Abstract: Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.

Abstract: A cover or enclosure for actively transferring heat energy to at least a distal portion of a fluid conduit and/or bite valve thereof that is part of a personal hydration system, systems incorporating such a cover and related methods. The cover or enclosure includes a first chamber and an adjacent second chamber where a common or adjacent wall, or portion thereof, separates the two. The first chamber is adapted to receive a heat generating element while the second chamber is adapted to removable receive at least the distal portion of the fluid conduit and/or bite valve thereof. The first chamber further includes at least one closure for selectively allowing ingress and egress of the heating means to and from the first chamber. Heating of the distal portion of the fluid conduit and/or bite valve thereof takes place when disposed in the second chamber and the heat generating element is active.

Abstract: An inflatable body including first and second fluid impervious major panels, each having an outer surface, an inner surface and a perimeter, and further including a fluid impervious intermediate panel having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter. A first perimeter portion of the intermediate panel is joined to the inner surface of the first major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof, and a second perimeter portion of the intermediate panel, which is generally opposed to the first perimeter portion, is joined to the inner surface of the second major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof. The first and second major panel perimeters are joined to each other, defining a primary enclosure having first and second chambers separated by the intermediate panel, and at least one sealable orifice in fluid communication with the environment and at least one chamber.

Abstract: A naturally aspirated, fully aerated radiant burner and optional heat exchanger arrangement where the radiant burner has a generally enclosed cavity defined, at least in part, by fuel gas impermeable surroundings and a lower surface of fuel gas permeable burner element, wherein cavity preferably has two opening exposed to an oxidizer source. Sealingly coupled to openings are mix tubes, each having respective first ends and second ends, wherein first ends occupy openings and second ends extend into and are exposed to cavity. Fuel gas injectors, which during use are in fluid communication with fuel gas, are positioned to introduce fuel gas into mix tubes and entrain only slightly more air than needed for stoichiometric combustion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a soft shelter extension for use with a hard shelter where the hard shelter has a perimeter opening defined by a side wall and sealable by a deck rotationally coupled thereto, wherein the deck is prevented from over rotating by a pair of opposing cables linking the side wall to the deck. Such embodiments include a bow assembly having a plurality of bows wherein first ends are linkable to each other and second ends are linkable to each other, either directly or indirectly. These embodiments further include a pair of cable slide interfaces linked to respective first and second ends of the plurality of bows to receive the respective pair of cables. A flexible panel covers the bow assembly, and mates to the side wall and to the deck to form an enclosed space when the deck is rotated to a position wherein the cables are in tension.

Abstract: A wheelchair seatback assembly suitable for detachable mounting to the back-supporting posts of a wheelchair. The back assembly includes a relatively rigid shell member carrying post-engaging pins and a plurality of mounting clips attachable to wheelchair posts. At least selected ones of the mounting clips are further formed to releasably engage the post-engaging pins. The mounting units are also formed for single-handed automatic unlocking and release of the pair of hooks from the mounting units and posts upon rotation of the shell member forwardly over the wheelchair seat by an amount in excess of any displacement occurring during normal use of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An accessory for ground pads that includes first and second panels attached to one another so as to form a pocket into which a portion of a ground pad can be inserted. The first portion incorporates an expansion zone of elastic material so that when soft items are place between the ground pad and the expansion zone, an elevated structure akin to a pillow is formed. The second portion includes at least one strap attached thereto so that when the ground pad is rolled for storage, the at least one strap can be used to retain the rolled state of the pad.

Abstract: An improved rudder system and pedal system for use in a watercraft such as a kayak. The rudder assembly includes a rudder housing having a push rod operably linked to a rudder blade positioned in the housing. A rudder control cord passes through a fairlead located at the top of the push rod and terminates at the trailing edge of the rudder blade. Upon tensioning of the rudder cord, the push rod acts against a notch in the leading edge of the rudder blade, which causes rotation of the rudder blade in addition to the rotational force on the trailing edge of the rudder blade due to movement of the control cord. A feature of the rudder assembly is the incorporation of a spring element in the rudder blade that provides an extension bias to the rudder blade, and user selectable pre-loading thereof for varying the rotational bias. The pedal system includes a toe control pivotally attached to a foot brace that is slidingly located in a track.

Abstract: A wheelchair seatback assembly suitable for detachable mounting to the back-supporting posts of a wheelchair. The back assembly includes a relatively rigid shell member carrying post-engaging pins and a plurality of mounting clips attachable to wheelchair posts. At least selected ones of the mounting clips are further formed to releasably engage the post-engaging pins. The mounting units are also formed for single-handed automatic unlocking and release of the pair of hooks from the mounting units and posts upon rotation of the shell member forwardly over the wheelchair seat by an amount in excess of any displacement occurring during normal use of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A multiple chamber self-inflating pad having a fluid impervious first chamber defined by a first flexible panel and an intermediate panel in which a first resilient member is disposed and to which the resilient member is bonded. An orifice is provided to control inflation or deflation of the first chamber. A second flexible panel is selectively bonded to the intermediate flexible panel preferably to form a gap or pocket into which a second resilient member may be removably disposed. Preferably, the first resilient member is an open cell foam while the second is constructed from closed cell foam. Alternative embodiments include the creation of a fluid impervious second chamber either fluidly linked to the first chamber or to the environment, alternative resilient materials, inclusion of radiant barriers, and the like.

