Abstract: The invention comprises a timing system for use in kitchen applications. The timing system includes a potholder or oven mitt with a timing device integrally attached thereto. The timing device contains an audible or visual alarm that alerts the user to the passage of the desired time. The timing device may be removably attached to the potholder or oven mitt.

Abstract: A protective glove system is disclosed wherein each glove has an articulated thumb skeleton disposed in the thumb member. The thumb skeleton comprises a plurality of sections pivotably joined together to enable the thumb to articulate between open and closed positions. At least one pivot axis is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second section of the skeleton. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing the thumb skeleton sections from bending backwards, thereby preventing hyperextension of the wearer's thumb.

Abstract: The invention is related to a personal protective equipment for a gaming machine. It mainly consists of a wrist guard, an elbow guard and a supportive belt assembly. It can be used either for wrist, elbow or both wrist and elbow at the same time. An enhancing strip is provided to stabilize the wrist band and the elbow support. A supportive strip is provided to connect and fix the distance between the wrist guard and the elbow guard. So the user will not loose or cause dislocation of the equipments during intensive movement and prevent the user from injury.

Abstract: A method of producing a sports glove includes the steps of: (A) heating a covering sheet made of a rubbery material; (B) pressing the heated covering sheet and simultaneously cooling the same so as to reduce the thickness of the covering sheet and so as to form an embossed surface on the covering sheet; (C) bonding a fabric layer to the covering sheet to form a laminate; and (D) cutting and sewing the laminate to form the sports glove. The embossed surface of the covering sheet is exposed.

Abstract: Printed placemats, potholders, and oven mitts, and process for producing same using a high definition color sublimation printing technique. The sublimation printing technique applies a high quality image onto a print receiving layer that is incorporated into a printed placemat, potholder, or oven mitt. The print receiving layer can be adhesively bonded to the printed placemat, potholder, or oven mitt.

Abstract: A pad is disclosed including discrete reinforcing members secured to a base layer. The discrete reinforcing elements may include spherical members rotatably embedded in the base layer, plates pivotally mounted to the base layer by means of a flexible post or revolute joint, or plates threaded on a chord secured to the base layer. The base layer may include a plurality of discrete projections each having a reinforcing element secured proximate a distal end thereof. A pad may include a receiver for securing to a wearer and a base. The base may be secured to the receiver by a suspension allowing pitch and roll movements. The receiver may secure to the base at one end while the opposite end is slidably secured to the base or coupled to the base by means of a biasing member.

Abstract: A glove made from narrow strap material. Glove advantages when used with a striking tool: improved control, improved striking force, improved tool head acceleration, improved energy transfer, reduced hand fatigue, improved grip, and reduced vibration shock. It can be configured for 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers plus the thumb. The glove forms a web between the thumb and fingers. The width of the web and the tightness of fit on the thumb and fingers is controlled by a single pull-tab type of adjustment. The adjustment is secured by a contact friction loop which increases in friction during impact force use. The glove can be worn on a bare hand or over the top of a more conventional type of glove while still providing the same advantages.

Abstract: A protective glove for working environments includes a protective member that cushions parts of the wearer's hand from impacts. The glove can be formed of a hollow shell defining a cavity that is configured to receive the hand of the wearer. The shell can be formed of nonwoven material other flexible, extensible material. The glove can include a protective member that can be formed of a layer of perforated foam material that has been attached to at least one portion of the glove. When attached to the glove to provide protection against impacts to the wearer's hand, the protective member is breathable and extensible when the glove is worn.

Abstract: A garment sleeve with knuckle protector and thumb aperture. A shield having knuckle thimbles attached to a shield base, is attached either to a sleeve inner surface or a sleeve outer surface. If the former, the sleeve incorporates sleeve thimble apertures through which the knuckle thimbles extend. Indicia may be inscribed on the knuckle thimbles for aesthetic reasons. Each knuckle thimble may incorporate a thimble void sized to admit a human knuckle on a side of the shield base opposite a thimble dome. A thumb aperture is located through the sleeve such that when the thumb of a wearer of the sleeve extends through the thumb aperture, the wearer's knuckles are disposed beneath, and protected by, the knuckle thimbles.

