Abstract: A sun shade apparatus for use with eyeglasses having a pair of temples and worn relative to a user's head includes a flexible headband removably coupled to the pair of temples of the eyeglasses. A head shade assembly is coupled to an upper end of the framework so as to be displaced from the headband and above the user's head, the head shade assembly having a generally planar configuration and made of a generally opaque material configured to block sun rays from the user's head. The head shade assembly includes a plurality of wire frame members that are selectively bendable to selectively orient the sun shade apparatus relative to the user's head. The sun shade apparatus may include a coupled to a lower surface of the head shade assembly that may be powered by solar or battery power.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for retaining camouflage material. A frame includes a front surface and a back surface. The frame may be configured to distribute pressure across the back surface from camouflage material retained against the front surface. At least one retention device may be coupled to the frame. The retention device(s) may be configured to retain camouflage material against the front surface of the frame. At least one vent opening may be formed in the frame. A vent opening may include a channel extending between the front surface and the back surface of the frame.

Abstract: Protective chaps, such as chainsaw protective chaps, including a right legging, a left legging, and a waist attachment element such as a belt for attaching the chaps to the waist of a wearer, Each legging has preferably 2-5 strap units, such as straps, for securing the legging around the back of a leg of the wearer. One or more of the strap units is repositionable higher or lower on its legging to provide comfort and better fit for the wearer and so that a damaged strap unit or strap can be easily replaced.

Abstract: A dental bib has a built-in sanitary collar that, in one embodiment, is completely detachable from the rest of the bib by tearing along a pre-perforated line between the main portion of the bib and the detachable portion of the bib. The main portion of the bib is secured to the wearer by mechanical means and worn over the chest as a bib, while the detached portion is separately secured to the wearer by mechanical means and worn around the neck as a sanitary collar. The two free ends of the detached portion of the bib can be secured around the neck as a collar with self-adhesive material or clips. Similarly, the main portion of the bib can be secured to the wearer using self-adhesive material or clips. In another embodiment, the sanitary collar is not completely detachable, but is formed by folding a portion of the bib around the neck.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing a warp knitted fabric manufacturing method capable of stably producing a warp knitted fabric wherein the longitudinal stretchability is 200%. To solve the problem, the invention is a warp knitted fabric manufacturing method that forms bands of a warp knitted structure with increased longitudinal stretchability by forming stitches with an elastic warp (2) while knitting in an elastic inserted yarn (3) in the warp direction and knitting in the weft (4) in the course direction, wherein: active feed means (30), which are obtained by placing a single follower roller (323) above two drive rollers (321, 322), are disposed on the respective paths of the warp (2) and the inserted yarn (3) to feed the warp (2) and the inserted yarn (3) to the warp knitting machine while increasing the respective elongation percentage.

Abstract: A breast support device designed to provide the wearer with a high degree of control and support of breast tissue while minimizing the pain and discomfort associated with conventional breast control garments, that can be worn on its own or integrated into garments where breast support is desirable. The breast support device achieves these objectives through the innovative combination of various non-stretch and stretch fabrics, as well as through the use on one or more darts of varying length sewn into the non-stretch fabric.

Abstract: A transformable article of clothing wearable by a person in a plurality of configurations. According to various embodiments, a transformable article of clothing comprises a central tubular portion coupled to a first member and a second member is configurable between a shawl and a scarf. In another embodiment, a transformable article of clothing comprises a first continuous loop coupled to a second continuous loop and is configurable among a hat, a hood, a scarf and a hand warmer. In yet another embodiment, an article of clothing comprises a mask portion and an ear muffler portion selectively retained on ears of the wearer. In still another embodiment, a transformable glove comprises a hand portion, a thumb portion, a first finger portion and a second finger portion with an opening in at least one of thumb and finger portions.

Abstract: A fabric is provided having a defined pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions that extend entirely through the thickness of the fabric so that the defined pattern is identical on the inner and outer surfaces of the fabric. The defined pattern is configured so that the hydrophilic regions are all in communication or interconnected so that moisture, such as perspiration, can wick not only from the inner to the outer surface of the fabric but also throughout the surface of the fabric and in several directions on the fabric so that the surface area of the wetted hydrophilic regions increases. The defined pattern may be further configured so that none of the hydrophobic regions are in communication.

