Abstract: A Buttocks Support Device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a support device that comprises an abdominal element and a pair of thigh support elements each of which can be, but is not limited to be, formed as a ring shaped element. Each thigh support element has a buttock section and a midriff or abdominal section, the buttock section being configured to lift and restrain the wearer's buttock. The preferred device includes a sleeve thereover for permitting the “rings” to be tightened without pulling on the wearer's skin. It is a further aspect that the device anchor about the wearer's midriff from below the chest to the widest part of the hips or at either the waist or the hips, depending upon the wishes of the wearer. Still further, the thigh support element include adjustment means for adjusting the length of the thigh rings.

Abstract: A life vest for water sports is taught which is translucent to ultraviolet radiation and visible light. This allows the wearer to achieve uniform tan without having the harsh tan lines where the edges of a life vest would normally be. This allows an individual to enjoy both safety and tanning without having to make a choice between the two.

Abstract: A shower cap comprising an elastic strap (14) that is permanently attached to the elastic band (11) located at lower edge (16) of a shower cap. The elastic strap has fasteners (12 & 12a) on each end that allow it to form a loop and suspend from a shower curtain rod, towel rack, doorknob, or hook/nail in the wall. This suspension also allows the shower cap to thoroughly dry. The elastic strap permits convenient storage of the shower cap and that helps to eliminate the possibility of it being misplaced. The fasteners on each end of the elastic strap can be easily pulled apart and reattached because they are in the form of hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO tabs).

Abstract: A bath costume comprises a bath costume body made of a resilient material adapted to perfectly adhere to a user body, and having an outer smooth surface in order to reduce to a minimum the slipping resistance of the bath costume in water.

Abstract: A swimwear garment made of ultra-violet resistant material encloses the body of a child when fastened-up, and has a back zip (3), sleeves (2A), leg openings and a neck opening (4). The garment incorporates buoyant panels (8) at its back and a front panel (11) which are formed with crease lines (9, 10, 14, 16) enabling them to conform closely to the child's chest without obstructing its movement during swimming. A flexible soft neck roll (6) of closed-cell, buoyant, foamed plastics material encircles the child's neck and holds the chin above water.

Abstract: A conformable pair of underwear including a central member positionable over a crotch area and backside of the individual. The central member has opposed forward and rearward ends. The central member is fabricated of a cotton-like material. A front member is secured to the forward end of the central member for positioning above the crotch area of the individual. The front member has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge has a plurality of male fasteners disposed thereon in a spaced relationship. The second side edge has a plurality of female fasteners disposed thereon in a spaced relationship. A back member is secured to the rearward end of the central member for positioning above the back side of the individual. The back member has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge has a plurality of female fasteners disposed thereon in a spaced relationship. The second side edge has a plurality of male fasteners disposed thereon in a spaced relationship.

Abstract: A swimsuit is provided with a plurality of loop members and hook and loop fasteners for interchangeable attachment of straps, linked chains, and other accessories in a manner which alters the style and appearance of the swimsuit. The straps, linked chains, or the like are selectively attachable to the loops on a woman's swimsuit top to achieve various angles of lift so that the breasts are either moved closer together or separated, as desired by the wearer. The straps or linked chains are also attachable to loops on the swimsuit top and bottom to adjustably fit and secure the swimsuit top and bottom on the wearer. One or more closeable band wraps can be wrapped about the swimsuit top and/or bottom to achieve different swimsuit styles including a conventional style, a Brazilian cut or a thong.

Abstract: A garment is provided having at least one pocket that is attached to the garment and accessible via a zipper or other fastener that provides access to an interior compartment formed by the pocket as well as a method for providing a garment with a waterproof compartment. The fastener is preferably a waterproof zipper that is attachable via a process requiring the pocket and the zipper to be attached by gluing, stitching and/or heat-sealing the same. As a result, a completely watertight and waterproof pocket is formed allowing the user of the garment to carry items therein that typically may not be exposed to water.

Abstract: A method for designing unique swimwear, more particularly, women's swim suits by creating swimwear exclusive of bottom side seams, making certain attributes available such as a slim appearance; a comfortable fit and quick-change ability. Thus, the present invention is designed to reflect current and trendy fashions, yet hold the unique quality of side seam exclusion which allows for individual comfort, durability and quick-change ability. Further, manufacturing production cost is down due to the fact that the swim suit can be manufactured and sold in sizes S-M-L only.

