Abstract: Inner wear for wearing beneath a jacket is provide, including a water permeable top suitable for wearing indoors in heated surroundings; and a waterproof, water repellent or water resistant band, the band attached to a bottom portion of the top below said jacket, and sized to cover the torso of a wearer. The band may be detachable from the top, and may be attached to the top via a hook and loop combination, buttons, snaps, or a zipper.

Abstract: A coat including a torso portion defining a torso cavity and including pair of portions that are releasably connectable together. The coat further includes a skirt positioned in the torso cavity. The coat is configured such that when the coat is worn by a wearer and the portions are releasably connected together the skirt generally sealingly engages the wearer. The coat is further configured such that the skirt automatically generally sealingly engages the wearer when the coat is worn by the wearer and the portions are releasably connected without requiring any further action by the wearer.

Abstract: A jacket has several features useful for participating in a sport while wearing the jacket. The jacket may have a shell with a pocket in an upper region of the shell and a semi-rigid collar located in the pocket, wherein the semi-rigid collar is movable between a storage position wherein the semi-rigid collar is in the pocket and a use position wherein the semi-rigid collar is partially removed from the pocket. The jacket may also have a shoulder region with discrete areas of gripping material located on the shoulder region. The jacket may also have an inner core wrap having a perimeter, wherein a portion of the perimeter is removably attached to the outer shell that hugs the torso of a wearer.

Abstract: A tee shirt, polo type shirt and/or garment of simple design is quickly, easily and selectively changed into an innovative, versatile garment by alternating, reversing and/or interchanging extensions that consist of but not limited to cuffs, collars and layers that attaches by various means to necklines, tubular sleeves, waist or waistlines changing a garment of simple design into an innovative garment that is more versatile, more flexible, more adaptable and more purposeful, for a variety of situations, activities and/or requirements.

Abstract: A flame resistant shirt is described that has a standard front half, but a back half which includes a cape portion with openings to provide ventilation across the wearer's back.

Abstract: Disclosed is a jacket having a warm pocket capable of warming hands of a user without interrupting user's activity in the field. The jacket has a dual-layer structure of an inner skin and an outer skin so as to accommodate a warmer therein. A pocket is formed at a front part or a rear part of the jacket by sewing the inner skin with the outer skin in the form of a pocket. The pocket is formed at both sides thereof with openings so as to allow a user to put both hands into the pocket. An inner pocket formed at one side thereof with a hand warmer receiving section is coupled to an outer surface of the inner skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight garment that is intended to be used as a layer of protection. The present invention can be used anytime a light weight jacket may be needed; for example, a person reading in bed, a college student studying in a cold dorm room, a traveler requiring extra warmth on an airplane or an elder needing comfort.

Abstract: A head covering system includes a hood connected to a head covering apparel by a fastening system so that the hood moves with the head and does not block side peripheral vision. In one embodiment fasteners are provided for connecting the hood to the bill of a cap. Such fasteners include snaps on the bill and the hood, or a hook and strap fastener that is positioned across the base of the bill proximate the users head. The hook and strap fastener may be detachably attached to the hood using fasteners such as snaps, or the strap may be an elastic strap permanently attached to the hood, preferably disposed between layers that form the top of the hood. A draw string cooperates with the fastening system to position the hood in a desired position and onfiguration.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a vented apparel, comprising: an outer shell; an inner liner disposed adjacent at least a portion of an inside of the outer shell; a vent through the outer shell, wherein the vent is substantially covered by a screen; a zipper on the inner liner; and an adjusting mechanism on the outer shell; wherein the adjusting mechanism is connected to the zipper in order to move the zipper between a closed position and an open position. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vent system, comprising: a vent through an outer shell of an item incorporating the vent system, wherein the vent is substantially covered by a screen; a zipper on an inner liner of the item, wherein the inner liner is disposed adjacent at least a portion of an inside of the outer shell; and an adjusting mechanism on the outer shell; wherein the adjusting mechanism is connected to the zipper in order to move the zipper between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An allergen-barrier fabric comprising at least one porous layer of polymeric nanofibers, a fabric layer superjacent and adhered to the nanofiber layer, and optionally a fabric layer subjacent and adhered to the nanofiber layer, wherein the superjacent and optional subjacent fabric layers are adhered to said nanofiber layer such that the allergen-barrier fabric has a mean flow pore size of between about 0.01 ?m and about 10 ?m, and a Frazier air permeability of at least about 1.5 m3/min/m2.

