Abstract: A frame pool having a plurality of vertical support tubes, a plurality of horizontal support tubes, a pool body comprising a pool bottom and a pool wall, and a reinforcing band having a continuous annular shape and provided between the inner side of the vertical support tubes and an outer surface of the pool wall. The reinforcing band entirely or partially covering the perimeter of the pool body and being fitted with the pool wall. A fixing band having a continuous annular shape is provided about an outer surface of the reinforcing band and of the vertical support tubes. At least one fixing device is fixedly coupled to the reinforcing band, wherein the fixing band passes through the fixing device.

Abstract: A pool is provided, including an enclosure body, a sealing plate, and a plurality of shaping plates, wherein the enclosure body is of an annular structure with two open ends, the enclosure body is provided with a plurality of receiving cavities in a circumferential direction thereof, and the plurality of shaping plates are respectively arranged in the plurality of receiving cavities in one-to-one correspondence; the enclosure body is connected to the sealing plate, and the sealing plate seals one of the two ends of the enclosure body, so that the enclosure body and the sealing plate define a water storage cavity together.

Abstract: A self-configuring bag device formed of flexible material is configured for easy folding and storage while in a first position, and to operate as a bag to carry objects within an interior cavity in a bag configuration. Changing between the first position and bag configuration is accomplished by pulling upon first and second portions of a flexible member slidably positioned within a channel running around the perimeter edge of the body.

Abstract: A device for use during a medical imaging process, the device including a support structure and a plurality of radiopaque markers, the support structure configured to be positioned in proximity to at least a portion of a body of a patient during the medical imaging process, the plurality of radiopaque markers attached to the support structure, the plurality of radiopaque markers being positioned in a pattern such that an image capturing a given portion of the pattern is unique from an image capturing any other given portion of the pattern.

Abstract: A footbath has a base member defining a platform. A flexible continuous side wall extends from a proximal end region connected about a periphery of the base member to a distal end region. The side wall has a collapsed position and an extended position. The platform of the base member and the side wall cooperate to define a bath chamber for retaining water with the bath chamber sized to receive a body part. A retention member is supported by the base member to extend from the base member to the distal end region of the side wall to retain the side wall in the extended position.

Abstract: A method of making a bathtub providing safe egress by reducing slide forces extended on a user's feet upon a slippery bathtub floor, wherein the formed bathtub has a limited rectangular footprint, and an optimized floor space is formed with a substantially planar base with a length and width that define the limited rectangular footprint and a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall integral with and extending substantially vertically upwards from the substantially planar base. Each of the front, back, first side wall and second side wall have minimal wall thicknesses to define the optimized floor space and the front wall has a substantially planar inwardly, cantilevered upper apron deck in a substantially parallel relation to the substantially planar base.

Abstract: An inflatable spa having improved strength. A control system may be provided with the inflatable spa to direct water and air into a water cavity of the inflatable spa, such that the water cavity of the inflatable spa may receive massaging air bubbles and/or jetted water from the control system.

Abstract: An inflatable spa having improved strength includes a water cavity that receives massaging air bubbles and/or jetted water.

Abstract: This invention is a distinctive plastic receptacle or bath. This bath is made from clear or coloured supple PVC plastic and the body of the bath is held upright and in place by a lightweight structure that consists of parts that can be connected and taken apart again, so that the bath becomes collapsible. This means that the bath can easily be folded away and transported. It is meant to be used as a bath for camping, or any other temporary use, where such a structure would be very useful, such a temporary fish tank.

Abstract: A portable bath tube apparatus utilizing a flexible sheet having a bottom and a side portion extending from the bottom. An envelope is also included and is capable of containing air to form a chamber with respect to the bottom of the flexible sheet. The sheet is anchored to a bed and includes a valve for permitting the envelope to be inflated with air pressure. A fastener maintains the envelope in a compact form when the envelope lies in a deflated configuration relative to the bed.

Abstract: A foldable bath tub includes a bottom board (100), a panel (200) and a foldable circular basin wall (300) connected between the bottom board (100) and the panel (200). The bottom board (100) and the panel (200) are both formed by one-shot injection molding and the circular basin wall (300) is formed by two-shot injection molding.

