Abstract: Completely recyclable jacket made up of components including outer material, lining, pocket linings, buttons, fasteners, seams, sewing thread and optional additional ordinary accessories, where the components are made of sorted thermoplastic synthetic polymers which are mixable homogeneously with one another in the molten state.

Abstract: A waterproof connection device is provided for use with a garment having optionally many detachable liners including a functional layer insert having a water vapor permeable functional layer.

Abstract: A ventilated garment is provided having at least one substantially non-stretchable outer panel having inner and outer surfaces. The panel has a vent region including one or more openings. A substantially non-stretchable, air permeable material spans the vent region. An air impermeable sheet having a central void region is affixed to the inner surface so that the void region is substantially in registration with the vent region and so that the sheet is coupled to the inner surface about those regions. A cover element having a shape substantially corresponding to at least a portion of the vent region is affixed to the air impermeable sheet substantially along a first portion of the periphery of the void region. Adjustable closure elements adjustably couple the sides of the cover element to the air impermeable sheet so that the closure element may be selectively positioned to control the effective vent area of the vent region.

Abstract: A garment adapted for wear by a sportsperson. The garment includes a support member in a generally square configuration having long side edges and short end edges. An oval head opening is centrally disposed therein. The larger axis of the oval is parallel with the end edges and the smaller axis is parallel with the side edges. A slit is formed in the center of one of the end edges extending to the head opening to facilitate donning and removing of the garment. A plurality of permanently fixed or removable pockets are also provided. Each pocket has a back face and a front face with coupling components interconnecting the support member and the pockets.

Abstract: A garment and method for its use, a covering such as a poncho or an anorak, designed to enable a backpacker to don the covering while he or she is wearing a backpack. The garment incorporates a belt with an integrally-formed pouch where the covering garment is stored. The pouch is worn about the waist of the user with the pouch at the front. Where the garment is an anorak, it is open in the back. To use, the user unfolds the garment from the pouch and dons the garment from the rear. There is a slide fastener in the back of the unfurled garment, allowing the user to close the back of the garment after it has covered the backpack.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a protective garment such as a firefighter's coat or trousers having a lumbar support belt attached to the innermost layer of the garment. As a result, no portion of the garment is disposed between the wearer of the garment and the lumbar support belt such that maximum support is achieved. The belt can be releasably secured to the garment such that it can be worn without the garment or the garment can be worn without the belt.

Abstract: Top garments which permit the wearer's arms to move freely without ride-up have sleeves patterned to lay flat above the head. Positioning of the sleeves at such an orientation during patterning is advantageous because it allows the wearer to raise each arm above the head without distorting the shape of the garment by inducing ride-up of the waistband, bunching of material around the shoulder area or pulling of the cuff. Such a garment is especially useful for physical activities which require extensive arm movements.

Abstract: An inner lining fabric of reduced thickness and having a down-fill composition for use as an inner lining in an article of apparel and a method of making the inner lining fabric is disclosed. A patterned envelope is formed and defines a pouch in which down or a down composition is inserted and distributed substantially evenly within the envelope. The envelope is then compressed in portions thereof and stitch seams are formed to define a quilt pattern of closely spaced stitch lines to reduce the loft of the down-fill composition by at least twice the normal loft thereof. This procedure is repeated over the entire envelope whereby the inner lining fabric has at least half the thickness of the normal loft of the down-fill composition. The inner lining fabric may have portions thereof with quilting defining surface areas of different portions to vary the thermal insulating value of different portions of the inner lining.

Abstract: A garment with a convertible collar includes a garment, a collar secured to the garment and defining a pouch with an open-top end, and a fleece-like sheet secured to the garment. The sheet is movable between a storage orientation, wherein substantially all of the sheet extends through the open-top end of the pouch and lies flat within the pouch, and a use orientation, wherein the sheet is substantially disposed outside of the pouch and overlies substantially all of the upper surface of the collar. Fasteners on the collar and the sheet releasably maintain the sheet in the use orientation, and fasteners on the pouch and the sheet releasably maintain the open-top end substantially closed when the sheet is in the storage orientation.

Abstract: A portable play environment functions as a coat or jacket when worn and when not worn is capable of being used as a playing surface. It may include pockets or loops which act as storage means for carrying dolls, action figures, cars or similar small toys. Raised three-dimensional play objects may be permanently incorporated into the jacket. Expandable pocket structures have a dual function. When the jacket is worn by the child, the pocket structure functions as a ordinary pocket. The pocket structure may be removed, however, when the jacket is off and is being used as a play environment. When removed, it may be expanded into the general shape of a building or other imaginary structure. Flat cloth panels have graphic indicia printed on both sides. Such indicia typically will be in the form of maps or other small-scale representations of a natural or imaginary environment. Playing fields may be formed both on the back of the jacket and on its inner lining.