Abstract: A multifunctional convertible sewn or knitted article that is made from flexible materials is convertible to a three-dimensional item with functions unassociated with functions of the original article that can be further transformed into a carrying device. It comprises an article portion and a container for this article portion that is incorporated into this article and is constructed in accordance with a desired predetermined shape and design of items into which the article can be transformed. The incorporated container is used such a way that when the article is encompassed inside the container and parts of the container are joined together along their sides by fastening means it takes the predetermined three-dimensional shape of the desired item. The size of the container must correspond to the volume of the article encompassed inside in such a way that when the article is encompassed and closed inside the container, additional filler is not needed to take a desired three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A top garment for waterfowl hunters and other outdoorsmen that has the attributes of breathable layering garments beneath the sternum (where waders are generally worn) and the attributes of a coat above the sternum (where waders do not extend). The top portion of the top garment, above the sternum, is made of waterproof and noiseless materials, such as micro-fleece, with an insulated inner lining and a tailored action back and underarm gussets for a full range of motion in the arms and shoulders. The bottom portion, beneath the sternum, is made of a breathable layering material, such as fleece. The upper portion includes an option array of magnetic storage pocket(s) (or hand warmers) designed to provide the hunter with easy access to items when needed, yet to maintain the items in a secure position when not in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tumble dryable item of apparel, in particular a suit jacket, comprising a plurality of inner surface and outer surface garment sections, wherein at least one of the outer surface garment sections includes natural fiber and at least one of the inner surface garment sections includes synthetic fiber and has shape memory, and at least one synthetic interface tape between an inner surface garment section and an outer surface garment sections, wherein the synthetic interface tape is fixed on a location of the jacket such that the jacket substantially retains its shape through a tumble dry cycle.

Abstract: A machine washable suit jacket or other tailored garment having a machine washable outer material with crease memory. Sections of the outer material may be sewn together with machine washable thread, and seams of such sections may have pucker preventing tapes fused to the back of the seams. The garment may have a machine washable heat fusible interfacing material that may be secured to the inner side of the garment by heat fusing. The garment may have a machine washable lining, sections of which may be joined by machine washable thread. The garment may have a pocket, that has a mouth running transversely to the length of the jacket, where the bag of the pocket is sewn to a seam of the garment sections, where the seam runs lengthwise to the garment.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (200) for preventing unauthorized use of a device (114). The system (100) includes a biometric reader (110) and an authentication unit (112). The biometric reader (110) measures a biometric characteristic and transmits the measured biometric characteristic to the authentication unit (112) over a communications link (118). The device (114) is embedded within a garment (116), and the authentication unit (112) transmits an authorizing signal to the device (114) when the authentication unit (112) biometrically identifies a user. In one arrangement, the authentication unit (112) can include a database (134) for storing authorized biometric samples. The authentication unit (112) can compare the measured biometric characteristic with the authorized biometric samples when the authentication unit (112) receives the measured biometric characteristic from the biometric reader (110).

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a camouflage material having a camouflage pattern applied thereto and comprising a granitic aspect made of intermixed colored grains exhibiting the colors: light green having a dominant wavelength of 566.70 nm; a luminance factor of 13.10% and a saturation factor of 44.70%; brown having a dominant wavelength of 583.0 nm; a luminance factor of 9.30%, and a saturation factor of 31.60%; average green having a dominant wavelength of 569.36 nm; a luminance factor of 5.24%, and a saturation factor of 38.50%; and black having a dominant wavelength of 582.34 nm; a luminance factor of 2.68%, and a saturation factor of 4.01%. The granitic aspect is composed of about 21% colored grains exhibiting the color light green; about 6% colored grains exhibiting the color brown; about 48% colored grains exhibiting the color average green, and about 25% colored grains exhibiting the color black.

Abstract: A safety signal jacket includes the garment shaped strap jacket, which can be worn over the existing cloths of a rider of non-enclosed vehicles, means bicycles, roller blades, skate boards, skies, jet skies, water skies, snowmobiles etc., comprises of signal apparatus (27, 34) and horn apparatus (40) which alert and forewarn the other vehicles, other non-enclosed vehicles and pedestrian on the road and its' vicinity. Further, said signal light apparatus (27, 34) electrically communicates with switch panel assemblies (37) and power source in battery assembly, and other among devices through plurality of wires, to activate said signal lights (27, 34) and illuminate and flash in an intermittent manner and activate, illuminate and remain on, creating a visible signal to indicate the turning signal, moving signal slowing signal and stopping signal, as well as the horn assembly (40) for sound modulation for warning signal.

