Abstract: A floating segmented conglomerate backing screen for use in underwater composite photography. A plurality of buoyant pads of an essentially hexagonal shape have surfaces exhibiting specific chrominance and luminance properties as required for a traveling matte process. The individual segments are deployed onto a liquid surface of a finite area in a quantity sufficient to substantially cover the liquid surface in its entirety, in an edge-to-edge, floating, conglomerate relationship. The floating raft created by the segments permits egress and ingress for people and equipment directly through the raft and likewise permits the escape of air rising from below the surface. When appropriately illuminated from either below or above the surface, or both, the chrominance and luminance of the raft is such that an essentially monochromatic backing field is provided for traveling matte processes.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for adhering a flexible sheet (such as a fibrous or resinous sheet) to a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet (such as a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet). In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of contacting an edge surface of a flexible fibrous sheet with a thermosetting resin and allowing the resin to cure to yield a unified surface, applying an adhesive along of an edge surface of the semi-rigid sheet to yield an adhesive surface and contacting the unified surface of the flexible fibrous sheet with the adhesive surface of the semi-rigid sheet to adhere the flexible fibrous sheet to the semi-rigid sheet. The products made by this method are suitable for a variety of applications, including use as boat and dwelling enclosures.

Abstract: A floor element for covering a base in which the bearing surface consists of a wood fibre board which is covered with a transparent lacquer coating at least on the bearing surface. This floor element can be laid together with other such floor elements on a flat base to form a floor, by joining the elements together by the side edges. The floor element is very durable due to the fact that it undergoes less delamination under the effects of moisture and is more scratch-resistant and hard-wearing. Furthermore, the floor element has a very attractive, natural-looking appearance.

Abstract: A strip of elastic is stretched over and encircles an object such as a door, car trunk or book cover. A tubular fabric cover may surround the strip. The cover is bunched so as to be capable of expanding lengthwise as the strip is stretched. A bow or other decoration, preferrably coordinated in appearance with the cover fabric, is removeably affixed to the band. One or more loops are formed in the band, preferrably proximate the bow, for hanging or mounting articles. The band may be continuous or may have a buckle to connect the ends.

Abstract: Floor mat arrangement for floor mats which have a (synthetic) rubber backing and a pile surface whose pile portion is surrounded by a pile-free border. The arrangement comprises at least two mats whose lower side, in or adjacent the corners of the mats, first Velcro strips or the like are attached. The arrangement further comprises second Velcro straps or strips or the like having opposite fastening means, linking together the first Velcro strips or patches of adjoining mats, arranged edge-to-edge. The back of the mats if formed with a patterned depression of a considerable extent.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: A personalized accessory for ornamenting or otherwise accessorizing a person's clothing includes at least a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member. The first and second interlocking members are oriented so as to overlapped with respect to each other and are permanent affixed to one another. The personal accessory further includes a finding attached to at least one of the first and second interlocking members which serves as a means for mechanical attaching the personal accessory to a person or to a person's clothing.

Abstract: A towel for securely wrapping about the body of wearer is adjustably fastened using a fastener connected at one side edge of the towel which fastener can be selectively held in a corresponding opening or loop at the opposite side edge of the towel. Another embodiment in which a pair of cotton ties are used to adjustably fasten the towel is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an air-permeable buffering structure for protecting the body from being hurt while rubbing with a coarse surface. The buffering structure according to the present invention includes a plurality of buffering pads arranged in a stratified way, and a plurality of through holes, each of which is located among several buffering pads for permeating therethrough the air. According to the present invention, the number of the through holes can be up to a great quantity for ensuring sufficient air to permeate therethrough without weakening the buffering structure. In addition, the plurality of buffering pads are arranged in such a particular way so that little things such as gravel will not get into the chink between the body and the buffering structure from the through holes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of installing wall to wall carpeting of a selected width over an underpad of a selected thickness by attaching hooked tapes of a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the underpad along the perimeter of the area to be covered by the carpeting. The underside of the carpeting, which is substantially covered with loops, is then attached to the upper surface of the tapes through hook and loop technology. The hooked tape and the underpad are of substantially equal thickness so that the loops on the underside of the carpet will attach to the hooks on the upper surface of the tape. In a further aspect, the underpad has loops substantially covering its lower surface so that the underpad is attached to the floor by a second hooked tape of lower profile than the carpet tape which is used to attach the underpad to the floor.