Abstract: A foldable bath tub includes a bottom board (100), a panel (200) and a foldable circular basin wall (300) connected between the bottom board (100) and the panel (200). The bottom board (100) and the panel (200) are both formed by one-shot injection molding and the circular basin wall (300) is formed by two-shot injection molding.

Abstract: A portable shower tub provides an upright enclosure to allow a person to bathe without a fixed tub. The portable shower tub may be a collapsible design formed of telescoping slats concentrically arranged to form substantially a semi-cone. The slats may be configured to interlock with a watertight seal, or a liner may be suspended from the rim to hold water. A liner may be formed of an antimicrobial substance and/or treated with a mold inhibitor to promote sanitary use.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing a body comprising a. a body membrane adapted to receive a body therein, the body membrane having a plurality of body portions, each body portion having: i. an exterior surface and an interior surface; ii. a water conduit for passage of water through the body membrane to the interior surface thereof; iii. an air conduit separate to the water conduit for passage of air through the body membrane to the interior surface thereof; and b. control means operable to control the passage of water and air independently through the water and air conduits respectively, the control means further operable to control the passage of water and air in each body portion independently. Also provided is a method of washing a body using said apparatus.

Abstract: A concrete washout bag system is disclosed that is easy to transport and to assemble at a construction site and includes a frame and a foldable washout bag which is assembled onto the frame by means of unitarily formed sleeves, and is manufactured from a strong, water-proof material that allows it to be hoisted for carrying away heavy loads without tearing and includes a drawstring closure for retaining of washout materials during the hoisting, removal process.

Abstract: A shower device is proposed that features a fixed-installation housing. This housing can, for example, stand up from the floor and may extend beyond normal human body size. The housing is fitted with a shower arm that can be moved out of an inactive position. In the inactive position, the surface of the shower arm lies flush with the surface of the housing. The jet discharge area of a shower head arranged in the shower arm faces inwards, so that it is only possible to see a flat surface on the exterior of the housing. Through pressure on this surface, a catch mechanism is released and this causes the shower arm to move out of the housing. This is accomplished via a drive mechanism, which may feature a spring, for example. Extension is performed at a relatively slow speed, which can be achieved using a damper device. The shower arm moves to a position in which the now-visible jet discharge disc of the shower head can be used as an overhead shower.

Abstract: An inflatable device that floats on water has an inflatable body that has a hollow interior, a speaker unit removably secured to the body, a battery box removably secured to the body, and wiring that electrically connects the speaker unit with the battery box. The wiring is housed inside a tube that extends inside the hollow interior of the body and exits the body at at least one exit location, the wiring including a first electrical connector that is removably coupled to the speaker unit, and a second electrical connector that is removably coupled to the battery box.

Abstract: A portable floating hot tub that is easy to assemble and take down and can be used in environments with extremely cold and turbulent water. The hot tub has three main components: a collapsible frame made of connected rigid members, an insulated liner sized and shaped to closely fit against the deployed frame and form a subassembly, and an inflatable pontoon that may have a central aperture for receiving the subassembly. The pontoon is first inflated and placed on the body of water, after which the frame and liner subassembly are placed over the central aperture. Filling the internal volume defined by the insulated liner with water causes the subassembly to descend within the pontoon. Cooperating means on the subassembly and/or pontoon prevent the subassembly from passing completely through the central aperture. A source of heated water such as a portable heater having a heating capacity of at least 30,000 BTUs rapidly heats up the water within the hot tub.

Abstract: A collapsible bathtub comprising bottom and side walls made of plastic, wherein the bathtub comprises at least one flexible bendable joint around which flexible bendable joint at least a part of said bottom and/or side walls are folded such that said bathtub has a collapsed position, wherein at least a part of said bendable joint is made of a flexible plastic material being more flexible than the remaining part of said bathtub and wherein the sidewalls of said bathtub are directly connected and when collapsing said bathtub, said bottom is pressed upwards between said side walls.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a collapsible shell and features a cushiony soft waterproof lining that is rolled into a compact coil when not in use. The Bath N Bed Spa measures approximately 78 inches in length, with the sides of the unit expandable to accommodate most adult body types. When rolled onto a bed and fully assembled, the Bath N Bed Spa features a tub-like appearance. Included for sale with the Bath N Bed Spa is an elongated, flexible hose for use in filling and draining the tub. In one embodiment, this hose is connected to one of the side walls of the tub via a threaded, waterproof gasket, thus preventing leakage during use.