Abstract: A swim diaper for use by a child while swimming, bathing or otherwise exposed to an aqueous environment includes a main torso section formed from a sheet of breathable, waterproof material of sufficient thickness to retain solid waste and having a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 200 g/m2/day. The main torso section has a torso receiving aperture at the upper end of the main torso section for receiving a torso and leg receiving apertures located in the lower portion of the main torso section for receiving a child's legs.

Abstract: A swim training apparatus worn by a swimmer is shown. It includes a garment sized and shaped cover at least a portion of swimmer's body and has first and second panels with contrasting tactile properties. One of the panels, preferably having a tactile-stimulating surface, is positioned on the garment such that the swimmer can feel the tactile differential as a guide to the swimmer's hand while practicing swim strokes.

Abstract: A convertible swimsuit is a one-piece bathing suit that can be changed to a two-piece tank top style or bikini style bathing suit for purposes such as, but not limited to, tanning or using the restroom. This is accomplished by unfastening the upper piece of the swimsuit from the lower piece of the swimsuit. The material at the bottom of the upper piece of the swimsuit is folded upward and fastened behind the back to create a two piece tank-top style bathing suit. The material can again be folded further upward and fastened either behind the back or behind the neck to create a bikini-style bathing suit. The wearer can thereby use the swimsuit as either a one-piece swimsuit or as a two-piece swimsuit with adjustable coverage of the individual's stomach or midriff.

Abstract: The invention provides a thin, barely visible to invisible strap particularly useful for imparting invisibility without sacrificing the support imparted by such straps on underwears suitable for use on clothing of transparent material or on backless, strapless, and sleeveless clothing. The strap is made of a thin, clear, colorless, polyurethane material having the desired elasticity, flexibility and softness of a strap while providing sufficient support to the cups thereby preventing the breasts from sagging.

Abstract: A one-piece women's sunbathing, beach and swim suit in the form of a narrow band of material which is arranged to be worn such that it loops the wearer's trunk in the longitudinal direction partially or completely. The narrow band of material is divided over a part of its length into two longitudinal segments. When worn, the narrow band of material passes between the wearer's legs and over at least a portion of the wearer's belly. The two longitudinal segments extend over the wearer's shoulders and may form a loop, at a first end of the narrow band of material, which loops around a back side of the wearer's neck or may join the narrow band of material which extends over the wearer's back side from between her legs. In the case of a neck loop, the narrow band of material has a detachable adhesive disposed at a second end thereof. Otherwise, the narrow band of material may have first and second ends which are arranged to be connected together by a catch.

Abstract: An undergarment comprises a skin-contacting panel and an outer sheer panel which define a pocket therebetween. The pocket is adapted for interchangeably receiving an insert wherein the insert can be seen through the sheer panel. Inserts are provided in a variety of colors, appearances, or scents for placement into the undergarments to change the decorative scheme of the undergarment. Attachments may also be provided that comprise button covers or bows which are attached to the undergarments, wherein the attachments preferably match the color of a particular insert.

Abstract: A woman's sling-type breast support is provided and includes a pair of support straps connected at opposed ends to tapered side supporting portions at a narrow top connecting portions and lower side edge portions. The tapered side supporting portions are connected together at lower interior side edges by a connecting panel adapted to pass under and aid in supporting the breasts of a wearer without covering the outer ends of a wearer's breasts. A shirt, or similar type garment, may be incorporated with the sling-type breast support, and connected at four points to the breast support.

Abstract: A safety swimwear is provided, having a bodice portion, at least one floatation member or bladder and a protective panel securely affixed to the exterior of the bodice portion and holding the bladder. The panel is securely affixed to the exterior side of the bodice portion in a manner which draws attention to the presence of the floatation member and/or the level of deflation or inflation of the bladder. The panel may be of a contrasting appearance, such as, a contrasting color, texture and/or pattern, against the bodice portion to highlight the presence of the panel and particularly the bladder. In an embodiment of the swimsuit, two bladders and two panels are provided so that one bladder is securely affixed to a front piece of the swimsuit and another bladder is securely affixed to a back piece of the swimsuit. The bladders and thus the panels may be of different configurations.

