Abstract: A collapsible, heat insulating mattress is provided comprising at least one lattice structure of a foamed plastics material which has an open lattice structure in the relaxed condition, and metal coated foil coverings on each side of the lattice structure with slits extending across the lattice openings. When the mattress is to be stowed it is squeezed to close the lattic openings and occupy less space. The slits allow the coverings to crumple and remain undamaged when the mattress is squeezed for stowing. The coverings may be sheets with the slits cut in them, strips laid side-by-side, either abutting or overlapping, and adhesively secured only at the lattice junctions to the lattice structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-layer protective fabric for protective suits used in hazardous or toxic environments. A first layer comprises strips of water and vapor impermeable material, there being a gap between adjacent such strips. A second layer comprises a plurality of strips of a wicking material with each such strip covering the inner surface of a first layer strip, passing through the gap between adjacent strips and covering the outer surface of the adjacent first layer strip. Moisture, such as perspiration will pass via the wicking material through the gaps past the first layer for evaporation and diffusion through a third layer of a liquid impermeable/vapor permeable material which extends over the second layer material covering the outer surfaces of the first layer.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a portable thermally insulating mattress. The mattress comprises body support means and waterproof enclosure means. The body support means is in the form of a honeycomb structure which is incompressible in a vertical direction under body weight, while being compressible in a horizontal direction to facilitate packing. The cells of the honeycomb structure are sized to balance the heat loss by radiation with the heat gain by conduction by the air in the cells, i.e. 5-15 mm mean diameter for a 5 cm thick mattress.