Abstract: A nanofiber comprising a polyamide including at least one substituted phenyl group is provided. The nanofiber includes an average diameter from about 50 to about 1000 nm. A fibrous mat including a plurality of the nanofibers is also provided. A composite including a plurality of the nanofibers and a continuous matrix resin is also provided. A method of forming the nanofibers is also provided.

Abstract: A protective garment includes a base layer formed from a flexible material. A grip layer is disposed on a first side of the base layer. The grip layer has an increased coefficient of friction compared to the base layer. A protective layer is disposed on a second side of the base layer. The protective layer includes a three-dimensional matrix that has a plurality of columns that extend in a first direction and a plurality of rows stacked on the plurality of columns that extend in a second direction. The plurality of rows and the plurality of columns define a plurality of voids.

Abstract: This invention offers a fully protective cowl neck garment with various fasteners designed to attach additional protective gear, such as gloves and shoe coverings. Additionally, a temperature sensor shield is located on the hat and protective mask. This allows the clients or patients the ability to see and to monitor the temperature of their caregivers. The caregiver's temperature is visible on the hat, as well as the face mask. This makes the caregivers accountable to their clients or patients, as well as their colleagues and coworkers. This invention eliminates the worry of contact with infectious diseases or dangerous liquids, by utilizing elastic manual ties and hook-and-loop fasteners to ensure the garment is secured fully on a user's body. Overall, this invention ensures medical professionals, firemen, emergency medical personnel, government workers, and so forth, are protected fully from contagious and infectious diseases, liquids, and so forth.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a stitched filtering fabric including a barrier layer configured to inhibit air flow through the filtering fabric, a yarn stitched through and forming a plurality of stitch holes in the barrier layer, and a first yarn layer comprising interlocking loops of the yarn. The barrier layer is configured to direct air flow through the yarn within the stitched holes.

Abstract: An inflatable garment accessory including a body assembly and a sleeve assembly is disclosed. The body assembly includes an inflatable member that is made of a cloth material and has an interior space therein. The inflatable member may be rectangular in shape and further includes a font end. A user may then place indicia and/or designs to be accentuated on the front end of the inflatable member. The sleeve assembly includes two sleeve members made of cloth material that are mounted to opposite perimeter sides of the inflatable member. The two sleeve members form a tunnel which receive air therein. The air then inflates the inflatable member which in turn accentuates the indicia and/or design located at the front end.

Abstract: A protective cell phone case with retractable tether disposed to secure a cell phone to a user and prevent impact of the cell phone with a ground surface should a user inadvertently drop the cell phone during use, or otherwise while porting said cell phone, wherein a retractable tether member secures endwise to a user and forcibly retracts into a discoid housing exteriorly disposed upon a base whenever tension upon the tether member is released, whereby a cell phone is secured about a user and maintained proximal and suspendable thereto to prevent impact of a falling cell phone with the ground, as desired.

Abstract: A helmet assembly that includes an outer shell having an outer surface and an inner surface and defines a shell interior, a pad system disposed in the shell interior, and at least a first bladder member positioned between the inner surface of the outer shell and the pad system. The first bladder member defines a bladder interior and a non-Newtonian fluid is disposed in the bladder interior.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, a floor spaced from the roof, and sides spaced from each other in a cross-vehicle direction. The sides extend from the roof to the floor. Front seats and rear seats are supported by the floor. A beam is spaced from the roof and the floor and extends between the front and rear seats from one side to the other side in the cross-vehicle direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for color printing. A three-dimensional object can be printed onto an article using the methods and systems. The three-dimensional object can include a lower color graphic layer printed onto an article, one or more transparent structural layers printed onto the lower color graphic layer, and an upper color graphic layer printed onto an uppermost layer of the one or more transparent structural layers. The upper color graphic layer and the lower color graphic layer collectively visually depict a color graphic image.

Abstract: A joint cushioning system includes a pad of a foam material which is resiliently compressible. The pad has an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A magnetorheological fluid impregnates the foamed material. The magnetorheological fluid is configured to be alternated between a first state wherein the foamed material is bendable and compressible and a second state wherein the magnetorheological fluid forms rigid columns within the foamed material such that the foamed material is less bendable and compressible. An actuating system is mounted on the pad and is in operational communication with magnetorheological fluid. The actuating system actuates the magnetorheological fluid from the first state to the second state when a condition has been met.

