Abstract: A textile actuator worn by a user comprises a textile envelope that defines a chamber made fluid-impermeable by a fluid-impermeable bladder contained in the textile envelope and/or a fluid-impermeable structure incorporated into the textile envelope. The textile envelope has a pre-determined geometry that produces an equilibrium state at a non-180°-angle displacement and that stops further displacement upon pressurization of the chamber and prevents over-extension of the joint. A fluid is delivered into or out of the chamber to displace the textile envelope primarily by transitioning from an uninflated state to the pre-determined geometry due to displacement of the textile envelope rather than via stretching or contraction of the textile envelope. When actuated, the textile actuator (a) displaces a body segment of the user and/or (b) supports and holds the body segment of the user in place.

Abstract: A textile actuator and harness system can include a harness configured to be worn with a portion extending across a wearer's joint. The harness comprises a substantially inextensible section and at least two mounting locations spaced for positioning across the joint, with at least one located along the substantially inextensible section of the harness. A textile envelope defines a chamber and is made fluid-impermeable by (a) a fluid-impermeable bladder contained in the textile envelope and/or (b) a fluid-impermeable structure incorporated into the textile envelope. The textile envelope is secured to the harness at each mounting location, and the textile envelope has a pre-determined geometry configured to produce assistance to the joint due to inflation of the textile envelope during a relative increase in pressure inside the chamber.

Abstract: A textile actuator worn by a user comprises a textile envelope that defines a chamber made fluid-impermeable by a fluid-impermeable bladder contained in the textile envelope and/or a fluid-impermeable structure incorporated into the textile envelope. The textile envelope has a pre-determined geometry that produces an equilibrium state at a non-180-angle displacement and that stops further displacement upon pressurization of the chamber and prevents over-extension the joint. A fluid is delivered into or out of the chamber to displace the textile envelope primarily by transitioning from an uninflated state to the pre-determined geometry due to displacement of the textile envelope rather than via stretching or contraction of the textile envelope. When actuated, the textile actuator (a) displaces a body segment of the user and/or (b) supports and holds the body segment of the user in place.

Abstract: A textile actuator and harness system can include a harness configured to be worn with a portion extending across a wearer's joint. The harness comprises a substantially inextensible section and at least two mounting locations spaced for positioning across the joint, with at least one located along the substantially inextensible section of the harness. A textile envelope defines a chamber and is made fluid-impermeable by (a) a fluid-impermeable bladder contained in the textile envelope and/or (b) a fluid-impermeable structure incorporated into the textile envelope. The textile envelope is secured to the harness at each mounting location, and the textile envelope has a pre-determined geometry configured to produce assistance to the joint due to inflation of the textile envelope during a relative increase in pressure inside the chamber.

Abstract: An outdoor item such as a sleeping bag, jacket, hat or blanket with one or more ventilation/temperature adjustment openings. Each ventilation/temperature adjustment opening includes a fastening mechanism that when opened, an opening is formed in the outer layer and insulative material/layer of the sleeping bag but not in the inner layer, allowing the outdoor item to vent better, thereby cooling an occupant using or wearing the outdoor item thereby offering temperature regulation.

Abstract: A textile actuator worn by a user comprises a textile envelope that defines a chamber made fluid-impermeable by a fluid-impermeable bladder contained in the textile envelope and/or a fluid-impermeable structure incorporated into the textile envelope. The textile envelope has a pre-determined geometry that produces an equilibrium state at a non-180-angle displacement and that stops further displacement upon pressurization of the chamber and prevents over-extension the joint. A fluid is delivered into or out of the chamber to displace the textile envelope primarily by transitioning from an uninflated state to the pre-determined geometry due to displacement of the textile envelope rather than via stretching or contraction of the textile envelope. When actuated, the textile actuator (a) displaces a body segment of the user and/or (b) supports and holds the body segment of the user in place.

Abstract: An outdoor item such as a sleeping bag, jacket, hat or blanket with one or more ventilation/temperature adjustment openings. Each ventilation/temperature adjustment opening includes a fastening mechanism that when opened, an opening is formed in the outer layer and insulative material/layer of the sleeping bag but not in the inner layer, allowing the outdoor item to vent better, thereby cooling an occupant using or wearing the outdoor item thereby offering temperature regulation.

Abstract: A sleeping bag with one more ventilation/temperature adjustment openings. The sleeping bag includes a length and width and the one more ventilation/temperature adjustment openings extend along a length of the front or upper side of the sleeping bag. A first more ventilation/temperature adjustment opening is located on a first side of a central opening access and a second more ventilation/temperature adjustment opening is located on a second side of the central opening access. Each more ventilation/temperature adjustment openings includes a fastening mechanism that when opened, a crevice is formed in the outer layer and insulative material of the sleeping bag, allowing the sleeping bag to vent better, thereby cooling an occupant of the sleeping bag and offering temperature regulation.

Abstract: A sleeping bag with one more ventilation/temperature adjustment openings. The sleeping bag includes a length and width and the one more ventilation/temperature adjustment openings extend along a length of the front or upper side of the sleeping bag. A first more ventilation/temperature adjustment opening is located on a first side of a central opening access and a second more ventilation/temperature adjustment opening is located on a second side of the central opening access. Each more ventilation/temperature adjustment openings includes a fastening mechanism that when opened, a crevice is formed in the outer layer and insulative material of the sleeping bag, allowing the sleeping bag to vent better, thereby cooling an occupant of the sleeping bag and offering temperature regulation.