Abstract: In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter relates to a fiber construct suitable for use as a fill material for insulation or padding, comprising: a primary fiber structure comprising a predetermined length of fiber; a secondary fiber structure, the secondary fiber structure comprising a plurality of relatively short loops spaced along a length of the primary fiber.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter generally relates to shaped battle constructs for use in consumer products, such as garments and sleeping bags. In certain aspects, the shaped baffles are arranged in a multi-level construction of baffles wherein the baffles are offset in two or more levels. In certain aspects, the entire construct is a unitary woven, seamless construction.

Abstract: Constructs consisting of diatomized fibers, filaments, yarns, woven and non-woven textiles, fiber-based films, mats, and membranes, other constructs and finished products made from the foregoing. The inventive subject matter is particularly directed to apparel products and molded footwear outsoles, and other molded or textile-based products, wherein a plurality of diatomite particles embedded in the surface of a construct impart desired functionalities, such as moisture management, odor control, or traction or grip enhancement, water and dirt repellency, and wear resistance.

Abstract: A textile construct with a performance film formative built into a textile structure. The textile construct needs only to be subject to a fusing agent to cause the performance film formative to convert from its lattice structure (e.g., knit or woven structure) into a film that is built into a retained lattice structure of the textile. More particularly, the formation of the textile construct is based on fusion of selected filaments, e.g., thermoplastic fibers or yarns, to selectively create a film on one side or layer in the construct while substantially preserving the lattice structure of an opposing side or adjacent layer of non-fusible filaments in a lattice structure. This creates a hybrid film/lattice textile construct. Both open-faced and sandwiched constructions of the film in a unitary structure with the retained lattice structure of another side or layer(s) are possible.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a body, a pair of shoulder straps attached to the body, a pair of pockets, each of the pair of pockets being formed respectively in each of the pair of shoulder straps, and a sternum strap including two parts connectable with a connector, wherein each of the two parts is attached and can be stowed respectively inside of each of the pair of pockets. Each of the two parts has a first end attached to a first corner of the corresponding pocket and a second end attached to a second corner of the corresponding pocket, such that the connector can slide up or down along the two parts and, when the two parts are connected with the connector, each of the two parts forms a “V” shape.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate, comprising providing a substrate having a generally sheet or planar form or a fiber or yarn form; providing a colorant to be set at the surface of the substrate; and subjecting the substrate and colorant to reactive species from a plasma generated by an atmospheric plasma apparatus until the colorant is set at the surface of the substrate. A method of setting a colorant on a substrate, comprising performing an etch operation, or plasma pre-treatment to change surface charge, on a substrate using a plasma, particularly a plasma generated at atmospheric conditions, to create a desired surface texture, or surface charge, at the surface of substrate; and depositing a colorant on the surface under plasma or non-plasma conditions; and allowing the colorant to set at the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A backpack with an adjustable hip-belt set may include a backpanel, which may further include a panel sheet, a set of metal stays, and a thoracic carriage. The metal stays may be supported by a frame. Certain embodiments also include an adjustment mechanism, which may have hip-belt straps marked with indicia of measurement. A user may adjust the size of the hip-belt set by moving the straps horizontally in and out of cam buckles and by fastening the straps once a desired length is achieved.

Abstract: A modular airbag system may include at least one inflatable airbag configured to deploy outward on a side(s) of the airbag system, for example, in two opposite substantially horizontal directions, at least one airbag compartment, and one or more straps configured to strap the modular airbag system securely to one of a user's body and/or an object, and configured to release the modular airbag system from one of the user's body and/or the object.

Abstract: In some aspects, the inventive subject matter contemplates: providing a substrate; providing a biomaterial to be affixed to the substrate; and subjecting the substrate and biomaterial to reactive species from a plasma generated by an atmospheric plasma apparatus until the biomaterial affixes to the substrate. The biomaterial may be silk or wool polypeptide. The biomaterial is deposited as a monomeric film on the surface of the substrate before the substrate is subjected to the reactive species of the plasma. Once the substrate with the film of biomaterial is subjected to the reactive species, the reactive species facilitates the polymerization of the film as a coating on the underlying portion of substrate. The resulting coated substrates are novel constructs that have improved attributes based on the biomaterial selected for use. For example, silk proteins may be used improve the hand or strength of textile materials.

Abstract: Among other things, the inventive subject matter generally relates to systems and methods for collecting fibers of any scale in agglomerations of generally parallel strands for use in forming yarns, for example.

Abstract: A modular airbag system may include at least one inflatable airbag configured to deploy outward on a side(s) of the airbag system, for example, in two opposite substantially horizontal directions, at least one airbag compartment, and one or more straps configured to strap the modular airbag system securely to one of a user's body and/or an object, and configured to release the modular airbag system from one of the user's body and/or the object.

Abstract: A multi-layered construction includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and a baffle disposed between the first and second fabrics. The baffle is attached to the first and second fabrics so as to form a plurality of triangular-shaped chambers between the first and second fabrics. In other words, the baffle forms a zigzag-like pattern between the first and second fabrics. Another multi-layered construction also includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and a baffle disposed between the first and second fabrics. This baffle has a non-rectangular cross-section. More particularly, in certain examples, the baffle may have at least one curved edge and/or at least one tapered edge. In other examples, the baffle may have a vase-like cross-section having at least two curved edges.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a tongue, a collar located at an upper portion of the footwear, and a gaiter having a lower portion integrally fixed to the collar of the footwear. The tongue and the collar together define an opening, preferably sized to receive a wearer's foot. The gaiter includes first and second fastening flaps and a fastening device (or fastening means) located on the first and second fastening flaps. The gaiter is configured to switch between high and low positions, the high position being a position in which a substantial portion of the gaiter extends above the upper-most portion of the footwear, and the low position being a position in which a substantial portion of the gaiter is located below the upper-most portion of the footwear.

Abstract: An alternate quilting method and an apparatus manufactured by applying the alternate quilting method. Multiple layers may be arranged in layer sets, the layers of each layer set may be quilt-stitched to each other, and as a result, stitches may be formed. A space between the layers of each layer set may be filled with a thermal insulation material. The layer sets may be offset with respect to each other, in order for the stitches of one layer set to be blocked by the area of another layer set abundant with the insulation material, the objective of which may be to block flow of cold air through the alternate quilting construction.

Abstract: A backpack with an adjustable hip-belt set may include a backpanel, which may further include a panel sheet, a set of metal stays, and a thoracic carriage. The metal stays may be supported by a frame. Certain embodiments also include an adjustment mechanism, which may have hip-belt straps marked with indicia of measurement. A user may adjust the size of the hip-belt set by moving the straps horizontally in and out of cam buckles and by fastening the straps once a desired length is achieved.

Abstract: A leather laminating method and an apparatus manufactured by applying the leather laminating method. A waterproof membrane may be sandwiched between two layers of breathable materials, and a waterproof breathable (WPB) material may be formed. The WPB material may be laminated to a leather material by using a dot adhesive, and a laminate construction may be created. The laminate construction may be cut into pieces, and the pieces may be sewn together into a hand-covering garment. The garment may be taped at seams to prevent water from passing through the garment.

Abstract: A zipper assembly that allows for coupling multiple objects together and a single slider that serves to control a common opening for the coupled objects.