Abstract: A protective sports glove having a protective finger knuckle system introduced to the back portion of the finger portions to cover a space formed between adjacent pads corresponding to the knuckles of the fingers. The protective finger knuckle system includes a cap portion and a pair of side flanges that have a pair of slots. A strap is passed through the pair of slots on each of the pair of side flanges and beneath the cap portion and is secured to the glove. The cap portion spans the gaps between the protective portions of the fingers and the thumb and thus provide protection to the knuckles of the wearer where the fingers or thumb are flexed. Because the protective knuckle portion is not coupled to the pads defining the gap, they are maintained in position over the widening gap as the finger is flexed.

Abstract: A protective sports glove having a protective finger knuckle system introduced to the back portion of the finger portions to cover the die cut regions of the pads corresponding to the knuckles of the fingers. The protective finger knuckle system includes a pair of cap portions each having a pair of side flanges that have a pair of slots, with the cap portions coupled together via a middle portion. A strap is feathered through the pair of slots on each of the pair of side flanges and beneath the cap portion and is secured to the glove. The middle portion span the gaps between the protective portions of the fingers and the thumb and thus provide protection to the knuckles of the wearer where the fingers or thumb are flexed.

Abstract: A protective sports glove that includes a protective knuckle system introduced to the outside of the glove in the finger and thumb portions that includes a flexible base portion that is sewn or otherwise affixed to the underlying inner layer and located over a wearer's knuckles. The flexible base portion includes at least one protruding portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the flexible base section opposite the inner layer. Coupled within or to the ends of each of the respective protruding portion is a knuckle cap portion. The knuckle cap portions are located in the gaps between the padded portions of the finger and thus provide protection to the knuckle of the wearer where the fingers or thumb are flexed and align when the finger or thumb are not flexed.

Abstract: A protective glove having a thumb portion having at least two dorsal protective members for protecting a back portion of a thumb, adjacent ones of the dorsal protective members being pivotable with respect to one another about a respective axis between an extended position and a folded position, the respective axis being angled with respect to a perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the thumb portion.

Abstract: A utensil for a digit of a hand includes a cutting board for disposition between a thumb and an index finger. The cutting board is attached to a retainer that receives and retains the thumb such that a cutting surface of the cutting board is oriented toward the index finger. The cutting surface protects the thumb during cutting of items against the cutting surface. Optionally, one or more tools are defined by, or attached to, the cutting board. In a particular example, a utensil for a digit of a hand having a cutting board is useful at least for cleaning, zesting, peeling, and paring or chopping a fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: A protective glove having an elastic substrate, a first pad segment attached to the elastic substrate, and a second pad segment attached to the elastic substrate independently from the first pad segment. The elastic substrate can be disposed over an area intended to substantially cover a forearm, a wrist, a back of a hand, a finger, and/or a thumb of a user wearing the glove. The elastic substrate can be stretchable in different directions and to different degrees in the areas around each pad segment, thereby enabling independent movement of the individually attached pad segments to accommodate any number of contours and flex points. Other embodiments provide methods for manufacturing a protective glove having independent pads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baseball glove to absorb the impact force received by the thumb from the ball when catching, and the force received by the thumb from a runner when a touch playing, in a state in which the user experiences no strange sensation. A baseball glove, having a thumb pocket disposed inside the glove main body, and a thumb catching member disposed in the interior of the abovementioned thumb pocket, wherein a soft member which is constructed in a substantially tubular shape so as to cover the thumb that is inserted into this thumb pocket is disposed in the space in which the abovementioned thumb catching member is disposed within the internal space of the abovementioned thumb pocket with the dimension of this soft member in the longitudinal direction being set equal to or longer than the length dimension of this thumb catching member.

Abstract: A glove according to the present invention comprises a main body wearable with respect to a hand, the main body comprising finger parts, a back-of-hand part connected to the finger parts, a wrist part connected to the back-of-hand part and serving to protect a wrist, and impact alleviating members for alleviating an impact provided in the finger parts and the back-of-hand part and on a back-of-hand side of the wrist part, wherein the impact alleviating members provided in the finger parts continuously extend from base parts of the fingers through fingertips and has such a flexibility that can follow a bending action of the fingers.

