Abstract: A wearable airbag device (100) comprising at least one inflatable bag (10) including a first side (12) and a second side (14) defining a gas inflatable volume (V) therebetween. The at least one inflatable bag (10) comprises a plurality of airflow passages (40) defined between said first side (12) and second side (14).

Abstract: A bottom wear is described which has a cylindrical part on the back part of a waist-encircling section and inside the bottom wear and in which a protection band for lumbago can be attached to a bottom wear such as work trousers suitable for use with a protection band for lumbago for tightening a waist of a wearer. The bottom wear allows the wearer to quickly complete work for attaching the protection band for lumbago to the cylindrical part. One slit is present at the substantially central part of the front portion of the cylindrical part, wherein the slit is disposed in such a manner that the longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the wearer's stature direction.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing a specially designed face mask that allows the free and vigorous inhalation of air for singing and speaking is disclosed. A minimalization of the broadcast of aerosolization particles as exhaled air is directed downward toward a variety of filter materials. The mask has at least one layer of material and at least one method of holding the mask in place in front of the nose and mouth of the wearer. The mask is designed to function such that the material is suspended away from the openings of the mouth and nose, including being held in place in front of the nose and mouth openings by one of any number of methods, such as elastic straps around the head, elastic loops around the ears, or other means.

Abstract: A dental mask (M) comprises a very flexible mask substrate (MS) with a relatively rigid front plate (FP) which may be a viewing window (VW) causing the mask substrate to extend forward from a patient's face, forming a chamber in front of the patient's mouth. Instrument ports (IP) allow instruments to be introduced through the mask into the patient's oral or nasal cavity to perform dental or medical procedures. An elastic band (CE) on the mask substrate to conform the mask to contours of the patient's face. A malleable metal strip (MM) for conforming the mask to the patient's nose. Methods of fabricating the mask are disclosed. The mask, and variations thereof, may be used to perform various treatments, including non-oral procedures. Using a nebulizer in conjunction with the mask, wherein the nebulizer is supported independently of the mask.

Abstract: A transparent protective face mask, typically for non-medical use, is provided. The mask comprises a protective face covering portion to cover at least a mouth and nose of a user; side portions respectively comprising head attachment means; and a mount portion for resting the mask adjacent to and in contact with the chin of the user, whereby the face covering portion of the mask is spaced apart from the face of the user except at the mount portion. In another embodiment, the face mask comprises a flexible chin panel hinged to the face covering portion. The chin panel is releasably lockable with the face covering portion. The face covering portion may also comprise a nose portion comprising a nose bridge portion, and one or more nose protuberances flanking the nose bridge portion, for engaging with opposite sides of the nose of a user.

Abstract: A surgical mask gripper covering nose apex, ala and mouth of a person is disclosed. Gripper is designed to enhance the flow of air through the mask filter and restrict the flow of air leaking through the periphery of the surgical face mask. Gripper covering the contours of nose apex and ala creates a tight seal between face skin and surgical mask. Low profile of gripper around nose allows a person to wear safety or eye glasses without any interference. Tight seal forces inhaled and exhaled air through the surgical mask filter thereby improving the particulate filtering efficiency and eliminate the fogging of safety glasses.

Abstract: A soft medical silicone edged cushion may significantly reduce air leakage and provide comfort to a wearer of a face mask, for example, when the face mask is continually worn by a healthcare worker for a twelve-hour shift of medical duty. The cushion may preferably be U-shaped and comprise a cross-section for holding an extra soft silicone gel or air, yet be sufficiently hard and elastic and of predetermined circumference to be adaptable to self-installation to the lateral edges of a face mask and coatable to protect from the escape of air and fit comfortably on a face despite the use of elastic straps with the face mask or the presence of solid plastic lateral edges of an oxygen mask or a ventilator mask. The cushion may be used to cushion a solid plastic laterally edged oxygen or ventilator mask against the use of elastic ties to tie the face mask around a patient's head.

Abstract: There is provided a headpiece for a face shield, the headpiece comprising a first section for extending across the forehead of a user during use, and a second section having a support for supporting a lens during use. The second section is rotatably mounted to the first section, such that the second section can be rotated from a first position in which it is in front of a user's forehead to a second position in which it is above a user's head. There is also provided a face shield comprising a headpiece according to the invention and an attached lens.

