Abstract: A disposable elastomeric glove has a secondary cuff disposed distally of a primary cuff on a wrist region of the glove. The secondary cuff may be grasped by an opposite hand to safely remove the glove with the primary cuff in place to protect the skin on the wrist from contaminants on the opposite hand. The secondary cuff approximates the design of the primary cuff such that the removal process is similar to that of a conventional glove.

Abstract: A wearable protective body appliance for reducing the likelihood of injury to a wearer. One embodiment provides a wearable protective body appliance having an articulating protective shell assembly that includes one or more first shell members formed from a first material having a first hardness, and a second shell member directly connected to the first shell member and formed from a second material having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The second shell member is flexible and enables the one or more first shell members to articulate relative to one another, yet still provide impact protection. Another embodiment provides a body appliance including a padding assembly that defines a ventilation hole and includes an inner engagement member. The inner engagement member can surround the ventilation hole and can be adapted to frictionally engage the skin of a wearer to substantially prevent the appliance from moving relative thereto.

Abstract: A wearable protective body appliance for reducing the likelihood of injury to a wearer. One embodiment provides a wearable protective body appliance having an articulating protective shell assembly that includes one or more first shell members formed from a first material having a first hardness, and a second shell member directly connected to the first shell member and formed from a second material having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The second shell member is flexible and enables the one or more first shell members to articulate relative to one another, yet still provide impact protection. Another embodiment provides a body appliance including a padding assembly that defines a ventilation hole and includes an inner engagement member. The inner engagement member can surround the ventilation hole and can be adapted to frictionally engage the skin of a wearer to substantially prevent the appliance from moving relative thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to kitchen gloves for commercial, industrial and/or home use, and related uses requiring waterproof gloves or mitts with high, and low, temperature resistance; this invention also relates to mitts or puppets that have a high wear and high heat resistant material, yet can still grip.

Abstract: An illuminating sports glove is disclosed that includes a baseball or softball glove and at least one integrated illumination system. Each illumination system includes at least one power source, at least one lamp means, and at least one switch. Preferably, the baseball glove is a catcher's mitt with covered LEDs integrated into the outer rim of the catching side of the catcher's mitt. When the switch is in a closed position, the catcher's mitt presents an illuminated target pattern. The illuminated glove provides a target at which a thrower of an object can aim.

Abstract: A protective glove is disclosed that provides a user with protection against radial luxation or subluxation of the user's thumb during activities in which the user's thumb can be subjected to forces that may dislocate the thumb in relation to the hand. In one preferred embodiment, the protective glove is a ski glove that includes a bracing element to prevent injurious movement of a snow skier's thumb when a ski pole used by the skier forcefully reacts to movement of the ski pole as the pole is inserted or dragged within the snow upon which the skier is skiing. In other embodiments, the present invention may also be utilized by as user participating in activities such a skiing, rodeos, football, hockey, polo, baseball, and lacrosse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shin guard, in particular for footballers, having a stiff shield element (3) arranged in front of the shin, and having means of fastening the shield element (3) on the lower leg (1). According to the invention, the fastening means have a strapping device (2) running around the lower leg (1), and the shield element (3) is connected to the strapping device (2) over much of its inner surface (18), which is directed towards the shin.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an upper body garment that is capable of facilitating the action of raising the arms while reducing the activities of muscles by preventing unnecessary restriction of the muscles. The upper body garment is characterized in that a low stretchable portion is disposed in a predetermined area of the back side of the garment. The predetermined area extends from one end side to the opposite end side in the width direction of the back side of the garment and contains at least areas in which the inferior angles of the right and left scapulas are respectively displaced during raising the arms. The low stretchable portion has a stretching ratio smaller in the width direction of the back side than an area near at least a neck portion of the back side.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) is provided for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker in connection with a weight-bearing harness (24, 30) worn by the firefighter or other emergency worker over the exterior of the protective garment (10). The protective garment (10) includes an outer shell (40), a moisture barrier liner (42) within the outer shell (40). The protective garment (10) is constructed of first and second moisture barrier materials (50, 51), with the first moisture barrier material (50) having superior wear resistance in comparison to the second moisture barrier material (51). The first moisture barrier material (50) is utilized in areas requiring additional wear protection.