Abstract: A pad, such as a knee, elbow, or shoulder pad, is wearable over an articulatable joint involving an arm of a wearer or a leg of a wearer and is constructed so as to define two flexing lines extending between an upper edge of the pad and a lower edge of the pad, which flexing lines define a central region of the pad and two lateral regions of the pad, so as to define a flexing line spaced from the central region and extending through each of the lateral regions, and so as to define plural flexing lines spaced from the upper and lower edges and from one another and extending across the central region, between the lateral regions. The pad comprises plural layers, which are sewn so as to define the flexing lines, and at least some of those layers are fabric layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel broad spectrum antiseptic compounds that further have properties that allow them to be coated/impregnated into polymer surfaces. Methods for coating these antiseptic compounds onto medical devices especially indwelling medical devices to prevent the growth of pathogens in such devices and hence, to prevent infection to patients via such devices are provided. The invention also provides antiseptics that are useful as general surface disinfectants and sterilizers, fluid disinfectants and biocide preservatives.

Abstract: A disposable cleaning mitten for wearing over the hand when performing hygienic care. The mitten can be used to cleanse, bathe and refresh the skin of a disabled individual, baby, elderly person or oneself, and includes a finger portion to house the fingers and a separate thumb portion for the thumb. Both the exterior and the interior surfaces are intended for use as a cleaning surface. Tear lines or perforations allow the mitten to be converted into a single, elongated sheet, or two separate sheets, so that all sides of the sheet or sheets can be used for cleaning. The mitten can be sized so that the user can wear a latex or surgical glove beneath the mitten so that dirt or other soiled materials do not touch the skin of the hand. The mitten has a grasping means at its open end for grasping to pull the body onto the hand and to tear the body along the tear lines.

Abstract: The embodiment of the fingernail protection work gloves is a new concept in the art of household rubber gloves in that it contains a sponge-like barrier in the tips of the fingers 1-5 to protect manicured nails. It provides a cloth lining 6 for comfort and protection to the skin, and helps keep skin moisturized. The forearm strap 7 gives the user the security, comfort, and protection from water, chemicals, bacteria, and other elements entering into the glove and harming manicured tips or the skin of the hand. Glamorous patterns printed on the glove 10 provide a woman with a sense of upliftment, specialness, and beauty while performing household chores.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the exposed top portion of human arms, one or both, from the sun's rays. A two piece fabric, which may have a SPF of at least 15, covers at most the top half of the arm is supported by spaced first and second elastic bands or straps, one of which encircles the wrist area and the other at the forearm forward of the elbow, leaving the forearm beneath the fabric to receive the free flow of cooling air around and under the flexible fabric portion. The two pieces are connected by adjustable hook and loop to allow for length adjustment. A swivel connection member between that portion of the piece adjacent the elbow and the second strap prevents curling or strain on the fabric when the forearm is bent about the elbow. One embodiment includes a single piece fabric with the swivel connection described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means of joint and body protection using engineered textiles to provide dynamic kinematic control within the device itself and for the underlying body part. The apparatus may be used in apparel or orthosis wherein a textile is organized about the proximal and distal aspects of a joint or body part and uses the mechanical and material characteristics of the engineered textile to dynamically control the kinetics of the body part and more specifically to prevent the body part from reaching extremes in range of motion. The engineered textiles can be designed to provide non-uniform increases in stiffness in any direction. The engineered textile may incorporate strain or strain rate dependant materials in which case stiffness properties would vary non-uniformly with velocity and/or acceleration within the device allowing for protection from blunt trauma, blast, or ballistic events anywhere on the body.

Abstract: A wrap for a body part such as a human wrist. The wrap includes an elongated flexible and helical-shaped member which is constructed of a material having shape memory so that, upon release of the member following deflection of the member, the member returns to its original helical shape. A covering is disposed around the member which either absorbs perspiration or applies a medication.

Abstract: A hand protector is provided that includes a body and friction inducing elements affixed to the body. The hand protector may equally accommodate either hand and therefore lack a handedness. The body of the protector may be formed from a temperature resistant material, such as aramid fiber, and by weaving the temperature resistant material. The friction inducing elements may be formed from a temperature resistant polymer, such as silicone, and may be in the form of elongated stripes. The friction inducing elements may be affixed on both sides of the protector so as to enable increased friction at a palm side when worn by either hand. At least some of the friction inducing stripes may run laterally across the palm of the glove.

