Abstract: Various embodiments of a spiral shaped element and embedded wavy materials are disclosed for use in a shock mitigating material to dissipate the energy associated with the impact of an object. The shock mitigating material can be used in helmets, bumpers, bullet proof vests, military armor, and other applications. One embodiment, among others, is a shock mitigating material having a plurality of spiral shaped elements, each having a circular cross section, and each being tapered from a large outside end to a small inside end but also having an embedded wavy material that can induce shear waves to mitigate the shock pressure and impulse.

Abstract: Disclosed is an athletic glove comprising a pair of finger pads on the dorsal surface of each finger portion, a dorsal pad extending between the metacarpophalangeal finger joints and the metacarpals when worn, and a lateral pad.

Abstract: A glove, particularly for golf, is provided with a gusset of expandable material which extends along the finger stalls of the glove from the web between the finger stalls to a selected distance from the distal end of the fingers, the glove having a non-expandable material wrap around the fingers thereby providing an expansion zone that extends along the length of the fingers to a selected distance from the tip end of the distal phalanxes of the fingers.

Abstract: A sports glove, such as a hockey or lacrosse glove, includes inverted finger pads connected such that exterior gaps are not present between some or all of the adjacent pads when a wearer grips a stick or otherwise closes his or her hand. The inverted pads optionally include stiffening elements attached to or integral with their outer surfaces to provide additional protection to the wearer's fingers. The finger pads covering the base regions of the fingers optionally are attached to the main body of the glove via an elastic material or similar material that allows the finger pads to move away from the main body during closure of a wearer's hand. These finger pads may further be attached to the main body via an inelastic strap or similar feature that prevents the finger pads from being pulled forward beyond the rear housing or cover that overlies these finger pads.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the Burping Cloth Keeper. There has always been an issue of a baby's burping cloth falling off the shoulder of the user. This jeopardizes the sanitary cleanliness of the cloth which is to come in direct contact with a baby; particularly the face. The Burping Cloth Keeper is an invention that will affix the cloth to the garment of the user by sandwiching them between two encased magnets. It will allow the user to have uninhibited movement while staying in place to care for a baby.

Abstract: The swimmer's headband includes a continuous, flexible body that can be worn around the head. In profile, the flexible body includes a convex front end and a convex back end. The height of the back end is greater than the height of the front end. The curved front end conforms to and covers the user's forehead area, while the back end conforms to and covers the back of the user's head. The back end extends down to cover the neck, providing greater coverage for hair around the neckline. In profile, the bottom line of the swimmer's headband includes downwardly extending ear cover extensions between the front and back ends. The ear extensions cover the user's ears to protect the same from water exposure. The swimmer's headband is constructed from water-impermeable material.

Abstract: A multilayered garment material that has a central layer composed of conventional fabric, an inner layer of highly frictional material that is distributed over large segments of the inner surface of the garment, and an outer layer of highly frictional material that is distributed over large segments of the outer surface of the garment. The external layers of frictional material prevent slippage of the garment on the skin, and slippage of the garment when it is in contact with external surfaces.

Abstract: A sleeve to be worn on a forearm of a person, the sleeve including a fabric dimensioned to cover the forearm, the sleeve also including at least one indicia pattern imprinted the fabric, an opening in the fabric dimensioned to envelop the forearm near the elbow, another opening to envelop the wrist, and wherein the fabric is a material having substantially 80% polyester and 20% spandex to provide resistance to ink fade of the indicia patterns, and wherein the fabric provides a form fitting article extending from the wrist to below the elbow for displaying an indicia pattern according to forearm movement.

Abstract: Reversible hypoallergenic clothing, including but not limited to jeans, pants, skirts, shirts and jackets, utilizing two-way hypoallergenic metal fasteners. The metal fasteners include double sided zippers and dual headed metallic buttons made from metals that can be considered to by hypoallergenic such as titanium and stainless steel. The hypoallergenic reversible garment may be configured into different cuts and styles according to fashion trends and are suitable for use by children, teens, men and women.

Abstract: A clothing article generally includes a posterior panel and two anterior panels, at least one of which contains a breast panel and a concealed pocket assembly. The concealed pocket assembly is attached to the lower hem of the breast panel to form the anterior panel. The concealed pocket assembly generally includes a pocket flap, an inner pocket panel and an outer pocket panel. The pocket flap is positioned over the outer pocket panel to conceal the upper hem of the outer pocket panel. The pocket flap is integrated into the concealed pocket assembly at the lateral and medial seams. A closure mechanism attaches to the medial edge of both anterior panels to releasably fasten the clothing article together.

