Abstract: An improved underwater breathing apparatus includes a gas- and liquid-tight helmet, with an attached air valve, tank coupling and tank bracket. The helmet further includes a flange generally conforming to the shoulders of a user, and incorporates ballast material. The air valve is attached to the helmet with the tank coupling and the tank bracket is attached to the tank coupling. When worn, the tank bracket is oriented substantially parallel to, and a finite distance away from, the user, whereby only the flange contacts the user. In other embodiments the helmet further includes an optically transparent face shield, or the entire helmet is may be manufactured from an optically transparent material. A handle may be attached to the helmet to aid in lifting and storage. The air valve may include an air flow regulator, a compressed air supply coupling or an air flow gauge.

Abstract: A fire retardant pillow top mattress has a base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and sidewalls for the mattress. In a pillow top mattress, the pillow top and the gusset between the mattress and the pillow top are formed in a like manner. The intersecting planar surfaces are mated between a flame-retardant treated edge binding tape. The mated surfaces are sewn with a flame retardant thread and the mattress, pillow top and gusset are encapsulated with fire retardant components. The edges of the sidewalls and the mattress cover are serge stitched with a flame retardant thread.

Abstract: A fire retardant pillow top mattress has a base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and side walls for the mattress, the pillow top and the gusset between the mattress and the pillow top. The intersecting planar surfaces are mated between a fire-retardant treated edge binding tape. The mated surfaces are sewn with a fire retardant thread and the mattress, pillow top and gusset are encapsulated with fire retardant components.

Abstract: A fire retardant pillow top mattress has a base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and sidewalls for the mattress. In a pillow top mattress, the pillow top and the gusset between the mattress and the pillow top are formed in a like manner. The intersecting planar surfaces are mated between a flame-retardant treated edge binding tape. The mated surfaces are sewn with a flame retardant thread and the mattress, pillow top and gusset are encapsulated with fire retardant components. The edges of the sidewalls and the mattress cover are serge stitched with a flame retardant thread.

Abstract: A fire retardant mattress, sofa cushion and pillow has a foam base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and sidewalls for the mattress. The intersecting planar surfaces are formed as a flange which is sandwiched between a fire-retardant treated edge binding tape. The flange is sewn with a fire retardant thread to encapsulate the mattress with fire retardant components.

Abstract: A fire retardant mattress, sofa cushion and pillow has a foam base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and sidewalls for the mattress. The intersecting planar surfaces are formed as a flange which is sandwiched between a fire-retardant treated edge binding tape. The flange is sewn with a fire retardant thread to encapsulate the mattress with fire retardant components.

Abstract: A slip-on cover for shoes and boots to protect the feet and ankles of a person using a high speed cutting device. The protective cover has a sole member which is in contact with the sole of the shoe/boot and an upper member which covers the upper portion of the shoe/boot. The upper member is flexible and is formed of multiple layers including a high modulus fiber lining. The upper member is attached to the sole member. The sole member is removably fastened to the shoe/boot. The sole member may be a full sole or a partial sole.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for boots and shoes to protect the wearer from injury. The cover is a unitary member covering the toe and forward portion of the shoe or boot, extending to the ankle on both sides of the shoe or boot and backwardly to cover the back of the shoe or boot. The protective cover is partially removable from the shoe or boot having a back portion which is removably secured about the back of the shoe or boot. The toe portion of the protective cover is permanently secured to the toe portion of the shoe or boot. Preferably, the toe portion of the protective cover is sewn to the sole plane of the shoe or boot. In a preferred embodiment, a tab is formed on one side of the protective cover. The tab secures the side portions of the protective cover to the back of the shoe or boot. The protective cover is preferably a multi-layer member having a lining means formed of a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for boots, shoes and the like to protect the wearer from injury from a chainsaw. The cover has a lining of layers of high modulus fiber fabric between an inner layer and a outer layer of durable fabric. The lining is secured between the inner layer and the outer layer by a quilt-like stitching. The protective cover is folded to conform to the instep of the shoe and extend to the ankle. A strap and fasteners are attached to the cover to permit the cover to be secured over the shoe in a rapid and easy manner. In a preferred embodiment, a tab is formed on one side of the cover and a bail is attached to the other side of the cover. The tab is pulled through the bail and returned approximately 180.degree. to the one side of the cover. The tab is held by quick-release fasteners to the one side of the cover thereby firmly securing the cover longitudinally to the boot or shoe.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for boots, shoes and the like having a lining of woven and non-woven aramid fabric between an inner layer and an outer layer of durable fabric. The protective cover is folded to conform to the instep of the shoe and extend to the ankle. A strap and fasteners are attached to the cover to permit the cover to be secured over the shoe in a rapid and easy manner. The protective cover is fabricated by cutting patterns for the outer and inner layers and for aramid linings. The components are sewn together such that the aramid linings are joined so that a sharp edge or blade is prevented from penetrating the cover. A bias binding is sewn about the joined patterns. The straps and fasteners are sewn to the joined patterns.