Abstract: An entrance grating for office buildings is comprised of a series of closely spaced tread rail elements, forming the upper surface of the grating, and a plurality of support elements underneath the tread rail elements and tightly secured thereto at right angles. The tread rails are of extruded construction and include a hollow, tubular spine section for high strength and rigidity per unit of weight. The underlying support elements, also of extruded construction, are in the form of downwardly opening channel-shaped elements. High strength, expandable wall, blind fasteners are employed to secure the support elements to the tread rail elements at each of the crossing points to provide a strong, rigid assembly. The open bottoms of the channel-shaped supports may be closed by plastic pad strips providing resilient support and noise reduction.

Abstract: This invention is a tree protection pad for protecting the surface of trees to be left standing during a tree thinning operation. The device comprises a sheet of protective, flexible material which is attached to a tree via straps. When the straps are cinched tight, the sheet is pulled against and conforms to the surface of the tree. The protective sheet is easily removable by loosening the straps for subsequent placement on other trees or transportation to other areas.

Abstract: An attachment construction for a sheet glass is disclosed. The construction includes a frame to be secured to a construction structure. A sheet glass is attached to this frame by fitting a peripheral edge of the sheet glass into the frame. A metal holder is disposed in contact with the peripheral edge of the sheet glass for holding the sheet glass. The sheet glass is attached to the frame via the holder member placed in contact with the sheet glass.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for adhering a flexible sheet (such as a fibrous or resinous sheet) to a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet (such as a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet). In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of contacting an edge surface of a flexible fibrous sheet with a thermosetting resin and allowing the resin to cure to yield a unified surface, applying an adhesive along of an edge surface of the semi-rigid sheet to yield an adhesive surface and contacting the unified surface of the flexible fibrous sheet with the adhesive surface of the semi-rigid sheet to adhere the flexible fibrous sheet to the semi-rigid sheet. The products made by this method are suitable for a variety of applications, including use as boat and dwelling enclosures.

Abstract: A composite laminated lath for fixing plasterboard consists of a length of lightweight rigid or semi-rigid resilient material overlaid by a layer of denser material penetrable by screws or nails and secured to said resilient material.

Abstract: A modular floor cover for a garage floor, made of a plurality of strips of impermeable ribbed matting. The strips are laterally joined to one-another by elongated moldings. A first series of elongated joiners encloses common bordering edges of adjacent strips of ribbed matting, raising the longitudinal edges by a thickness of a sole member of these moldings. A second series of joiners is placed under all transversal edges of the strips, thereby raising the transversal edges. A basin is formed in a central region of the floor cover to retain water, slush and other fluids falling off a vehicle parked over this floor cover.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators utilizing moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesives are provided. The sterilization indicators comprise at least one backing strip, preferably water-dispersible, which is coated on at least one side with the moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive. A sterilization indicator strip is affixed to the backing strip and is easily removable from the sterilization indicator. The indicator tapes are useful to maintain a sterilization wrapper containing articles to be sterilized in a closed position during sterilization, and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling, while also providing a means to indicate if the wrapped articles have passed through a sterilization cycle. After use, the sterilization indicator strip is easily removed, and the adhesives coating the sterilization indicators, and preferably also the backing strips, disperse an aqueous alkali solution, such as are found in commercial laundries.

Abstract: A thermal walkway cover comprises at least three laminated layers including a middle layer of electrically conductive carbonized rubber, a durable, waterproof, UV-resistant top layer, and an insulating, waterproof bottom layer. Means are provided in to form of electrically conductive strips embedded in the middle layer to heat the middle layer. Connections are provided to a power source. The cover may have one or more edges of a dovetail construction so that cover sections or modules may be connected together to cover a desired walkway area, in which case electrical connections are provided between individual modules.

Abstract: A panel (10) for use as a space divider (100) or to be attached to furniture (102) is described. The panel has a molded polystyrene beads (STYROFOAM.TM.) bead board core (12) encased in a plastic film layer (14) which stabilizes the panel and allows the panel to be used as a tack board. A decorative outer cover (18) is provided over the core and plastic layer to increase the aesthetic quality and versatility of the panel. Support plates (26) are provided along the edges (12C) of the core underneath the plastic layer to increase the structural strength of the panel and to enable attachment of the panels to each other or to other furniture. Attachment rails (20) are provided on the outside of the panel to protect the edges of the panel and enable a connector hinge (22) to be attached to the panel for connecting two panels together.

Abstract: A paint saver pad comprised of a sheet or pad of resilient, waterproof material that can be easily installed in the cargo carrying area of a vehicle, typically a pickup truck, prior to the installation of a cargo carrying area protective bedliner in order to protect the vehicle surface from wear caused by the liner.