Abstract: An outer garment to be worn by one or more people together, having an outer jacket with a pair of sleeves, and an inner jacket portion with one sleeve. The outer jacket and inner jacket are partially connected at the neck opening and partially connected at the waistband. The garment is convertible from an unexpanded configuration wearable by one person to an expanded configuration wearable by at least two people. In the unexpanded configuration, the one sleeve of the inner jacket portion is inserted by the wearer into one of the sleeves of the outer jacket. To change to the expanded configuration, a securing feature on the back of the outer garment is released allowing additional folded material to be unfolded into an expanded back portion. In addition, in another embodiment, when an inner panel is attached to the back portion of the outer jacket, two people can both be separately enveloped in their own garment. The expandable feature allows for ease of movement by the people wearing the garment.

Abstract: Emergency preparedness vest apparatus includes a front panel and a back panel, each of which panels include pockets for receiving and holding elements to sustain a wearer during an emergency situation. The elements include food, clothing, and shelter elements. Included in the arrangement of the pockets are both inside and outside pockets. The outside pockets are substantially more numerous than the inside pockets, and receive individual items, while the inside pockets may receive larger, more bulky items, such as clothing and a ground cloth. The vest may be sized appropriate to the wearer.

Abstract: A work garment having a waist portion covering a lower back area of a wearer and a front closure, and a support member, attached to the garment, for supporting a lumbar region of the wearer. The support member preferably includes a plurality of elastic bands extending about the waist portion of the garment and having complementary closure members positioned adjacent to the front closure of the work garment, and a contact member, attached to the elastic straps, positioned to contact the lumbar region of the wearer. In one embodiment, the elastic straps are integral with the work garment, which may be a coverall, and in other embodiments with firefighter garments such as a jacket, pant, and girdle. In one embodiment, the contact member consists of a resilient pad centered in the lumbar area of the wearer, and in another embodiment, the contact member consists of a plurality of elongate, vertically-extending stays.

Abstract: A garment made of relatively expensive material for the upper body of a person having a front opening suitable for use in environments of mild and cold temperatures. The elongated web extender having a uniform width can be releasably joined to the sides of the garment adjacent the front opening to expand the circumferential size of the garment whereby additional layers of clothing can be worn underneath the garment during colder weather. Each side of the web extender has a releasable connector assembly attached thereto. A first connector assembly is associated with a closure device used to join the first connector assembly and a complimentary connector assembly on one side of a garment. The second connector assembly on the web extender has an end that cooperates with a closure device associated with a releasable connector assembly attached to the opposite side of the garments to join the connector assemblies and close the front opening of the garment.

Abstract: An athletic safety jacket operable to reduce the shock to the body resulting from impact of a fast moving game projectile such as a hockey puck or baseball.

Abstract: The inflatable clothing apparatus is designed to provide an inflatable (on position) and deflatable (off position) convection cooled clothing. The apparatus contains a spiralled inner tubular structure attached to the inner portion of the shirt and the inner tubular structure has separate expansion points connected by the air tube. When the expansion points are inflated lifting the shirt away from the skin and opening the cooling flap at the lower rear portion of the shirt, air circulation increases to the skins surface by allowing air to convect upward from the lower flap out through the neck opening. Air passages are also located in the shoulder and upper back area. A release mechanism (valve) is provided to allow deflation of the expansion points in order to provide warmth for the user by closing the flap and having the shirt contact the skin.

Abstract: A body cover, or clothing, for athletes is disclosed. The body cover is comprised of a first material portion adapted to be placed over the anterior portion of the body of the athletes. The first material portion is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal, attached panels of "NEOPRENE" having a thickness of preferably from about 1 to 3 millimeters. The first material portion is waterproofed, provides insulation and wind protection, and is adapted to hold liquid against the anterior portion of the athlete's body such that the liquid absorbs body thermal energy. A second material portion adapted to be placed over the posterior portion of the body of the athlete is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal, attached panels of "LYCRA". The second material portion allows evaporation of liquid on the posterior portion of the body of the athlete and radiation of thermal energy therethrough. Third material portions attach the first material portion and the second material portion to form the body covering.