Abstract: An apparatus that enhances the comfortable use of conventional, dual-loop respirators. An elastic strip has first and second fasteners at or near opposing first and second ends and multiple openings that extend entirely through the strip along a path between the first and second fasteners. The first fastener may be inserted through one of the openings forming a first portion of the strip that encircles a first loop of the respirator. The second fastener may be inserted through a different one of the openings while a second portion of the strip encircles the second loop of the respirator. As an alternative, the second loop may simply extend around the second fastener.

Abstract: A mask includes: a rectangular body section; a top strap that is attached to the rectangular body section across a top of the rectangular body section, the top strap including ends extending from sides of the top of the rectangular body section; and a bottom strap that is attached across a bottom of the rectangular body section, wherein ends of the bottom strap are sewn to edges of the rectangular body section such that the bottom strap forms a pair of tension loops located on bottom sides of the rectangular body section. The ends of the top strap pass through the pair of tension loops to form a pair of ear loops on sides of the rectangular body portion. Ends of the top strap are slidable through the pair of tension loops to adjust sizes of the pair of ear loops.

Abstract: Fastener formed face masks are provided including a flat fabric article having a first end, a second end and a central axis, a first fastener pair positioned between the first end and the central axis, and a second fastener pair positioned opposite the first fastener pair between the second end and the central axis, wherein the fastener formed face mask is predominantly flat in an unfastened position of both the first and second fastener pairs, and wherein the fastener formed face mask is cupped for fitting to a face of a wearer in a fastened position of both the first and second fastener pairs.

Abstract: A continuous elongated ring configured to engage a filtration textile to a nose-mouth perimeter of a user, said continuous elongated ring including an upper curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a nasal periphery of the user; said upper curvilinear portion including a pair of attachment features adapted to fastenly receive an upper support strap configured to engage the user's head, and a lower curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a mouth periphery of the user, the lower curvilinear portion including a pair of attachment features adapted to fastenly receive a lower support strap configured to engage the user's head.

Abstract: A protective face mask comprises (a) a covering portion having first and second opposing sides, first and second opposing side edges, and opposing top and bottom edges, (b) a first adhesive strip affix affixed to the first side adjacent to the first edge, and (c) a second adhesive strip affixed to the first side adjacent to the second edge. The protective face mask may comprise a first selectively removable protective backing covering the first adhesive strip and a second selectively removable protective backing covering the second adhesive strip. The protective face mask may not comprise a retention strap adapted to secure the protective face mask around a user's head or ears.

Abstract: The method to put natural anti-bacteria and anti-virus materials or natural anti-bacteria and anti-virus material extraction to mask;

Abstract: A device for protecting a portion of a person's pant leg and shoe from exposure to rain is disclosed. The device includes a water-proof sheath for encasing a portion of the pant leg, the water-proof sheath having an upper edge opposite a lower edge, and a front panel opposite a back panel, or alternatively of unibody construction encasing the entire leg. The upper edge of the sheath includes a lip for compressing against the pant leg. A stirrup attached to the lower edge of the sheath is included, the stirrup passing underneath a person's shoe or foot to secure the lower edge of the sheath to a lower portion of the pant leg. In a rainy environment, the device covers a person's lower pant leg to prevent the pant leg and/or the person's shoe from exposure to rain and other condensation.

Abstract: A hood for a hooded garment may include apertures in the hood to improve a sealing connection between headphone earpieces and the outer portion of the user's ears while using headphones while also maintaining the hood's ability to retain body heat when not using headphones. While using the hood with headphones, the apertures may improve the sealing connection between the headphone earpieces and the user's ears and, thus, improve the function of the headphones (e.g., sound translation or sound deadening). While using the hood without headphones, a portion of mesh fabric sewn into the hood over the apertures allows the hood to retain the user's body heat and thereby mitigate heat loss through the hood caused by the apertures.