Abstract: The present invention is a hospital gown garment that includes a base hospital gown with a front facing, a back facing and a pair of arms and a plurality of zippers that include a first zipper and a second zipper that are disposed on the pair of arms of the base hospital gown, the first zipper and the second zipper allow easy and quick access to a patient's arms. The plurality of zippers also include a third zipper that is vertically disposed on a middle portion of the front facing, the third zipper allows easy and quick access to a patient's back, the plurality of zippers include a fourth zipper that is disposed vertically on a middle portion of the back facing and the fourth zipper allows easy and quick access to a patient's back area.

Abstract: A 3D hand-shaped glove includes a performance-enhancing layer laminated to a fabric glove shell. A flat, solid laminate preform can be prepared with printed graphics, fabric layers, oriented films, dense and/or concentrated fillers, and other features. The 3D hand-shaped glove shell is placed on a 3D laminating form, and the preform is laminated thereto while preserving the 3D shape. In embodiments, the laminating form includes opposing flat surfaces, and a platen or roller press is used. In other embodiments, a bladder or vacuum bag press is used to laminate the preform to a curved or otherwise shaped surface of the laminating form. In embodiments, edge peel resistance is enhanced by extending the perimeter of a low modulus upper layer beyond underlying layers and bonding it directly to the glove shell. Recovery of the glove shell after deformation by the laminating form can provide a warping deformation of the laminate preform.

Abstract: An expandable joint for use in, for example, a headband, includes elastic material, a low-friction sleeve, and a tube. The low-friction sleeve covers at least two opposing sides of a portion of the length of elastic material. The length of elastic material is affixed to the low-friction sleeve at a first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The length of elastic material extends beyond a second end of the low-friction sleeve opposite the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The tube substantially encloses the low-friction sleeve. The low-friction sleeve is affixed to the tube at the first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve, and the length of elastic material extends beyond a first end of the tube.

Abstract: A modular scarf includes a sleeve, an insulation body, and a fastening mechanism. An internal compartment of the sleeve, which houses the insulation body, is accessed through an internal compartment access mechanism. The fastening mechanism brings together a first end and a second end of the modular scarf so that the modular scarf can be secured around a wearer's neck. The modular scarf provides warmth to the wearer while allowing the wearer to either interchangeably changes the sleeve or the insulation body according to the wearer's preference, where the thickness of the insulation body controls the warmth and the different textural and decorative sleeve provides a fashion statement.

Abstract: Improved pants include front and rear panels configured and dimensioned to provide a high rear waist and lower front waist to optimize fit by a wearer in a wheelchair. Front pockets are substantially lower than the waistline and rear or inseam pockets are disposed at the inseam behind the calf on the jeans below the knee, e.g., positioned on the inner calf on the leg of the pants. An inseam zipper preferably extends from the crotch down one or both legs for easy access to a catheter, and other features are employed for optimal fit and utility.

Abstract: Motion limiting pants prevent a person from turning over onto his or her back or stomach while sleeping on his or her sides, or prevents a person from turning over onto his or her side while sleeping on his or her back or stomach. The motion limiting pants can include one or more pockets formed therein. The pockets can be filled with a filling material, such as a lightweight foam. The pockets can be formed either on the sides of the pants to prevent side sleeping, or on the front and back of the pants to prevent back and/or stomach sleeping.

Abstract: A men's support undergarment with a brief and adjustable bolster. The brief has two leg openings and a torso opening that is fitted with an elastomeric waistband. The adjustable bolster has a foam core covered in an elastic breathable material and is positioned to lift the genitals up and out from between the legs. Bolster supports extend from both ends of the bolster to thread through the elastomeric waistband and adjustably attach to the waistband.

Abstract: A male undergarment, including at least one enclosing panel, a cover panel, disposed substantially at the front of the undergarment, and a separation panel disposed interiorly of the cover panel, wherein the cover panel has a portion thereof selectively attachable to a portion of the undergarment, and a portion, thereof coupled to the at least one enclosing panel, and the separation panel has an opening defined therein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a garment or accessory worn for fishing that comprises a magnet of sufficient size and strength to hold fishing hooks or lures.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with technology for protective helmets, with a particular focus on rear opening full-face helmets. Embodiments are primarily focussed on an emergency release mechanism for such helmets, which allows the helmet to be separated into a front and rear shell thereby to facilitate removal from a wearer's head with minimal stress to the neck.