Abstract: A protective garment incorporating radiation resistant materials has a resilient support for conforming to and supporting the weight of the garment across the back of the wearer. The support is a wide resilient band having a first end connected at a first interior side seam and a second end connected at a second interior side seam for extending across an interior back panel surface of the garment. When stretched across the back, the garment weight is distributed uniformly across the back to reduce fatigue. Alternatively, the garment may have a pair of resilient straps which extend from the shoulder seams and sides of a front panel, across the back to the front of the garment. By providing resilient back panels which extend from the shoulders, the front panel weight is distributed over the shoulders and back. Utilizing such a protective garment reduces upper body fatigue for those required to wear such garments.

Abstract: An upper torso restraining device is disclosed for maintaining an individual in a seated position in a chair or similar by providing attachment and support of the upper torso. An external upper body garment with appearance similar to ordinary clothing is provided with side slits. An interior vest having straps extending from front crossover and crossunder portions is attached to the upper body garment along the upper edges of the interior vest. Straps from the crossunder portion pass through one side of the interior vest through interior slits and straps from the crossover portion pass through external loops located on the opposing side of the interior vest. The straps then pass through the side slits, and may be secured together behind an individual wearing the interior vest and upper body garment.

Abstract: The present invention entails a military medical vest having a pair of front panels, a pair of side panels and a back panel. Secured to the back panel is a series of elongated transversely extending IV bag holder compartments. Disposed above the IV bag holder compartments is a series of field dressing compartments. Also located on the back panel and positioned above the field dressing compartments is a plurality of individual chest tube holders. Secured to the side and front panels of the vest are a series of compartments for holding various supplies and paraphernalia typically used by a military medic.

Abstract: A garment for use by a patient after surgery for breast removal which alleviates post-operative pain and discomfort and facilitates normal activities during the recovery period. A padded vest-like garment is adapted for applying comforting pressure to the sites of removal of breast and other tissues and for holding pain relieving packages. A detachable arm support provides further comfort in a similar manner.

Abstract: A utility vest with a pair of straps running through the shoulder areas of the vest and terminating in loops that extend proximate to the outer surface of the garment. These straps are engageable with a belt and thereby transfer the weight of items clipped or otherwise attached to the belt to the shoulders of the user, preventing the belt from riding low or sliding down around the user's hips. Additionally, there are a number of pleated and unpleated pockets disposed about the inner and outer surfaces of the vest. On the rear panel of the vest, one of these pockets has contained within it a folded backpack that is integrally attached to the vest. The backpack has a pair of loops on its anterior surface that cooperate with the belt, thus holding the deployed backpack substantially stationary relative to the vest.

Abstract: A basketball hoop (60) mounted on the front (18) of a shirt (10) to provide a basketball game, is described. An aperture (24) through the front of the shirt serves to mount a bracket (58) to connect the basketball hoop to a support (44) housed inside an inner pocket (38) of the shirt. To play the game, a first player (100) wears the shirt with the basketball hoop extending outward from the front of the shirt. A second player then shoots a ball (66) at the basketball hoop and attempts to score goals by moving the ball through the basketball hoop. The players then switch places with the second player wearing the shirt and the first player shooting the ball. The player to record the most goals is the winner. A second embodiment comprising a basketball rim (90) having projecting arms (88) that are received in tubes (86) mounted in an inside pocket (70) provided on the shirt (74) is also described.

Abstract: An outer garment suitable for a variety of athletic endeavors is disclosed. The garment comprises an outer shell formed of a lightweight, waterproof material, and an inner liner of mesh-like material secured to the shell. The liner includes a back panel, and first and second front panels. A resilient insert, yieldable in all directions, is situated in the back panel to fit against the back of the wearer. Fasteners extend laterally about the liner, and manipulation of said fasteners draws the liner snugly about the torso of the wearer, without causing "bunching" of the jacket. "Bunching" is unsightly, and also interferes with the athletic activities envisioned by the wearer.

Abstract: The present discloses an adjustment system for forming a repeatedly adjustable hem on a garment. There is provided an adjustment mechanism consisting of a cord with one end that is attached to the garment's inside hem while the other end is looped threaded through a holding pocket or channel that is secured to the garment's inside seam. The loop of cord above the holding pocket or channel is then preferably knotted. A fabric lining piece containing one or two lining windows is attached to the garment over the adjustment mechanism. Adjustment is made by opening the lining window, grasping the adjustment mechanism's loop and pulling it until the hem has turned up the prescribed amount. The loop is then placed back inside the lining window. The bloused lining is smoothed, the garment is pressed, and the adjustment is complete and undetectable.

