Abstract: A method for joining two or more substrates with a seam is provided. The seam is formed with a thermoplastic tape that is capable of forming an adhesive bond and a physical bond with a substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the thermoplastic tape is formed from a polyurethane film. In addition, the seam can be utilized in a flat configuration or folded into a variety of different shapes, such as in a z-shaped configuration. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a seam can be formed to have improved strength without substantially sacrificing the desired functional properties of the substrate materials.

Abstract: This invention is for a composite structure and a garment constructed from the composite structure which can be worn next to the skin or as outerwear as well as a process for making the composite structure and garment. The garment provides microclimate control for the wearer by means of at least one three-dimensional passageway formed by an outer cover material which is secured to a first substrate layer. The passageway contains a filler material which adds support to the walls of the passageways and allows a fluid to flow through the filler material. The passageway provides a thermal insulation by its bulk or by allowing a fluid to be pumped through it. The first substrate layer is breathable to increase the comfort level of the wearer.

Abstract: A method for joining two or more substrates with a seam is provided. The seam is formed with a thermoplastic tape that is capable of forming an adhesive bond and a physical bond with a substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the thermoplastic tape is formed from a polyurethane film. In addition, the seam can be utilized in a flat configuration or folded into a variety of different shapes, such as in a z-shaped configuration. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a seam can be formed to have improved strength without substantially sacrificing the desired functional properties of the substrate materials.

Abstract: This invention is for a composite structure and a garment constructed from the composite structure which can be worn next to the skin or as outerwear as well as a process for making the composite structure and garment. The garment provides microclimate control for the wearer by means of at least one three-dimensional passageway formed by an outer cover material which is secured to a first substrate layer. The passageway contains a filler material which adds support to the walls of the passageways and allows a fluid to flow through the filler material. The passageway provides a thermal insulation by its bulk or by allowing a fluid to be pumped through it. The first substrate layer is breathable to increase the comfort level of the wearer.

Abstract: A method for joining two or more substrates with a seam is provided. The seam is formed with a thermoplastic tape that is capable of forming an adhesive bond and a physical bond with a substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the thermoplastic tape is formed from a polyurethane film. In addition, the seam can be utilized in a flat configuration or folded into a variety of different shapes, such as in a z-shaped configuration. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a seam can be formed to have improved strength without substantially sacrificing the desired functional properties of the substrate materials.

Abstract: A mechanical counter pressure glove system, that can be used in low-pressure environments such as outer space, is provided. The system includes a low friction base glove defining an internal volume for receiving a hand of a wearer. A pressure inducing glove is donned on the low friction glove so as to apply a mechanical pressure on the hand. The low friction material of the base glove facilitates donning of the pressure inducing glove.

Abstract: A counter pressure glove system, that can be used in low pressure environments such as outer space, is provided. The system includes a pressure member, pressure inducing glove and a support member. The pressure member is disposed on the dorsal metacarpals and the palmar knuckles of a hand of a wearer. The pressure member applies a predetermined amount of pressure against the dorsal metacarpals and the palmar knuckles. The pressure inducing glove is donned on the hand. The pressure inducing glove applies a second predetermined pressure against the pressure member as well as against the exposed regions of the hand that are not covered by the pressure member. The support member is disposed on the pressure inducing glove and inhibits lateral and vertical displacement of the pressure member.

Abstract: A mechanical counter pressure glove system, that can be used in low-pressure environments such as outer space, is provided. The system includes a low friction base glove defining an internal volume for receiving a hand of a wearer. A pressure inducing glove is donned on the low friction glove so as to apply a mechanical pressure on the hand. The low friction material of the base glove facilitates donning of the pressure inducing glove.

Abstract: A counter pressure glove system, that can be used in low pressure environments such as outer space, is provided. The system includes a pressure member, pressure inducing glove and a support member. The pressure member is disposed on the dorsal metacarpals and the palmar knuckles of a hand of a wearer. The pressure member applies a predetermined amount of pressure against the dorsal metacarpals and the palmar knuckles. The pressure inducing glove is donned on the hand. The pressure inducing glove applies a second predetermined pressure against the pressure member as well as against the exposed regions of the hand that are not covered by the pressure member. The support member is disposed on the pressure inducing glove and inhibits lateral and vertical displacement of the pressure member.