Abstract: A ventilated and water-resistant garment is provided. The ventilated garment has at least one vent disposed in a wind-resistant protective material layer and has a closure to selectively permit fluid flow through the vent. A breathable material underlies the vent. The vent has a securing strap with a fastener that secures with a complementary fastener to ensure that the breathable material is substantially exposed to promote fluid flow through the breathable material. A pair of vents is preferably provided in the garment with each have a securing strap with a fastener that removably engages with the complementary fastener on the other securing strap to enhance flow through the vents. Further, double-vent water-resistant openings are provided, having a primary and a secondary closable opening, which can be offset from one another to enhance water and fluid impermeability while providing ventilation.

Abstract: A glove is provided that can warm the fingertips well, and can simply store a pocket warmer in a front end portion of the glove that corresponds to the fingertips. The glove (1) includes a storage portion (2) capable of storing a pocket warmer inside, wherein the storage portion (2) is provided in a front end portion of a glove body (11), which becomes a fingertip portion when a hand has been inserted in the glove body (11), and the storage portion (2) can be opened/closed via the front end of the glove body (11) by an opening/closing means provided in the front end of the glove body (11). The opening/closing means is a fastener (3).

Abstract: A noisemaking device comprising a first and second holders in the form of, for example, a pair of gloves, the palm region of each glove is provided with a domed shaped hollow member formed of a rigid, sound transmitting material and which extends upwardly from the surface of the holder so that when the hollow members are caused to be impacted against each other during hand clapping, a distinct sound is generated.

Abstract: A cut resistant chemical handling glove that is flexible and lightweight comprises a cured, liquid-impervious polymeric latex shell. A tacky acrylic adhesive with low shear strength can be used. A cut resistant liner is slipped on the tacky adhesive coating and is infiltrated with a polymeric latex coating and cured to integrally attach the cut resistant liner with the cured polymeric coating. When the latex glove is worn on a hand and a cutting edge, such as a knife edge, contacts the glove, a crease is formed due to slip at the tacky adhesive-cut resistant liner interface creating a geometry that reduces cut stress intensity at the knife-edge thereby increasing the cut resistance of the glove. Processes for making and using these gloves are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a glove formed with a palm portion having a section of the material forming the palm portion cut out or away from the palm portion and replaced by a replacement section formed of a stretchable material. The replacement stretchable material section has an area or shape significantly different from that of the cutout section removed from the palm portion, but has an outer periphery that corresponds in length to the length of the cut out portion. Thus, the replacement section, when attached to the periphery of the cut out portion of the palm portion, is attached thereto in a tensioned or stretched configuration to provide contouring to the palm portion of the glove in conformance with the shape of a hand of the individual. This significantly reduces wrinkling and/or bunching of the palm portion when the hand is extended or contracted from the relaxed position.

Abstract: A protective sanitary ear cover includes a specially designed protective cover that is suitably sized and shaped to protect the ear from exposure to the harsh chemicals used to color one's hair. Each sanitary cover wraps around the outer ear for protecting both the outer and inner ear from water, shampoo and chemical solutions utilized when styling a person's hair. The cover is produced from clear light weight to medium weight material, like plastic. In the preferred embodiment the cover is annular-shaped and has an elastic band positioned about the perimeter of the opening thereof for comfortably holding the cover about a wearer's ear.

Abstract: A headband apparatus to be worn on the head of a person above the eyes. The headband apparatus includes a fabric band and a channel member. The fabric band retains the headband apparatus on the user's head and may either be moisture absorbing or moisture wicking. The channel member is bonded to the lower edge of the fabric band such that excess moisture from the fabric band is directed into the channel member and channeled away from the person's eyes.

Abstract: A sleeve which has two reflective sides is adapted for safety purposes and may function as an identifier. The surfaces may be formed in strips which have a luminous tint. The sleeve is adapted for usage with numerous objects such as pet collars, hats and canes.

Abstract: The invention is a therapeutic device, manifest as an improvement to footwear generally. The improvement is the inclusion/affixing of a visual reference, for the purpose of suppressing the energy of that to which is referred.