Abstract: Athlete's arm jacket which includes a first shell portion for covering one side of the upper torso of a person wearing the jacket. A sleeve is secured to the shell portion for covering one arm. A mesh covers the opposite side of the upper torso, and a second shell portion is detachably secured to the first shell portion. Another sleeve is attached to the second shell portion. The jacket may be worn and used as a traditional jacket, or one shell portion may be detached so that only one arm, shoulder and one side of the upper torso of the body are covered.

Abstract: A pocket garb composed of front and back pieces is provided with pockets of large capacity on the front and back pieces, wherein the back piece pocket has two upper and lower openings, available to be separated with a partition in the middle, the said large pocket can be partitioned into two small pockets for use according to requirement, the front piece pockets have a side opening each adjacent to a joint of a left piece and a right piece, with a covering attached on it to cover up pocket openings, shoulder parts of the said pocket garb are fastened with fastenings, the garb can be developed into a flat piece after untieing the fastenings to facilitate putting in or taking out articles. When going out, valuables, bank notes, credentials, etc. can be put into the garb and safety can be guaranteed on wearing it.

Abstract: An article is constituted of pieces of self-cohesive, pliable plastic which form a well sealed enveloping structure which may be manually unsealed and opened for the insertion of decorative or information conveying material and then manually be closed again and well resealed, at least one piece of the plastic being transparent, then at least one piece being selected so as to permit viewing of decorative or information conveying material in the enveloping structure.

Abstract: A backpack having an integral garment includes a container portion having front, central and rear panels. Straps are attached to the front panel for support of the backpack from the wearer's shoulders. The front panel is releasably connected to the central panel for access to an internal compartment formed continuously along the central panel on the inside of the container portion for storage therein of an integral garment. The integral garment may be withdrawn from the storage compartment and donned by the wearer of the backpack without removal thereof from the wearer's shoulders, the garment at all times remaining in integrated relationship with the backpack.

Abstract: A child is adapted to be zipped into a sleeveless vest which coacts with the lap and shoulder belts of a vehicle safety harness to restrain the child in the vehicle. The back side of the vest includes a generally horizontal loop for receiving the lap belt and further includes a vertically inclined loop for receiving the shoulder belt. Both loops are adapted to be opened and closed by zippers in order to enable the belts to be easily placed into and removed from the loops.

Abstract: A jean jacket is developed by maximizing use of selected seamed components from three pairs of jean-type pants with minimized cutting and alteration. A first component forming the rear and side panels and shoulders of the jacket is made from a first pair of jeans. The collar, sleeves and top front panels are made from a second pair of jeans patterned and sewn to the first component and the front chest and waist portion with existing belt band and front pockets is made from a third pair of jeans sewn to the top front and side panels.

Abstract: A garment having an outer cover (1) to receive an insert (2), the outer cover (1) having a window (7) formed therein, and either the insert (2) having a label (9) that is visible through the window when the insert is inserted, thereby to indicate that the insert has been inserted and preferably to identify its protective properties, and/or the outer cover (1) having a label (11) on its inner surface opposite the window (7) so as to be visible therethrough when the insert is not inserted, thereby to indicate that the insert has not been inserted. Where the insert (2) may be inserted either way round in a correct or incorrect orientation, a label (9, 10) may be provided on either or both sides of the insert so as to indicate that the insert is correctly or incorrectly inserted in the cover when visible in the window (7).

Abstract: An improved combination backpack and reversible jacket wherein the backpack includes a flap that may either (a) roll up and secure underneath the backpack when both the backpack and the jacket are in use, (b) form a pouch on the back surface of the backpack to contain the jacket when not in use, or (c) extend up and secure around the front and side surfaces of the backpack, thereby enclosing and concealing the backpack when not in use, as well as securing the backpack against the jacket so that a person may comfortably wear the reversible jacket inside out.

Abstract: A neck covering is provided for a jacket or other garment including a member attached at its central portion near the inside of the collar of the garment, with side portions projecting outwardly in either direction which can be wrapped around the neck of the wearer. Fasteners on the ends of the side portions secure the neck covering in place. The central part of the covering is constructed to attach to the lining of the jacket, which may be provided with a slot adjacent the attachment of the neck covering to permit the neck covering to be pushed through the slot and stowed in back of the lining when not in use.