Abstract: An item of clothing comprising an internal layer, made of vapor-permeable material, which faces the body of the user, an external layer, which is opposite with respect to the internal layer, a hybrid portion, which belongs at least partially to the internal layer and is located in the region of the collar of the item of clothing, and an interspace between the internal layer and the external layer. The item of clothing has at least one open region in the hybrid portion, the hybrid portion being at least partially not in contact with the body of the user.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to garments that incorporate adaptive stand-off structures in the form of fluid-filled bladders that transition from a first shape to a second shape when exposed to moisture in the form of, for example, perspiration. When the fluid-filled bladders are in the first shape, the fluid-filled bladders are generally planar with a surface plane of a textile layer forming the garment so that the garment comes into contact or near contact with the wearer's body surface. When the fluid-filled bladders are in the second shape, they extend in a z-direction away from the surface plane of the textile layer forming the garment such that the textile layer is spaced apart from the wearer's body surface by the stand-off structures to reduce cling and facilitate the evaporation of perspiration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a core-sheath conjugate fiber for artificial hair including a core part and a sheath part. The core-sheath conjugate fiber for artificial hair has a flat multilobed cross sectional shape, and has a core-to-sheath area ratio of 2:8 to 9:1, and a viscosity ratio a/b between a melt viscosity a of a core part resin composition and a melt viscosity b of a sheath part resin composition is 2.0 or more and 7.0 or less. The present disclosure provides a core-sheath conjugate fiber for artificial hair having a touch close to that of human hair, excellent peel resistance at room temperature, and good combing property, a hair ornament product including the core sheath conjugate fiber, and a production method.

Abstract: A disposable protective garment for positioning over a wearer's head is provided for use in airplanes, busses, trains, other mass transit and other single-use applications. The disposable protective garment includes a hood formed of tubular blown film that has an at least partly closed top that rests on a wearer's head and an open bottom that rests on a wearer's shoulders. A mask can be integrated into the hood by forming a plurality of apertures in the hood and placing a polymer fabric that acts as a filter over the plurality of apertures. The hood may alternatively be combined with a crown or air filter material positioned over its top; a tubular filter equipped with an electric fan that draws air from above, filters it and directs the clean air downward across the wearer's face; and/or headgear. A barrier film suitable for use in the protective garment as well as other barrier applications is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair-protective hat with a hat body, an adjustable band, and a stabilizing member. A facial barrier may also be included. The hat body consists of a plurality of layers including a protective barrier and an inner layer. The protective barrier has moisture-resistant properties and protects the wearer's hair from being ruined by rain, humidity or other environmental effects. The inner layer is made from a soft material for comfort. A rim portion of the hat body delineates its opening, and the stabilizing member is perimetrically connected to the rim portion to provide structural support for the facial barrier. The adjustable band is positioned around the opening to adjust its size. The protective barrier may further include a water-repellent coating, a fabric layer, and a waterproof lining superimposed onto each other. An interior storage pouch allows the hat body to be packed into a stored configuration.

Abstract: A swimming cap made of a synthetic rubber and sized to substantially cover the scalp of a wearer's head, the cap having an opening formed in a posterior region thereof such that the wearer's hair can pass through the opening to form a ponytail.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to headwear, the headwear including a crown and a size adjusting mechanism including a crown slit comprising a first terminal crown edge and a second terminal crown edge and extending continuously from a slit termination site of the crown through a bottom circumferential edge of the crown, where the first terminal crown edge and the second terminal crown edge are configured to overlap by a greater or lesser extent as a size of the crown is adjusted via the size adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a headgear. The headgear includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion is on one side of the headgear. The first attachment portion is proximate a headband of the headgear. The second attachment portion is on a second side of the headgear. The second attachment portion is proximate the headband of the headgear. The first and second attachment portions are configured such that loops extending from a face mask may be removably connected thereon.

Abstract: An infrared motorcycle helmet device is provided. The infrared motorcycle helmet device includes a helmet. The helmet has an opening on a front portion of the helmet. An external visor is placed on an external surface of the helmets. The external visor can be moved into a position over the opening as desired. An infrared camera is placed on an external surface of the helmet.