Abstract: A pair of panties with a skin-whitening effect comprises a wearing space defined therein, and one or more gel blocks each covered by a release film attached to the panties so as to press close to a groin, a waist, and borders between hips and legs of a user to wear the panties. Thereby, after the release film is torn and the panties are worn by the user, skin-whitening, skin-color-lighting, and wrinkle-softening agents contained in the gel blocks can perform skin-whitening, skin-color-lighting, and wrinkle-softening treatment on the above-mentioned user's body portions, while not disturbing the user's daily life.

Abstract: Lower underwear to be put on a body for intimate contact therewith for the purpose of correcting distortion of the pelvis. The lower underwear is provided with a tightening band passing a right pubis proximity portion, a right anterior superior iliac spine proximity portion, a sacrum proximity portion, a left anterior superior iliac spine proximity portion and a left pubis proximity portion in this order when the lower underwear is put on the body. The lower underwear provided with such a band is capable of gradually correcting distortion of the pelvis and the like by tightening the pelvis without applying pressure on the abdomen.

Abstract: A headgear bracket for mounting night vision goggles includes a base having a fastener recess and a fastener opening within the fastener recess, the fastener opening having a beveled perimeter. A fastener is insertable into the fastener opening, the fastener including a head, a tapered neck extending from the head, and a body extending from the neck. When the fastener is inserted into the opening, the tapered neck abuts the beveled perimeter of the fastener opening.

Abstract: Eyewear having an enhanced air flow and/or absorption features which may be used for safety, sports, and the like. The eyewear may desirably provides features in design and/or function of the structure to enhance air flow and reduce moisture. Additional elements such as removable pads and/or cartridges may be used with the eyewear to enhanced airflow and reduce moisture adjacent a user's eyes and face as well.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, compressible, shock absorbing, and resilient fluid for use in padding applications is presented. A fluid pad can comprise closed-cell foam beads and a surrounding fluid housed in a thin plastic bladder. The closed-cell foam beads can be exactly flooded by the fluid. Alternatively, the fluid can lubricate the closed-cell foam beads. The surrounding fluid may also comprise solid phase microballoons. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can result in the overall fluid in the bladder being lighter in weight. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be compressible and resilient. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be shock absorbing with respect to impact loads or vibrations. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can lower the cost of the fluid pad insert.

Abstract: A protective undergarment for use under casual clothing is described. The undergarment is constructed of a first impermeable barrier material and a second selectively permeable barrier material.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) is provided for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker in connection with a weight-bearing harness (24,30) worn by the firefighter or other emergency worker over the exterior of the protective garment (10). The protective garment (10) includes an outer shell (40), a moisture barrier liner (42) within the outer shell (40), and a wear reduction structure (50) between the outer shell (40) and the moisture barrier liner (42) to reduce wear of the moisture barrier liner (42) caused by the harness (24,30) when worn by a firefighter or other emergency worker.

Abstract: A protective cup designed to protect the male genitalia from damage or injury that could result from blows to the pelvic area of a male wherein the protective cup is manufactured using a very high strength ballistic material for the primary protective cup structure and wherein the interior of the protective cup includes a resilient gel that provides additional cushioning to the male genitalia if the protective cup is subjected to heavy strikes from external sources.

Abstract: In a liquid delivery device for a toilet, a container (3) for the liquid has an outlet (15) which extends into a cup (35). The cup (35) is open to the atmosphere and liquid flows into the cup (35) until the mouth (25) of the outlet is covered by liquid in the cup. The cup wall has a weir (45) and liquid in the cup (35) overflows the weir (45). A collar (61) around the outside of the cup (35) forms a capillary with the cup wall to control the flow of liquid and feed it to capillary channels on a delivery plate (9) below the level of the weir.

Abstract: The Disposable Absorbent Pad with Non-Skid Plastic Mat is designed to fit under the toilet bowl area. This invention will prevent unwanted urine from soiling the area surrounding the toilet bowl while giving its user non-skid protection. The base of the Non-Skid Plastic Mat forms a U-shape around the toilet bowl and the center top region of the plastic mat unit contains a disposable absorbent pad. This is an ongoing method for joining two types of material together comprising of a rigid disposable absorbent pad and a multi-suction non-skid plastic mat.