Abstract: An athletic glove having a hand-receiving portion and a cuff extending therefrom, the cuff including at least an inner cuff member hingedly connected to the hand-receiving portion along a palm side thereof, an outer cuff member hingedly connected to the hand-receiving portion opposite of the inner cuff member so as to define two opposed circumferential gaps therebetween, and at least one connection member extending across each of the circumferential gaps to interconnect the inner and outer cuff members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of substantial sterilization of human hands is disclosed. Hand coverings such as gloves or mitts containing an antiseptic agent may be worn for a period of time necessary to kill or disable a desired percentage of microorganisms present on hands.

Abstract: A protective article is provided having a body with a finger portion and a forearm portion. The body extends from the first finger knuckles past a wearers wrist joint. The protective article has a padding extending over at least a portion of the body, with a knuckle pad region and a forearm pad region that extends from beyond the first finger knuckles past a wearer's wrist joint. The protective article can have a flexible joint at the juncture between the knuckle and the forearm pad regions and a rigid forearm guard covering a portion of the forearm pad region, extending from the flexible joint past a wearer's wrist joint. A wrist wrap can be provided that has at least one fastener attached to the body, operable to secure the forearm guard adjacent to a dorsal side of a wearer's wrist to substantially secure a wearer's wrist joint.

Abstract: A hand cover comprising a sheet member with a hole and a tubular section extending from the hole. The tubular section is adaptable for receiving the thumb of a user such that the sheet member rests upon the palm-side of the hand. Thus, a direct contact can be avoided between the palm and the fingers and an object, which the user holds.

Abstract: A heat protective glove or mitt for children to enable them to safely handle hot items taken from ovens, microwaves, toaster ovens and the like, enhancing the protection of children in the kitchen and reducing burns. The gloves are heat resistant and designed longer than normal, below the wrist, and are fitted to the contour of the hands and arms of children. The gloves are made of a material that is heat resistant up to about 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which increases and encourages safe handling of hot items, relatively thin, and does not restrict the natural movement of the child's hand, allowing for easier maneuvering and independent movement of the pinky finger.

Abstract: A glove with an integrally formed arm trough has a hand portion, arm portion and a cuff portion. The arm portion is provided with a first ridge, a second ridge with a larger diameter compared to the arm portion, and a third ridge. During use, the third ridge is pushed towards the first ridge by the user to extend the second ridge away from the arm and towards the hand portion forming a liquid capturing trough while the cuff portion protects from the arm from liquid exposure. The length between the third ridge and the second ridge is larger than the length between the first and second ridge so that the trough created has a positive cone angle and a depth to sufficient to provide liquid volume capacity. The ridges are shaped as sharp edges or C-sections to provide easy forming of the liquid capturing arm trough.

Abstract: A baseball glove includes a glove body having palm and back side panels which are interconnected to form a hand-receiving pocket that includes finger sections. The back side panel has a through hole below one of the finger sections, and a lacing provided along a periphery of the through hole. The through hole is adapted for extension of a player's index finger therethrough so as to dispose the index finger out of the glove body. A finger-limiting rib unit projects from the back side panel, and surrounds the lacing in a spaced apart relationship. The finger-limiting rib unit has a limiting portion disposed above the lacing and adapted to prevent the player's index finger from slipping on the back side panel.

Abstract: A no-slip elbow pad (10) for securely fastening to a user's arm and adequately protecting the user's arm. The no-slip elbow pad (10) includes a padding element (12) having an inner lining (14) and an outer lining (16). The padding element (12) has at least two bands (18, 20) integrally connected thereto. These bands (18, 20) overlay the inner lining (14) of the padding element (12) and are intended to secure the no-slip elbow pad (10) to the user's arm. The inner lining (14) has at least one friction element (28, 30) integrated thereon. Each friction element (28, 30) is intended to engage the user's arm to prevent the no-slip elbow pad (10) from sliding out of a desired position.