Abstract: A garment with a full silhouette ventilation assembly includes an air permeable front panel, and an air impervious lining sheet that underlies and spans the air permeable panel. The air impervious lining sheet defines an opening, and a cover sheet is provided and shaped to cover the opening. The cover sheet has peripheral edges attached to peripheral portions of the opening by a selectively operable closure assembly, which extends along the peripheral portions of the opening and the peripheral edges of the cover sheet. The air permeable front panel is preferably made of a unitary sheet of a perforated leather, which is substantially non-stretchable, with no cuts or stitches on the panel, so that graphics, such as advertisements, can be painted on or attached to the panel at any locus on the panel as desired, and the panel can still provide ventilation to a wearer.

Abstract: A protective jacket is provided, having a mesh outer jacket shell, and a removably fastenable waterproof liner sized and constructed to fit inside the outer jacket shell. The removable liner permits the jacket to be worn as a standard mesh jacket when the liner is removed, or as a waterproof or windproof jacket when the liner is fastened in place.

Abstract: A garment with a flexible fabric shell has a pocket or vent opening with a resealable closure such as a zipper, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners, which is operable between a closed position, in which the opening in the shell is closed, and an open position, in which the opening in the shell is revealed. A resilient spring member of springy plastic, composite, metal or other material is mounted to the fabric around the opening, and has two arms which have portions which are displaced vertically from one another when the closure is open, but which are resiliently compressed into a common plane when the closure is sealed. Each time the closure is opened, the spring member urges portions of the shell on either side of the flap apart, to thereby enlarge the area of the opening and permit access or air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A product and process involve providing customized pullover jackets, units of which are characterized by (1) pullover body construction units of a type having a fabric configuration that facilitates slipping over the head and shoulders; and (2) decorative band construction units of a type having distinguishable color and design for affixation to said pullover body construction. The process comprises acquiring a relatively small inventory of body construction units of different sizes, acquiring a relatively large inventory of band construction units of different colors or designs, and receiving and fulfilling orders for the customized pullover jackets from customers. The body construction units account for the major component of unit cost. The band construction units account for a minor component of unit cost. The customized jackets are assembled by joining mating fasteners on the upper and lower edges of selected band construction and corresponding upper and lower points on selected body constructions.

Abstract: A garment with a flexible fabric shell has a pocket or vent opening with a resealable closure such as a zipper, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners, which is operable between a closed position, in which the opening in the shell is closed, and an open position, in which the opening in the shell is revealed. A resilient spring member of springy plastic, composite, metal or other material is mounted to the fabric around the opening, and has two arms which have portions which are displaced vertically from one another when the closure is open, but which are resiliently compressed into a common plane when the closure is sealed. Each time the closure is opened, the spring member urges portions of the shell on either side of the flap apart, to thereby enlarge the area of the opening and permit access or air flow therethrough.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field deflecting garment made up of a dry knitted conductive fabric (2) with conductive filaments (3) disposed in parallel fashion, edged with a lattice conductive fabric (4) with filaments (5) disposed in a criss-crossed pattern, an electrical circuit (10) able to disperse the electromagnetic signal coming from the garment being connected to said fabric (4).

Abstract: A ventilation system, particularly for garments, having a slit-type ventilation opening and a closure associated with the opening for opening/closing the opening. The invention is also related to a garment provided with one or more of such ventilation systems.

Abstract: A protective garment particularly for wear by operators and passengers of open-air sport motor vehicles, such as motorcycles for example, includes a garment body which may be configured as a jacket or coat, and which includes a vertically extending and offset curvilinear opening selectively closed by a fastener, such as a slide fastener or zipper, for example, and which provides for substantially sealing the front of the garment against seepage into the garment of pressurized air caused by the air blast on the wearer's front torso resulting from vehicle motion at speed. The garment also provides a pair of unitary uninterrupted display areas disposed one on each of the front and back of the garment torso, and at which a graphic, logo, trademark, or sponsorship information, for example, may be presented.

Abstract: A garment is disclosed comprising a back panel, means for tensioning the back panel about a backpack, and a front panel. The tensioning means extends around a front portion of the back panel, along upper, lower, and side portions of the back panel. The tensioning means may be a drawstring. The front panel may have a hood, arm openings, and sleeves. The back panel forms a back chamber sized to fit over a backpack. The back chamber preferably has a maximum volume of greater than or equal to approximately 2 cubic feet. The back chamber also preferably has a depth of greater than or equal to approximately 8 inches, a width of greater than or equal to approximately 18 inches, and a height of greater than or equal to approximately 24 inches. In use, the back panel is placed over a backpack with the front panel positioned between the back panel and the backpack. The backpack is then placed on the user's back.