Abstract: The invention consists of a discontinuous helical auger contained within a heated vessel filled with sawdust. The auger enables thorough turning of sawdust enclosed within a heated vessel enabling function of the assembly as a waterless biotoilet. Control of auger rotation works to maximize the biodegradation of human toilet waste through physical breakdown of organic matter, through stimulation of evaporation of the aqueous fraction, and through supporting a benign microflora to effect biodegradation. This discontinuous helical auger enables maintenance of a flat horizontal upper planar surface of the sawdust mass while maximizing aeration of the sawdust mass. The angle of the helical blade and discontinuities therein work to draw the organic matter very gradually toward the opposite end of the biotoilet from the toilet hole, maximizing dewatering and aerobic breakdown.

Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided for coupling a drive shaft with a drive arm of an actuator for use with an automatic toilet flushing system, wherein the drive shaft is adapted for rotation via a motor in the actuator. The clutch assembly includes a rotatable body extending between the drive shaft and the drive aim and having a first engaging member. A clutch disk is secured to the drive shaft and includes a second engaging member adapted for cooperating with the first engaging member of the body. A fastener secures the clutch disk to the drive shaft and a biasing member is provided for biasing the body toward the clutch disk. The body is adapted to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member should a predetermined torque on the drive shaft be exceeded to disengage the first and second engaging members and prevent damage to the drive shaft.

Abstract: This is a portable toilet device. Broken excrement may be certainly drained. Means (40) for breaking the excrement having crushing blades is installed in the stagnant portion (18) of the body (20) of the toilet device, means (200) for sending the broken excrement by compression, which sends compressed air into the stagnant portion (18), and a lid for open and closure that closes the stagnant portion (18) tightly are provided. When treating the excrement after bowel movement, the lid for open and closure is closed and then, by driving the means for breaking the excrement, the excrement is stirred and broken into fragments with the stagnant portion being tightly closed. After breaking the excrement into fragments, compressed air is jetted into the stagnant portion so that a liquid mixture formed by breaking the excrement into fragments can be sent by compression toward a side of drain hose (14).

Abstract: A height adjusting water saving urinal adapted to be connected to a flush toilet system, includes a bowl, a top opening, a bottom opening, a bottom drain opening, an extendable urinal, a connecting device and a seat that is provided on the top opening so that a female user can sit on the seat. The bowl has a basin, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The top opening is provided at the top portion of the bowl. The bottom drain opening is provided at the bottom portion of the bowl. The extendable urinal drain pipe extends from the bottom drain opening. The connecting device, provided at an end of the extendable urinal drain pipe, is for connecting the urinal to the flush toilet system. The extendable urinal drain pipe shares the main drain pipe of the flush toilet.

Abstract: A bidet having a variable nozzle. The bidet includes a linear channel connected to a feed channel through which water is fed, a nozzle part connected to the linear channel and ejecting the water toward an area of the human body to be washed, and a variable channel connected to opposite sides of the nozzle part and feeding the water to the nozzle part while the water to be ejected is pressurized symmetrically on the opposite sides of the nozzle part. Thereby, the bidet can adjust a spreading angle of the water ejected from the nozzle part according to an area to be washed.

Abstract: A personal disposable sanitary toilet system and method that includes a primary toilet/containment bag and a secondary containment bag to minimize odor, vapor and liquid leakage. Both bags may be made out of sheet-like liquid impermeable material such as a plastic film or multi-layer plastic film. The primary containment bag is funnel-shaped, with a large opening on top and a small sealed containment area on the bottom. The top of the primary bag has a pair of straps which are used to secure the bag above the buttocks and around one's waist. The top of the bag has an extended front portion which may be pulled between the legs and up over the genitals for sanitary, splatter-less relief. The lower containment area may contain a hydrophilic compound that absorbs liquid waste and turns it into a gel, and may be mixed with an effervescent agent and waste control ingredients such as fragrances, enzymes and/or biocides.