Abstract: A protective sports glove includes a free-floating subcuff for increased protection of a wearer's forearm and wrist. The glove also includes die cuts in the back portion that are configured to provide increased and more realistic flexibility. The glove also has increased ventilation for a wearer's hand in the form of mesh areas located within the palm portion and within die cuts formed in the back portion of the glove The protective sports glove further includes a multiple piece cuff for increased flexibility and a ventilated liner that provides a secure fit during play.

Abstract: This invention also relates to stain-masking cut resistant gloves and methods for making the same, the gloves comprising at least one aramid fiber and at least one lubricating fiber selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyamide fiber, polyolefin fiber, polyethylene fiber, acrylic fiber, and mixtures thereof; wherein up to and including 15 parts by weight of the total amount of fibers in the glove are provided with a dye or pigment such that they have a color different from the remaining fibers; the dye or pigment selected such that the colored fibers have a measured “L” value that is lower than the measured “L” value for the remaining fibers.

Abstract: A mitt applicator, such as a mitt, for distributing a substance onto a target surface in the preferred form of a mitt. The mitt is composed of two panels, each panel consisting of at least one layer. The mitt's panels are in face-to-face contact with each other. At least one panel is configured to form an external pocket to be used as a product-dispensing reservoir. The inner layer of each panel can form the inside layer of the mitt and can be impervious to liquid or gel substances in order to protect the user's hand. The outer layer of the two panels can be made from materials with different properties. Also included, is a method for construction and method for using the above applicator. Additionally, a mitt with an optional reservoir is disclosed with a radial end shape and an elongated body to protect the user against substances applied to said mitt.

Abstract: Provided is a less irritant or inflammatory glove in which irritation and inflammation are to be reduced when using the glove made from latex, nitrile, PVC, or the like in the field of medicine, physical and chemical research, industry, or the like by utilizing antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects of phthalocyanine, but not by reducing the contents of protein ingredients contained in a latex glove as in prior art. Phthalocyanine is used as a less irritant or inflammatory agent when wearing the glove. The phthalocyanine is mixed into a raw material for an inner glove, or mixed into a raw material of the glove, or mixed into a lubricant for wearing the glove, or mixed into a coating material applied to the inside surface of the glove, or adhered to a filling implanted on the inside surface of the glove.

Abstract: Splint for an orthopedic joint bandage. The splint includes at least a first section, at least a second section, at least one tensioning element, and a tightening device. The tightening device is structured and arranged to press the first and second sections against each other. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A hockey glove including a thumb portion comprising first and second protective portions disposed on a dorsal side of the thumb portion. The second portion includes a rigid shell and is disposed overtop of at least a proximal end of the first portion. The first and second protective portions are articulated relative to each other such that inward flexion of the first protective portion away from the second protective portion is permitted. A rigid projection, disposed on a dorsal side of the first protective portion, is received within an opening formed in the second protective portion when the first and second protective portions are aligned, such that proximal displacement of the first protective portion relative to the second protective portion is limited by the rigid projection.

Abstract: A work glove including a glove base material made of fiber and a foam layer composed of a thermoplastic resin or a rubber provided thereon, the foam layer having irregularities formed by heat press on the surface is provided. Heat press induces collapse and thermal fusion of foam, leaving traces of the foam on the surface of a foamed material. The foam layer produced by this technique has both film strength and abrasion resistance without deterioration in the non-slip properties usually possessed by the foam layer.

Abstract: A bedsore prevention kit includes a finger grip that includes a tubular member having a first end and a second end. A strap is attached to and extends between the first and second ends. The strap is extendable over a plurality of fingers and the tubular member is positionable between the fingers and a palm of a hand. A palm protector has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. The palm protector is wedge-shaped and has a decreasing thickness from the second edge to the first edge. The palm protector is positionable between a plurality of fingertips and the palm of a hand.

Abstract: A finger guarding device, in combination a culinary finger guard plate, two finger guards upstanding from a side of the plate and having spacing therebetween to receive a user's middle finger to extend generally parallel to the plate, each finger guard having a finger retention portion overhanging the plate to provide adjustable spaces to receive the user's first and third fingers, between said overhang portion and the plate.

