Abstract: A ski pole hand shield is provided that includes an enclosure member of rigid highly impact-resistant material, with a hand grip disposed within the enclosure member and accessible through an access opening. A hand-warming function may be associated with the shield by placing a battery in an interior portion of the hand grip and providing electric-resistance wires lining the interior of the enclosure member.

Abstract: A method for applying therapeutic heat by a therapeutic heating pad which is not hot to the touch provides substantial infrared radiation to a user. Accordingly it can be used for extended periods without feeling uncomfortable to the skin, while imparting deep therapeutic heat to the user. The heating pad is comprised of a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface comprising means for radiating heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, a radiation reflective layer disposed against and covering the outside surface of the thermal insulation layer, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the entire heater.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of a ski boot and for convectively heating substantially the entire inner surface of the ski boot while the ski boot is firmly, but removably, clamped against a flat surface with the flat sole of the ski boot in extensive surface-to-surface contact therewith so as to permit drying of wet boots, warming of cold boots, and/or softening of the molded foam interiors of the boots, to render such boots more comfortable while maintaining the flat sole of the ski boot rigidly clamped in a flat planar condition to prevent warpage thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, methods are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of each of a pair of ski boots removably carried by, and clamped to, a boot and shoe tree and for simultaneously convectively heating the inner surfaces of both ski boots.

Abstract: A tubular jacket heater having a C-wise radial cross section with an aperture extending in a parallel direction to the axis is proposed which is used to envelop and preheat a tubular lamp used, for example, in a electrophotographic copying machine. The heater is composed of an inner layer made of an electrically insulating rubbery elastomer, an outer layer also made of an electrically insulating rubbery elastomer and a flexible heater element sandwiched by and entending between the inner and the outer insulating layers. The rubbery elastomer recommended is a silicone rubber with a specified hardness.Different from conventional similar tubular jacket heaters in which the insulating layers are made of a rather rigid plastic resin such as a polycarbonate resin, the inventive heater has an excellent adaptability to the outer surface of the tubular lamp inserted therein so that a greatly improved efficiency of the heater is obtained.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic heating device is provided that may be readily worn and transported by a user. A flexible heating unit is attached to a body part and is capable of raising the skin temperature of that body part to about 102.degree.-108.degree. F. The flexible heating unit includes a plurality of distinct sets of electric resistance heating elements. The flexible heating unit is connected by a flexible tape to a battery pack which is mounted to the approximate center of gravity of the user's body. A switch is mounted on the battery pack, and provides for selection of which sets of electric resistance heating elements will be energized by a battery received by the battery pack, to thereby vary the amount of heat applied by the heating unit to a body part. The switch is mounted in a cutout formed in a casing defining the battery pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery powered thermal garment that is provided with a battery recharging circuit that is designed to recharge a battery package associated with said thermal garment approximately 30-40 times as fast as conventional recharging devices. In addition, the recharging circuit of the present invention is provided with a separate and direct power source for energizing the heating elements within said garment independently of said battery package. With respect to the recharging circuit, a transformer is provided for stepping down a AC voltage source and the transformer includes a dual tap, one for providing the independent power source to the garment and the other providing a recharging current. The recharging current is rectified and then directed through a silicon control rectifier to the battery package for recharging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of a ski boot and for convectively heating substantially the entire inner surface of the ski boot while the ski boot is firmly, but removably, clamped against a flat surface with the flat sole of the ski boot in extensive surface-to-surface contact therewith so as to permit drying of wet boots, warming of cold boots, and/or softening of the molded foam interiors of the boots, to render such boots more comfortable while maintaining the flat sole of the ski boot rigidly clamped in a flat planar condition to prevent warpage thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and radiantly heating at least a portion of the sole of each of a pair of ski boots removably carried by, and clamped to, a boot and shoe tree and for simultaneously convectively heating the inner surfaces of both ski boots.

Abstract: A portable heating device includes an envelope made by heat-sealing the edges of two flexible polymeric films, and a heat source within the envelope including, in one embodiment, a ribbon of conductive resistance heating element material folded into a generally sinuous, flat pattern within the envelope, and a nonconductive liquid such as silicone oil in the envelope and surrounding the heating element. In a second embodiment, the heat source is a semiconductor device. The envelope is carried by a strap or the like to hold the envelope next to a selected portion of the body for localized heating thereof. The heating element in the first embodiment is electrically connected to a power source such as batteries, and, in the second embodiment, the semiconductor device is connected to a control circuit which is connected to batteries.

Abstract: A therapeutic heating pad which is not hot to the touch provides substantial infrared radiation to a user. Accordingly it can be used for extended periods without feeling uncomfortable to the skin, while imparting deep therapeutic heat to the user. The heating pad is comprised of a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface comprising means for radiating heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, a radiation reflective layer disposed against and covering the outside surface of the thermal insulation layer, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the entire heater.

Abstract: A handbag is provided with a switching means which is activated when an excessive removal force is applied to the handbag's carrying strap. The switching means is connected in series with a battery and resistance wires. The wires preferably run under the outer surface of the bag and are elevated to a high temperature by electrical current, forcing a person holding the bag to release the same.