Abstract: Drainage device for arrangement on a floor tile, the drainage device, when at least partially assembled in the floor, has at least two pipe lengths moveable relative to one another in such a way that a movement of the pipe lengths relative to one another allows an aperture in the floor tile and the upper inlet aperture of the drainage device to be made to coincide at least partially with one another. At the same time the pipe lengths have flanges extending radially outwards, which are sealed against one another by seals.

Abstract: A lavatory system is disclosed to include one or more integrated hand washing stations. Each hand washing station includes a basin, a faucet, a solenoid valve configured to control water flow to the faucet, and a electric hand dryer located adjacent the basin and the faucet so that the user of the washing station may use the faucet and the electric hand dryer without leaving the washing station. The electric hand dryer preferably includes an outlet to direct air across the associated basin so that any water that drips from the user's hands will fall within the basin. A control system may be provided to control activation of the fixtures such as the solenoid valve, the electric hand dryer, and/or soap dispenser. The control system may be configured, for example, to inhibit simultaneous activation of the solenoid valve and the hand dryer. A photovoltaic system may be provided to provide power to one or more of electrical fixtures.

Abstract: An electrically powered, rail-mounted patient lift includes a carriage for displacement along an overhead rail and a housing. The housing includes an electric motor having an output shaft and two belts suspended from the housing for the mounting of a patient support such as a sling or the like. Two belt-receiving rollers, each having an outer cylindrical surface for receiving a respective lifting belt, co-operate with the output shaft of the electrical motor for rotating in opposite directions at the same rotational speed driven by the output shaft, thereby collecting the belts when rotating the output shaft in one direction and discharging the belts when rotating the output shaft in the opposite direction. The housing further includes a power supply unit for the delivery of electrical power to the electrical motor from a battery power supply or alternatively, a mains supply.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a play yard and bassinet assembly combination. The play yard includes upper and lower horizontal frame members vertically spaced apart from each other, vertical frame members disposed between the upper and lower horizontal frame members, first and second redundant support members, and first and second mating redundant support members. The first redundant support member and the second redundant support member are disposed in a spaced apart arrangement adjacent a first vertical frame member a second vertical frame member, respectively. The first and second mating redundant support members are disposed adjacent an outer perimeter of the floor of the bassinet assembly. The first mating redundant support member is configured for engaging the first redundant support member, and the second mating redundant support member is configured for engaging the second redundant support member to provide additional vertical support for the floor of the bassinet assembly.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a bassinet assembly that includes an inclinable floor that can be supported above a support surface using one or more zippers. For example, the bassinet assembly includes a floor and side walls that extend upwardly from and surround the floor. The floor includes an inclinable flap, and a row of zipper teeth are disposed along at least a portion of a perimeter of the inclinable flap. A mating row of zipper teeth are disposed on at least a portion of the side walls, and when one or more zippers engage the rows of zipper teeth to join them together, the inclinable flap is secured at an angle greater than 0° relative to the floor. In addition, various embodiments are directed to a bassinet assembly that can be secured within a play yard using one or more zippers.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a bassinet assembly that includes one or more rods and a floor that includes an inclinable flap. Each rod has a static portion and an inclined portion, and the rods are disposed below upper surfaces of the floor and the inclinable flap. A first longitudinal axis of the static portion and a second longitudinal axis of the inclined portion intersect at an angle greater than 0° and less than about 90°. When the inclinable flap is raised above the floor, the rods rotate about the first longitudinal axis such that the first and second longitudinal axes are in a plane substantially perpendicular to the support surface, and when the inclinable flap is allowed to lay substantially flat against the floor, the rods rotate about the first longitudinal axis such that the first and second longitudinal axes are in a plane substantially parallel to the support surface.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a bassinet assembly includes a floor and one or more side walls that extend upwardly from a perimeter of the floor and surround the floor. Each side wall has an upper perimeter and includes a mesh portion that extends substantially the height of the side wall from the upper perimeter to the floor. Each side wall also includes a substantially solid wall portion that extends from the upper perimeter to an intermediate portion disposed between the upper perimeter and the floor. At least a portion of the side wall between the intermediate portion and the floor of the bassinet assembly is mesh to allow a child lying therein to breathe.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a collapsible play yard and bassinet assembly combination. The floor of the play yard comprises a release mechanism attached to lower horizontal frame members of the play yard, and when the release mechanism is engaged, the lower horizontal frame members are moved upwardly and inwardly to collapse the play yard. The bassinet assembly has a floor and one or more side walls that have an upper perimeter, and the upper perimeter is adapted for securing adjacent the upper perimeter of the play yard. The floor of the bassinet assembly also defines an opening that allows a user to reach through the opening to access and engage the release mechanism without removing the bassinet assembly from the play yard.