Abstract: The safety garment for industrial and construction workers, and hunters incorporates a safety harness into the body of a jacket, coat, or other apparel. The garment has a safety harness with a central attachment ring receiving a safety line, anchoring a wearer a beam or tree trunk. The safety harness is preferably sewn on the outer surface of a removable inner liner or vest attached to an outer shell such as an outer vest, jacket, shirt, parka, or other garment covering the harness. During a fall, pulling forces on the harness are equalized in both directions, providing maximal distribution of force on the wearer. The waist belt or other portion of the safety harness has attachments for removable leg loops.

Abstract: Persons in the elderly population, those with low bone mineral density and those at risk for or who suffer from osteoporosis are in need of resistance training with weight-bearing and can receive the benefits of resistance training with weight-bearing by wearing a jacket with weight inserted into the weight-bearing pockets while walking or performing routine daily activities. The novelty of the pockets is in their 45 degree angle and placement. The jacket provides the benefits of weight-bearing with resistance training which can help with the ailments associated with aging, decrease or stop the loss of bone volume density associated with osteoporosis, increase muscle coordination, increase muscle mass and improve balance.

Abstract: A garment of the jacket type including an outer envelope covering the upper body of a user and provided with a closure system. The garment includes an inner carrying system constituted of an inner envelope distinct from the outer envelope and enveloping the user's upper body over at least a portion of the height of the upper body, wherein the inner envelope is fixed at its upper portion to the outer envelope, wherein the inner envelope is provided with a closure system separate from those of the outer envelope, and wherein the inner envelope includes a pocket arrangement for carrying objects. The inner envelope of the garment is fixed to the outer envelope in the area of the torso.

Abstract: A pattern for camouflage and a method for making the pattern. Rely on photographic images arranged in a synthetic perspective relationship, appearing to extend toward the horizon. The photographic images are images of landscape features in a selected environment. The pattern blends in with landscape features both in proximity to and distant from the camouflage pattern. In one embodiment, the pattern is adapted to be seamlessly repeatable across a surface. In one or two dimensions the method for making the camouflage includes taking photographs and selecting photographic images that represent the landscape features in the selected environment. The method also includes separating those images and arranging them into a repeating pattern. Photographic images are arranged in synthetic perspective which includes obscuring background images with foreground images in a manner that simulates the perspective in the selected environment.

Abstract: A safety device for hunters, naturalists, and other outdoorsmen provides a camouflaged hunting garment which incorporates a safety harness into the body of a jacket, coat, or other apparel. The safety garment has a safety harness with a central attachment ring for receiving a rope or line for releasably anchoring a wearer to an anchor point such as a tree trunk. The safety harness is attached as by sewing inside of the vest, jacket, or garment, fully covering the harness making it invisible from the outside. During an accidental fall or when used to drag a deer carcass, the pulling forces on the harness are equalized in both directions, providing maximally efficient distribution of force on the wearer. Removable leg straps are attachable to the waist belt or other portion of the safety harness and may be attached to a lower garment inner surface.

Abstract: A garment of the jacket type including an outer envelope covering the upper body of a user and provided with a closure system. The garment includes an inner carrying system constituted of an inner envelope distinct from the outer envelope and enveloping the user's upper body over at least a portion of the height of the upper body, wherein the inner envelope is fixed at its upper portion to the outer envelope, wherein the inner envelope is provided with a closure system separate from those of the outer envelope, and wherein the inner envelope includes a pocket arrangement for carrying objects. The inner envelope of the garment is fixed to the outer envelope in the area of the torso.

Abstract: An item of clothing the width of a component part of which can be adjusted by the user, the clothing item having a line or cord (1) at least partly encircling the relevant part, which cord can be pulled by the wearer to adjust the width or tightness of the part by means of gathering of the material of the part around the line or cord. For the part of the circumference of the relevant part the cord is concealed under the material but emerges at a desired point and them passes again to the inside of the item of clothing so as to form a cord pull section (6) on the inside of the clothing. The clothing item includes means (5) for holding the component part in its tightened or gathered condition about the cord, the cord pull section (6) being used by the wearer for adjustment of the width of the relevant part.