Abstract: An athletic garment including a panel designed to reduce frictional and pressure drag around an appendage of an athlete competing in a high-speed event, such as running and cycling. The panel is positioned to encircle the appendage, and is provided with regions having different surface texture roughnesses. The leading edge of the panel includes texture designed to enhance the laminar boundary layer, while the adjacent portion of the panel includes texture intended to trip the boundary layer to turbulent flow. The drag-reducing panel may be the cuff of a sock, a sleeve, wristband, a headband, or the like.

Abstract: A surface fastener which includes a hook surface fastener (A) and a loop surface fastener (B), or a mixed surface fastener (C). The hook surface fastener (A) has hook fastener elements made of monofilaments on a surface of a base fabric. The loop surface fastener (B) has loop fastener elements made of multifilaments and capable of engaging with the hook fastener elements on a surface of a base fabric. The mixed surface fastener (C) has hook fastener elements made of monofilaments and loop fastener elements made of multifilaments on the same surface of a base fabric. The monofilaments are made from a polyethylene terephthalate-based polyester resin, and the multifilaments are made of a polybutylene terephthalate-based polyester resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of clothing (1), comprising a textile carrier material (2), which surrounds a body section of a wearer of the article of clothing (1), wherein an adhesion layer (3) is arranged on the carrier material (2) at that side of the carrier material (2) which faces the body section, which adhesion layer (3) contacts a part of the body section during the intended use of the article of clothing (1), wherein the textile carrier material (2) without adhesion layer (3) expands itself by a first elastic amount of expansion (?s1) during application of a defined expansion force (F0). To apply a stimulation effect to the skin of the wearer of the article of clothing the invention proposes that the textile carrier material (2) with adhesion layer (3) expands itself by a second elastic amount of expansion (?s2) during application of the expansion force (F0) which is at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, of the first elastic amount of expansion (?s1).

Abstract: An improved fishing or hunting wader, exposure suit or foul weather pants/bib incorporates a novel waterproof connectable hatch to provide access for urination. The low profile and lightweight waterproof hatch is centered over the groin area and allows the wearer of a fishing wader, or similar foul weather gear pants, to be able to quickly open the hatch and urinate without removing the cumbersome garment. A hinged or connectable lid may swing upwards and downwards and features a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic, or mechanical fastener so that the lid is held up in place and out of the way. After urination, the lid may conveniently snap back into place against a seal or O-ring thereby forming a water tight seal.

Abstract: A pre-knotted adjustable necktie is provided that includes a pre-knot and a tie body worn about a collar by a person, tie body having a first and second end as well as a front and back to accommodate a surface design and pre-knot having a cover accommodating a cover surface design wrapped about a pre-knot form having channels, a cavity and hooked ends to hold and accommodate the insertion of a tie body making an individual fashion statement over coming the limitations of the modern day necktie.

Abstract: A hand warmer device maintains hand warmth while not inhibiting dexterity in the wearer. The device includes a flexible sheet having an adhesive portion on an inner face thereof. The sheet is formed generally in the shape of a hand in two dimensions. Affixed to an outer face of the sheet is an activatable heating element containing a composition including materials the mixing of which causes an exothermic reaction. In use, a person can affix the sheet to a top of the hand by adhering the inner face thereto. The heating element can be activated by flexing the fingers, causing a mixing of the composition materials, and thereby the emission of heat. The heating device can thus keep the hand and fingers warm for some number of hours while leaving the palms and insides of the fingers free to perform a desired task.

Abstract: A scarf includes a scarf body including a rectangular portion having long sides and short sides and a right triangular portion having a base, a leg and a hypotenuse, wherein the base is integrally connected to the rectangular portion on one of the long sides, the leg extending from one of the short sides, and a hypotenuse extending from a free end to a midpoint of said one of the long sides; and a loop at the free end, wherein the loop receives at least a corner of the rectangular portion to secure the scarf.

Abstract: A hat with integrated cigar holders includes a basket portion, a brim section extending outwardly in a first direction away from the basket portion, a plurality of openings disposed along the basket portion, and a pair of cigar straps each having a middle portion forming an adjustable sized loop disposed on the outside facing surface of the basket.

Abstract: Garments with fastenable panels are provided. In this regard, a representative garment includes: a body formed of material and configured as pants; an opening defined in the body; and a panel sized and shaped to cover the opening, the panel being movable between an opening position, in which the panel provides access to the opening, and a closed position, in which the panel obstructs access to the opening.