Abstract: Vulcanizable elastomeric roof sheet materials for roofing having improved burn resistivity and prepared from a polymeric composition of matter comprise at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins prepared from monomers containing at least two carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, the polymer having a crystallinity of up to about 2 percent by weight; about 20 to 125 parts by weight of one or more non-black mineral fillers per 100 parts of the polymer, about 50 to 110 parts by weight of one or more black-type fillers per 100 parts of the polymer; and from about 50 to 70 parts by weight of a processing material or softener per 100 parts of the polymer.

Abstract: A tile application backing material is disclosed having as an object thereof to greatly simplify tile allocation, positioning, and affixing and the like, and to strongly affix tiles and backing material to a laying surface; in order to achieve this object, this tile application backing material is formed with a plurality of frame members disposed extending along sides of tiles having a polygonal shape, said frame members being connected at mutual points of intersection; these frame members comprise a base portion which is in contact with a laying surface and dividing plate portions which are disposed thereabove. By means of this, after allocation has been determined by means of this backing material, in a state in which this backing material is temporarily attached to a laying surface to which tiles are to be applied, adhesive is allowed to flow into a plurality of regions demarcated by means of the dividing plate portions and by means of the inlaying of tiles, tile application is easily accomplished.

Abstract: Self-laminating data-tags having a polyester substrate coated with a pencil receptive writing surface and a non-conducting reinforcer are obtained. Provisions are made for protecting the writing surface, replicating the data and removing the data-tag. Such data-tags are particularly useful as warning tags for utility equipment and in severe environmental conditions.

Abstract: A detachable decoration system including a first releasably interlockable fastener permanently connected to an article to be decorated and second releasably interlockable fastener permanently connected to a decoration adapted to selectively interlock with the first fastener. Once the interlockable fasteners are disengaged, the decoration is wholly disconnected from the article, thus permitting the article to be washed without damaging the decoration.

Abstract: A portable rinse deck for farm chemical sprayers includes a center sump pit connected to radially extending sections sloped toward the sump pit for collecting spray chemicals washed from spray equipment on tractors, airplanes or helicopters. The radial sections include inner, middle and outer panels arranged to form right and left half sections. A radially extending channel receives the side flanges of adjacent panels with the radial channels feeding any chemicals leaking through the platform to the sump pit. A hub assembly is positioned over the sump pit and includes support channels which receive the inner ends of the radial channels for feeding the sump pit.

Abstract: A mat-like structure contains a substantially planar support array, which may be in the form of a lattice or an array of separate members, and a plurality of elastically yielding integral elements consisting of at least two half-arches having their free ends connected to different points of the support array. The structure may be used, for example, for a vehicle seat, a snow chain or a load restraint device.

Abstract: A tile structure and method for applying tiles to the floor surface of offices, corridors and various rooms in which the surface of a floor to be tiled is covered with a sheet and peripheral side of tiles to be applied are surrounded with an elastic joint material. The tiles are applied side by side in sequence on the sheet with the elastic joint material forming a joint between adjacent tiles and in a compressed condition so as to prevent such applied tiles from moving each other. The sheet prevents the tiles from sliding along the floor surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mat comprising a plurality of elongated rails arranged parallel to one another and each having a receiving portion adapted to receive a tread member. The rails are coupled by way of first and second connecting elements, preferably consisting of T-shaped members and U-shaped members, by insertion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails.

Abstract: Wooden tiles including a plurality of smaller rectangular blocks, flat grain or preferably end grain, are made by providing in each block at least one lateral groove extending parallel to and spaced inwardly from the end edges of the block, at least one longitudinal groove extending parallel to and is spaced inwardly from the side edges of the block and intersecting the lateral groove(s) at a right angle. When the blocks are aligned in abutting relationship, either side by side, side to end or end to end, to form a tile of the desired pattern, the grooves are aligned to form a grid-like network of continuous, rectilinear channels. The channels are substantially filled with a relatively flexible, synthetic plastic material capable of becoming flowable upon being heated to a predetermined temperature and hardening upon subsequent cooling.

Abstract: An extruded slat defined by a series of longitudinal cavities disposed in a side-by-side relationship. Typically, the longitudinal cavities total in odd numbers so that fastening can be achieved through a single cavity. The slat is fabricated from plastic resin, is light in weight, is readily cut and can be arranged into a variety of configurations. Assembly between the ends of abutting slats is usually accomplished by an interconnecting pin(s) between communicating cavities. Each longitudinal cavity is also adapted to receive a rod, a cable, or the like, serving for example, reinforcing, communication and/or communication purposes, or other uses involving concealment and/or security.