Abstract: A versatile upper body multi-mode garment is configured to provide a variety of modes of wear with respect to hand coverings and head covering. A coat, jacket, shirt or vest has an integral hood which covers the wearer's head. Within the hood is an integral face shield which may be swung behind the wearer's head or neck when not covering the face, enabling protection of various portions of the face. The hood may be tightened to expose a variable extent of the head or face. Versatile multi-mode mitten portions attached to the garment or mittens provided separately enhance a variety of modes of wear which are achieved without removing the mittens or any portion thereof. The wearing modes include full exposure of a hand, exposure of the thumb and the four fingers, exposure of the four finger tips, full hand coverage, and full hand coverage by an integral glove.

Abstract: A team jacket with sports logo that is of reversible construction. Different teams sports logos are on both the inner and outer surfaces of the jacket. The jacket may also be equipped with the names of players so that the jacket may be reversed to reveal a different player's name and/or number.

Abstract: A multidimensional camouflage outer wear garment system including garments made of various combinations of two-dimensional and three-dimensional camouflage material. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional camouflage materials are positioned within garments so as to distort the smooth line silhouette of the wearer, thereby enhancing the total effectiveness of the camouflage. Zones of three-dimensional material are disposed across limited selected regions of the garments to maintain continuity of silhouette distortion while two-dimensional material is disposed over predefined extended regions adjacent the zones of three-dimensional material.

Abstract: A restraint device cover jacket used for the covering, concealment, and hiding of handcuffs and/or wrist shackles when used in conjunction with a wrap around waist handcuff retaining belt/chain. The “restraint device cover jacket” includes a body, a right sleeve ending at the wrist of a wearer; a left sleeve ending at the wrist of a wearer. The “cover jacket” also includes a right pocket opening or hand entry slit that leads to a false pocket; and a left pocket opening or hand entry slit that leads to a false pocket. When the left and right hands are placed into the corresponding pocket openings the hands meet in front of the wearer (behind the front panel) where they can be binded together with a pair of handcuffs and attached to a waist chain/belt. On the bottom of the rear panel there is a left side handcuff retaining belt-guide loop and a right side handcuff retaining belt-guide loop that conceals and anchors the handcuff retaining belt around the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention involves a reversible jacket that converts into a tote bag. The back portion of the jacket consist of an oversized pocket which when turned inside out, the entire jacket is received into the pocket thus converting garment into a tote bag. If desired, the jacket can be worn in the reversible mode at which the pocket on the said back portion is then completely concealed.

Abstract: A garment includes a jacket portion and a bag portion. The jacket portion having a back side which includes an outer shell and an inner shell. A pocket is defined between a portion of the outer shell and the inner shell. The inner shell defines an orifice which provides access to the pocket. A fastener associated with the orifice is configured for selectively opening and closing the orifice. The bag portion is integral with the jacket portion, and is disposed within the pocket. The bag portion has flexible sides which define a bag opening. A fastener is associated with the bag opening and is configured for selectively providing access to an interior of the bag portion. The bag portion has a volume sufficient to store at least the jacket portion. The bag portion is configured to be removed from the pocket and turned inside out. The bag portion receives the jacket portion therein, thereby forming a duffel bag.

Abstract: A outerwear comprising of a front body cloth, a rear body cloth, right and left flank cloths having a predetermined width and right and left sleeve cloths, one edge of each right and left flank cloth is sewn to the front body cloth and the other edge of each right and left flank cloth is sewn to the rear body cloth such that each sewing line does not coincide with right and left flank lines, each of the right and left flank cloth is extended to the under-sleeve part sewn to the sleeve cloth; an elongation percentage of each of the front body cloth and the rear body cloth is set high in a horizontal direction thereof.

Abstract: A life vest for water sports is taught which is translucent to ultraviolet radiation and visible light. This allows the wearer to achieve uniform tan without having the harsh tan lines where the edges of a life vest would normally be. This allows an individual to enjoy both safety and tanning without having to make a choice between the two.

Abstract: A venting arrangement for apparel such as sportswear, casual wear, technical wear, and the like. The venting arrangement of the invention is particularly suitable for venting of outdoor apparel and sporting equipment such as wind breakers and winter sport jackets. The invention also relates to apparel or an item of apparel that includes such a venting arrangement.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a means by which clothing may be made more effective in its role in assisting temperature regulation, by: 1) providing increased heat exchange by means of reduced insulation (herein defined as “lower insulatory capacity”) of temperature sensitive sites (11, 16, 14)—reducing insulation of temperature sensitive areas not protected by “fat pads”; and/or 2) providing for increased vapor exchange by means of specific ventilation of temperature sensitive areas (herein defined as “increased ventilatory capacity”)—allowing flexibility for rapid increases in heat generation owing to facility for improved vapor exchange e.g. the loss of excess heated air or humidity, by, for example, convection and evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin.

