Abstract: A backlight includes an extended light source adapted to emit light. A reflective polarizer is disposed on the extended light source, such that for substantially normally incident light and for at least a first wavelength in a range from about 420 nanometer (nm) to about 650 nm, the reflective polarizer reflects at least 60% of the incident light having a first polarization state and transmits at least 60% of the incident light having an orthogonal second polarization state. A first prismatic film is disposed between the extended light source and the reflective polarizer. A retarder layer is disposed between the reflective polarizer and the first prismatic film, such that for substantially normally incident light at a wavelength of about 550 nm, the retarder layer has a retardance nW, where n is an integer ?1 and W is a wavelength between about 160 nm and about 300 nm.

Abstract: A composite material that may be used to form, among other things, sports clothing, such as jackets, gloves, boots or fishing waders, is waterproof, breathable and insulated. The composite material includes at least an insulating layer of open-cell foam a waterproof layer on one side of the insulating layer. The composite material also preferably includes a protective layer on the side of the insulating layer opposite the waterproof layer. The composite material may have additional layers on either side or both sides of the insulating layer. The open-cell foam of the insulating layer is preferably, but not necessarily, a thermoplastic that can be re-shaped through the use of a thermal forming process.

Abstract: A case for retaining one or more electronic devices includes electronic circuitry integral with the case. The circuitry is connectable to a power source and is connectable to at least one of the one or more electronic devices in order to provide electric power thereto. The power source may be a photovoltaic module and the module may be attached to or integral with the case. If a photovoltaic module is used it may be expandable to provide more surface area than the area of any side of the case. The case may also include, among other things, an integral power source, such as a DC battery, that could be connected to one or more electronic devices.

Abstract: A light weight compact grappling hook which finds use in at least urban terrain comprising a small head member provided with a plurality of arms or blades which are serrated and/or provided with cutting surfaces/edges. The shaft which is connected to the head can be rigid or flexible. The flexible feature facilitates achieving a hold on surfaces which might otherwise be difficult. The arms or blades are each pivotally supported on pairs of pins and can be spread from folded storage positions and locked in position prior to deployment, or can be spring biased so that spreading and operative deployment is achieved en route to the target.

Abstract: A water-cooled baseball cap is provided including a cap portion with a hemi-spherical configuration having a circular open bottom and a dome-shaped top. The cap portion includes a plurality of layers thereby defining an interior space. A bladder includes an upper layer and a lower layer both constructed from an elastomeric material. Such layers both define a hemi-spherical configuration having a circular open bottom and a dome-shaped top. The layers of the bladder are integrally coupled at bottom peripheral edges thereof thus defining a thin uniform spherical interior space. The bladder is situated within the interior space of the cap. The lower layer of the bladder has a plurality of minuscule apertures formed therein for allowing water situated within the bladder to flow onto the head of the user. A visor is mounted to bottom peripheral edges of the cap portion and extend radially outwardly therefrom for precluding light rays from shining on a face of the user.