Abstract: A face protection grill (1) that is used to protect the face. The face protection grill is used for instance in different kinds of sports to prevent the playing instrument to hit the sportsman, referee or official to the face. It includes wires (2) and these wires have been put to their place so that when the face protection grill is in its usage position on the face of the user the halves are asymmetric with each other in relation to the vertical level (B) that is halfway between the eyes. This causes that the shadow area caused by the wires (2) does not reach at a time the vision line of both eyes (4).

Abstract: A protective eyewear includes a frame, a lens supported on the frame, and an air delivery system including a nozzle adjacent to an outer surface of the lens. The nozzle conforms to the contour of the lens and is configured and arranged to direct a high-speed flat, laminar airflow over the outer surface of the lens whereby the airflow reduces the impact and collection of airborne contaminants on the outer surface of the lens.

Abstract: Protective eyewear including a base, a floating protective wireframe (or lenses), an ear piece and a nose piece. The base can be substantially oval in shape, such that the base can surround the eyes of a user wearing the protective eyewear apparatus. The protective cage connects to the frame by snap fit or other means, and is otherwise spaced from and free-floating relative to the frame. This results in eyewear that is more comfortable to wear on a continuous basis and more reliable protection, at least meeting ASTM F 803-03 impact requirements.

Abstract: A breast protection device that has a shield. The shield has an inner face and an outer face with a cavity formed there between. A finable bladder is positioned inside of the cavity. The bladder has a valve opening for filling the bladder. A tube is inserted in the valve for filling said bladder. A method for protecting breast tissue using the breast protection device and a garment having the breast protection device incorporated therein.

Abstract: A fiber blend, yarn, fabric, and/or garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising (a) greater than 30 percent aramid fiber; (b) 20 to 35 weight percent modacrylic fiber; (c) 20 to 35 weight percent rayon fiber having a limiting oxygen index of 21 or less, and having a dry tensile strength of 3 grams per denier or greater; and (d) 0 to 3 weight percent antistatic fiber; the percentages on the basis of components (a), (b), (c), and (d); wherein the difference in the amount of the modacrylic fiber and the rayon fiber present in the blend, yarn, fabric, and/or garment is 10 percent by weight or less.

Abstract: The invention is a Toilet Seat Stopper used to minimize the lateral movement of a toilet seat. Two plastic devices are attached to the bottom of a toilet seat in the center on opposite sides.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an improved toilet seal and methods for installing such toilet seals. The toilet seal includes one or more rings disposed circumferentially about a sleeve. The rings are removably attached to the sleeve to provide a manner by which to remove one or more of the rings and thereby adjust the position of the seal relative to adjacent piping. The seal further includes a sealing element that includes a flexible lip, which is adapted to deflect downwardly when engaged by a plumbing fixture.

Abstract: An obstruction clearing assembly for clearing an obstruction from a plumbing fixture and the respective pipe. The assembly positions inside the fixture, and is accessible and controlled from outside the fixture by a handle. The handle joins with a cable that passes through the fixture, and through the pipe. The handle controls the flailing, rotation, and thrust of the cable within the pipe. The cable includes a tip, which positions in proximity to the obstruction. A prong joins to the end of the tip, and is configured to engage the obstruction. The prong moves in conjunction with the cable to provide sufficient agitation to clear the obstruction. A casing provides a watertight conduit for the cable and the tip to pass through the pipe. A sleeve provides a rigid frame for the cable. A fitting joins variably sized components of the assembly, while a gasket provides a seal.

Abstract: A combination snake and plunger, in an integral body, wherein the snake feeds through an aperture in the plunger cup, allowing use, as a plunger, a snake, or a combination device, for removing clogs from drains. The present invention includes a feed mechanism for the snake; a spool for snake storage; a hose adaptor to clean the snake and add hydraulic pressure; and a crank-wheel to re-spool the snake.

Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.

Abstract: A toilet flush valve that has a moveable buoyant float therein, wherein the float has an open bottom end to trap air therein and wherein the housing includes controls to selectively release air to allow the float to move upwardly therein to permit flushing. By timing when one or two air vents on the housing are open, the duration and volume of the flush can be controlled, with the buoyancy provided by the water lifting the float to open the flush valve. This provides a flushing system with minimal activation energy.

