include a third surface opposing an abdomen of the goaltender and a fourth surface formed on an opposite side of the lower portion than the third surface. The third surface may oppose the second surface throughout a range of relative motion between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Abstract: A toilet seat stabilizer assembly includes a bumper fabricated from a thermoplastic polymer, which is softenable in response to heat and moldable while in a malleable condition to a desired configuration; and attachment means for attaching the bumper to a toilet seat. Also provided herein is a method for stabilizing a toilet seat using said assembly and a kit for containing the assembly.

Abstract: An actuation device (1) for a discharge fitting of a flushing device that comprises a full flush lever (2) for initiating a full flush action, and a partial flush lever (3) for initiating a partial flush action. The full flush lever (2) can be moved from a neutral position to a full flush position, and the partial flush lever (3) can be moved from a neutral position into a partial flush position. The actuation device (1) has a motor (4), with an output element (5) that engages the full flush lever (2), or the partial flush lever (3), and provide a movement of the driven lever. The flush levers (2,3) are connected via a coupling element (6) such that the movement of the flush lever (2, 3) driven by the output element (5) can be transferred onto the other flush lever (3, 2) uncoupled from the output element (5).

Abstract: Providing a toilet flushing device and a flush toilet both of which can desirably execute toilet flushing. A toilet flushing device (20) includes a first tank (21) storing flush water, a second tank (22) having a lower opening (22C) communicating with the first tank (21) and having a lower region (22D) and an upper region (22U) with a larger capacity per unit height than the lower region (22D), an air passage (23) communicating between the second tank (22) and a toilet drainage (12) via a position located higher than a maximum storage water level (L) in the first tank (21), a water-supply passage (24) communicating between the first tank (21) and a toilet bowl (11) and a on-off valve (25) which maximizes a flow rate of an air in the air passage (23) with a delay to initiation of supply of flush water stored in the first tank (21) through the water-supply passage (24) into the toilet bowl (11), the air flowing from the toilet drainage (12) side to the second tank (22) side.

Abstract: A splicing shower has a main shower, which is disposed with an inlet waterway, a main outlet assembly and at least a water diversion connection, the main outlet assembly is connected to the inlet waterway, the water diversion connection is connected to the inlet waterway, the water diversion connection is disposed with an on-off switch. The assistant shower is disposed with a diversion waterway and an assistant outlet assembly, the assistant outlet assembly is connected to the diversion waterway. When the assistant shower is spliced to the main shower, the water diversion connection is connected to the diversion waterway, when the assistant shower is separated from the main shower, the switch is turned off.

Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first and second frame members and a latch. A second interlocking feature of the second frame member is configured to interlock with a first interlocking feature of the first frame member when the second frame member is assembled with the first frame member and the second frame member is moved with respect to the first frame member from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. The latch is secured to the first frame member and is horizontally movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the latch engages a catch portion of the second frame member to secure the second frame member in the second vertical position. In the unlocked position, the latch disengages from the catch portion of the second frame member to permit movement of the second frame member to the first vertical position.

Abstract: The new style sleeping bag provides for a more efficient use of the insulating material and cover, as well as integrating the cushioning pad that is often used separately with a sleeping bag. The new style sleeping bag works the same as the current sleeping bag. It will be lighter because the integration of the cushioning pad and the sleeping cover, as the insulating material that is usually rendered ineffective is eliminated.

Abstract: A bed top covering, including a top portion; a second portion; and a bottom portion. The second portion including a back-folded, electrically heated, foot canopy therein configured to allow the feet of a user to be extended in an upward direction therewithin and providing room and maneuverability and warmth for the feet of the user. The third portion is tucked under the mattress for snugness.

Abstract: A scarf hides the upper portion of a made bed from view. The scarf includes a portion of material having a length and a width, opposite first and second ends and opposite top and bottom edges. The length of the scarf is sufficient to cover pillows placed on a made bed of standard size, with the opposite first and second ends reaching opposite first and second edges of the bed. The width of the scarf is sufficient so that its top edge hides the top edge of a pillow on the made bed, and the bottom edge hides the bottom edge of the pillow on the made bed. The scarf may be used to cover up the top edge of a bed sheet, blanket or bedspread on a made bed so as to hide said top edge of the bed sheet, blanket or bedspread.

Abstract: A portable container having a horizontal platform supporting one or more pouches, pockets and bins wherein a portion of said horizontal platform configured to slide between a mattress and box-spring (or second mattress) which anchors the one or more pouches, pockets or bins proximate the bed. The one or more pouches, pockets or bins allow bedside utilities to be conveniently placed in said one or more pouches, pockets or bins proximate the bed.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a base, a lifting mechanism, a rotating frame configured to rotate horizontally relative to the base, and a patient support surface pivotally secured to the rotating frame. The patient support surface includes a back section, a seat section, and foot section that articulate relative to each other. The patient support surface translates from a bed configuration to a side-egress chair configuration. The foot section includes a plurality of panels that translate relative to each other from a substantially co-planar relationship when the patient support surface is in a bed configuration to a relationship where one of the foot section panels is substantially orthogonal to another foot section panel when the patient support surface is in a chair configuration. A mattress supported by the patient support surface has a retractable foot portion that adjusts its length in response to translation of the foot section panels.

