Abstract: A technique and apparatus for evaluating the degree of hydroenhancement achieved in a woven fabric. The degree of hydroenhancement is related to the permeability of the woven fabric (i.e., the permeability of the woven fabric will decrease as the hydroenhancement increases). The hydroenhanced fabric is pulled over a vacuum source (while a constant vacuum is maintained) and the air flow through the fabric is measured. The air flow per unit area of fabric is then calculated and defined as the permeability. Alternatively, the permeability can be calculated by maintaining a constant air flow and measuring the vacuum drop associated with the treated fabric. The degree of hydroenhancement may then be assessed as related to this permeability measurement.

Abstract: A neck and cervical spine protector device for the dispersement of axial compressive forces on the head away from the neck and cervical spine region to the posterior midline portions of the shoulders and upper thoracic region of the user includes a U-shaped upper structure for fitting about the back and opposite sides of the neck of the user and resting upon the posterior midline portions of the shoulders of the user adjacent to the opposite sides of the neck, a top surface defined on the U-shaped upper structure for seating thereon a head protector worn by the user, and a lower structure, connected to and extending downwardly from a lower portion of the U-shaped upper structure, to overlie the upper thoracic region on opposite sides of the spinal column for dispersing axial compressive forces applied on the head away from the neck and spine directly to a greater area on the shoulders and upper thoracic region of the user's body or indirectly thereto in conjunction with shoulder protectors worn by the user.