Abstract: A watertight swimwear construction 10 for an article of swimwear 20 such as a bathing cap 21, a pair of men's swim trunks 22 and a woman's one-piece bathing suit 23 having at least one opening 24, 25, 26, or 27 which surrounds a portion of a swimmer. The periphery of the opening 24, 25, 26, or 27 is provided with an elongated strip of resilient material 31 having a plurality of suction cups 37 disposed in a side-by-side fashion on the front face 32 to prevent water, sand, etc., from passing through said opening.

Abstract: An exposed strap of a brassiere embodying decoration, in a preferred embodiment, as interconnected chain links, in which the looseness of the links permits the strap to assume a looping shape over a user's shoulder, during fitting of the brassiere, and thereafter an elastic tab holds the strap taut during use.

Abstract: A badge holder securable to a limb includes a badge holder pocket having first and second retaining wings extending from opposite sides of the pocket. The retaining wings have a passage extending through the wings. A strap assembly having a strap member with first and second ends is included. A first hook fitting is secured to the first end of the strap and a second hook fitting is secured to the second end of the strap. The first and second hook fittings are removably securable to the respective first and second wings by engaging the passages of the wings for coupling the strap assembly to the badge holder pocket.

Abstract: A pneumatically adjustable brassiere re-shapes drooping or small breasts. The brassiere includes brassiere cups of a conventional shape and are respectively composed as an integral body with a first tube made of soft synthetic resin containing a predetermined amount of ceramic material, antibiotics, and deodorizer particles and connected with a feed valve. A second tube is separately connected with an air blowing pump. The first tube has several protrusions for finger pressure therapy and several vents on an inner surface thereof. The feed valve includes a valve sheet for intake of air into the valve body with alternately opening inflow holes on the valve body, two highly elastic springs and corrugated air pumps to vibrate up and down according to a wearer's movement so as to automatically supply air to the first air tube.

Abstract: Feminine garment with sexual stimulation effect characterized in that it is worn on the waist, buttocks and pubis of a woman, including a piece that surrounds the waist, provided with a ring at a front central part to which is joined or attached the front extremity of a perineal necklace having one or more rows of beads passing over the pubis between the legs and buttocks of a woman, the rear extremity being linked to the center of the rear part of the woman's back. The walking motion or the movement of the legs causes a friction on the external genital parts, thereby producing sexual stimulation on the wearer. The garment is intended to provide sexual, ludic or erotic therapy.

Abstract: Inflatable articles of clothing are disclosed. Using in many cases multiple plies of material impervious to air, inflatable pockets are created. Valves may also be included to facilitate introducing air into the pockets and, if necessary, to permit their deflation.

Abstract: A Buttocks Support Device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a support device that comprises an abdominal ring and a pair of thigh rings. Each thigh ring comprises a buttock section and a solar plexus section, the buttock section being configured to lift and restrain the wearer's buttock. The preferred device includes a sleeve thereover for permitting the "rings" to be tightened without pulling on the wearer's skin. It is a further aspect that the device anchor at either the waist or the hips, depending upon the wishes of the wearer. Still further, the thigh rings include adjustment means for adjusting the length of the thigh rings. Furthermore, the preferred abdominal ring includes means for attaching and detaching the device from around the wearer's waist.

Abstract: A unitary garment for full or partial coverage of a torso that may be fully put on or removed, at the choice of the wearer, as an assembled or a disassembled garment, and subsequently may be partially removed and put on, again at the choice of the wearer, has a torso portion for providing at least some coverage of the front and back of a wearer, a pants portion having a front portion, a crotch portion for passing between the legs and connected to the front portion, and a seat portion connected to the crotch portion. One of the seat portion and front portion is connected to the torso portion, and the other of the front portion and seat portion has at its edges first fastening elements to selectively attach and release to assemble and disassemble the garment.

Abstract: A women's undergarment with rear pouch including a body portion adapted for being worn about a trunk of a wearer below a waist thereof. The body portion includes a front portion and a back portion fabricated of a four way stretch fabric. The back portion includes an interior layer and an exterior layer. A four way stretch fabric band is provided that is adapted for being worn about a waist area of a wearer. The four way stretch fabric band is secured to the body portion. The back portion of the body portion has a pocket formed thereon. The pocket receives a microphone pack therein.