Abstract: A cushion device including a first material layer is attached with a first plurality of viscoelastic members. A second material layer is attached with a second plurality of viscoelastic members. A material wall surrounds the first material layer and the second material layer. A first fill material is disposed between the first material layer and the second material layer.

Abstract: A device for lying or sitting on includes a frame and also a covering which is stretched over the frame and defines a surface for lying or sitting on of the device for lying or sitting on. A tensioning device is adapted to interact with the frame and/or the covering in order to vary the pre-tensioning force which acts upon the covering.

Abstract: An inclined body positioning and support system is presented comprising an internal foundational wedged support encased in a chamber, an internal ventilation/comfort material encased in a chamber, first and second internal elongated positioning and support chambers each encasing a fill material, and an external cover. The foundational wedge chamber encases a respective first and second wedge plateau overlapped by the respective first and second elongated support material chamber to form a respective first and second transitional.

Abstract: A bed lifting apparatus comprising a base and a support frame connected by at least one linkage arm, the at least one linkage arm including at least one biasing arrangement arranged to maintain the base and the support frame in a spaced apart relationship, wherein, in use, when a bed is located on the support frame, the bed is maintained in a spaced apart relationship from a floor surface.

Abstract: A sensing device is configured for placing in an air cushion bed below air bladders thereof to detect an exact state of the bed in use, and includes a first and a second sheet connected together to define an air chamber therebetween. The air bladders and the air chamber are communicable with one another via inflation valves on the first sheet and are synchronously and identically inflated. First and second sensing elements are disposed outside and inside the air chamber, respectively. The first sensing element has deformation and acceleration sensors arranged thereon for monitoring how the bed reacts to a patient lying thereon and the manner in which the bed is being used. The second sensing element includes upper and lower conductive sensing sheets and an electrical connection state therebetween is used to detect whether the air bladders are sufficiently inflated. Thus, the air cushion bed is safer for use.

Abstract: A ventilating pad with buffer and elastic support is formed by connecting an underlying layer, a middle layer and a surface layer with one another, characterized in that the underlying layer is disposed under the middle layer, and the middle layer is disposed under the surface layer, and the middle layer comprises a plurality of elastic protrusions protruded from the top of the middle layer, and the surface layer is attached flatly with the middle layer and along the direction of the elastic protrusion of the middle layer, and a gap is formed between two adjacent elastic protrusions, such that a downwardly concave air passage is formed between the adjacent elastic protrusions, such that the application of the ventilating pad will not cause sweltering or discomfort.

Abstract: A foam support, such as a mattress or cushion, with additional edge supports. The edge supports may be in the form of a support member that may include firmer foam than the body of the mattress. The support member may include a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the support member may have a larger surface area than the bottom portion of the support member.

Abstract: A washing machine provided with a structure thereof capable of draining and circulating by using a single pump and capable of enhancing washing performance by using a circulation of water and a rotation of a drum, and a control method thereof, in which the structure of the washing machine is simplified through the change of the flow path that enables the draining and the circulation of water by using a general pump while decreasing the number of the components of the washing machine. The manufacturing cost of the washing machine is reduced, because the washing machine accelerates the dissolution of detergent by generating large amount of bubbles by using the circulation of water and the rotation of the drum, without additional components, thereby washing performance of the washing machine is enhanced, and by maintaining the bubbles that are generated, the non-tangible quality that a user feels in the course of washing is enhanced.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of laundering fabric which uses a pourable liquid detergent composition comprising 10-40% wt of surfactant, essentially consisting of nonionic and/or anionic surfactant (typically less than 90% wt LAS and at least 10% wt of nonionic surfactant) in which 10-40% wt of surfactant preferably passes the Calcium Tolerance Test described in the patent. The composition comprises no more than 15% wt of soap, (present as a minority in wt % terms of the total surfactant). In the method, the composition is diluted by a factor of greater than 500 to obtain a wash liquor which comprises 0.8-0.05 g/l of surfactant, and, the wash liquor is contacted with fabrics.

Abstract: A washing control method that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of a washing machine. The washing control method includes supplying wash water containing detergent into a space between a lower portion of a rotary drum and a lower inner surface of a water tub; heating the wash water containing detergent; generating and supplying bubbles into the rotary drum; and washing laundry with the supplied bubbles.

Abstract: An adjustable last that may be inserted into an article includes provisions so that the position of an adjustable portion of the adjustable last can be changed according to the size of the article. In some embodiments, the adjustable last includes an inflatable member that can be filled with fluid according to the size of the article, and may be used to adjust the size of the article. Other embodiments do not include an inflatable member. The adjustable last can include an adjustment assembly for adjusting the adjustable portion. The adjustment assembly can include a wedge member.