Abstract: Performance wear made with hydrophobic fabric that maximizes evaporative cooling of the human body by maintaining perspiration and moisture at the surface of the skin whereby heat is more readily transferred from the skin by evaporative cooling thereby providing more effective core temperature regulation. The fabric may be natural or synthetic fiber or fiber blends having hydrophobic (e.g. water resistant) characteristics. The fabric is used to produce performance wear whereby the hydrophobic characteristics provide moisture management function by preventing moisture from migrating from the skin to the fabric. The hydrophobic performance fabrics are also preferably impregnated with antimicrobials, such as antibacterial, anti-odor, and antifungal substances, as well as flame retardant substances. The performance wear may comprise compression wear formed of a blend of polyester and spandex to provide increased movement, comfort, and fit.

Abstract: A drag harness for use with a protective garment for a fire fighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes an outer shell having a main body portion and at least two limb covering portions. The drag harness includes a wearer loop and at least two gripping portions. A first gripping portion is located at a first limb covering portion while a second gripping portion is located at a second limb covering portion. Each of the gripping portions is located adjacent the outer shell in a non-deployed state and extend away from the outer shell in a deployed state whereby a rescuer can drag a wearer.

Abstract: A drag harness (20) is provided and includes two arm loops (40), each of which is adapted to receive a separate arm (42) of a wearer (24), and an elongate handle (44) having a length (L) extending from a first end (46) to a second end (48) spaced from the first end (46) by the length (L). One of the arm loops (42) extends from the first end (46), and the other of the arm loops (42) extends from the second end (48). The handle (44) is a separate component that is attached to the arm loops (42) whereby a rescuer (26) grasping the handle (44) can drag the wearer (24) with the wearer (24) in a supine position.

Abstract: A protective material comprising a flexible substrate including a top surface and a plurality of discrete guard plates affixed to the top surface in a spaced relationship to each other. The guard plates comprise a material which significantly expands upon the addition of sufficient heat forming a thermally insulating, flame retardant layer.

Abstract: A flameproof, heat resistant, lightweight, one-piece escape suit which includes attached integral mitts or gloves, covered footing, and a hood. The fire and heat resistant one piece suit is designed to be worn over a commercial smoke hood, is formed from a metalized fabric, and meets the requirements of ASTM standard D6413. The suit is designed to be easily slipped onto a wearer's body over typical street clothing, and allows a wearer to wear his or her accustomed footwear for improved safety and comfort. The durable fabric provides protection to a wearer when crawling low to the ground on his or her knees and elbows as is often recommended as a preferred escape posture. The fire and heat resistant one piece suit may be provided in multiple sizes to fit adults and children.

Abstract: Surgical apparel comprising a substantially conically shaped shell having a narrower closed end and a wider open end dimensioned to fit over a crown area of a head of a surgical patient is described herein. The shell may include one or more layers of fabric having a thermal transfer property adapted to complement the closed end to reduce an amount of heat transfer from the head of the surgical patient to the ambient during a surgical procedure. Also, the fabric may be relatively inexpensive to enable disposal of the surgical apparel after a single use on the surgical patient.

Abstract: The present invention concerns thermal liner comprising crimped, heat resistant fibers held in a state of compression by a thermoplastic binder, wherein when the thermal liner is exposed to heat or flame, the liner increases its thickness by at least three times. The invention also relates to use of such barriers in protective fabrics, garments, and articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of garment, particularly for use in sports activities such as jogging, skating, skiing, or similar. Air-conditioning areas (11, 12, 13, and 14) are provided in the region most affected by perspiration.

Abstract: An adaptable garment material and method of producing such a material. The material may have a substrate and a plurality of shape memory polymer elements integrated therewith, or may be a mat of interwoven shape memory polymer elements. The shape memory elements adapt in the presence of an actuation trigger and exhibit different properties upon actuation.