Abstract: A one-piece lady's swimsuit has an upper portion that covers the upper body and a displaceable lower portion that includes a crotch section for covering a wearer's crotch. The displaceable lower portion can be detached and swung down and out of the way for using the restroom and swung back and up where it is secured in place to present a fashionable stylish swimsuit design.

Abstract: A bathing suit of the bikini type for females comprises two discrete tops and a bottom. Each of the bikini tops includes a cup, a section of a neck strap and a section of a back strap. The neck strap sections can be releasably connected to one another as can the back strap sections. Each of the bikini tops further includes an additional strap which is provided with a coupling element and is designed to extend to the bikini bottom. Several coupling elements are located on the inside of the bikini bottom and can be connected to the coupling element on either of the additional straps. The appearance of the bathing suit can be changed by attaching the additional straps to various ones of the coupling elements on the bikini bottom. An extension is provided for the neck strap and makes further changes in appearance possible. Thus, while the neck strap itself is too short to be crossed, the extension enables crossing to be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a swim suit comprising an outer garment and an inner liner, wherein the inner liner is joined to the outer garment, and the inner liner being seamless. Furthermore, the inner liner of the swim suit comprises areas of different stitch patterns, different yarns, or a combination thereof that support and control desired areas of the torso. The desired areas of the torso requiring support include the breasts, mid-section, buttocks, or a combination thereof. This invention is also directed to a seamless swim suit. Furthermore, there is disclosed a support structure providing beneficial support and control to the torso, yet being comfortable in use and cost effective to manufacture. This invention is also directed to body suits, or portions thereof, for use as undergarments or on their own that comprise control and support features based on the use of suitable stitch patterns and yarn selections.

Abstract: A swimsuit includes a body and a belt, a portion of the body encircling a portion of the belt to form at least one pouch. The other end of the body has fastening devices that attach them to the belt opposite the pouch to form a conventional-looking swimsuit. Detaching the clips, folding up the body and inserting it into the pouch(es) gives a compact arrangement of a belt with a small pouch attached to it. For use by females, an upper body cover has a belt for encircling the body and two patches for covering the breasts. Each patch is provided with its own storage compartment into which it can be stowed after being folded.

Abstract: Garment snugly fitting to a body, in particular a bathing suit, having a front section (1), a back section (2), a crotch section (4) and at least one suspended section (5), the front section and the back section being circularly knitted substantially in a hose-like configuration from elastic yarn which over the extend of the garment is knitted at different tensions and/or mesh sizes, so that the garment follows the contour of the body, the elastic yarn in each row consisting of an elastic core yarn and at least one surface yarn covering it.

Abstract: An article of swim wear with a retaining device for swim goggles having a pair of lens frames separated by a nose piece, where the article of swim wear includes a loop of flexible material affixed to an exterior portion of a swimsuit. The loop possesses a inner periphery related to either the lens frame or the nose piece of the pair of swim goggles. The swim goggles are retained by the loop about their nose piece by either the insertion of one of the lens frames of the swim goggles through the inner periphery of the loop or the formation of the loop itself.

Abstract: An article of wearing apparel for covering the breasts. A neck strap extends behind the neck of the wearer and extends downwardly at opposite ends so that a void is present between the ends on the front of the wearer. A cover is suspended from the neck strap and provides covering for the breasts of the wearer, while exposing the portion of the body between the breasts. A back strap connects the ends of the neck strap and is positioned around the back of the wearer.

Abstract: A slenderizing swimsuit including a body covering that has an upper torso portion and a lower torso portion. The lower torso portion has a front portion, a rear portion and side portions that are interconnected. The lower torso portion has a pair of leg openings that are formed in each side portion. Lastly, a girdle is attached to an inside portion of the lower torso portion. The girdle has a front panel, a rear panel and a crotch interconnecting the front and rear panels. The girdle has a first side panel and a second side panel. The first side panel is interconnected with the front and rear panels. The second side panel has first and second edges that are capable of coupling one to the other.

