Abstract: A face mask include a bulbous area that reduces contact between the wearer and the mask, with the inner surface texture and material adapted to be comfortable to the wearer. The bulbous area may be equipped with a filter retained by slots at the edge of the bulbous area, with the inner surface texture and material of the filter also adapted to be comfortable to the wearer. The mask may be knit with seamless transitions between wearer-contacting surfaces and the bulbous area, which enhance the comfort of the mask. The mask may include silvered yarns for antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the bulbous area increases the effective surface area of the mask on both inhalation and exhalation, unlike pleats that collapse on inhalation.

Abstract: A method of forming a spacer fabric includes performing, via a knitting machine, an iterative process. The iterative process includes: knitting a tether from a first point to a second point on a first fabric layer; extending the tether from the second point to a third point on a second fabric layer to start formation of a tether segment; temporarily holding the tether at the third point via one of a temporary holding needles; extending the tether from the third point to a fourth point on the first fabric layer; temporarily holding the tether at the fourth point via another one of the temporary holding needles; extending the tether from the fourth point to a fifth point on the second fabric layer; and knitting the tether from the fifth point to a final point on the second fabric layer. The tether segment is released from the temporary holding needles.

Abstract: A textile comprising: i) a fabric including a laced region associated with a surface of the textile; and ii) a thread inlaid through a plurality of points proximate a perimeter of the laced region. Tightening the thread causes opposite sides of the laced region to be cinched together, thereby forming the laced region into a flap associated with a second surface of the textile opposite the first surface. The textile further comprises a listing wire disposed in the flap. The fabric forms a plurality of perforations within the laced region. The listing wire may be accessed by an attachment device through at least one of the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A textile comprising: i) a fabric including a laced region associated with a surface of the textile; and ii) a thread inlaid through a plurality of points proximate a perimeter of the laced region. Tightening the thread causes opposite sides of the laced region to be cinched together, thereby forming the laced region into a flap associated with a second surface of the textile opposite the first surface. The textile further comprises a listing wire disposed in the flap. The fabric forms a plurality of perforations within the laced region. The listing wire may be accessed by an attachment device through at least one of the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A gel liner made by starting initially with a one-piece knitted tubular sock-shaped fabric having a closed distal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and an open proximal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and being a gel permeable loosely knitted fabric. Molding the liner to have a gel cushion layer on its interior surface with the gel passing through and partially embedding the yarns of the proximal fabric section with the outermost portions of the yarns free of gel to form at least one annular seal whereby the proximal end section forming a seal not inhibited in deformation and/or elongation by the fabric when the liner is worn thereby reducing or eliminating any twisting or discomfort of the liner during ambulation caused by the annular seal.

Abstract: A gel liner made by starting initially with a one-piece knitted tubular sock-shaped fabric having a closed distal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric, an open proximal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and at least one intermediate section being a gel permeable loosely knitted fabric. Molding the liner to have a gel cushion layer on its interior surface with the gel passing through and embedding the at least one intermediate fabric section therein to form at least one annular seal. The intermediate fabric section selected of meltable fibers and knit construction that may or may not be melted by the gel during the molding process whereby the at least one annular seal is not inhibited in compression and/or elongation by the presence or absence of fabric when the liner is worn thereby reducing or eliminating any discomfort of the liner during ambulation caused by the annular seal.

Abstract: A gel liner made by starting initially with a one-piece knitted tubular sock-shaped fabric having a closed distal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and an open proximal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and being a gel permeable loosely knitted fabric. Molding the liner to have a gel cushion layer on its interior surface with the gel passing through and partially embedding the yarns of the proximal fabric section with the outermost portions of the yarns free of gel to form at least one annular seal whereby the proximal end section forming a seal not inhibited in deformation and/or elongation by the fabric when the liner is worn thereby reducing or eliminating any twisting or discomfort of the liner during ambulation caused by the annular seal.

Abstract: A gel liner made by starting initially with a one-piece knitted tubular sock-shaped fabric having a closed distal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric, an open proximal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and at least one intermediate section being a gel permeable loosely knitted fabric. Molding the liner to have a gel cushion layer on its interior surface with the gel passing through and embedding the at least one intermediate fabric section therein to form at least one annular seal. The intermediate fabric section selected of meltable fibers and knit construction that may or may not be melted by the gel during the molding process whereby the at least one annular seal is not inhibited in compression and/or elongation by the presence or absence of fabric when the liner is worn thereby reducing or eliminating any discomfort of the liner during ambulation caused by the annular seal.