Abstract: A radiation protection device for providing protection of a body part that includes active bone marrow from ionizing radiation may include a radiation protection component configured to be placed adjacent to and externally cover the body part so as to reduce a radiation dose absorbed in that body part.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone shield associated with a first body region, and at least one body contact associated with a second body region, each body contact comprising at least one contact surface, and at least one attachment structure configured to attach the impact transfer device to a person. At least a portion of a force applied to the impact surface is transferred to the second body region of the person through the contact surfaces.

Abstract: Ergonomic puncture-resistant pads are disclosed. An example disclosed herein includes a first layer configured to be adjacent a person and to conform to the person; a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer configured to resist puncture; and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer including a flexible support structure extending away from the second layer, the third layer configured to support the person and to conform to a shape of a surface supporting the person, the flexible support structure configured to contact the surface, the flexible support structure including cavities to receive at least one object protruding from the surface to isolate the person from the at least one protruding object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a martial arts training device that is worn on a trainer's waist, and a pair of movable leg-strike units provided on the outer surface of both legs of the trainer are controlled at similar directions, speeds and strengths to real kicking, such that defensive and offensive training simulating a real fight may be performed as the trainee defends from and strikes the movable leg-strike units. The martial arts training device according to the present invention includes a waist-mounted unit worn on a trainer's waist, and a pair of movable leg-strike units, each movably connected to opposite sides of the waist-mounted unit and having a handle on the outer surface thereof to allow a trainer to perform a movable operation thereof.

Abstract: Shoulder pads for a player playing a contact sport, such as hockey, lacrosse or football, are provided. The shoulder pads comprise a front member, a back member, left and right shoulder arches, left and right shoulder protectors, and an adjustment system allowing the player to adjust a fit of the shoulder pads. The adjustment system may allow the player to adjust various components of the shoulder pads, including the front member, the back member, and the left and right shoulder protectors, in various directions.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a system to detect abnormal breathing by a person, such as a baby, through a piece of clothing worn by the person. The piece of clothing may be adapted to include a sound sensor that can collect breathing sounds by the person. The piece of clothing may also be adapted to include an inflatable neck support that can be automatically inflated without the person's intervention. The breathing sound signals by the person can be processed for determining whether the person breathing abnormally. When it is determined that the person is breathing abnormally, an instruction to inflate the inflatable neck support of the clothing may be generated. Such an instruction can be transmitted to the clothing wirelessly to effectuate the inflation of the inflatable neck support so the person's incorrect breathing posture that causes the abnormal breathing can be addressed.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone shield associated with a first body region, and at least one body contact associated with a second body region, each body contact comprising at least one contact surface, and at least one attachment structure configured to attach the impact transfer device to a person. At least a portion of a force applied to the impact surface is transferred to the second body region of the person through the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A multiple energetic penetration and damage progression sensor is disclosed. A grid of sensing lines, such as passive optical fibers, is formed by laying the sensing lines in a crossing pattern to form a 2-Dimensional or 3-Dimensional coordinate grid. Signal receivers such as photo-detectors are connected to one or both ends of the sensing lines, and a data processor interprets received signals. When an impact or energetic penetration occurs at a location on or near a sensing line, energy passes down the sensing line in both directions away from the point of impact or penetration. Each pair of “X-Y” or “X-Y-Z” recordings from receivers receiving the energy is processed to determine a location, penetration volume and progression in time of the impact or penetration. This sensor can be made conformal to any regular and continuous surface geometry, volume geometry, or surfaces or volumes of physical objects of interest.

Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a double-sided adhesive material suitable for the size and shape of various articles using a simple process without reducing the yield of the adhesive material that is used, and to provide an article with a double-sided adhesive material that uses the double-sided adhesive material obtained by this manufacturing method. [Resolution means] Liquid photo curing adhesive 12 is applied by direct drawing onto a specific region corresponding to the size and shape of an article to be used, on the surface of a first plate 10, using a robot. A sheet shaped second plate 20 is placed on the first plate 10 where the adhesive 12 was applied, such that the adhesive 12 is interposed between both plates. Light for curing the adhesive is then irradiated from both sides of the adhesive 12 so that the light will pass through both the first plate 10 and the second plate 20 and reach the adhesive 12.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for detecting fall events of a person. Fall events are falls that are likely to occur, are occurring, or have occurred. Fall detectors and fall detector systems detect fall events of the person. Data relating to the person are received from sensors and analyzed to perform fall detection. Data relating to the person includes accelerations and forces experience by the person, changes in body position of the person, movements of the person, and body signals and sounds of the person. Neurological tests are administered to determine levels of responsiveness and awareness of the person in response to detections. Warnings are issued, and safety measures are deployed, in response to detections. Data relating to fall events are recorded and logged. Fall event histories based upon the logged data and fall detection algorithm performance are used to improve future fall detection and prediction.