Abstract: Persons who work or engage in activities such as typing, working on a personal computer, sitting at a desk, sitting or standing, conversing on the telephone, working on a machine, or who engage in other activities which require them to remain in fixed nonphysiologic body positions for prolonged periods of time without the benefit of adequate stretching or movement often have poor posture, poor alignment and poor ergonomic body positioning. This poor posture leads to pain, soreness stiffness or other problems in the neck, shoulders, back of the head, back and mid and upper-spine. Persons in need of correct ergonomic body positioning can don a jacket whose novelty is in the angle and placement of the weight-bearing pockets which helps prevent injury, alleviate pain and soreness, stiffness and other problems associated with poor posture, poor alignment and poor ergonomic body positioning.

Abstract: A safety device for hunters, naturalists, and other outdoorsmen provides a camouflaged hunting garment which incorporates a safety harness into the body of a jacket, coat, or other apparel. The safety garment is made up of a safety harness with a central attachment ring for receiving a rope or line for releasably anchoring a wearer to an anchor point such as the trunk of a tree. The safety harness is sewn into the inside portion of the vest, jacket, or garment, fully covering the harness so that it is essentially invisible from the outside. In the event the harness is in use, such as during an accidental fall or when dragging a deer carcass, the pulling forces on the harness are equalized in both directions, providing maximally efficient distribution of force on the wearer.

Abstract: A survival article of clothing for preventing suffocation or being crushed by the user until help can arrive.

Abstract: A continuous protective garment provides a matrix of cells each containing a cube-like protective element. Continuous layers of fabric bonded along intersecting lines provides an individual cell for each of plural protective elements sandwiched between the fabric layers. An outer rigid protective surface of each protective element absorbs externally applied forces, while a middle cushioning layer provides dispersion and buffering of such externally applied forces. An innermost layer of a fluid-resistant material helps prevent perspiration from being absorbed, while a ventilation hole through the center of each protective element provides air circulation without compromising protective qualities. A substantially continuous array of cells containing the protective elements provides comprehensive surface coverage over the torso and arms of the wearer.

Abstract: A safety protection garment which enables a user to comfortably wear it during travel, and in which the garment can be rapidly prepared for an emergency for resisting impact forces or for providing buoyancy to keep the user afloat in water. The garment has an inner lining and outer shell which are joined together to form a chamber which contains a compressible layer. The compressible layer is formed of an elastic material which resiliently expands and contracts between memory and compressed shapes. A valve device enables the user to open and close air flow into the chamber. For normal wearing, the layer is in its compressed state with air substantially evacuated from the chamber and the valve closed. To prepare for an emergency, the valve is opened so that air enters the chamber sufficient to equalize the chamber pressure with atmospheric pressure. The layer then expands to its memory shape where it resiliently resists impact forces and also provide buoyancy to keep the user afloat in water.

Abstract: A garment for a firefighter, a rescue worker, a forestry worker, or another worker having to carry a rope of a given diameter when unstressed, the garment has an expanse of fabric and two elastic bands are fastened, which are spaced from each other. Each band is fastened to the expanse of fabric by a series of spaced rows of stitches, which define a series of sleeves. Each sleeve is defined by an associated portion of the expansive region of the garment and by an associated portion of a respective one of the elastic bands. Each sleeve is adapted elastically to stretch at the associated portion of the respective one of the elastic bands so as snugly to hold two lengths of a rope. Each sleeve is adapted readily to release the lengths held by such sleeve when the rope is pulled from such sleeve. When the garment is equipped with a rope, the rope is arranged in a zig-zag pattern defining a series of loops, each loop having two lengths of the rope and a bight joining the lengths of such loop.

Abstract: A ventilating garment having a shell layer and a mid-liner layer is provided. A vent opening is located on both the shell and the mid-liner. The air flows from the first vent opening to the second vent opening, thereby reaching the body of the wearer. The vent opening generally extends from the torso portion and onto the sleeve portion of the garment. The garment is also provided with a flap member that can be deformed from a closed position to a open position to allow air access to the vent opening. To maintain the flap in an open position, a metallic strip is provided inside the flap.