Abstract: A diaphragm (12) for use with a fluid carrying conduit (70) or outer body (14) where the diaphragm (12) has a convex outer surface (26), a concave inner surface (28), a slit (32) extending from surface (26) to surface (28), and a notch defined by two walls (40, 42) at outer surface (26). The walls (40, 42) preferably diverge towards the outlet end (20) so that upon deflection of diaphragm (12), a greater minimum gap (46) for fluid movement is created when compared to the minimum gap (48) of a diaphragm not having the notch. The notch may have a cross section shape of a “V”, a “U”, or a three section rectilinear form, and may be formed at either surface depending upon the direction of diaphragm deflection.

Abstract: A container according to a first embodiment includes a first panel bonded to all but a segment of an opposing second panel wherein the first and the second panels define an interior chamber and wherein the unbonded segments of the first panel and the second panel define a first opening having a maximum area. Present in the first opening is a two-part linear fluid impervious closure constructed of flexible material. The first part is bonded to the first panel segment of the first opening and the second part is bonded to the second panel segment of the first opening. A spout is bonded to at least the first panel to provide fluid communication between the interior chamber and the environment, and to define an orifice having an area less than the maximum area of the first opening. In a preferred embodiment, interlocking fastener strips are used as the closure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid resistant structure to be incorporated with conventional fastening systems such as slide fasteners. Two sheaths are attached or incorporated into a closable structure, in overlapping fashion, at or near the opening of the structure. Each sheath has associated therewith a semi-rigid bead portion at its mesial portion. The length of the bead portions is generally longer than the chord length of the opening so that a slight, to pronounced, arch or bow of the beads is formed. When the structure is closed, one bead is manipulated over and laterally adjacent to the other bead, thereby forming a lateral compression abutment between the two beads. The lateral abutment is maintained due in part to the arch or bow formed by the difference between the bead length versus the chord length.

Abstract: A valve for a flexible liquid-container has a hollow cylindrical body including a bowl-shaped or trough-shaped diaphragm, circumferentially sealed to an inside wall of the tubular body. A convex side of the diaphragm faces an inlet side of the valve and a concave surface of the diaphragm faces an outlet side of the valve. The diaphragm has at least one slit extending therethrough. A cylindrical tube-spring of elliptical cross-section inserted into the tubular body exerts tension on the slit for holding the slit closed when the valve is not in use.

Abstract: An expanded resilient product and methods for making the same are disclosed. The product is characterized as a geometric solid of resilient material that has a plurality of slits formed therein. Each slit is defined by a first surface having a protruding portion and second surface having a recess portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the first surface which together form an interlocking fit between the two. Forces are applied to the product sufficient to dislodge a protruding portion of the first surface from the complementary recess portion of the second surface, thereby forming a plurality of gaps. The product is then permitted to relax, whereupon the protruding portions compressively contact the complementary recess portions of the second surface. But because of the interlocking fit, the protruding portions are prevented from re-engaging the recess portions and thereby maintain the expanded nature of the product.

Abstract: An inflatable body comprising an airtight envelope enclosing a core of batting material, having tensile elements extending from upper to lower surface thereof and having the upper and lower surfaces thereof bonded to the envelope.The process of making the body comprises first laying down two sheets of air impervious film with the core positioned therebetween. The tensile elements are bonded to the sheets. Simultaneously or separately from bonding to the core, the edges of the sheets are sealed together and a valve assembly bonded between or inserted in one of the sheets to allow control of the air volume and pressure within the assembly.

Abstract: A sealable, composite cushion is disclosed having a plurality of resilient support member horizontally disposed to one another and surrounded by a fluid impervious membrane. Each resilient support member has a known Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) value and is located in the cushion based upon medical criteria to provide zones of varying support. In an embodiment, the resilient members are bonded to the membrane and act as tension members to maintain the cushion's form while under a load. As a result, the cushion resists further deflection not only by the resilient members' resistance to compression, but also by an increased internal pressure. Accordingly, the cushion of the present invention is a composite of fluid flotation and compression resistance. A valve may be incorporated into the cushion to regulate the fluid floatation characteristics of the cushion or to assist in its transportation.

Abstract: An inflatable body comprising an airtight envelope enclosing a core of batting material having tensile elements extending from an upper to lower surface thereof and having the upper and lower surfaces thereof bonded to the envelope. The process of making the body comprises first laying down two sheets of air impervious film with the core positioned therebetween. The tensile elements are bonded to the sheets. Simultaneously or separately from bonding to the core, the edges of the sheets are sealed together and a valve assembly is bonded between or inserted in one of the sheets to allow control of the air volume and pressure within the assembly.