Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a covered string-like object, the method comprising a placement step of placing a string-like object on a sheet-like flexible backing, a sewing step of sewing the string-like object to the backing with an embroidery material, and a separation step of separating the backing from the string-like object. According to the method for manufacturing a string-like object, a string-like object can be easily and reliably covered with an embroidery material.

Abstract: Gloves having a foamed polymeric, elastomeric, or latex foam layer disposed on a non-foamed polymeric, elastomeric, or latex structural or liquid resistant layer are disclosed.

Abstract: In at least one implementation, a method for forming openings for a stitched seam in a composite panel having an outer layer, and a substrate behind the outer layer includes providing a laser beam onto the substrate, with the laser beam forming an opening through the substrate but not through the outer layer, and moving at least one of the laser or the substrate relative to the other so that a new opening can be formed that is spaced from the already formed opening. Successive openings can be formed in desired locations around the panel to facilitate subsequent panel stitching. In at least some implementations, the laser may form such openings while stitches are formed in the panel, wherein a stitch is provided in a previous opening while or nearly at the same time the laser forms a different opening for a subsequent stitch.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a passive-assist glove comprising an impact portion, having a plurality of palm sections configured and arranged in the glove to cover a palm of the hand and allow manipulation of the palm, such that the palm may configure to receive an object during use of the glove. The glove additionally includes a dexterity portion comprising (i) a thumb compartment configured and arranged in the glove to receive a thumb of the hand and allow manipulation of the thumb such that the thumb may configure to receive an object during use of the glove and (ii) at least one finger compartment to configured and arranged in the glove to receive at least one of multiple fingers of the hand and allow manipulation of the at least one finger such that the at least one finger may configure to receive an object during use of the glove.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified set of gloves, system, and method of glove removal and retention that is particularly well suited for, but not limited to, tactical situations (i.e. fast-roping) and action sports environments. In one embodiment, the glove(s) feature at least one catch between at least two fingers of the glove(s). Preferably, the catch defines a mechanism for rapidly removing and retaining the glove(s). Further disclosed is a system for removing the glove(s) featuring a garment with an attached anchor, such as a carabineer or a hook. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor is positioned in the sternum area of the vest and glove wearer. Operably, a user moves the gloved hand(s) down and over the anchor to place the catch on the anchor so that the continued movement of the user's hands rapidly removes and stores the glove(s) via the anchor.

Abstract: A clothing clip apparatus and a method for using same secure a garment in a position to allow a woman to nurse a child. A strap having a clip at one end and a ring at an opposite end secure the garment. The clothing clip apparatus attaches to a collar of the garment. The strap is dropped inside the garment, and the user grabs the ring and lifts the garment into a position for nursing the child. The ring is positioned over a top end of the clip to form a loop with the strap around the garment. Magnetic attraction between the ring and a magnet retains the garment in the desired position. The method of securing the garment using the clothing clip apparatus may be performed by the woman using one hand without assistance. A system holds a cover over the garment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training. Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.

Abstract: A glove, having a finger sheath comprising multiple pieces of fabric held together by seams; and reinforcements for the seams so that part of the sheath can be removed by cutting without the seams unraveling.

Abstract: Disclosed are belt adjustment systems, particularly for wearing around a user's waist, that permit a continuum of belt loop sizes or a larger selection of belt loop sizes. The belt adjustment system includes an elongate belt member having a first end, a second end and a series of teeth positioned on an inner surface near the second end and a fixation member having first and second adjustment elements.

Abstract: An expandable joint for use in, for example, a headband, includes elastic material, a low-friction sleeve, and a tube. The low-friction sleeve covers at least two opposing sides of a portion of the length of elastic material. The length of elastic material is affixed to the low-friction sleeve at a first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The length of elastic material extends beyond a second end of the low-friction sleeve opposite the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The tube substantially encloses the low-friction sleeve. The low-friction sleeve is affixed to the tube at the first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve, and the length of elastic material extends beyond a first end of the tube.

Abstract: A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device includes a garment that is shaped and/or configured to resist the backwards leaning moment of a sailor whilst hiking thereby reducing muscular strain and effort.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes an embroidery frame moving portion, a sewing portion, a processor, and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of acquiring image data created by a device and obtained by capturing an image of a range that includes at least one reference mark and at least one indicator mark, computing positioning data based on the image data, specifying an embroidery pattern to be formed in a sewing workpiece clamped in an embroidery frame, setting at least one of a position and an angle of the embroidery pattern on the sewing workpiece, based on the positioning data, acquiring embroidery data, causing the embroidery frame moving portion and the sewing portion to form the stitches that make up the embroidery pattern in the sewing workpiece, based on the embroidery data.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a gripping glove with a gripping aid to increase the grip span of a user. In some implementations, the gripping aid may be composed of a crush resistant, flexible material and further include a crest or fulcrum to increase the speed, strength and/or torque of each swing of a tool (e.g., a baseball bat, sledge hammer, or the like). In some implementations, the gripping aid may also provide a reduction in vibrations and superficial hand traumas normally caused when the tool strikes an object.

Abstract: A method of making a glove includes placing a flexible material into a contoured mold, direct molding a resilient material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer) onto the flexible material while the flexible material is in the contoured mold, and securing the flexible material to other materials to create a glove. The resilient material can be applied in liquid form and at least partially solidified while in contact with the flexible material. Direct molding can include forming the resilient material into an anatomical shape and forming perforations in the resilient material. The method can be used to create a cycling glove including a palm panel having a flexible material, a resilient material formed into an anatomical shape and co-molded to the palm panel, and a back panel secured to the palm panel. The glove can further include a facing material attached to the flexible material with the resilient material sandwiched in between.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to the ornamental and utilitarian features of a device configured to protect the Metatarsal-Phalanges Joints (MPJ) zone of the user's foot when wearing shoes such as dress shoes. The device defines a loop placed around the MPJ zone wherein such loop can be neutral or natural in color to minimize its impact on the style of the shoe or flashy or have its own design that can add “strappiness” or “laciness” or contrasting color. The loop forms a protective layer between the problem areas (e.g. side and top around the MPJ zone) of the foot and the shoe material.

Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.

Abstract: An interior fitting subassembly is described at least consisting of a supporting cage, a head band and a neck band for a protective helmet. Three support arms serve to fasten the subassembly on a helmet shell with a spacing. Although the support arms conduct a force acting on the helmet into the supporting cage said support arms endeavour to deform the helmet shell. The helmet therefore has an improved shock absorption capability. In addition, the support arms create a clearance between the interior fitting subassembly and the helmet shell or receiving ear protection capsules and supporting brackets of an ear protection and other helmet accessories.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strap for securing a garment or article (e.g. swimming goggles) to a wearer's/user's body. The strap comprises a first portion (1) having a tensioner end (2), the tensioner end including and terminating at a tensioner (3). The strap further comprises a second portion (4) comprising a clip end (5), the clip end including and terminating at a clip (6). In use, the second portion passes through the tensioner and the clip is releasably securable onto the second portion.

Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.