Abstract: An electrically heatable article containing a layer of wax and adapted to conform to the shape of a body surface, when the wax is melted, for thereafter treating the body surface with the heat of fusion of the wax. In an article, such as a head treatment cap, the wax is contained in a layer of modules arranged near the scalp side of the cap, a resistance heating element is provided for initially heating the wax to its melting point, and insulation is provided for preventing heat loss through the outside of the cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective helmet having a helmet shell resistant to mechanical stress. The helmet shell is composed at least partially of meltable material and is provided along at least one of its separating lines with an elongate separating device in the form of an electrical resistor element, said separating device being provided with at least two terminals to which an electric current source is connectable.

Abstract: A carrier belt for electrical batteries is usable as a portable current source. The belt has a buckle, a tongue and at least one compartment on the outside thereof for receiving at least one object; the compartment includes a carrier plate attached to the belt, and a protective cover attached to the carrier plate. The carrier plate and the protective cover are made of material which is relatively stiff with respect to the belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating portions of the arms or legs of a human body with heat and moisture by means of a moisture-resistant heating pad retained in a cylindrical configuration by means of a fabric enclosure having means to receive the heating pad and retain it in its circular configuration in close proximity to the body member being treated. A suitable moisture source is provided in the form of a pad positioned in the enclosing material.

Abstract: A heated mitten for use in conjunction with the application of a hand cream or the like including an inner liquid impervious mitten for placement in the hand of the user, an outer mitten having a heated chamber for accepting the inner mitten and the hand of the user therein, means for electrically heating the heated chamber, means for regulating the temperature at which the electrical heating means operates, and means for storing hand cream within said inner mitten prior to the use thereof.

Abstract: A heat cap for reducing processing time of permanent waves for the hair includes a cap which fits over the head, and a thermostatically controlled electrical heating element inside the cap for applying a selected heat distribution pattern to thermally-activated permanent wave solutions applied to the hair. The heating element comprises an electrical resistance heating film, preferably a meander pattern of conductive metal foil supported by a flexible, high temperature-resistant, fibrous dielectric sheet, such as aramid paper. The conductor develops a selected heat distribution pattern to be developed within the cap which, in turn, produces a generally uniform rate of heat processing for the permanent wave. The cap opens and closes along a pair of splits in the temple regions of the cap.

Abstract: A heating pad which includes adjustable belt means to securely hold the pad in engagement with the back area of a person from the lower spine up to and including the shoulders and back of the neck areas, or which may be adjustably held in engagement with the front area of a person from the lower abdomen up to and including the chest and shoulder areas.

Abstract: A sheet of material is adapted to be supported on a part of a human body in contact therewith and has adjusting devices for adjusting the size thereof to fit different sized people. Electric heating elements are embedded in the stretch support material. An energizing device releasably electrically connects the heating elements to a source of electrical energy for selectively heating the part of the body contacted by said sheet of material.

Abstract: A portable, foldable, and heatable cushion and raincoat apparatus has foldable carrying case with cushioning means attached thereinside and a raincoat having a portion attached thereinside so that it may be folded into a carrying case. The carrying case has a zippered enclosure and a handle for ease in carrying to spectator and sporting events to use as a cushion, and in inclement weather, to use as a raincoat or to keep warm. A heating element is attached inside the case to keep the user warm.

Abstract: An insulated glove construction having a strip of mesh-like insulation material extending over the front, back and tip portions of each of the fingers and of the thumb of the glove and positioned between outer and inner linings making up the glove body. Heating means may be provided to warm the tips of the front of the fingers and the tip of the front of the thumb of the glove. Battery means may be carried in the glove body to provide a source of energy for the heating means.

Abstract: A vest type garment has a lining consisting of an electrical heating element. A pair of sleeves has a similar lining. A pair of pants has a similar lining. A hat has a similar lining. An energy device supplies electrical energy to the electrical heating element of each of the vest type garment, the pair of sleeves, the pair of pants and the hat for energizing the electrical heating elements to provide heat.

Abstract: An electrically heated hooded cape garment includes arm hole slits. The garment is wrapped around the body and has a power cord which is plugged into a receptacle mounted through a wall of a carrying case for the garment. Batteries within the carrying case are connected to the receptacle for supplying power to the garment.

Abstract: A head enclosure including two complementary cover members having heating elements therein, shaped to conform to opposite sides of the users head, and including permanently connected portions covering the back of the user's neck, the margins of the cover members extending in centered relation over the crown of the user's head having flexible readily detachable fastening means which are variable in their width of attachment to adjust the cover members to the dimensions of the user's head, and including a removable and adjustable neck strap, whereby upon detaching the marginal fastener means both cover members may rest on the shoulders of the user retained by the neck back covering portions and neck strap.

Abstract: A leg band comprises a shield encircled by an electrical heating element. Since venomous snakes strike at warm bodies, their strikes are directed to the impervious shield.

Abstract: A heated inner sole for use in a boot where the inner sole comprises a cellular plastic material overlaid by a fabric material having heating elements therebetween. The opposite side of the cellular material has a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon by which the inner sole may be affixed to the inside of a boot. The heating elements are connected by wiring to a battery contained in a battery case carried by slide means attached to the boot heel.