Abstract: A personal protective equipment wearing detection apparatus is provided which can accurately detect the approach or contact of a person's head by use of a plurality of contact detection sensors. A personal protective equipment wearing detection apparatus 100 includes a headband contact detection sensor 110 and a chin strap contact detection sensor 120, which are mounted on a headband 92 and a chin strap 94 of a helmet 90, respectively. The headband contact detection sensor 110 and the chin strap contact detection sensor 120 are connected to a controller 103 of a detection apparatus body 101. While one of the two contact detection sensors, the headband contact detection sensor 110 and the chin strap contact detection sensor 120, outputs a contact detection signal to the controller 103, the controller 103 connects the other contact detection sensor to GND.

Abstract: A helmet includes a shell having an interior surface, a padding disposed along the interior surface of the shell, and a chinbar. The padding defines a first engagement surface positioned at a first lateral side of the padding and a second engagement surface positioned at an opposing second lateral side of the padding. The chinbar includes a cage, a first flange, and a second flange. The cage includes a first end defining a third engagement surface and a second end defining a fourth engagement surface. The third engagement surface interfaces with the first engagement surface and the fourth engagement surface interfaces with the second engagement surface. The first flange extends from the first end of the cage. The second flange extends from the second end of the cage. The first flange and the second flange of the chinbar are embedded within the padding.

Abstract: A helmet mounted display is embedded in a visor assembly. The visor assembly comprises two molded sections that define portions for receiving waveguides. The optical components are disposed in a portion of the visor assembly and the entire assembly is attached by a hinge to the helmet. The visor assembly includes lateral clips to secure the visor assembly to the helmet, and a night-vision goggle attachment point.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent electronic footwear with controller automated features, methods for making/using such footwear, and control systems for executing automated features of intelligent electronic footwear. An intelligent electronic shoe (IES) includes an upper that attaches to a user's foot, and a sole structure that is attached to the upper and supports thereon the user's foot. An alert system, which is mounted to the sole structure and/or upper, generates predetermined outputs in response to electronic command signals. The IES system also includes a wireless communications device that wirelessly communicates with a remote computing node, and a footwear controller that communicates with the wireless communications device and alert system.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent electronic footwear with controller automated features, methods for making/using such footwear, and control systems for executing automated features of intelligent electronic footwear. An intelligent electronic shoe (IES) includes an upper that attaches to a user's foot, and a sole structure that is attached to the upper and supports thereon the user's foot. An alert system, which is mounted to the sole structure and/or upper, generates predetermined outputs in response to electronic command signals. The IES system also includes a wireless communications device that wirelessly communicates with a remote computing node, and a footwear controller that communicates with the wireless communications device and alert system.

Abstract: A shoe cover comprises a shoe cover upper comprised of non-woven fabric; a shoe cover opening formed in the shoe cover upper; a shoe cover sole integrated with the shoe cover upper; a first sealing part extending from the top edge to the bottom surface of the shoe cover sole towards the front end of the shoe cover upper; a second sealing part extending from the top edge to the bottom surface of the shoe cover sole towards a rear end of the shoe cover upper; an elastic ring provided within a first accommodating space of the shoe cover upper proximate the shoe cover opening; an elastic strip provided on the shoe cover sole and extending along a front-rear direction; and a plurality of anti-slip strips disposed on the outer bottom surface of the shoe cover sole and comprised of an isotactic polypropylene polymer and/or an isotactic polypropylene derivative.

Abstract: A compression appliance includes a textile-based wrap, an electronic assembly, and wiring comprising a single wire looped through the length of the wrap. The wiring comprises shape changing materials that are used to apply controllable intermittent sequential compression or constriction pressure to a body portion of a person when the compression appliance is wrapped around the body portion. The appliance can incorporate a pre-tensioning element that applies a known initial tension to the shape changing material prior to activation of a compression cycle. The wire can be then actuated according to a compression protocol to sequentially contract and release the wire. The proposed wiring and component configuration will need access to lower power and a reduced volume of hardware as compared to conventional compression appliances.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an advance assembly of footwear which combine the exercising, comfort and grip level of sneakers and slides/sandals. One aspect of the present invention is keeping the focus of comfort of person wearing footwear being able to move heels and toes freely avoids cramps, discomfort and other aspect is to keep the feet remain gripped thus allowing all type of movements and activities.