Abstract: Fluid carrying apparatus having an outer helical tubular casing which, in use, holds fluid, and an inner helical tubular member within the outer helical tubular casing through which the fluid can be delivered from the outer helical tubular casing.

Abstract: A belt apparatus is configured to support the trousers worn by a person and to include a number of airbags that are deployable in a falling event to protect the person from bone breakages. The belt apparatus includes a flexible belt element and a fastener that appear and function in much the same way as an ordinary trouser belt. Despite the ordinary appearance of the belt apparatus, it includes one or more airbags internal thereto whose expansion is controlled by a control apparatus. The control apparatus employs a generator apparatus having a conductor that is movable through a magnetic field to cause a voltage to be induced in the conductor. Responsive to a falling event in a particular direction with respect to the user, the control apparatus triggers the rapid expansion of an airbag that is situated on the belt element in the particular direction with respect to the user.

Abstract: An protective athletic undergarment is provided. The undergarment has a moisture-wicking elastic fabric base layer configured to fit flexibly and snugly against the body of the wearer. A padding assembly has an inner polymer cushion with an interior surface attached to an outer surface of the base layer, and a rigid outer shell configured in a predetermined three-dimensional complimentary contour relative to an outer surface shape of an anatomical feature. The undergarment may include a system for sports performance monitoring of an impact event delivered by another participant or the object of a sporting event.

Abstract: Water-resistant waders may incorporate a waist lock system to reduce the likelihood of water entering the waders below the wearer's waist area while the waders are being worn during water-based activities, such as fishing or hunting. The waders may include a waist lock system formed of a ring of water-resistant material that may be firmly positioned around the waist area of the wearer such that it may create a flap and seal structure. If water reaches the top portion of the waist lock system, the waist lock system generally may prevent or at least minimize the water that may penetrate the waist lock system and enter the waders, particularly below the wearer's waist area, such as the wearer's feet and legs.

Abstract: Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles, including articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described.

Abstract: Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described.

Abstract: The present invention is a sport equipment system for reducing the impact force on sport equipment using magnetic repulsion. The sport equipment system includes sport equipment that is worn by a wearer. The sport equipment has a body, at least one magnetic element associated with the body, and an impact absorbing member configured to receive at least a portion of the magnetic element. The magnetic element has a first pole orientated in a direction exterior of the sport equipment, and is configured to produce a repulsive magnetic force when a second magnetic element of a second sport equipment is at a predetermined distance from the sport equipment prior to the sport equipment contacting the second sport equipment. The magnetic element reduces the impact force prior to a potential impact, and the impact absorbing member reduces the impact force after any impact.

Abstract: A tamper indication device has a film attached and connected within the circuit that generates a signal in response to a tamper event. The tamper indication device can be incorporated into a bullet proof vest. The sensor circuit in the bullet proof vest does not only detect a bullet strike but also determines the location of the strike base in the sensor zone where the sensor zone has been struck. This circuitry includes a cell phone module with a built in GPS sensor for supplying GPS coordinates and communicating by dispatcher with the vest wearer's name and other identifying information.

Abstract: A cut resistant sweater is provided including a chest portion, sleeves, collar, and closure extending from the top edge of the collar through at least part of the chest portion. The closure includes an opening extending from the top of the collar through at least part of the chest portion, and a strip having a first part of a hook and loop fastener thereon. A second part of the hook and loop fastener is disposed on the sweater in at least two pieces, a piece adjacent to a first side of the opening and a piece adjacent to a second side of the opening. The closure is stiff relative to the collar to support the collar. A method for manufacturing the sweater includes providing a cut resistant yarn, and knitting it into a sweater in the order of cuff of first sleeve, first sleeve, body and collar, second sleeve, and cuff of the second sleeve.