Abstract: A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base having a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by at least one air passage. The spa pool assembly also has a plurality of jet nozzle assemblies, with each jet nozzle assembly removably coupled to the interior surface of the wall. A hose delivers air from outside the pool to the air passage. In addition, each jet nozzle assembly can be separate and independent from any of the other jet nozzle assemblies.

Abstract: A portable shower tub provides an upright enclosure to allow a person to bathe without a fixed tub. The portable shower tub may be a collapsible design formed of telescoping slats concentrically arranged to form substantially a semi-cone. The slats may be configured to interlock with a watertight seal, or a liner may be suspended from the rim to hold water. A liner may be formed of an antimicrobial substance and/or treated with a mold inhibitor to promote sanitary use.

Abstract: A method of having a bath in a narrow and small shower room: making a portable bathtub, put the portable bathtub into the shower room, enter into the portable bathtub, opening shower head to have a shower and to save water in the portable bathtub good enough to have a bath; while finishing a bath. A portable bathtub used in a shower room comprises a soft waterproof bath-bag, and a (foldable?) stand for supporting the bath-bag. A second embodiment comprises a soft water proof bath-bag, and a spiral spring which is wrapped on the outer layer of said soft waterproof bath-bag, and is attached to the outer layer. A third embodiment comprises a wall having a inner layer and outer layer, a bottom and a supporting device consists of a valve and an aerator; by filing air, a bathtub is formed under a shower header. A fourth embodiment is a tub which is composed by wood or plastic material. A fifth embodiment is a soft water proof bath-bag and its inner face has two float-rings on middle and opening position.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is adapted for substantially sealingly enclosing the portion of the patient's body within the interior space with the enclosure. Heat transfer liquid may then be circulated through the interior space of the enclosure via an inlet and an outlet for flow over the patient's body in direct liquid contact therewith to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and said heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid may be either warmer or cooler than the patient's body temperature, to either warm or cool the portion. Controlled cooling may be employed to induce therapeutic hypothermia, while controlled warming may be employed to counteract unintended hypothermia.

Abstract: A bathtub device includes a bathtub internal wall made of a flexible material, a pressure unit for changing a shape of a tub, which is a concavity surrounded with the internal wall, by applying a pressure on the internal wall, a setting unit for setting a movement range that is a changeable range of the shape of the tub, and a pressure control unit for controlling the pressure unit based on an operation entry by a user and the movement range.

Abstract: An above ground water storage device includes a plurality of modular walls coupled together in series to form a substantially continuous perimeter. Each of the plurality of modular walls includes a wall panel that is inclinable with respect to a horizontal orientation, and a support base that is coupled to a portion of the wall panel. A liner covers an internal side of the plurality of modular walls and an area encompassed by the continuous perimeter. At least one modular corner wall is positioned with the plurality of modular wall panels to form a corner in the substantially continuous perimeter. The at least one modular corner wall has an angled side with an angle corresponding to the inclined angle of an adjacent modular wall.

Abstract: A massaging fluid filled bed. The massaging fluid filled bed comprises a bed having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a compartment disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. A plurality of grippers is disposed on the bottom surface. A plurality of massaging elements is disposed beneath the top surface. The bed is further divided into a headrest section, a backrest section, a body section, and a footrest section. An insulation layer is affixed to the bottom surface. A filler fluidly is provided to fill the bed with a fluid. The plurality of massaging elements are attached to a base layer provided within the bed in a way that allows some movements for the massaging elements. The top surface of the body and the backrest section comprises a plurality of inverted U-shaped members.