Abstract: A ceramic bowl obtained by means of casting in moulds, comprises: a liquid collection pan (2); a siphon portion (16) for draining liquids from the pan (2); a liquid distribution rim (3) having at least one portion configured to reproduce the top edge (7) of the pan (2) along a common plane (P) of lie; the rim portion (3) has a toroidal cross-section generating a tubular chamber (4) for the passage of liquids; the rim (3) and the pan (2) being made as a single body in a mould (SI); an outer casing (5) for housing the pan (2) and the rim (3) in the form of a single body; the siphon portion (16) for draining liquids is separate from the pan (2), formed as a single body with the casing (5), and configured to be joined to the pan (2) inside said casing (5).

Abstract: A ceramic bowl obtained by means of casting in moulds comprises: a liquid collection pan (2) having a main axis (Z) of extension; a liquid distribution rim (3) having at least one portion configured to reproduce the top edge (7) of the pan (2) along a common plane (P) of lie; the rim portion (3) has a tubular chamber (4) with toroidal cross-section for the passage of liquids and having as axis of rotation the axis (Z) of the pan (2); a separate outer casing (5) for housing the single component formed by pan (2) and rim (3); the bowl comprises a first set of perimetral surfaces (8, 14, 31) which define one part of the tubular chamber (4) of the rim (3) and the surface joining the rim portion (3) to the pan (2) and which are parallel to each other and extend in a direction transverse to the common plane (P) of lie, and a second set of perimetral surfaces (6, 12) which define the other part of the tubular chamber (4) and extend parallel to the plane (P) of lie and are connected to the first set of surfaces (8, 1

Abstract: The present invention provides an enclosed, in-ground, temperature-controlled super dive tank for recreational diving and/or dive training purposes. The super dive tank has a length ranging between about 100 to about 200 feet long and a width ranging between about 50 to 150 feet wide. The depth of the tank ranges between about 50 to 80 feet deep. The present invention also provides a method for simulating open water diving by a diver, comprised of diving in an enclosed, in-ground, temperature-controlled super dive tank up to depths ranging between 50 to 80 feet. The present invention thus provides a diver with as natural a diving experience as one would have if one were diving in a coral reef in an ocean.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for stain removing, washing, drying and ironing treatment of garments and/or washing of dishes in pre-existing plumbing fixtures like showers, bathtubs, combined shower—bathtub and shower—sauna, each provided with a protective stall. The system comprises a frame, composed of at least two posts (15) connected by a top crossbeam (16), placed inside the stall; collapsible or foldable hangers or models (18), assembled on the frame for hanging garments thereon; means (19, 20) for supplying and delivering a washing and rinsing fluid for garments supported by hangers or models (18); and means per supplying airflow in the stall for drying and ironing said garments, while the latter are hung up on said hangers or models. Alternatively to hangers or models, the system comprises plate-rack for dishes to be washed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washable bathtub liner. The liner is advantageously formed from a flexible nylon fabric. A series of silicon panels are bonded to the nylon fabric. This results in a flexible liner that can be removed from the tub to be washed. The spacing between the panels further permits the liner to be folded for storage.

Abstract: A shower or tub enclosure incorporating a spray nozzle in the drain system to allow a spray of water to be directed up from the lower area of the enclosure. The spray nozzle may be optionally controlled by an individual flow diverter. The spray nozzle may further comprise a plurality of spray selectors for shaping the spray.

Abstract: A shower curtain is provided with two pockets adapted to receive spaced apart stereo speakers and a third pocket adapted to receive a personal entertainment system. The third pocket is provided with a clear inside window pane facing the inside of the shower and adapted for finger-touch control through the window pane. A closure system integral with the shower curtain is provided for external access to the pockets. In one embodiment, the closure system for access to the pockets is a tongue-in-groove fastening arrangement that provides external access to a personal entertainment system as well as a channel through which wires run to couple the entertainment system to the speakers.

Abstract: A displaceable sidewall of an infant crib made from outwardly rotatable bi-fold door sets that cooperate to open outward to provide limited or complete access to the bed space. Each of the doors has a latch mechanism to retain the doors in a closed position and the central doors have an interlocking locking and release means for ease of access and for maintaining the integrity of the sidewall when closed and locked.

