Abstract: An insulating liner for an article of clothing includes an insulating layer including an aerogel material and having opposite sides with passages extending therebetween, and a cover encapsulating the insulating layer. The cover includes vent holes aligned with the passages of the insulating layer, and has portions that extend into the passages of the insulating layer from the opposite sides of the insulating layer, with the portions having vent holes therethrough and being sealed about the periphery of the vent holes. A valve may be provided with the liner to allow gas to be withdrawn or expelled from the liner. Methods of forming the insulating liner(s) are also provided.

Abstract: A thermal exchange breathing device is provided which include a heat exchange module 14 which is mounted in a face mask (12) with an air flow passage extending from a mouthpiece (72) through a breathing vent (64) to an atmospheric vent (68) through a heat exchange medium (68) in the heat exchange module. The face mask (12) is provided with a head strap (22,94) which may include connectors (95 and 95′) between the respective ends of the head strap and the sides of the face mask, said connectors including a stand-off (97) to keep the face mask snug against the user's face when the user wears a helmet.

Abstract: A headgear assembly including a flexible cap and an insulator adapted to increase the heat retention of the cap. The cap includes an interior surface and a peripheral edge which surround and define a hemispherical interior cavity. A sweatband is affixed to the peripheral edge of the cap and is located adjacent the interior surface of the cap. The insulator is disposed within the interior cavity of the cap and includes a peripheral edge disposed between the band and the interior surface of the cap which retains the insulator within the cap.