Abstract: A zipper type fastener for protective clothing, such as a firefighter or first responder turnout jacket is disclosed. One or more open ends of the zipper may be connected to the protective clothing by a zipper extender that creates a grip area to allow a user to more easily grasp the zipper end component(s) and fasten the zipper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standalone wearable protector 1, comprising: a thin layer supporting fabric 2, at least one inflatable bag 13 housed in a seat 19 provided in said supporting fabric 2, at least one gas generator 12 acting as inflating means connected to said inflatable bag 13 and fastened directly or indirectly to said supporting fabric 2, a control unit 10 also fastened directly or indirectly to said supporting fabric 2 and suitable for activating said inflating means 12 and sensing means 5 connected to said control unit 10 and provided on said supporting fabric 2. The present invention also relates to a protective clothing assembly comprising a protective garment 30, 50 made of material resistant to abrasion and friction stresses and said standalone wearable protector 1.

Abstract: A personal protection device for protecting a user is described. The personal protection device can have an inflatable member having an internal chamber that can be inflated or deflated according to predetermined conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermally-resistant woven fabric and/or multiple ply fabric sheet for use as single or outer layer of protective garments, of the type comprising an inside fabric layer and an outside fabric layer joined together by an array of connecting lines. The woven fabric and/or multiple ply fabric sheet comprise yarns, wherein said yarn comprises i) meta-aramid ii) from about 5 to 10 weight % of polyamide and iii) at least 2 weight % of antistatic fibers, the weight % being based on the total weight of the yarn.

Abstract: The invention concerns fiber, and a process for making same, the fiber comprising a mixture of at least a first polymer and a second polymer, the first polymer having a structure derived from the reaction of one or more amine monomers and a plurality of acid monomers, wherein the one or more amine monomers includes at least 60 mole percent 5(6)-amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole, and the plurality of acid monomers include those having a structure of Cl—CO—Ar1-CO—Cl & Cl—CO—Ar2-CO—Cl wherein Ar1 is an aromatic group having para-oriented linkages and Ar2 is an aromatic group having meta-oriented linkages, and wherein the plurality of acid monomers has at least 50 mole percent of the monomer containing aromatic group Ar2; and the second polymer has a structure derived from the reaction of metaphenylene diamine and isophthaloyl chloride. This fiber has use in heat-resistant protective apparel fabrics and garments.

Abstract: A chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer and including a plurality of tethers extending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensile member layer. The chamber may include stitching through the tensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurized with the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. In addition, the first tensile member layer is held in contact with the second tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region, thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber.

Abstract: A protective apparel support (100) system is disclosed comprising a support frame configured to rest on the shoulders of a wearer, the support having a first shoulder member (104a), a second shoulder member (104b) and a shield (202) engagement portion. A shield (202) is selectively coupleable to the support and protective apparel (302) is coupled to the shield.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment that provides cushioning effect to areas of wearer's body and shock absorbing capability, while keeping resistance to impact and collision during activities. The garment comprises an article of clothing which covers a portion of a wearer's body and a protective element attached into areas susceptible to injury. The protective element is preferably formed of a base layer of polyurethane shock absorbent foam and a top layer of thermoplastic polyurethane foil including flex zones and raised elements to provide high abrasion resistance and low friction sliding ability during falls. The protective element comprises ventilation holes and a plurality of grooves to stitch the protective element to the garment to create any style of garment. The protective element can be used for different portions of the wearer's body by varying the shape and/or size of the protective element to accommodate a variety of human body portions.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a helmet adapted for use by a human being for a variety of activities. The helmet includes a shell, a plurality of FAEs, and at least one rigid component. The shell maybe configured and arranged to cover a portion of a wearer's head. The plurality of FAEs may be separately positioned adjacent to the shell's interior surface. Each FAE may include at least one disc spring that is adapted for absorbing forces. The at least one rigid component may be disposed within the shell and adjacent to the plurality of FAEs. In this way, the FAEs may be between the shell's interior surface and the at least one rigid component. When a force is applied to a location on the shell's exterior surface, it may be substantially absorbed by at least one of the FAEs positioned adjacent to the location on the shell's interior surface.