Abstract: The walking device has a shoe bottom (10) with a midsole (16). A soft heel part (20) is arranged in a recess (18) of the midsole (16) and the outsole (22) has a form that is rounded convexly in the walking direction. The reinforcing element (12), forming an insole, is arranged on the upper surface (44) of the midsole (16) and fastened to it. In the production of the walking device, the upper (14) is joined to the reinforcing element (12) to form a structural unit, which is then mounted on the midsole (16), for example by adhesive bonding.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure attached to the upper and including a posterior end extending beyond the second end of the upper. The sole structure includes a bladder having a portion disposed between the second end of the upper and the posterior end of the sole structure.

Abstract: A shoe 100 includes a twist allowance part 22 and a medial reinforcement member 21 (bend restraining part). The twist allowance part 22 is provided in a medial part of a midfoot portion in a shoe sole 1 serving as a bottom portion and allows medial twisting of the heel side with respect to the toe side. The medial reinforcement member 21 is disposed on the twist allowance part 22 and restrains upward bending of the heel side in the medial part.

Abstract: Sole structures, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices include: (a) a first footwear component having a ground-facing surface, wherein a forefoot portion of the ground-facing surface includes arched medial and lateral surfaces and (b) a second footwear component having an upper-facing surface, wherein a forefoot portion of the upper-facing surface includes arched medial and lateral surfaces that face (and optionally contact) the respective arched medial and lateral surfaces of the first footwear component. The first and second footwear components are movably engaged together such that: (a) the arched medial surface of the first footwear component moves with respect to and along the arched medial surface of the second footwear component and (b) the arched lateral surface of the first footwear component moves with respect to and along the arched lateral surface of the second footwear component.

Abstract: Sole structures, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other devices include movable fluid that induces foot tilt, e.g., forefoot tilt. These components may include first and second side foot support bladder chambers; a fluid flow control system that moves fluid through each of first and second fluid flow paths; a first fluid line connecting the fluid flow control system with the first side foot support bladder chamber; and a second fluid line connecting the fluid flow control system with the second side foot support bladder chamber. In the first fluid flow path, fluid moves from the first side foot support bladder chamber to the second side foot support bladder chamber through the fluid flow control system. In the second fluid flow path, fluid moves from the second side foot support bladder chamber to the first side foot support bladder chamber through the fluid flow control system.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure controlling footwear is disclosed and includes a main body, a control box and plural dynamic pressure controlling components. The main body includes a vamp disposed on an airbag. The control box includes a microprocessor and is disposed on a top surface region of the vamp. Each dynamic pressure controlling component is positioned on the airbag and includes an actuating pump and a pressure sensor packaged on a substrate by a semiconductor process. The substrate is positioned on the airbag and electrically connected to the microprocessor of the control box through a conductor. The actuating pump is in fluid communication with the airbag for inflating the airbag. The pressure sensor detects an inner pressure of the airbag to generate a pressure information. The microprocessor enables or disables the actuating pump according to the pressure information, so that the inner pressure of the airbag is adjusted.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining a throat configured to receive a foot. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure coupled to the upper. The article of footwear further includes a panel having a first side coupled to the upper for movement between an open position and a closed position. The panel exposes a portion of the throat in the open position and covers the portion of the throat in the closed position. The article of footwear also includes a strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end are disposed on a first side of the upper with a body portion of the strap disposed between the first end and the second end surrounding the upper.

Abstract: The invention is transverse studs applied to footwear, for example, soccer boots. The invention aims to maintain the athlete's push off ability in the frontal plane, the main direction to be taken by the soccer player and provides this frontal displacement without significantly compromising the rotation of the foot in the cross plane, as it is necessary in the event of a rotational maneuver. The studs resemble the biconvex lens section cut in relation to its “X” axis, or studs in the shape of a keel with a straight lateral surface in a triangular shaping, also cut in relation to its “X” axis.