Abstract: A cooling garment comprises a phase change material and at least one of: at least one leg portion and at least one arm portion. The phase change material may have a transition temperature between solid and liquid phases of between about 60° F. to about 90° F. The at least one arm portion has the phase change material disposed therein, and the at least one leg portion has the phase change material disposed therein. The arm and leg portions may be attached to a torso portion and shorts portion, respectively, and may be removable therefrom. The cooling garment may include a sensor configured to indicate a cooling capacity of the phase change material. A portable container having a reactivation substance stored therein may be provided to reactivate the phase change material. In one embodiment, the portable container is part of a self-contained breathing apparatus. In another embodiment, the phase change material is submerged in the reactivation substance in the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing the performance of host products such as outdoor gear provide for detecting a connection between drive and performance modules. The performance module has an associated output type and is installed in a host product. A drive profile is selected from a plurality of drive profiles based on the output type and performance characteristic of the host product and is modified by controlling the performance module based on the selected drive profile. Other embodiments include systems and methods of managing trips provide for a performance unit that generates profile data for a performance module based on pre-trip data. The profile data instructs a drive module to modify a performance characteristic of a host product in which the performance module is installed. A trip management unit collects sensor data from a sensor based on the pre-trip data and generates post-trip data based on the sensor data.

Abstract: In a protective garment comprising an outer shell and a lining system, the outer shell has a front closure, which is openable and closeable, and the lining system has a front closure, which is openable and closeable. Each front closure extends along a generally vertical path when said front closure is closed while the protective garment is being worn by a wearer standing vertically. The front closures are staggered so as not to overlie one another when the front closures are. closed while the protective garment is being worn. In one embodiment, the front closure of the outer shell is arranged so as to be approximately centered between two arm-covering portions of the protective garment, when the front closures are closed while the protective garment is being worn.

Abstract: A heat-resistant panel that protects a person from heat generated by an engine or an exhaust of a motorcycle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or other conveyance or vehicle having an engine and exhaust, and a method of blocking heat from an engine or an exhaust to protect a person from heat by placing a heat-resistant panel between the person and the engine or exhaust. The heat-resistant panel may be dimensioned to cover wholly or partially the person's leg area, knee area, ankle area, seat area or crotch area. The heat-resistant panel may be made of thermal insulating and thermal reflecting materials and may provide heat resistance of from about 80% to about 100%. The heat resistant panel may have thickness of from about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches. The heat-resistant panel may be worn by the person alone or as an undergarment or outergarment. The heat-resistant panel may be secured to a person's body or clothing.

Abstract: A flame resistant garment, in certain embodiments, may include multiple garment portions to provide different degrees of protection for welding or another application. In one embodiment, the flame-resistant garment may include a base garment and one or more supplemental protective layers or garments. For example, the base garment may include a jacket, a vest, a coverall, a jumpsuit, an overall, pants, trousers, a smock, a hat, a hood, or a combination thereof. The protective layer may include a bib or any other suitable attachment to add further flame resistance. Further, the multiple garment portions may be coupled together via a snap fastener system, a hook-and-loop system, a button system, a zipper system, a buckle system, or a clip system, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a textile surface having at least a high-visibility face. It is obtained from yarns or fibres of at least three types, of blanketing yarns or fibres, heat-stable yarns or fibres and high-visibility yarns or fibres. The surfaces provide excellent protection against fire and flames.

Abstract: An energy weapon protection device to be worn by a live potential target includes a generally flexible main panel having three main elements, a generally flexible, generally planar electrically non-conductive outer insulator panel, an electrically conductive inner conductive panel and an electrically non-conductive insulating backing panel. The inner conductive panel is mounted on the insulating back panel in generally parallel alignment and the outer insulator panel is mounted on the inner conductive panel in generally parallel alignment thereby forming the main panel, and the main panel is operative to receive an electrical pulse from an energy weapon through the outer insulator panel into the inner conductive panel which completes the electric circuit for the energy weapon and the insulating backing panel generally preventing electric current from passing therethrough from the inner conductive panel such that the live potential target is protected from the electrical pulse generated by the energy weapon.

Abstract: A height adjustable protective garment including an outer shell shaped to fit about the chest, torso and legs of a wearer and having a waist portion shaped to be located at or adjacent to a waist of a wearer. The garment further includes an adjusting strip having an attachment portion directly or indirectly coupled to the outer shell and a free end which is generally spaced apart from the attachment portion. The free end is releasably attachable to the outer shell or to the strip of material to adjust the height of the protective garment, and the adjusting strip is located at or adjacent to the waist portion.

Abstract: Closed air space devices and methods of use for full body bio hazard type suits that eliminates condensation and fogging from forming on the face masks and the window visors of the suit. The devices and methods have a sealed closed air space that can be formed from flexible see-through plastic in a cone shape that can be sealed between the mask and the visor. The closed air space can be pre-sealed to the visor/outer wall of the suit and have a second end fitted with an elastic type band that allows the wearer to attach and detach the closed space by wrapping the band about their face mask. Other embodiments use flat see-through plastic sheets, and sheets that attach about the neck of the user to form the closed air spaces between the face mask and the window visor of the suit.

Abstract: Being reversible, a protective garment for a military or paramilitary firefighter or emergency worker has a shell of high visibility and a shell of low visibility. The shell of high visibility has portions that are reflective, fluorescent, or both, which the shell of low visibility does not have. When facing outwardly, the shell of low visibility appears black, or at least dark, in ambient light or displays camouflage. Except that the shell of low visibility does not have any reflective or fluorescent portions, the shells conform to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for outer shells of protective garments for firefighters. The shells are equal, or at least similar, in basis weights.

Abstract: A cooling suit comprises: a cloth part; at least one spacer provided at a predetermined position of a reverse side of the cloth part, so as to ensure an airflow passage between the cloth part and a wearer's body; an air inlet provided at the cloth part so as to introduce air from the exterior into the airflow passage; an air outlet provided at the cloth part so as to take out the air within the airflow passage; a fan for forcibly causing an airflow within the airflow passage; and a battery for supplying an electric power to the fan.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is apparel that includes: (a) a heat exchanger adapted to be worn in close proximity to a portion of a body; (b) a garment adapted to cover the heat exchanger; and (c) a multiplicity of anchors that couple the heat exchanger and the garment at a multiplicity of anchor locations.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal liners for protective garments and protective garments that comprise thermal liners. In one embodiment, a thermal liner comprises an insulation layer comprising a batt of entangled flame resistant fibers, the insulation layer having a three-dimensional pattern that defines a plurality of closed-cell air pockets that are configured to trap air to insulate a wearer of the thermal liner, the insulation layer being shaped and configured for inclusion in the protective garment and for donning by the wearer.

Abstract: In a protective garment comprising an outer shell, a liner providing a conventional moisture barrier within the outer shell, and a thermal liner within the liner providing the conventional moisture barrier, a liner providing an additional moisture barrier within the thermal liner is provided. The additional moisture barrier extends from an edge of the protective garment, into the protective garment, for at least several inches from the edge. The edge could be the distal edge of an arm sleeve of a protective coat, the lower edge of the protective coat, or the distal edge of a leg sleeve of a pair of protective pants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: A carotid cooling jacket keeps the wearer cool during outside sporting events, for example. The jacket is reusable, and constructed of a waterproof inner lining and a soft outer cover. The outer cover can be made of various materials and in various colors. Filler caps are provided to fill the jacket inner liner with cooling fluid.

Abstract: Composite textile material for protecting the human body against heat, essential comprising an outer zone providing a leakproofing function, an intermediate zone in which a flow of air circulates, and an inner zone allowing mass and heat to be transferred into the intermediate zone, the material being characterized in that it is constituted by a three-dimensional cloth (1, 3, 4) having one fabric (1) of hydrophobic cloth constituting the outer zone, and having its other fabric (4) in the form of a woven cloth or a knit of hydrophilic fibers and constituting the inner zone, the two fabrics (1, 4) being interconnected by link threads (5) enabling the intermediate zone to exist.

Abstract: A body heating/cooling apparatus includes a vest having a front panel and a back panel defining a cavity therebetween. A flexible, continuous channel is disposed in serpentine fashion throughout the cavity and has adjacent portions. An inlet and an outlet are provided for infusing a fluid into the channel and for withdrawing the fluid from the channel. The adjacent portions of the channel are placed in fluid communication by passageways extending between corresponding adjacent portions at locations intermediate the ends of the adjacent portions. The passageways are configured with respect to the corresponding adjacent portions such that substantially all of a fluid flowing through the corresponding adjacent portions normally bypasses the passageways.

Abstract: The invention provides a life-saving device including means for allowing the wearer to be found easily, and a body temperature adjuster for maintaining the body temperature of the wearer at a proper body temperature by fine-adjusting the body temperature of the wearer depending on the outside temperature or the body temperature until the wearer is rescued.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: The thermal foot cover is an article of footwear to be worn when the wearer's foot is subjected to cold temperatures. The thermal foot cover has an upper cover portion attached to a bottom panel to define a cavity for insertion of a wearer's shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. The upper cover portion and the bottom panel are made from a material comprising an outer covering, a radiant barrier and a inner covering where the radiant barrier is sandwiched between the outer cover and the inner cover. The radiant barrier is the insulation system of the thermal foot cover, which reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the footwear and keeps the wearer's feet warm. The thermal foot cover is flexible, lightweight and readily washable due to the use of the radiant barrier as the insulation system.

Abstract: A survival suit including two inner bladders filled with air exhaled from the user to provide warmth and floatation. The first inner bladder is located against the user's back that covers the entire dorsal region. Located behind the first inner bladder is a second inner bladder that acts as an insulation layer when submerged under water. Both the first and second inner bladders are filled with fibrous filler material to provide insulation and allow exhaled air to flow freely therein. An air conduit extends from the user's mouth to the second inner bladder. Formed between the first and second inner bladders is an air passageway that delivers air from the second inner bladder into the first inner bladder. Air outlet ports located on the first inner bladder allows exhaled air to escape into the body cavity and that completely surround the user. The exhaled air in the body cavity eventually escapes through the face opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to patterned, flame resistant fabrics and methods of making them. Generally speaking, the fabrics comprise a plurality of high tenacity, flame resistant fibers, and a plurality of cellulosic fibers containing a flame retardant compound, and at least one color which is printed on the fabric to form the pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the flame resistant fibers are para-aramid fibers and the cellulosic fibers are rayon fibers to yield a strong, flame resistant fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reusable, launderable water-soluble coveralls.

Abstract: A combination surgical drape and blanket covers the entire body of a supine patient to provide draping and body temperature management in a single structure. A flexible sheet of plastic overlies a flexible substrate and is connected to the substrate at its periphery to create a hollow space into which warm air is pumped. A plurality of tie-downs maintains a low profile for the inflated cover. Removable panels grant access to areas of the body for surgical procedures. The structure includes a tool-holding platform and a releasably mounted urine drainage system that enables a patient to remain connected to a urine drainage bag even when the combination surgical drape and blanket is removed at the conclusion of a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing heat stress in firefighters supplies pressurized cooling water at a first pressure from a hose connected to a fire main for fighting fires onboard a ship. A manifold block switches parts of the pressurized cooling water at the first pressure through on/off valves and reduces pressure of the parts of the pressurized cooling water at the first pressure to a second pressure in flow regulators. The parts of the pressurized cooling water at the second pressure are fed through feeder hoses connected to the flow regulators and are conducted from the feeder hoses through tube suits each worn by a firefighter. Heat stress is reduced for each firefighter in each tube suit by the conducted parts of pressurized cooling water at the second pressure. The feeder hoses provide cooling water through each tube suit while the firefighters fight fires and during rest periods.

Abstract: An enhanced chest protector for usage in sporting events and hazardous activities. More particularly, the invention is a chest protector that utilizes a soft, pliable gel attached to the previously-existing chest protector to greatly enhance absorption and dissipation of impact forces. The gel is of a type commonly used for heat or freezer packs, and is configured in many separate panels to keep the gel from flowing across the entire device. Importantly, the gel is durable and lightweight, which allows the player to wear the product comfortably for extended periods of time. In addition, the gel may be frozen or refrigerated prior to use, so as to provide cooling for the player in hot water.

Abstract: A protective garment including a generally continuous outer shell and a moisture barrier located generally inside of the outer shell such that when the garment is worn, the moisture barrier is located generally between the outer shell and a wearer of the garment. The moisture barrier includes at least one vent such that at least part of the air located inside the moisture barrier can be vented outside of the moisture barrier.

Abstract: A method of cooling a person by evaporation, comprising providing a liquid-retaining composite material, and a bladder that stores a liquid; hydrating said multi-layered composite with a liquid; and employing said multi-layered, liquid-retaining composite material as a garment or a flat sheet and evaporatively cooling said person.

Abstract: A retroreflective garment constructed of flame resistant fabric. The garment is light-weight and can be single or double layered. Garments that can be constructed of flame resistant fabric with retroreflective elements applied thereon include garments such as, for example, shirts, pants, coveralls, jumpsuits, jackets, gloves, hats, etc. The flame resistant fabric has a coefficient of retroreflection of about 10 to about 500 candelas per lux per square meter. In addition, the retroreflective elements cover at least about 5 percent of the outer surface of the flame resistant fabric.

Abstract: An immersion suit having torso and leg compression straps which can be stowed by attaching them to the body of the immersion suit by way of hook and loop fasteners. The compression straps drive out air trapped inside and thus reduce the bulkiness of the suit. This reduces the likelihood for the suit to snag on objects which could impede the wearer's escape from, for example, a submerged aircraft. The convenient stowing of the straps also reduces the likelihood of the compression straps being caught on objects. In preferred embodiments, the compression strap comprises a first face of hook material and a second opposite face of loop material to enable one end of the compression strap to be affixed over an opposite end of the compression strap when stowed.

Abstract: Camouflage covering fabricated by the method of attaching dyed jute strands to netting, wherein the netting is placed over an individual or object to be camouflaged. The covering may be formed as an integral garment, such as a hooded poncho, or may be attached to clothing such as a battle dress uniform (BDU) to form a ghillie suit. The covering may be draped over an object such as a weapon, vehicle, equipment, or supplies. The present invention allows for quick, cost-effective creation of realistic three-dimensional camouflage coverings and apparel that are easily portable, naturally frayed in appearance, and securely assembled without the use of loops or snaps.

Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by fire fighters with improved water resistance is disclosed. In particular, the present invention is directed to an outer shell material for protective garments that is made from a fire resistant material coated with a durable water resistant coating. The durable water resistant coating is applied to the outer shell in a manner so that the coating will not degrade when exposed to normal wear and tear and even after the garment has been laundered repeatedly. Protective garments constructed in the past typically lost most of their water repellency after being laundered as little as five cycles. It has been discovered that water resistant coatings applied according to the process of the present invention, on the other hand, can survive at least 30 laundry cycles, and in many applications at least 50 laundry cycles without significantly degrading.

Abstract: The invention provides gel-coated materials that provide enhanced flame-, physical- and chemical-resistance to the foamed materials. The gel coatings can be created with a sol-gel process. Such treated materials can be used, for example, in the manufacture of articles of clothing that are to be used in environments in which fire and exposure to acids, bases or other chemicals which tend to corrode foamed materials is a potential hazard.

Abstract: A survival suit including two bladders filled with air exhaled from the user to provide warmth and floatation. The first bladder is located against the user's back that covers the entire dorsal region. Located behind the first bladder is a second bladder that acts as an insulation layer when submerged under water. Both the first and second bladders are filled with fibrous filler material to provide insulation and allow exhaled air to flow freely therein. An air conduit extends from the user's mouth to the second inner bladder. Formed between the first and second bladders is an air passageway that delivers air from the second bladder into the first bladder. Air outlet ports located on the first bladder allows exhaled air to escape into the body cavity and that completely surround the user. The exhaled air in the body cavity eventually escapes through the face opening.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier covering the moisture absorber, and an outer shell covering the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and two apparatuses enabling refrigerated wearing and dressing. A refrigerant substance in condensed phase undergoing sublimation or evaporation into gaseous phase will absorb heat. By convecting the sublimated or evaporated phase of the refrigerant substance onto areas surrounding a wearing or a dressing, temperatures nearby can thus be lowered, resulting in comfort on wearing or dressing. Refrigeration in this manner is effective, since sublimation heat and evaporation heat are much more pronounced than can otherwise be obtained via using a battery or a dry cell, for example. Refrigerant can be placed in a container providing convenience in use, allowing for refill or replacement when depleted. Refrigerated clothes, hats, hamlets, etc., are in great need by our communities, in situations whenever it requires walking across air-conditioned stations, working under the sun or before a furnace, driving a motorcycle with an air-tight hamlet, and so forth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: A garment of a type having an outer shell and an inner liner, the inner liner consisting of an outer moisture barrier and an inner thermal barrier, in which the inner liner is constructed such that the moisture barrier is easily separable from the thermal barrier. The moisture barrier is releasably connected to the thermal barrier are about the peripheries of the thermal barrier and moisture barrier and the connections at the peripheries are designed to minimize penetration of liquid moisture from the ambient to the thermal barrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.