Abstract: An article of clothing having a light blocking pattern or a light transmitting pattern. The clothing article may also have a removable light blocking pattern or a removable light transmitting pattern. By wearing the article of clothing a person is provided with a patterned suntan or sunburn. The patterned sunburn may be attractive to the wear's intimate friends when the wearer is in a state of undress. The patterned sunburn may also be entertaining to oneself when looking (her or his) in a mirror. Also, a sharp patterned sunburn, similar to a tattoo, can be formed on the wear's skin.

Abstract: A unitary garment for full or partial coverage of a torso that may be fully put on or removed, at the choice of the wearer, as an assembled or a disassembled garment, and subsequently may be partially removed and put on, again at the choice of the wearer, has a torso portion for providing at least some coverage of the front and back of a wearer, a pants portion having a front portion, a crotch portion for passing between the legs and connected to the front portion, and a seat portion connected to the crotch portion. One of the seat portion and front portion is connected to the torso portion, and the other of the front portion and seat portion has at its edges first fastening elements to selectively attach and release to assemble and disassemble the garment.

Abstract: A drag reduction arrangement for the body of an athlete moving through a fluid medium, comprises a device attachable to the athlete's body for delaying the onset of boundary layer separation at a trailing surface thereof The device preferably comprises an array of vortex generators. As a result, form drag is reduced by an amount which is substantially greater than any increase in skin friction due to the presence of the vortices.

Abstract: A swimwear garment includes an upper body portion and a trunk portion made of a base fabric. At least one resistance band is incorporated in the garment. The resistance band has a direction of strength and memory characteristics to return the band to its unstretched condition. The resistance band has greater resistance characteristics than the base fabric so that during swimming strokes the muscles used for performing the swim strokes are strengthened by the additional exercise resulting from the stretching of the resistance bands.

Abstract: A genital covering for covering only one's genitals while that person is undergoing examination and preparation for surgery, during the actual surgical procedure, and additionally while one is undergoing tanning on a tanning bed. The covering includes a front body section which is releasably adhered to the abdomen of the person and a lower elongated section which extends through the person's legs and is provided with a distal end which is releasably attached to the back of the person, in an area which is generally above the buttock area. While covering only the genitals, the person's abdomen, thighs and buttocks are left completely exposed.

Abstract: The present invention is an article, namely apparel, such as clothing, footwear, fabrics, and the like, which incorporates fabrics or chemicals having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of blisters, callouses, and irritation of the skin. The present invention also is an article such as apparel which incorporates fabrics or chemicals having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the outer surface of the apparel that will minimize frictional contact with external objects. The invention also includes methods for producing this low friction apparel and apparel with a low friction outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selective marking using natural or artificial light (10) includes a semi-rigid, flexible design (12) with thread holes (14) in the periphery. A beveled edge (16) is provided around the design edge so that top (18) angles away from bottom (20) along the beveled edge (16). Additionally, a gripping edge (22) is provided so that when the semi-rigid, flexible design (12) is attached to a user's clothing and the semi-rigid, flexible design (12) is brought in contact in the location desired on the user's skin, the semi-rigid, flexible design (12) does not slip or move from its original position. In a preferred embodiment, a universal retainer (24) is provided with interior space (26) and retaining edge (28) for removably receiving a variety of different semi-rigid, flexible designs (12). When exposed to natural or artificial light, a tatoo-like design is created. In another embodiment, a non-threaded, permanent retainer (36) is provided with flexible retaining posts (38).

Abstract: A post-operative brassiere for use by female patients following cardio-thoracic surgery is disclosed. The post-operative brassiere includes a first breast support cup and a second breast support cup being interconnected by a support strap which is worn about the neck and shoulders of the wearer so as to form an open gap between the first and second breast support cups over the area of the wearer's sternum whereon a surgical incision is located. The conventional torso encircling straps which overlie the sternum in brassieres of the prior art are eliminated. The post-operative brassiere allows access to the incision for routine examination and nursing care while providing adequate support to the wearer's breasts. In one embodiment the breast support cups include elastic panels disposed about the peripheral edges thereof to secure the same in position.