Abstract: The subject pad comprises resilient layers attached to each other and spaced apart by compression members distributed with spaces between them. The compression members on one side of each layer are opposite the spaces between the compression members on the other side so that the layer portions between compression members of one layer function as beams loaded near or at their centers by compression members on the adjacent layers. The pad may be an integral part or the layers may be separate, in which case the compression members comprise mating projections from the surfaces of adjacent layers. The compression members may be ridges or columns. The projections may be shaped to mechanically interlock when mated, utilizing the resilence of the material and/or adhesive may be used to secure the attachment. In a prefered embodiment a percentage of the projections are shaped to mechanically interlock when mated, the remaining projections being simple ribs or stubs.

Abstract: A placemat, including multiple sheets of material connected in such manner that the sheets may be folded so as to present a different graphic designs. Each sheet is divided into two leaves, each of the leaves being attached to an adjacent leaf from an adjacent sheet of material.

Abstract: A flexible device is an elongated member of desired form and is makable by separating the tread from the remainder of a used rubber tire and cutting the tread to the desired form. The device has a hole of predetermined dimensions therethrough and a barbed portion spaced from the hole and adapted for one-way entry in either direction through a hole of the predetermined dimensions and into interlocking engagement therewith. The device preferably has two (2) identical barbed portions, and (1) at each end, and symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal centerline, and there is a plurality of the holes through the device. The holes are circular and at least some of them are on the centerline. An article can be fabricated from a plurality of flexible devices with a barbed portion of one in interlocking engagement with a hole in another, or the article can have a barbed portion of one device engaging one of its own holes, or with a combination of such interengagements.

Abstract: The subject pad comprises resilient layers attached to each other and spaced apart by compression members distributed with spaces between them. The compression members on one side of each layer are opposite the spaces between the compression members on the other side so that the layer portions between compression members of one layer function as beams loaded near or at their centers by compression members on the adjacent layers. The pad may be an integral part or the layers may be separate, in which case the compression members comprise mating projections from the surfaces of adjacent layers. The compression members may be ridges or colums. The projections may be shaped to mechanically interlock when mated, utilizing the resilience of the material and/or adhesive may be used to secure the attachment.

Abstract: An adornment for affixing to fabric comprised of several ornaments in a series. The ornaments are attached by threads. The adornment is affixed by either a heat sealable thread which binds the adornment to the fabric upon application of sufficient heat and pressure, or by a heat sealable coating or 2 heat sealable material laminated on the individual ornaments.

Abstract: Various methods of fixedly connecting together carbon-carbon composite structures are disclosed herein along with the ultimately connected structural assemblies. These assemblies for the most part consist only of the carbon-carbon composite structures and a char forming material such as pitch which has been charred and do not require fastening means made of any other type of material such as metal bolts or the like. As a result, each of these assemblies, in its entirety, is especially suitable for use in high temperature environments including specifically hyperthermal environments.

Abstract: A complementary MOS one-capacitor dynamic RAM cell which operates with a non-boosted wordline without a threshold loss problem and which includes one storage capacitor and n- and p-type transfer devices connected to the storage capacitor which function as two complementary transistor devices having gates controlled by complementary signals on the RAM wordlines.

Abstract: A net comprising a plurality of rings grooved on both sides and interconnected by "V" shaped flexible connectors, locked in to form an "O" shaped connection by a ratchet latch mechanism. The net is stretched to any desired construction and can be used for children playgrounds, or for naval security systems.

Abstract: Protective armor in which the core is an assemblage of tiles, preferably of ceramic material, arranged in edge-to-edge relationship in a checkerboard pattern, and a series of tapes, preferably of fiberglass fabric, interwoven in a zig-zag path longitudinally and transversely over and under the tiles in each row, the assembly being bonded together by a cured synthetic resin impregnated into the tapes. A novel method of interweaving the tapes and tiles is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for a screening element which is predominantly of a synthetic plastics material and which has a screening surface formed by a plurality of ribs extending within a surround across the element, the ribs each being of a zig-zag configuration and the ribs being spaced from each other to define between them screening apertures, the ribs being resiliently deformable.

Abstract: A torque rod for a heavy duty motor vehicle includes a shaft and two ends, each end being selectively attachable to points on the vehicle's chassis. The rod is composed of a polymerizable composite material. The shaft is either of solid, hollow, or layered composition. As an option, the shaft includes two adjustably interlocking halves enclosed and overlapped by a slidable sleeve. The sleeve is provided with a hole for the insertion of a bonding and filling material to fix the selected interlocked position to fit the chassis as needed.