Abstract: A hosiery product, such as a sock, footie, trouser sock or pantyhose, includes an inner layer of hosiery material, such as nylon or spandex covering the bottom and top surfaces of the wearer's foot, an outer layer of similar hosiery material, and at least one cushion section disposed between the inner and outer layers. The cushion section includes a cushioning material that conforms to the contours of the wearer's foot, such as macro-gel activated support discs or memory foam. The cushion section is permanently attached to the inner layer and/or outer layer and is positioned to cushion a particular area of the bottom surface of the wearer's foot, such as the heel, arch and/or ball of the foot.

Abstract: Provided is a garment including hosiery which avoids the needs for a conventional waistband by providing a graduated compression panty where the compression is gradually increased from the bottom of the panty where leg portions are attached to the top of the panty which corresponds approximately with the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: A protective insert for an item of golfing headwear with integral rigid peak. The protective insert is configured to protect a user's head from injury caused by a golf ball.

Abstract: A force re-direction strap, system, and method of use.

Abstract: A crash protection system includes a base connectable to a support on an open vehicle or an animal. The base includes a front airbag module arranged proximate a front end of the base and a rear airbag module arranged proximate a rear end of the base. The front airbag module has a front airbag, and the rear airbag module has a rear airbag. The system further includes a belt system having a first belt connectable around a waist of a rider and at least one strap connecting the first belt to the base. A control system includes sensors that are monitored to determine whether a crash situation is present and the control system actuates the front airbag module and the rear airbag module and releases the base from the support when the crash situation is present.

Abstract: A vent cover is described herein which may be used with various flush valve assemblies, particularly those acceptable for high efficiency and high performance toilets, which vent cover has a wall that includes an upper portion, a lower portion configured to define a vent cover inlet opening for receiving air and/or liquid passing upwardly from within a valve body and/or from within a toilet through a toilet inlet when the vent cover is installed on a valve body, an exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a vent cover passage for air passing upwardly from the vent cover inlet opening.

Abstract: The invention described herein includes a pour-flush latrine pan mountable at a surface that includes a collection basin and a flapper. The collection basin has an upper bowl portion that tapers to an outlet extending through a wall of the collection basin at its lower end. The flapper includes a counterbalance device and a coverplate disposed on opposite sides of a pivot. The coverplate has a shape adapted to cover the outlet of the collection basin when the coverplate is engaged against the lower end of the collection basin. The flapper is pivotally mounted against the collection basin such that the coverplate engages against the lower end of the collection basin when a pivotal force attributable to the counterbalance device is greater than a pivotal force applied to the coverplate that engages the lower end of the collection basin.

Abstract: An electromagnetic massage device for bathtub or pool includes an integrated holder for being fixed in a mounting hole; a lock nut engaging a thread on a wall on the holder, that fastens the holder to the surface of the wall; a rubber case with a top portion that bulges outward and a bottom portion with a rim which fits to the base plate of the concave cavity of the holder to seal the opening of the upper end of the holder; a conductive coil provided in the ring cavity of the holder and encapsulated by an upper magnetic conductive cover, a lower magnetic conductive cover and a magnetic conductive shell; and a beating head and an armature fastened together and mounted in the guide cavity of the holder to slide in the guide cavity under the action of an electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A bathtub assembly may include a bathtub, a handrail, a draining hole and an adjustable bathtub chair. In one embodiment, the bathtub can be a regular bathtub, and in another embodiment, the bathtub can be a walk-in bathtub that is more easily for the user to enter and exit. In an exemplary embodiment, the seat can gradually slide along the base and the user can stop the movement of the seat according to his/her preferences. The user can further turn the bathtub chair into a recliner to significantly enhance the comfort level during bathing. The user can also have a deeper soaking in the bathtub when the bathtub chair becomes a recliner.

Abstract: A tile-ready shower base system including a composite curb, and methods of manufacturing and installing the same. A sloped structural core is provided having a top side and a bottom side. A first waterproof panel or coating is applied to the top side and a second waterproof panel or coating is applied to the bottom side. A thin fiberglass flange is provided about at least a portion of the perimeter of the core to create a lip. The basin further includes a first hole or recess formed into the basin, which does not extend through the basin, and a second hole, axially aligned with the first, which does extend through the basin, for directly receiving and coupling a drain therein. The composite curb is provided along at least one side of the basin. Optionally, a compressible soft material or cushioned layer can be applied over the first waterproof panel of the sloped structural core.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water conservation methods and apparatuses that comprise optionally directing drainage water from a sink by a valve to either a toilet storage tank or the sewer or septic system. The drainage water diverted to the toilet storage tank can then be recycled by being used to flush the toilet. The valve may be easily manipulated by a user to provide a convenient option to recycle water for flushing the toilet, a use that is currently a major factor in the overconsumption of water in a household.