Abstract: A buoyant swim garment has inner and outer layers of fabric and, intermediate the inner and outer layers a buoyant flexible sheet material. The sheet material has spaced V-shaped grooves with sides meeting in a line at an apex, the grooves extending in a height-wise dimension of the garment to define panels. The periphery of the material has a bevel with a thin, pliant outer edge. Stitching extends through the apex of the V-shaped grooves and the inner and outer layers of fabric. In manufacturing the garment, the V-shaped grooves are skived, and the periphery of the sheet material is also skived to form the bevel. In one embodiment, the grooves face the inner layer of fabric, and the beveled periphery faces the outer layer.

Abstract: A drag reduction arrangement for the body of an athlete moving through a fluid medium, comprises a device attachable to the athlete's body for delaying the onset of boundary layer separation at a trailing surface thereof. The device preferably comprises an array of vortex generators. As a result, form drag is reduced by an amount which is substantially greater than any increase in skin friction due to the presence of the vortices.

Abstract: A one-piece lady's swimsuit has an upper portion that covers the upper body and a displaceable lower portion that includes a crotch section for covering a wearer's crotch. The displaceable lower portion can be detached and swung down and out of the way for using the restroom and swung back and up where it is secured in place to present a fashionable stylish swimsuit design.

Abstract: A shapesuit comprises a body formed by sewing together a front body and a back body; and at least a pair of stretchable straps extended diagonally and substantially in an X-shape on and sewn to either the front body or the back body so that the middle portions thereof intersect each other. When the front body is provided with the stretchable straps in an X-shaped arrangement, the stretchable straps lift superfluous flesh on the waist toward the middle of the wearer's body, and flattens the stomach and the waist by their elasticities. When the back body is provided with the stretchable straps in an X-shaped arrangement, the stretchable back straps lift superfluous flesh on opposite sides of the buttocks toward the middle of the wearer's body so that the width across the hips is reduced and the middle between the hips bulges out backward, pull the shoulders backward so that the spine is straightened to correct the posture. Thus, the shapesuit shapes up the body form.

Abstract: A swimsuit with a built-in bra further including a lower pants portion having an enlarged upper waist opening, two smaller lower leg openings, the lower pants portion being fabricated of a flexible elastomeric material with a built-in elastic waistband sewn into the circumference of the upper waist opening; a bra having a front and a back and having straps positionable over the shoulders of a wearer with oppositely disposed arm openings and an enlarged lower opening positionable about a wearer beneath the arm openings and above the waist opening, the bra being fabricated with two adjacent cups in the front for supporting the breast of a full-figured woman, the bra also having a back strap with centrally disposed fasteners for the putting on and taking off of the bra; and a lower stitching secured to the lower edge of the bra to couple it with a central extent of the upper portion beneath the breasts of a woman and above the waist opening of the upper portion, and upper stitching securing the upper periphery o

Abstract: A head wear system including a sizing band and a hat. The sizing band is distinct from the hat. The hat comprises a bill and a cap having an opening at the back as well as a headband. The head wear system also includes a first and second adjustment means for selectively nondestructively attaching each end of the sizing band to the hat in a longitudinal relationship therebetween selected by the wearer. When the sizing band is attached to the hat by the first and second adjusting means, the sizing band extends across the opening of the cap. The head wear system also comprises an ornament, a cover means for accessorizing the hat, and an attachment means for selectively nondestructively connecting the cover means and ornament to the crown of the cap. One embodiment of the sizing band functions as a skin stencil and comprises a substrate transparent to ultraviolet radiation and a design opaque to ultraviolet radiation that is attached to the substrate.

Abstract: A waterproof pocket, for incorporation into, for example, swimming trunks or a wetsuit, having overlying first and second sheets of material defining a pocket. A waterproof closure closes the pocket, and the pocket is provided with an air discharge valve and an air discharge tube connected to a pump, for extracting air from the pocket after it has been closed and sealed in order to prevent air pockets causing inconvenience.

Abstract: Clothing garments and other articles include an elastic laminated sheet having the properties of stretchability and recoverability. The elastic laminated sheet is formed from a nonwoven fibrous web and an elastomeric film laminated to at least one entire web surface. The laminate is incrementally stretched along lines substantially uniformly across its length and width and throughout its depth to form a stretchable and recoverable composite. The elastic laminated sheet is uniquely suited for use in athletic and active wear garments. The composite is also useful for single use or throw away clothing articles such as medical or surgical garments, throw away bathing suits, underpants, undershirts, and garments used in the handling of hazardous or waste materials.