Abstract: An aspect provides a method for separating a mattress from an underlying bedding component, including: actuating a fluid pump to inflate one or more inflatable bladder components with fluid; the one or more inflatable bladder components being disposed between the mattress and the underlying bedding component such that on inflation with the fluid, the one or more inflatable bladder components separates the mattress and the underlying bedding component. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An exercise sheet for exercising may include a flexible first sheet and a flexible second sheet connected to the flexible first sheet. The flexible first sheet may be formed from Lycra and the flexible second sheet may be formed from neoprene. The flexible second sheet may include a laminated surface. The first flexible sheet may include a retaining cord. The retaining cord may include a cord stop to adjust the length of the retaining cord.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-zone comforter system enabling two individuals sharing a bed to regulate individual temperatures separately. The two-zone comforter system comprises a lower panel that is continuous across the width of the two-zone comforter system. A first upper panel and a second upper panel extend lengthwise from the lower panel and define a first and second sleeping zone. The first and second upper panels further comprise a compartmentalized overlapping flap containing magnets. The magnets of the first upper panel and the magnets of the second overlapping panel are of opposing polarity.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for use in a healthcare facility has associated therewith a graphical user interface (GUI) that is operable to display information pertaining to features of the patient support apparatus and to display information pertaining to features of other patient support apparatuses. Under some circumstances, the GUI may also be used to control functions of some of the other patient support apparatuses. A bed data server is communicatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and to the other patient support apparatuses to control information flow to the GUI from the other patient support apparatuses.

Abstract: A head and neck support device for supporting and maintaining proper head and neck alignment in an individual during periods of rest and/or sleep. The head and neck support device preferably comprises a first layer of high density foam and a second layer stacked on top of said first layer and comprised of a shape memory foam with a plurality of apertures formed therein. In a preferred embodiment, both the first and second layers of the support device comprise a cradle portion for receipt of a user's head.

Abstract: The following invention is related to a framed air pillow system, using air pressure to provide stability and support for the body. It is also said to help maintaining aligned posture and comfort when sitting in an upright position. This proposed invention comprises a rectangular pillow, cushion or the like, supports the back and the shoulders, attached from the posterior to an extended horizontal base that functions to provide stability for the system. The said cushion is air inflatable and there does exists at least one air chamber built in the cushion. The angle between the said base and the said cushion is adjustable and may change by changing the air pressure inside the said air chamber. The air pressure is adjusted by the user to provide comfort and support. This is an adjustable with multi functions framed air pillow system that primarily supports to align the spine for good posture when sitting, sleeping or any other similar activity on bed, floor or any other surface where back support is needed.

Abstract: An adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be varied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform system including a plurality of bladders, a base plate, and a connection plate, such as, for instance, a gasket plate. A plurality of fluid channels are incorporated into the base plate, and the fluid channels interconnect the bladders to a sensor such as a pressure or force sensor that may be present in the pressure adjustable platform system or present in an external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The pressure adjustable platform system may be operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The base plate may contain one or more channels, tubes or conduits transmitting a fluid into or removing a fluid from a bladder. The connection plate such as a gasket plate may operably connect the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus to the pressure adjustable platform system.

Abstract: An adaptive cushion for reducing pressure on body parts of a person positioned on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a force sensor. The cushion includes a controller for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to air pressures that tend to reduce the interface pressures sensed by the force sensors. A pressure reduction method includes varying the inflation pressure in a first air bladder cell while measuring the sum of the interface pressures exerted on all or a plurality of the air bladder cells, re-pressurizing the first cell to that air pressure for which a minimum total interface pressure was obtained, repeating this process for the remaining air bladder cells.

Abstract: A pocket spring core for a bedding or seating cushion comprises an array of pocket springs. The array of pocket springs comprises fully active springs (10) respectively enclosed in an associated pocket (35) of fabric. Each fully active spring (10) respectively has a central spiral portion (20) with at least one turn and defining a spring axis (13), an unknotted first end turn (21) defining a first end of the fully active spring (10), and an unknotted second end turn (22) defining an opposing second end of the fully active spring (10). Each fully active spring (10) has a rest shape in which the first end turn (21) and the second end turn (22) have a finite pitch angle, so that the first end turn (21) and the second end turn (22) contribute to a spring force of the fully active spring (10).