Abstract: A toilet seat apparatus is provided to assist a user between a standing position and a seated position. In one embodiment, the toilet seat apparatus includes a base portion configured to mount to a toilet bowl proximate a rear portion of the base portion, a biasing mechanism connected to the base portion proximate a forward portion of the base portion, a seat portion hingedly connected to the forward portion of the base portion, the seat portion configured to rotate between a fully inclined position and a closed position, and at least one strut having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end connected to the seat portion and the second end connected to the biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing device biases the seat portion into the inclined position.

Abstract: The faucet comprises a body having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a service water outlet, and housing a monocontrol mechanism, for blocking and liberating the communication between the cold water inlet and/or hot water inlet with the service water outlet; a tubular column, coupled to the body and open to the service water outlet, and onto which is mounted a first head carrying a service radial spout connected to the service water outlet; a filter cartridge mounted in the interior of the tubular column, inferiorly connected to the cold water inlet and onto which is mounted a second head which carries a filtrate radial spout connected to the outlet nozzle of the filter cartridge; and a filtrate cock for blocking and liberating the fluid communication between the cold water inlet and the filtrate radial spout.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system for a plumbing fixture fitting that provides a secure mounting even when the mounting conditions are not optimal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle bunk restraint system that includes a padded ladder restraint member and at least one other restraint member. The padded ladder restraint member provides access to an upper bunk. The padded ladder restraint member and at least one other restraint member may cooperate to obstruct the entrance to the lower bunk, whereby ejection from the lower bunk via the entrance is obstructed via the padded ladder restraint member and the at least one other restraint member.

Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein provide a hammock system, which comprises two spreader bars defining a length of a base area of the hammock system, two border rope defining a width of the base area of the hammock system, a plurality of longitudinally extending structural lines connecting the first spreader bar to the second spreader bar, and a weaving rope defining a repeating array of quadrilateral formations within the base area, each quadrilateral formation bisected by one of the structural lines.

Abstract: A bedbug infestation-resistant bed including: a rectangular metal frame comprising four elongate, rigid frame members including a first pair of end rails and a second pair of side rails; one or more elongate, rigid metal support members extending transversely across the frame between opposing side rails; four metal legs, each coupled at and extending downwardly from a respective one of four corners of the frame; and a metal wire mesh infill expanse forming a planar support surface extending within a perimeter of the frame.

Abstract: A sleeping bag constructed such that its outer circumference is greater than its inner circumference includes additional integrated protuberances, or space fillers, that are added to the interior lining of the sleeping bag to fill-in around the sleeper's body. Making the circumference of the outside of the bag greater than the inside maintains the thickness of the insulation in selected areas. To maintain insulation thickness at other locations around the sleeper's body, the insulation-containing space fillers are incorporated into the interior of the bag and expand under the influence of the insulation to fill-in around the sleeper for reducing the internal volume of the bag. This construction can be carried the length of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.

Abstract: A cranial support cushion configured with a pillow and one or more devices for retaining cables, wires or connectors to instruments. The cranial support cushion is further directed to preventing tilting movement of a patient's head while isolating instrumentation cabling away from the patient resting supine or prone on a surgical table or gurney in a hospital operating room or a patient-monitoring arena. The cranial support cushion may be particularly designed for organizing the cabling leading from or to instrumentation used by an anesthesiologist or other healthcare provider.

Abstract: A pillow providing a neck support and a head support, in a single complete pillow casing of rectangular shape having first and second transverse seams, and a neck support pocket formed by integral portions of pillow casing, located internally between the first and second seams, a head support pocket contained completely within the pillow casing, separate end closure for the neck support pocket, a first organic material contained within the neck pocket, a second organic material contained within the head support pocket wherein the second material is less dense and the first material is more dense, so as to provide a head cushion area for the head of the user and a neck support area for the user, all being contained within the same pillow casing.