Abstract: A link chain or string is produced in an injection molding tool in such a way that a plurality of links threaded onto a string or cable are molded simultaneously, for example in the form of spheres. In order to avoid the transmission of axial forces to the links, which forces might disturb the axial spacings from link to link, the injection molding tool is provided with restrictions which reduce the cross-sectional area of molten material flow channels to a minimum. Preferably, the restricted area is located directly at the respective link. The channels all lead to a common injection molding channel to which the molten material is supplied for thus simultaneously casting or molding of a plurality of links to strings or cables. The restrictions make sure that any forces resulting from shrinkage during the cooling and solidifying cannot shift the balls or links even if the latter are not yet completely solidified internally. Thus, errors in the on-center spacing between adjacent links are avoided.

Abstract: A camouflage wrapping strip that takes the form of a given length of strip material such as cloth, plastic or the like having mutually engageable fasteners at longitudinally spaced positions over the length of the strip for overlapping attachment across the points of the strip when wrapped about the body of a hunter. Artificial foliage elements are fastened to the strip at longitudinally spaced positions with the foliage elements breaking up the body outline. The artificial foliage elements may be artificial flowers, leaves, weeds, etc.

Abstract: A removable protective liner adapted to fit and be releasably connectable atop the enclosed, generally horizontal rear bed of vehicles such as Blazers.RTM., Broncos.RTM., Cherokees.RTM., and the like. The liner is formed of a horizontal panel fabricated of thin flexible sheet material such as vinyl or naugahide.RTM. and is adapted to cover substantially the entire rear bed and the rear seats of such vehicles in their folded down position. The liner may also include side panels and a spare tire cover extending upwardly from the side margins of the horizontal panels. The releasable attaching means between the liner and the vehicle rear bed may be Velcro.RTM., mating snaps, or the like.

Abstract: The floatable element or pad including a body of floatable material, such as for example a low density polyethylene, or a high density cross-linked polyethylene, and the like, having a horizontal cross-sectional shape, such as hexagonal, enabling a plurality of such floating elements or pads to engage in flat surface-to-surface contact thereby providing a substantially gapless floating insulating cover. In one embodiment, the floatable element or pad includes top and bottom layers, side walls, and a plurality of thru-posts extending between the top and bottom layers and providing structural rigidity thereto, and wherein the top and bottom layers, side walls and thru-posts cooperatively provided a plurality of dead air spaces providing additional insulation between the liquid, slurry, semi-liquid or the like on which an insulating floatable cover comprised of such floatable elements or pad is comprised.

Abstract: The specification comprises an underlying pad formed of resilient plastic material atop which is joined detachably a removable carpet, whose area is somewhat smaller than the pad. The removable carpet fits into an opening cut out of the main floor carpet in the well area of an automobile in a manner that has both its surface and the main carpet surface in the same plane; the remaining area of the underlying pad fits under and may be joined to, the main floor carpet.A modification that permits this combination, an underlying pad with a removable carpet fastened to its upper surface, to be used as a general floor removable carpet provided that an opening is prepared for it in the general floor carpet.

Abstract: A flexible blanket for protection or stabilization of underwater structures and pipe lines, unstable beds and embankments, comprising a plurality of segments (1) arranged in one or more layers (10) each one segment in height, the segments of the or each layer (10) being disposed substantially contiguously at least at a median zone (2) of their height dimension, each segment (1) tapering substantially regularly from a maximum cross section at said medium zone (2) to a minimum cross section at one or both ends thereof, and each segment being so bonded to each adjacent segment in the region of their respective median zones that the segments are held substantially contiguously but are free to pivot relative one to another about the bond in so far as is permitted by said taper, the arrangement of the tapers being such that each segment is capable of pivoting with more than one degree of freedom.

Abstract: A chain net comprises a plurality of warp strands (1.1) with mutually equal links (1.2) which at intersections lock round links (1.5) of weft strands (1.4) having mutually equal links. The links of the warp strands have dimensions such that they first allow the insertion of weft strands and, after plastic or elastic deformation, lock links of the weft strands. The plastic deformation is provided by elongating the warp strands. The elastic deformation is provided by the warp strand links being first expanded to allow the insertion of weft strands, after which the warp links are elastically re-deformed for locking round weft links.

Abstract: A floor covering for public areas such as foyers in public buildings, each section of the floor covering being substantially rectangular in plan of a fairly narrow width, having a flexible projecting tongue along one side thereof, said tongue extending to underlie at least a portion of said sections and having the other side thereof adapted to receive and non-rotatively retain the projected tongue of an adjacent such section whereby like sections interconnect to form a floor covering, the tongues being sufficiently flexible to permit the connected sections to be rolled up.