Abstract: A bath tub cushion for lining one end surface and a portion of a bottom surface of a bath tub includes a back portion having a number of fluid impermeable chambers formed therein. A fluid communication device is disposed in fluid communication with an interior portion of the chambers for inflating and deflating them as necessary. An anti-slip mechanism is disposed on a back surface of the back portion which engages an end of such bath tub to prevent movement during use. A bottom portion extends toward an opposed end of such tub and is connected to a bottom edge of a front portion of such back portion for supporting a person's hips during bathing. There is an additional anti-slip mechanism disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom portion which engages bottom surface of such bath tub for preventing movement of the bottom portion during use.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have an enclosed interior space that can be used to hold and contain water or other matter. The interior space is defined by an enclosing wall and a base that are both waterproof to prevent leakage of the water or matter contained in the interior space. None, one or more foldable frame members can be provided as part of the enclosing wall and the base, or a foldable frame member can be provided as part of a rim member. The frame members allow the resulting structure to be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure.

Abstract: Apparatus including an inflatable enclosure delimited by a flexible wall to which an accessory is secured. The wall has an opening defined by an edge to which a protruding reinforcement is secured; two rigid frames straddle the edge of the opening on each side of the wall, at least one frame including a groove accommodating the reinforcement; the two frames are clamped against one another, trapping the reinforcement in the groove; the accessory is secured to a frame; and the accessory mounted on the wall is leaktight with respect to the fluid used for inflating the enclosure.

Abstract: A fluid-control medical mattress includes a platform and multiple supports mounted on the platform. Each support is a bladder for selectively receiving fluid to support a patient. A skirt is mounted to a periphery of the platform and surrounds the platform for retaining water with the platform for a nurse to conveniently clean the body of the patient who lies on the platform. The multiple supports respectively correspond to the head, neck, shoulder, pelvis and knee for supporting the patient who lies on the platform when the multiple supports are full of fluid.

Abstract: A rectangular structure on wheels has a first and second slab. The first slab supports the patient's washing apparatus including heated water tank, an air blower and waste water tank. The second or top slab spaced apart above the first slab has an attached hinged back rest and is covered with a message pad and a disposable washing liner. The top slab is configured to have waste water flow into a drain which leads to the waste water tank.

Abstract: A roll-up pool combines a collection basin and an elevation grid system into one unit that can be set up for use in seconds. The roll-up pool includes a bottom portion and wall portions, as well as an upper surface. A set of elevation pieces are located between the upper surface and the bottom portion, and are bonded to these components. All of these components are made of a material which is sufficiently flexible to allow the structure to be wound into a roll. When decontamination is required, the roll is unwound to provide a collection basin having an elevation grid system. In another embodiment, the rolled structure includes only the elevation grid system, and is intended for deployment in a collection basin that already exists. The invention substantially reduces the time and effort required to decontaminate victims of industrial accidents or chemical or biological attack.

Abstract: An inflatable container includes a container body that defines a water-storage space, and that has a bottom wall, peripheral inner and outer walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a top wall interconnecting the peripheral inner and outer walls to define an air chamber thereamong. A draining device includes a tubular member that extends through the peripheral inner and outer walls, that is connected sealingly to the peripheral inner and outer walls, and that defines a passage in spatial communication with the water-storage space and an exterior of the container body. A valve is associated with the tubular member for controlling opening and closing of the passage in the tubular member.

Abstract: A playing pool includes an upper ring, a middle ring and a bottom sheet made from a flexible and water-proof plastic sheet by thermal fusion. The upper ring is a rolled hollow ring, and the middle ring and the bottom sheet are made from a sheet. The middle ring has an upper side and a lower side to connect the upper ring and the bottom sheet by thermal fusion to contain water. The middle ring is formed from an integrated and elongated plastic sheet and formed with a plurality of trapezoids that have a narrower upper side, a wider lower side and slant lateral sides to mate different perimeters of the upper ring and the bottom sheet. Every two neighboring trapezoids are bordered by a wedge type slit notch directing vertically from the upper side to the lower side thereof. The two lateral sides of two neighboring trapezoids are connected by thermal fusion to form the middle ring to contain water. The integrated middle ring can enhance the resistant force against water pressure.