Abstract: A slide mechanism for a piece of furniture having a slidable member, the slide mechanism comprising (a) a fixed slide rail; (b) a rebate which in use receives the fixed slide rail; (c) first biasing means to resist engagement of the fixed slide rail with the rebate; and (d) a second biasing means to resist freefall of the slidable member; wherein in use the slidable member is moved from a first, fully raised position to a second, fully lowered position by exerting force on the first biasing means such that the slide rail is brought into engagement with the rebate, subsequent vertical movement of the slidable member being counterbalanced by the second biasing means.

Abstract: Disclosed are an articulating bed and methods of using the bed. The articulating bed includes a top frame and one or two underlying frames. The top frame includes a first side section and a second side section. One of the side sections is configured to slide in a lateral direction of the bed so as to vary a width of the bed. Further, the sections are configured to hingedly rotate. Various methods include sliding and hingedly rotating the side sections. Further, the methods includes sitting up a person lying on the bed and changing liners while the person is staying on the bed, using the sliding and hinged rotation features.

Abstract: A waterproof bedspread includes an outer peripheral portion for engaging onto and for securing onto a headboard and a footboard and two side frames of a hospital bed with a fastening device and for forming a recess in the waterproof bedspread, the waterproof bedspread includes one or more outlet ports for discharging a water or fluid received in the recess of the waterproof bedspread, the waterproof bedspread may include a basic layer having a number of longitudinal filaments and lateral filaments each formed by a thread having a wax outer layer. A cover layer is secured onto the basic layer and includes a number of hair members provided on top to form a hairy structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides warmth and comfort when traveling, especially during the cold months. The blanket is designed to give warmth when the body is covered; comfort and head rest for the pillow holder section and to keep out lighting from coming in when resting. This blanket is for personal traveling, when flying (airplane) or driving on bus, car, or train.

Abstract: Disclosed are an articulating bed and methods of operating the bed. The articulating bed includes a top frame and one or two underlying frames. The top frame includes a first side section and a second side section. One of the side sections is configured to slide in a lateral direction of the bed so as to vary a width of the bed. Further, the sections are configured to hingedly rotate. Various methods include sliding and hingedly rotating the side sections. Further, the methods includes sitting up a person lying on the bed and changing liners while the person is staying on the bed, using the sliding and hinged rotation features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulating bed that is slidingly moved to extend by a given width and lifts the slidingly moved area thereof and to a mattress for use in the articulating bed, the articulating bed including: a first frame having an electrically operating motor, a screw shaft, hinge devices, and devices for articulating the bed mounted thereon; a second frame mounted on the top surface of the first frame in such a manner as to be articulated to four sections; and a third frame mounted on the top surface of the second frame in such a manner as to be articulated to four sections together with the second frame, the third frame being slidingly moved selectively to a left or right side by the guide of the second frame to extend the bed by the given width and being lifted by the slidingly moved area thereof.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for supporting a head of a user of a massage device includes a frame assembly and a resilient assembly. The frame assembly is selectively coupled to the massage device, and the resilient assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The resilient assembly includes an upper resilient member and a headrest platform that supports the upper resilient member. The headrest platform includes a first side section, a second side section, a middle section that is positioned substantially between and is coupled to the first side section and the second side section, and a hinge assembly that connects the side sections to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly allows the middle section to flex substantially downward and the side sections to pivot relative to the hinge assembly when the headrest platform is supporting the head of the user.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a hot surface, a piled fabric, and the template. The piled fabric may be placed between the template and the hot plate. A force may be applied to create pressure on the piled fabric between the hot plate and the template. Heat may be transferred from the hot surface into the template to put a permanent set in the pile of the fabric. The underside of the template may be insulated to resist sinking of heat received by the template in a direction away from the hot plate.