Abstract: A disposable, yet re-usable, clear plastic protective covering, preferably clear, but not limited in color or clarity, designed to enclose articles or areas of the body in an air tight, thus waterproof environment and fitted to the body by means of simple single or multiple bands of elastic, permanently attached to the open end(s) by heat sealing, sewing or gluing with an adhesive, around the circumference of the device opening, to secure the device in place for the duration of use providing single-handed application and removal, and preventing exposure to damaging moisture, fluids or other contaminants to the area of concern for use in medical or non-medical situations.

Abstract: A glove structure that incorporates a palm piece having a portion that rolls over the fingertips and is sewn to the top portion of the back piece thus eliminating the conventional thick seam lines on the fingertips and resulting in a smooth seam of material over the entire fingertip and a substantial increase in finger tactility. The palm material narrows as it rolls over the fingertip and preferably has the shape of an hourglass.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an integrated glove including first and second substrate layers. The first substrate layer overlies the second substrate layer to define a volume therebetween configured to receive a wearer's hand. The integrated glove also includes first and second gas impermeable barrier layers respectively melt laminated to the first and second substrate layers. The first and second gas impermeable barrier layers extend beyond an outer contour of the first and second substrate layers and are melt laminated together to form a seam portion. The integrated glove has a breakthrough time greater than 60 minutes when exposed to NFPA 1991 industrial chemicals.

Abstract: A sports glove comprising a dorsal side and at least one joint protector. The dorsal side provides a plurality of protection sections and the joint protectors positioned between the plurality of protection sections. The joint protector includes a base operatively attached to the dorsal side and a plurality of extended members attached to the base and projecting from the base. The joint protector substantially fills any apertures created in the sports glove by a user of the glove during participation in sports. The extended members of the joint protector deflect independently of the protection sections and can be biased toward the protection sections to substantially fill any apertures between the protection sections.

Abstract: An impact and/or vibration absorbent material and articles, particularly a protective glove, making use of said material. An impact and/or vibration absorbent material of the present invention has at least two material layers. The individual layers of the impact and/or vibration absorbent material may be of the same material, or of different materials. Each material layer preferably contains a number of holes. The holes in one layer are located and arranged to be offset from the holes in an adjacent layer. The combination of inherent material properties and the inclusion and arrangement of holes renders such a material highly impact and/or vibration absorbent. When used in an impacting article, deflection of portions of one material layer into the holes in an adjacent material layer at impact further provides an enhanced transfer of impact force to an impacted object.

Abstract: An ambidextrous protective hand covering monolithically formed from a heat/cold resistant flexible silicone material, the opposing interior and exterior surfaces of which each include a plurality of integrally-formed raised nodules that are positionally off-set relative to one another with non-aligning transverse axes. The positionally off-set exterior and interior nodules act to oppose thermal conductivity and provide an effective thermal barrier so as to protect the hand and wrist during handling of articles of differing or uncomfortable temperatures. Optionally, the formulation of the heat/cold resistant material may be chemically enhanced to provide a thermal luminescent change in color of the hand protective covering upon detection of excessive hot/cold temperatures.

Abstract: In a protective glove for a firefighter, an emergency rescue worker, or another worker in a high-heat area, a leather face has a peripheral edge, a leather back has a peripheral edge, a leather forchette has a peripheral edge sewn to the peripheral edge of the leather face and a peripheral edge sewn to the peripheral edge of the leather back, and a heat-resistant cover made from an aramid or polybenzamidazole fabric has a peripheral edge sewn to the peripheral edge of the leather back. The heat-resistant cover covers the leather back so as to protect the leather back against direct exposure to high heat that would tend to shrink the leather back if the leather back were not protected by the heat-resistant cover.

Abstract: A body armrest for relieving spinal, back or neck pain, and for providing a three point support for the upper torso combining the spine with a right and left body armrest, the body armrest constructed having a centrally disposed sleeve for the insertable receipt of a waist belt, the centrally disposed sleeve having an upper cradle or platform section extending generally horizontally outwardly therefrom, the cradle or platform section for contact with the individuals elbow and forearm, the sleeve member having depending therefrom, an arcuate contoured leg, the arcuate contoured leg contoured to the arcuate contour of the hip as it extends outwardly from the waist, both the cradle or contoured depending leg may be hingeably secured to the centrally disposed sleeve.