Abstract: The portable inflatable/collapsible bath has several unique design features: It is made of a flexible material with a portable detachable air pump and operates on 110VCA or battery power. It has a one-way air input valve and a quick-release style valve for deflation. Multiple drain ports around the entire periphery of the floor facilitate rapid draining through an external on/off drain valve which allows the water to be discharged into a suitable receptacle or attachment of a hose to direct the waste into available plumbing such as a bathtub, shower, sink or toilet. The attached reinforced eyelets on the backside allow the bath to be hung for drying. It also has detached inflatable headrests of various sizes, for different sized persons.

Abstract: The disclosed system enables the conversion of a massage table to a hydrotherapy wet-table through use of a frame. The frame consists of a horizontal foot panel, connected to a drain system, and a foot upright affixed to the foot brace. A pair of prongs extend from the foot brace to be received by holes within the table. The head panel also has a substantially horizontal head brace, with a head upright affixed to the head brace. A head support is placed within the table to provide support for the head panel. Sidepieces are connected to the foot and head uprights to complete the frame. A waterproof sheet covers the table and frame and is secured by releasable attachments members. The system can also have an overhead U-shaped frame formed from a pair of frame walls rotatably attached to the sidepieces. A waterproof covering can be placed over the frame walls and top frame to maintain the water within the confines of the hydrotherapy table.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable bed-bath and shower device. The device provides an oblong, inflatable bath tub unit 12 used to assist in the bathing of bed ridden patients. The bath tub or housing 12 of the device is a rubber material consisting of an electric air compressor 20, water valve 22, dirty water discharge pump 24 and hose 26, shower head 28, hook and loop straps 18, a swivel head hanger 46, storage pockets 30 for soap and wash cloths and tote cart 70. A patient can be easily placed upon the bath unit prior to the inflation thereof. The bath unit is then inflated by the electric compressor 20 and a hose 44 is connected to the water valve of the unit and at the other distal end, to a sink. Hook and loop fasteners 18 are supplied to secure the patient 14 within the bath device and to lift the limbs of a patient for easy cleaning of the limbs. A water valve 22 is also provided consisting of a control valve 38 and separate drain valve 40.

Abstract: An improvement to gurneys for cleaning patients confined to bed which generally is comprised of a structure with legs having caster wheels, which includes, generally, a framework for affixing a table to support the patient with a washing basin comprised of a piece of flexible and collapsible laminar material, attached to the frame, which follows the perimeter of the support table and is connected to form walls that delimit a space for washing. The improvement is comprised of a frame that includes elongations at the ends of its longitudinal sides, which project vertically above the table with rows of notches to affix and hold the upper edge of the laminar piece and to delimit the washing space. These elongations may be comprised of extensions of the ends of the longitudinal sides of the frame in a U shape, formed with vertical inclined sections joined below the frame, of which one, the furthest from the frame, projects above the table to incorporate the row of affixing notches for the laminar material piece.

Abstract: A folding wading pool has in an unfolded condition a floor encompassed by an annular sidewall. The floor has a plurality of lower creases diverging outwardly from a central location toward the sidewall. The sidewall has a spaced plurality of upright creases. The lower and the upright creases can be folded to: (a) contract said sidewall by folding said upright creases, and (b) collapse said floor by (i) articulating said lower creases about said central location, and (ii) swinging said sidewall toward said floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination hydrotherapy swim pool structure including a plurality of side rods assembled with a plurality of transverse rods to form a swim pool support frame. An enclosure is mounted on the side rods and the transverse rods. Thus, the present invention forms a simple swim pool that can be assembled and dismantled easily and quickly. The enclosure is formed with multiple water inlet/outlet holes, and a water output control device has multiple connecting pipes each connected to the water inlet/outlet hole for ejecting water beams, thereby massaging the human body in a hydrotherapy manner. An air cushion is mounted on the periphery of the swim pool support frame, thereby keeping the water temperature of the hydrotherapy swim pool structure, and providing a comfortable sensation to the user, so as to achieve the hydrotherapy massaging effect with comfort and safety.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus related to the present invention provided with an open portion in a bag having a content volume that allows a bather to enter in addition to being provided with hoses which supply and discharge a bathing liquid at suitable locations of a bathing bag that is provided with open/close portions in succession from the edge of the open portion which can maintain a water tight state when the open/close portions are closed. The bathing apparatus is characterized by the bathing bag and hoses connected using joints comprised by a joint portion disposed in one direction being linkable to a joint portion disposed in another direction which form a water passing state when linked together and when not linked together at least one of the joints being in a water non-passing state.

