Abstract: A glove having a back side, two exterior edges, and a palm side and having finger, palm and wrist portions comprising an exterior layer having an interior and being sized to fit a hand; a waterproof, air-permeable interior layer covering the entire interior of the exterior layer; and a plurality of vapor vents passing through the exterior layer and being located on the glove back side on at least some finger portions, optionally located on the glove back side adjacent the wrist portion, and located on one or more finger portions defining the two exterior edges of the glove wherein the location of the air vents keeps the palm portion of the palm side free of air vents to facilitate user palm bending.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a foot retaining portion having a heel area and having an interior side, the interior side sized and shaped to hold a foot and including an upper portion, the upper portion optionally lined with a pliable material; a first exterior insole layer having therein a cut-out adjacent the heel area of the foot retaining portion, the first exterior inside layer having an interior surface forming the bottom of the foot retaining portion and that is lined with pliable material; a second exterior insole layer having a heel strike pad sized and shaped to fit within the cut-out of the first exterior insole layer, the heel strike pad comprised of a material that absorbs and disperses heel strike forces; a third exterior insole layer sized to fit the foot retaining portion and having therein a cut-out adjacent the heel area of the foot retaining portion, the third exterior insole layer comprised of a material that provides foot cushioning; a fourth exterior insole layer adjacent the third exterior insole l

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an article of apparel in the form of a hand-worn article, such as a mitten or glove. The hand-worn article has an inner lining into which the wearer's hand is inserted, an insulating layer covering the inner lining, and an outer cover covering all of the above. The insulating layer has varied insulation to provide multiple levels of insulation to the wearer's hand. The hand-worn article so formed is capable of providing enhanced comfort to the wearer's hand. Moreover, the present invention also relates to an insulating item, such as for use to make a body-worn article. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of making a hand-worn article using the insulating layer to provide enhanced insulation and/or dexterity.

Abstract: A glove having a back side, two exterior edges, and a palm side and having finger, palm and wrist portions comprising an exterior layer having an interior and being sized to fit a hand; a waterproof, air-permeable interior layer covering the entire interior of the exterior layer; and a plurality of vapor vents passing through the exterior layer and being located on the glove back side on at least some finger portions, optionally located on the glove back side adjacent the wrist portion, and located on one or more finger portions defining the two exterior edges of the glove wherein the location of the air vents keeps the palm portion of the palm side free of air vents to facilitate user palm bending.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a foot retaining portion having a heel area and having an interior side, the interior side sized and shaped to hold a foot and including an upper portion, the upper portion optionally lined with a pliable material; a first exterior insole layer having therein a cut-out adjacent the heel area of the foot retaining portion, the first exterior inside layer having an interior surface forming the bottom of the foot retaining portion and that is lined with pliable material; a second exterior insole layer having a heel strike pad sized and shaped to fit within the cut-out of the first exterior insole layer, the heel strike pad comprised of a material that absorbs and disperses heel strike forces; a third exterior insole layer sized to fit the foot retaining portion and having therein a cut-out adjacent the heel area of the foot retaining portion, the third exterior insole layer comprised of a material that provides foot cushioning; a fourth exterior insole layer adjacent the third exterior insole l

Abstract: A multi-ply glove or mitt construction having a multi-ply shell and multi-ply selectively removable liner is provided with interengaging contacting surfaces. The shell is formed by an outer water repellant layer and an inner heat insulating layer, between which is sandwiched a relatively waterproof breathable layer. A slide layer is formed on the inner surface of the inner heat insulating layer. The insulating layer of the shell is preferrably formed of a lofting material such as down, DACRON or THINSULATE fiber, or the like natural or synthetic fibrous materials lending themselves to lofting. The slide layer faces the interior of the glove and is formed of a material providing a shiny surface by means of a non-brushed knit or woven synthetic such as nylon and/or similar sheet synthetic.