Abstract: A pillow includes a core of chip foam, at least one fiber layer, and a cover. The chip foam core is positioned in a leak proof liner. The at least one fiber layer is positioned at least in part around the chip foam core. The cover encloses the chip foam core and the at least one fiber layer. Another pillow includes a core of chip foam and a quilted layer positioned at least in part around the core of chip foam.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and support material. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to, and extend outward from, only one of the first layer and the second layer. Each of the plurality of cells extends from a root defined at only one of the first layer and the second layer outwardly to an outer end. The plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication via a plurality of channels extending between the cells. The support material is inserted within at least one of the hollow cells. The second layer coupled to the first layer such that the support material is between an inner surface of said at least one of the hollow cells and the second layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for agitating and rearranging a grouping of individual cushioning articles in an enclosed container are disclosed. The method and device may protect and individual from an injury resulting from landing in the enclosed container when the individual cushioning articles are overly compressed and lack appropriate spacing in order to absorb the kinetic energy of an individual landing in the enclosed container. The apparatus may include an air actuated inflatable bladder with inflatable extensions that may be utilized to lift and/or separate the cushioning articles, thus allowing the cushioning articles to be repositioned in a random, non-uniform, fashion.

Abstract: A method of laundering a fabric comprising the steps of; (i) contacting the fabric with a lipid esterase selected from class E.C. 3.1.1.3, class E.C. 3.1.1.1 or a combination thereof; (ii) contacting the fabric from step (i) with a soil; (iii) contacting the fabric from step (ii) with a laundry detergent composition, wherein the laundry detergent composition optionally comprises a detersive surfactant, and optionally comprises a lipid esterase.

Abstract: A method of laundering a fabric, comprising the steps of; (i) contacting a fabric with a lipid esterase; (ii) contacting the fabric from step (i) with a cationically charged fabric softening active, wherein the cationically charged fabric softening active is a substrate for the lipid esterase; (iii) contacting the fabric from step (ii) with a laundry detergent composition, wherein the laundry detergent composition comprises an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is present at the ratio of anionic surfactant to fabric on a weight to weight basis of from 1:200 to 1:500.

Abstract: A method of laundering a fabric comprising the steps of; (i) contacting the fabric with a cutinase, (ii) contacting the fabric from step (i) with a soil; (iii) contacting the fabric from step (ii) with a laundry detergent composition, wherein the laundry detergent composition comprises a hueing agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in laundering a garment having cups comprising a flexible panel, a pair of cup supports attached to the flexible panel, and a pair of retainer rings attached to the cup supports to hold each cup of the garment against a corresponding cup support. Each cup support comprises a convex member. Each cup support may include a plurality of apertures formed through the convex member. Each cup may further include a plurality of protrusions to space the cups of the garment away from the convex member. The apparatus includes a water permeable bag extending around the flexible panel. In this case, the flexible panel may be attached to the water permeable bag.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for providing one or more benefits, including a color rejuvenation and/or color maintenance benefit to a fabric are disclosed. The disclosed compositions contain at least one cationic polymer. The methods include providing the disclosed compositions in combination with a source of anionic surfactant. Unit dose and multi-compartment systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A washing machine and a washing method, comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, and solid particles as washing medium. The inner cylinder is driven into rotation by a driver device. The inner cylinder has arranged on the inner wall thereof scraper blades that protrude inwards and are bent along the wall of the inner cylinder. The scraper blades drives the particles into obliquely upward or obliquely downward movements and flipping, thus allowing for more fully mixing clothes with the particles, for simplified washing process, while also for improved cleaning rate, and for facilitated recycling of the particles.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing cartridge for use in a washing machine. The washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate. The treatment of the moistened substrate is with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles. The cartridge has multiple compartments. A first compartment holds a polymeric particle cleaning formulation. A portion of the contents of the first compartment are released after a plurality wash cycles have been completed.

Abstract: A hair colouring composition comprising: a) dihydroxyacetone or a derivative thereof; b) from 0.2 to 10 wt % of the total composition of a cationic conditioning compound c) a sulphonic compound of formula: H2N—(CHR1}pS(—X)q—Y in which where p is an integer from 1 to 5, R1 is H or an alkyl group, X is O or S q is an integer from 0 or 1. Y is an alkyl group or hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for dyeing human keratin fibres such as the hair, in foam form, comprising at least one alkaline agent, at least one oxidizing agent, at least one oxidation dye precursor, at least one liquid fatty alcohol and at least one cationic polymer with a cationic charge density of greater than 1 meq./g. The invention also relates to a process for dyeing human keratin fibres using this composition. A subject of the invention is also a device for dyeing keratin fibres, comprising the composition of the invention in liquid form and a foam dispenser for delivering the composition in the form of a foam.