Abstract: A sun shade pool typically used by small children in an above-the-ground environment for use in the out-of-doors and method therefore is disclosed which is directed to an inflatable pool and a removable sun shade canopy mounted upon the inflatable pool for blocking direct sun light. The inflatable pool can be multiple-tiered in height and include a bottom wall. The removable sun shade canopy is attachable to and detachable from a top surface of the inflatable pool by a plurality of hook and loop fasteners. The sun shade pool can be fashioned from polyvinylchloride sheeting, include a plurality of inflation air valves for inflating the pool and canopy, and a drain plug for rapidly draining water from the pool. In its most fundamental embodiment, the sun shade pool exhibits a construction including an inflatable pool having a sidewall sealed to a bottom wall for containing a fluid. A removable sun shade canopy for covering a top surface of the inflatable pool is also included.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible spill-collection tank constructed from flexible material with spring operated walls. More particularly, the invention is of a spill-collection tank dimensioned to fold to within 30% of the fully opened size thereof and stow readily on board a truck. After use, the spill-collection tank can be suitably cleaned, and, with the springs restored to the tensioned, ready-to-pop-up condition, the unit can be re-folded and stored.

Abstract: A modular portable shower with an impermeable liner and a modular frame that permits to shower a bedridden person while lying on bed. This level of comfort is provided to bedridden persons with the aid of an impermeable liner that can be extended and removed as one would extend or remove a bed sheet. The impermeable liner is held by the modular frame in a position that prevents overspraying and affords the bedridden person being showered some privacy. The modular portable shower can be disassembled to be compactly stored.

Abstract: A protective cover for inflatable swimming pools having a plurality of inflated, wall forming rings fabricated from polyvinylchloride or similar materials. The protective covering, preferably a tough, durable synthetic fabric such as nylon, includes a top wall, a side wall, and a bottom wall, with at least two reinforcement straps connecting opposing sides of the bottom wall for added strength.

Abstract: A bath for use with a bed for the sick includes a flexible bag body that is formed to hold liquid therein. The flexible bag body has an opening and four support bar inserting paths formed along an edge of the opening. The opening is squared rigidly by supporting bars that are inserted within the supporting bar inserting paths. The supporting bars, while inserted in the supporting bar inserting paths, are removably supported on a bed frame. The bath of the present invention can be prepared at a low cost, and, after removing the bag body from the bed, can be folded small so as to need only a small storage space. Also, since the bag body is freely deformable and light-weight, it is easier to handle during mounting, removing and cleaning.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus to be used on a mattress and being collapsible for volumetric efficient storage and transportation. An impermeable, pliable and semi-flexible sheet has a peripheral edge portion which includes a fold as a peripheral end or rim. The edge portion is kept at a position above the mattress so that the sheet may contain liquids. To keep the peripheral edge portion at this position several arm support assemblies are mounted perpendicular to the mattress around its perimeter. The distal ends of the arm members in the arm support assemblies coact with cooperatively exposed areas of the peripheral fold. A flexible cord is passed through the fold and kept sufficiently tensed to keep the peripheral edge portion at a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to the plane of the mattress.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable, one-person vessel for recumbent, weightless, therapeutic flotation of a sufferer features a plurality of substantially vertical inflatable compartments attached to a waterproof floor. Each of the inflatable compartments is interconnected in pneumatic communication with the other inflatable compartments. Each inflatable compartment is in contact with adjacent inflatable compartments. The portable, inflatable vessel can be erected around a person suffering from pathology such as back spasm, sciatic nerve pain, arthritis, etc., and who cannot or should not be moved, or for a person who does not have access to a therapeutic pool. The flotation vessel provides a weightless environment for relief of pain caused by weight of body, constriction of joints, pressure, muscle spasm or tension, nerve pain, and etc.

Abstract: An infant bathing apparatus including a cushioned body having a cavity surrounded on all sides except one by the body. The sides and bottom of the cushioned body are formed from a water permeable outer layer joined to a water permeable inner layer having a hydrophobic material disposed therebetween.