Abstract: Falling causes serious injury to the body and is a leading cause of death in the elderly. An external belt placed over the waist comprises an inertia system and expandable modules. These modules contain packed air bags and can be expanded in size by orders of magnitude using an air tank. The modules are selected by the inertia system that senses the direction of the fall. The selected module is filled with air from the air tank generating a protective mattress which can be used to cushion their fall. Serious injury to the body can be reduced or even prevented. The module instead can contain an expandable support structure to reach the floor and act as a “third leg”. This support structure may be used by the individual to gain control of the individual's balance and stabilize the individual allowing a re-capture of balance and preventing the fall from occurring.

Abstract: An article of apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: A protective sports garment comprising including an article of clothing and at least a first pad assembly having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a pad area. The pad assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart cells coupled together by a plurality of linking members, and first and second regions. Each of the first and second regions extends over at least 25 percent of the pad area. The first region is formed of a first inner layer and a first outer layer, and the second region is formed of the first inner layer and does not include the first outer layer. The first inner and outer layers are formed of first and second materials having first and second durometer values measured on a hardness scale, respectively. The second durometer value is greater than the first durometer value. The inner surface of the pad assembly engages the article.

Abstract: A pad for a garment includes a one piece structure comprising interconnected elements made from a compressible material. The elements are arranged such that, when the pad is in a non-deformed state, each element is spaced apart from adjacent elements by a void. The elements are interconnected such that when the pad is deformed, a zigzag arrangement of at least three elements is formed and/or a void enclosed by at least two adjacent elements expands.

Abstract: Personal load-carrying systems are described. Embodiments include a waist belt having a pocket within which a support panel sets. An upper portion of the support panel resides in a sleeve coupled to a backpack or ballistic garment. The support panel thus supports some of the weight of the backpack or ballistic garment and transfers the load to the waist belt. Embodiments include personal load-carrying systems in which a backpack and ballistic garment use the same waist belt and support panel, and are interchangeable thereupon. Variations include personal load-carrying systems in which a ballistic garment and backpack are worn simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in one embodiment, is a breathable cushioning pad. The cushioning pad includes an upper layer surface, a lower layer with a lower surface, and a cushioning material disposed between the upper layer and has the lo cushioning pad has a thickness. A channel can be disposed in the cushioning pad and defines a cushioning region The channel includes a thickness less than the thickness of the cushioning region. At least one vent extends through connection with the upper surface and the lower surface.

Abstract: A fabric for use in chemical and biological (CB) protective garments includes at least one felt layer having from 25% to 100% carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers as a breathable physical barrier against toxic chemical droplets and/or pathogens. The felt layers are cleaned and consolidated into a mechanically competent sheet which can form adhesive seams having lapshear greater than the sheet itself. An additional supporting layer can be included. The supporting layer can be a wicking layer which is permeable with a chlorinated or otherwise chemically active solution to establish a reactive chemical barrier, the solution being dispensed on demand from a portable container. Embodiments include a second layer of CNT or of another backing fabric, sandwiching the wicking layer therebetween. Impermeable fluoropolymer seams can divide the fabric into a plurality of CNT/wicking cells. A layer of activated charcoal and/or halamine-forming hydantoin can be included for persistent reactive chemical protection.

Abstract: A garment having a portion suitable for being combined with an inflatable member for protecting a user is described. The portion of the garment includes a covering surface suitable for forming a covering for the inflatable member. The covering surface comprises at least one insert made of elastic material.

Abstract: Provided herein is an article of clothing configured to be worn around a user's crotch and thighs. In one embodiment, the article of clothing comprises a garment and a pad. In certain embodiments, the garment comprises an opening in an area between the thighs of the user when the article of clothing is worn by the user, and the opening comprises a perimeter. In one aspect, the pad is connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter. Also provided herein is a method of manufacturing an article of clothing.

Abstract: An anti-horse collar tackle safety device, comprising a base having means for attaching the base to a pair of shoulder pads, wherein the base comprises an interior portion facing the shoulder pads and an exterior portion that is accessible from outside a jersey placed over the shoulder pads, and a releasable portion releasably attached to the exterior portion of the base via means for releasable attachment, wherein the releasable portion is configured to release via application of a force equal to or less than about 15 pounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective seat pad for use inside a motorcycle pant. The protective seat pad will generally comprise two leg extensions extending from the main body of the seat pad, which define a space between the leg extensions. The protective seat pad further comprises raised ribs in the main body of the seat pad and the leg extensions.

Abstract: The present application discloses a composite pad structure that includes a substrate bonded to a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, resilient elements engaged to at least one reinforcing structure.