Abstract: A locking device includes a sleeve, a locking assembly, and a stopper. The sleeve defines a locking cavity and stopping holes. The locking assembly includes a locking member received in the locking cavity and is rotatable relative to the sleeve to lock a hanging member in the sleeve or release the hanging member from the sleeve. The stopper and the stopping holes cooperate to position the locking member relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A concealed-slide-fastener slider includes a body including: a pair of flanges extending inwardly in the left and right direction from upper end portions of a pair of the side plates; and a raised portion raised upward from an upper wing plate. The body cooperates with a lock member to form a pull attachment portion including a shaft hole that penetrates in the left-right direction. A lower surface of the shaft hole includes an upper surface of the raised portion and is positioned above upper surfaces of the pair of flanges. A pair of fabric accommodating space portions, which accommodate a pair of fabrics fixed to upper sides of the pair of tapes and is partitioned by the raised portion in the left-right direction, is formed between the pull in a rearward lying posture and the pair of flanges in an upper-lower direction.

Abstract: A hygiene maintenance wristband is an apparatus that allows a user to easily maintain the hygiene while on-the-go. The apparatus includes a band, a first casing, a second casing, a solution dispenser, a light mechanism, and a clasp mechanism. The band attaches the first casing and the second casing around the wrist of a user. The first casing houses the solution dispenser. The clasp mechanism is integrated within the second casing in order to connect and disconnect the band. The clasp mechanism also adjusts the overall length of the band around a wrist with a ratchet mechanism. The apparatus further includes a dispenser-release mechanism so that the solution dispenser may be released from the first casing. The light mechanism illuminates as well as identifies germs and bacteria. The apparatus further includes a floss-dispensing mechanism in order to maintain oral hygiene.

Abstract: A miniaturized coupling for jewelry includes a male coupling and a female coupling, each of which is millimeter-sized or sub-millimeter-sized and each of which is attached to or suited to be attached to a respective jewelry component. The male coupling has a locking member configured to be inserted into the female coupling through an opening into an interior of the female coupling. A resiliently-biased, snap connector located in the interior of the female coupling, so constructed that when the locking member is inserted into the female coupling it initially moves and then is retained by the snap connector. An actuating pin in the female coupling is configured to move the snap connector to release the locking member and thereby disengage the male and female couplings from each other. The actuating pin has an outer surface accessible at an outer surface of the female coupling.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a jewelry arrangement system having interchangeable components includes: a plurality of jewelry pieces, each jewelry piece having at least one through hole formed in a portion thereof, and each jewelry piece is adapted to be arranged in a particular orientation relative to the other jewelry pieces within the plurality of jewelry pieces; and an alignment tool adapted to align different combinations of the at least one through holes formed in the plurality of jewelry pieces, to create a plurality of jewelry arrangements, including at least a first jewelry arrangement and one or more additional jewelry arrangements, using the plurality of jewelry pieces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to shallow pavilion, cut diamonds having excellent optical characteristics. The pavilion surface includes a plurality of substantially planar main pavilion facets, each of which extend from the girdle to a pointed culet defining the bottom most portion of the cut diamond. The crown angle is in the range of between about 29 degrees to about 36 degrees, and the pavilion angle is in the range of between about 15 degrees and about 34.5 degrees. The shallow pavilion, cut diamonds of the invention may be either round shaped cut diamonds or fancy shaped cut diamonds.

Abstract: A gemstone includes a crown, a pavilion, and a girdle disposed between the crown and the pavilion. The girdle has an octagon-shaped cross-section. The surface of the gemstone is generally divided into a number of groups of interlocking facets disposed at a variety of angles. The groups of facets comprising the surface of the crown generally include star facets, upper intermediate crown facets, lower intermediate crown facets, main crown facets, and upper girdle facets. The upper girdle facets generally abut an upper edge of the girdle. The groups of facets comprising the surface of the pavilion include culet-adjacent facets, candle facets, main pavilion facets, and lower girdle facets. The lower girdle facets generally abut a lower edge of the girdle.

Abstract: An illuminated walking assistance apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an elongated staff having a ground-engaging tip portion at a first end and a handle at an opposing second end. The staff provides a light pipe positioned proximal the tip portion and having a light-emitting member disposed therein to selectively illuminate the ground proximal the tip portion. The staff further provides a red nightlight which is always on so as to facilitate locating the apparatus in a dark environment.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube.