Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a trim piece assembly that can be incorporated into an article of apparel, where the trim piece assembly is used to house a drawcord. The trim piece assembly is constructed and incorporated into the article of apparel in such a way that there is no topstitching on the external-facing surface of the article of apparel in areas where the trim piece assembly is located.

Abstract: The present invention relates to upper body garments designed to provide an enhanced range of motion to the arms and shoulders of a wearer. This is accomplished by having a layered construction comprising different fabric/textile materials where the enhanced range of motion is desired. In aspects, the upper body garment includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve where the garment is structured so that the outer sleeve is decoupled from the inner sleeve in one or more locations.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an apparel layer system configured to provide variable levels of insulation, warming, or air permeability. The apparel layer system comprises a first layer of material and a second layer of material both extending in a first planar direction. A third layer of material is positioned between the first and the second layers of material and is selectively affixed thereto. An adjustment mechanism coupled to the second layer of material can be mechanically manipulated to shift the second layer of material between different positions or states to achieve variable levels of offset between the first and second layers of material in the first planar direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first planar direction.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable insert for item of clothing or accessory, including a collector element adapted to absorb solar radiation, a window element that is transparent to the solar radiation absorbed by the collector element, and an interspace formed between the window element and the collector element, the collector element and the window element being arranged at two opposite faces of the interspace.

Abstract: Relating to a multi-component garment including a first outer component, provided with first fixing; a second inner component for providing protection against knocks and/or falls, provided with second fixing; and a third, inner, thermal insulation component provided with third fixing. The first, second and third fixing are designed to cooperate with each other so as to allow selective mutual fixing of at least: (a) the first outer component and the second inner component, (b) the first outer component and the third inner component and (c) the first outer component, the second inner component and the third inner component to each other.

Abstract: Provided is a down-proof woven fabric which is highly effective to prevent leakage of down from a seam of a product, even having a low cover factor, the woven fabric containing a single yarn having a convex portion and a concave portion in a cross section, in which an air permeability is 0.1 cm3/cm2·s or more and 2.0 cm3/cm2·s or less; a total fineness is 5 dtex or more and 80 dtex or less; a total cover factor of a warp and a weft is 1500 or more and 2200 or less; a hole is formed in the woven fabric with a sewing machine needle having a cross-sectional diameter (thickness of a main body of the sewing machine needle) of 1.00 mm, and in an area having a radius of 1.5 mm about the hole, a total number of warps and wefts that are displaced by 0.

Abstract: A garment for a four legged animal comprises a first expanse configured to substantially cover the trunk of an animal. A first set of wings are coupled to a proximal end of the first expanse and configured to secure together about the neck of the animal. A second set of wings are coupled to the first expanse distally to the first set and configured to secure together about the trunk of the animal. A collar extending forwardly from the proximal end of the first expanse is configured to be folded back to create a gap with the first expanse. The second expanse is configured to attach to and substantially cover the first expanse in a first, unfurled position and to roll up adjacent the proximal end of the first expanse in a second, stowed position within the gap formed between the collar and the first expanse.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to an arrangement of discrete elements of fill material on a substrate consisting of a sheet material wherein the discrete elements are fixed relative to the sheet material by pilings, fusion, and/or entanglement to fix the insulating elements in a layered arrangement over the sheet material. A second sheet of material may be used to create a sandwiched assembly of the discrete elements. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is generally directed to discrete elements of fill material that are engaged together to form a cohesive sheet-like or layered arrangement of the elements.

Abstract: A garment or accessory includes an outer layer coupled to a liner that is partially removable via fasteners. The outer layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The liner includes an edge. A portion of the edge is coupled to the inner surface of the outer layer. The fastener includes a first member coupled to the inner surface of the outer layer and a second member coupled to the liner at an uncoupled portion of the edge of the liner. A space is formed between the liner and the inner surface of the outer layer. The space is accessible through the uncoupled portion.

Abstract: An emergency anti-hypothermia system has a thermally insulating vest that is sufficiently portable to be carried for emergency use in a pocket, purse, backpack, compartment of a vehicle, ski pole or other location, with the vest providing thermal insulation by being made with thermally insulating air impervious material that also provides for its inflation. A multiplicity of interconnected inflated chambers situated about the vest, provides thermal insulation by anti-conduction, anti-radiation and anti-convection in a highly portable system. An outer surface having radar reflective properties further improves visibility of the vest.

Abstract: A garment usable for extreme sports is made of a tough fabric that is not easily damaged in falls and high speed contact with surfaces such as roads and sidewalks. The garment has elastic seams placed at points where an athlete may flex muscles and bend body parts. The seams enable bending tensile forces to be distributed between several layers of strips that are secured within the seams and having different elastic properties such as elastic limit, elastic cycle duration, and restoration force so that together these strips are able to exhibit plural properties that one material is unable to achieve.

Abstract: A neckline gusset for securing an exterior shell layer of an apparel item to an inner liner layer of the apparel item at a neckline region of the apparel item is provided. The neckline gusset comprises an outer edge corresponding in shape to the neckline of the exterior shell layer, an inner edge corresponding in shape to the neckline of the inner liner layer, a first center-front gusset edge connecting the outer edge to the inner edge at a first end of the neckline gusset, and a second center-front gusset edge connecting the outer edge to the inner edge at a second end of the neckline gusset. The first and second center-front gusset edges curve inwardly into the body of the neckline gusset and form acute angles with both the outer edge and the inner edge of the neckline gusset.

Abstract: A protective garment including a heat, flame and abrasion resistant outer shell configured to be worn on at least part of a body of a wearer, the outer shell including an opening formed therein. The garment further includes a heat and flame resistant material, of a different type of material than the outer shell, positioned in the opening.

Abstract: Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal, abrasion resistance, and moisture management properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a hydrophobic fiber component, a hydrophilic fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties and abrasion resistance, such as fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.

Abstract: An insulating garment includes an inner fabric having a knitted laminar structure adapted to absorb perspiration of a user. The inner fabric utilizes polymer fibers and a mixture of polyamide and polyester multifilaments present in an amount of between 30-50% and have a thickness between 0.3-3 dtex. An outer fabric has a knitted laminar structure and an inner surface including a moisture repellent finish adapted to repel perspiration of a user. The outer fabric utilizes polyester-brushed cotton threads in an amount of between 40-60% of the fabric. The end portions of the inner and outer fabrics are stitched together to form an air chamber there between. In use, perspiration from a user is absorbed by the inner fabric into the air chamber, where it can evaporate.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. In one embodiment, a relatively lightweight fabric is produced that has been treated with a flame resistant polymer composition. The treated fabric is particularly well suited for producing jackets and trousers that are not only flame resistant, but also offer wind resistance and water resistance.

Abstract: Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal, abrasion resistance, and moisture management properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a hydrophobic fiber component, a hydrophilic fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties and abrasion resistance, such as fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.

Abstract: In an ensemble for a firefighter or for an emergency rescue worker, protective trousers and a protective coat are provided with elastomeric gaskets, such as neoprene gaskets, one of which lines an inside surface of a distal margin of each leg of the protective trousers and is adapted to be snugly stretched around a protective boot, another of which lines an inside surface of a distal margin of each arm of the protective coat and is adapted to be snugly stretched around a protective glove, and another of which lines an inside surface of a lower margin of the protective coat and is adapted to be snugly stretched around the protective trousers. Such gaskets extend from and, preferably, are unitary with liners, such as neoprene liners, which provide moisture and/or chemical barriers. When stretched snugly, such gaskets inhibit ingress of potentially harmful materials, whether gaseous, liquid, or particulate.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell, a thermal barrier having a thermal protection performance of at least about twenty, and a moisture barrier positioned between the outer shell and the thermal barrier. The thermal barrier includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer positioned between the outer and inner layers. The outer layer is positioned adjacent to the moisture barrier, and moisture is more attracted to the intermediate layer than to the outer layer.

Abstract: A stab resistant knit fabric, made containing a plurality of panels of a knit fabric having a modified knit structure corresponding to rows of knit stitches, wherein each of the panels of knit fabric comprise a front layer of knit fabric and a back layer of knit fabric, wherein the front layer and back layer are joined together by rows of tuck stitches formed from a yarn having no more than 4.5% elongation; wherein at least one panel of knit fabric is arranged such that the rows of knit stitches of the at least one panel of knit fabric are perpendicular to the rows of at least one other panel of knit fabric, its combination with a ballistic layer to provide ballistic resistance properties, and a protective garment prepared therefrom.

Abstract: An element for an article of apparel, a container, or a variety of other products is disclosed. The element is formed from at least one section of a two-dimensional material, and the element includes a first edge and a second edge that each exhibit a concave configuration. Portions of the material adjacent the first edge and the second edge are arranged to overlap each other such that: (a) a portion of the first edge overlaps a portion of the second edge and (b) another portion of the second edge overlaps another portion of the first edge. The element may be utilized as a joint or a pocket in the article of apparel, and the element may form a pocket in the container.

Abstract: An insulating product and method for its creation involving inner valves designed to impede the flow of insulating materials between compartments formed by the inner valves. This allows for creating vertical baffles in addition to the typical horizontal baffles.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: A protective garment comprising an outer shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The protective garment further comprising a moisture barrier layer, a thermal insulating layer and a mesh liner layer. The thermal insulating layer comprises at least one of a facecloth material, a batting material, a spunlace material and a felt material, and the mesh liner layer is unattached to the thermal insulating layer.

Abstract: Embodiments provide body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of holographic heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing elements include heat-directing elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and that may direct heat towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of performance characteristic elements coupled to a base material to direct heat, absorb heat, emit heat, and/or wick moisture while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, two, three, four, or more different types of performance characteristic elements may be included in a piece of body gear, for example in desired zones of the body gear.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a fluid-circulating heat exchanging garment, the method including providing a fabric panel for assembly of the heat exchanging garment, defining a tubing layout on the fabric panel with straight portions and bend portions defined in a flexible tubing. The straight portions of the tubing are affixed to the fabric panel and a mold is inserted into the inner radius of each bend portion. The mold has a shape corresponding to each bend portion and a channel having a radius adapted to closely fit over the tubing. The fabric panel and tubing are heated to an annealing temperature of the tubing. After cooling the fabric panel, the molds are removed, leaving the tubing reshaped at the bend portions to a desired radius.

Abstract: A detachable solar thermal coat assembly with carbon nanocapsule composite material includes an outer jacket, an inner lining and a conducting wire. The outer jacket has therein a power input device that provides electric power to a carbon nanocapsule fiber composite layer of the inner lining through the conducting wire so that the carbon nanocapsule fiber composite layer is powered to give out heat and warm a user wearing the solar thermal coat assembly.

Abstract: A jacket has several features useful for participating in a sport while wearing the jacket. The jacket may have a shell with a pocket in an upper region of the shell and a semi-rigid collar located in the pocket, wherein the semi-rigid collar is movable between a storage position wherein the semi-rigid collar is in the pocket and a use position wherein the semi-rigid collar is partially removed from the pocket. The jacket may also have a shoulder region with discrete areas of gripping material located on the shoulder region. The jacket may also have an inner core wrap having a perimeter, wherein a portion of the perimeter is removably attached to the outer shell that hugs the torso of a wearer.

Abstract: A bonded structure for use in a garment, comprising at least two mutually interbonded interlining fabrics, wherein the interlining fabrics each include warp yarns and weft yarns and wherein the interlining fabrics are next to each other, such that the structure has high shape stability even after repeated washing and drying operations, wherein the warp yarns of the first interlining fabric are at least partly in a parallel arrangement with the warp yarns of a second interlining fabric, or in that part of the warp yarns of a first interlining fabric are oriented at an angle in the range from 45 ° to 90 ° in relation to the warp yarns of a second interlining fabric.

Abstract: Protective clothing for environments having high radiant heat loads and/or high conductive heat loads is described. Protective clothing including, but not limited to, coats and pants and methods of making such protective clothing are provided. Protective clothing may include a thermally reflective liner positioned internal to an outer layer or shell, the thermally reflective liner having a reflective surface facing the outer layer or shell.

Abstract: A venting apparatus with a no-catch mechanism and a method of manufacture of the apparatus are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a fastening device, a venting mechanism wherein the venting mechanism further comprises an opening, a mesh arrangement, and a no-catch mechanism.

Abstract: A vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: Waterproof moisture-permeable fabric for clothing which includes, on one side of a polyester fabric A, a waterproof moisture-permeable layer B including a colorless transparent polyester film stacked, and a white or gray resin C partially stacked, and clothing including the waterproof moisture-permeable fabric. Preferably, a moisture-permeable polymer resin D containing inorganic fine particles is stacked on the waterproof moisture-permeable layer B, and the white or gray resin C is partially stacked thereon.

Abstract: A safety vest for use with a safety harness, which includes first and second shoulder straps connected with a connector in an overlapping, crisscrossing relationship proximate a juncture. The first and second shoulder straps form an opening therebetween and below the connector. The vest includes an outer lining and an inner lining, and the first and second shoulder straps are at least partially positioned between the outer and inner linings. The inner lining extends from proximate an upper portion of the outer lining to proximate an intermediate portion of the outer lining. The inner lining includes a releasable connector configured and arranged to extend through the opening and releasably connect to the outer lining, wherein the releasable connector is disconnected and the inner lining is moved away from portions of the first and second shoulder straps to allow for inspection of the first and second shoulder straps.

Abstract: An item of clothing for personal air-conditioning which has at least one three-dimensional air-flow guiding structure. The air-flow guiding structure is an air-impermeable woven spacing fabric. At least one pocket exists to accommodate an air-pumping device. The pocket interior is connected to the structure which allows for an air-flow capable of being supplied by the air-pumping device into the structure or out of the structure and connected to the environment allowing air to be drawn from or expelled into the environment.

Abstract: Vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.

Abstract: A flame-resistant shirt is described that has vents to facilitate heat release and air circulation while preserving flame-resistant qualities. The shirt has a standard front half, but a back half which includes a cape portion with openings to provide ventilation across the wearer's back.

Abstract: A ventilated and water-resistant garment is provided. The ventilated garment has at least one vent disposed in a wind-resistant protective material layer and has a closure to selectively permit fluid flow through the vent. A breathable material underlies the vent. The vent has a securing strap with a fastener that secures with a complementary fastener to ensure that the breathable material is substantially exposed to promote fluid flow through the breathable material. A pair of vents is preferably provided in the garment with each have a securing strap with a fastener that removably engages with the complementary fastener on the other securing strap to enhance flow through the vents. Further, double-vent water-resistant openings are provided, having a primary and a secondary closable opening, which can be offset from one another to enhance water and fluid impermeability while providing ventilation.

Abstract: A ski jacket with a waist adjuster storage structure includes an upper fixing end fixed to the lining, and two jointing ends to be engaged with each other. A zipper half is stitched above the fixing end of the waist adjuster. Below the waist adjuster is disposed a pocket which opens upwards to store the waist adjuster, the lower end, and left and right ends of the pocket are connected to the lining, respectively, an upper end of the pocket is provided with a zipper half. The waist adjuster is received in the pocket, the zipper half at the upper end of the pocket is meshed with the zipper half of the waist adjuster to close the pocket. The waist adjuster can be stored in the storage structure, when the wearer isn't skiing, and the ski jacket can be worn as an ordinary jacket.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a vented apparel, comprising: an outer shell; an inner liner disposed adjacent at least a portion of an inside of the outer shell; a vent through the outer shell, wherein the vent is substantially covered by a screen; a zipper on the inner liner; and an adjusting mechanism on the outer shell; wherein the adjusting mechanism is connected to the zipper in order to move the zipper between a closed position and an open position. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vent system, comprising: a vent through an outer shell of an item incorporating the vent system, wherein the vent is substantially covered by a screen; a zipper on an inner liner of the item, wherein the inner liner is disposed adjacent at least a portion of an inside of the outer shell; and an adjusting mechanism on the outer shell; wherein the adjusting mechanism is connected to the zipper in order to move the zipper between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: Embodiments herein may provide a powder skirt system that may include an outer shell/layer, an inner removable liner configured to be optionally coupled to the shell, an envelope of material coupled to a lower portion of the shell, and a powder skirt coupled to the envelope. The envelope may be coupled to either the shell or the removable liner, such that the powder skirt can be used whether or not the removable liner is coupled to the shell.

Abstract: A detachable solar thermal coat assembly with carbon nanocapsule composite material includes an outer jacket, an inner lining and a conducting wire. The outer jacket has therein a power input device that provides electric power to a carbon nanocapsule fiber composite layer of the inner lining through the conducting wire so that the carbon nanocapsule fiber composite layer is powered to give out heat and warm a user wearing the solar thermal coat assembly.

Abstract: A weather resistant textile article comprising: a primary outer shell having an edge at least partially defining an opening for wearing the article; and a moisture wicking lining attached to at least the primary outer shell. In the preferred embodiment, the article includes a secondary outer shell attached to the primary outer shell. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the article includes a moisture permeable adhesive layer joining the shell and the lining.

Abstract: A thermally protective fabric includes a composition of inherently flame resistant fibers, and interstices having insulating pockets of air, wherein at least some of the air is incorporated into the interstices through a mechanical working process.

Abstract: A uniform-type chef suit garment that appears to have physically separate jacket and pants but that includes an upper torso jacket and liner which is attached to the pants to optimize comfort by eliminating a fitted waist, while improving serviceability during cleaning of the garment. The garment includes various means that enable the wearer to don and remove the chef suit. In various embodiments, the pants are further adapted to be adjustable in length or to have a length limiting feature to prevent undesirable wear and soiling of the cuffs. In various preferred configurations, the jacket may preferably also incorporate a jacket taper adjustment feature as well as various implement holding elements that can be adapted to retain towels, gloves, cooking utensils, and other implements. In various alternative modifications, reversible breast lapels are incorporated into the garment to prolong clean and professional appearance and serviceability in operational food service environments.

Abstract: A combined clothing garment and air-cooling device may include a vest and helmet adapted to removably position about a user's body. The garments may include spaced insulation layers with an internal chamber formed therebetween. A mechanism may be included for selectively introducing air into the internal chamber. The mechanism may include entry ports in the outer layer and an air-intake vent positioned over the entry ports manually toggled open and closed. Another mechanism may be included for cooling the air within the internal chamber and channeling cooled air out. An access panel preferably has windows along its longitudinal length and may be slidably interfitted within the body and linearly displaced open and closed to permit and prohibit air from entering. A cooling agent containing dry ice may be removably contained within internal tubing for lowering air temperature.