Abstract: A garment is provided which has air scoops adjacent the wrist portions of the sleeves of the garment defined by a longitudinal opening interconnected by an outer web, and an inner web connected to the material of the sleeve at spaced locations on either side of the opening. A flap is included to extend over the outer edge of the scoop when it is not to be used, and which may be secured to the inner layer of the scoop when the scoop is in use. The garment may include an air-pervious lining and a discharge opening on the back of the garment for allowing air received in the scoops to flow along the arms and discharge from the garment.

Abstract: A sleeveless jacket that would be worn by the user of a chain saw. The front and shoulders of the jacket are padded with a material that jams a chain saw if it cuts into the padding to protect the user from being cut by the saw.

Abstract: A coat jacket is described, constructed as having an outwardly facing back portion, across the shoulder and waist sections--and down the sides--of which a plurality of adhesively securing fabric strips are attached in forming a frame. Any of a series of logos, insignias, pictorial representations, etc. are similarly provided with adhesively securing fabric strips along their edges, to mate with the coat jacket frame in presenting a jacket with detachable declarations of individual allegiance.

Abstract: A convertible, outerwear garment comprising a sleeveless vest with a jacket having sleeves attached to the interior of the vest at a pouch or pocket formed along a lower edge of the jacket. Panels at the sides of the jacket may be joined to the side of the pouch to complete the jacket structure. The jacket may be inserted into a pouch pocket when the vest is worn without the jacket. The jacket may be deployed from the pouch and the jacket sleeves inserted through the side openings in the vest, the jacket mode to provide added protection to the wearer. In this mode, the lower side panels of the jacket are secured at the side of the pouch. Another pocket may be provided in the rear of the vest to receive a rain cape or poncho which may be deployed by the user for additional wet weather protection.

Abstract: A combination garment and purse worn by a person as an article of clothing is adapted for carrying articles normally carried in a purse, handbag or briefcase and includes a garment of flexible sheet material having a back panel and a pair of side and frontal panels joined therewith. A fastener is provided for detachably securing confronting edges of the frontal panel when the garment is worn closed at the front. First pockets are provided accessible from inside of the garment for carrying articles and second pockets accessible from outside the garment are also provided for carrying articles. A resilient yoke is secured to the inside of the garment and includes a central neck segment extending across the back of a person at an upper level and a pair of forwardly extending shoulder segments joining the neck segment at opposite ends.

Abstract: Personal protective clothing of the present invention is formed into a vest, a skirt, a cap, a coat or the like by using a surface-metallized fiber woven or knitted fabric. A conductive discharging yarn or fabric is electrically connected to the clothing, and a face cover or both a face cover and a backing are attached thereto. The operators of personal computers, word processors and the like can easily wear the clothing for the purpose of protecting their bodies from the electromagnetic waves generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 3-dimensional novelty apparel and comprises a lightweight jacket having a self-inflatable air pocket attached to the back of the garment and a design affixed to the exterior face of the air pocket. The preferred embodiment of the novelty garment incorporates a jacket design of rather conventional configuration wherein an opening is provided in a rear panel to accept a 3-dimensional design air pocket securely sewn to the rear panel about the opening. In an alternative embodiment, the 3-dimensional air pocket is sewn on the back of a conventional jacket having a continuous rear panel, wherein a plurality of relatively small holes are provided in the rear panel to permit the passage of air therethrough. The self-inflatable air pocket comprises generally a discreet panel having an outer panel and a side panel attached to the outer panel about its perimeter. The side panel comprises a plurality of segments secured together to form a continuous side panel.

Abstract: A protective structure for keeping a golfer's hands and golf club grip dry in the rain combining a golf jacket and an extension member extending from one of said jacket's sleeves over the golfer's hand and club with a slit defined in the side of the extension member through which the golfer can insert his other hand to grasp the club grip.

Abstract: A garment comprising a main garment body having a sack or accommodation means on the back side thereof, and a covering normally packaged in the sack and adapted to be taken out of the sack and worn over the sack. The sack accommodating the covering is provided on the back of the main garment body. The opening and closing of the sack can be easily done by the user, so that the user may take the covering out of the sack to put it on or take off the covering and put it back in the sack as required.

Abstract: A jacket (1) for motorcyclists comprises a waist-coat constituted by a band (2) which is intended to be wrapped around the trunk of a user (3), the band (2) including a central part (4) which is intended to be situated in correspondence with the back of the user (3), two end flaps (5) which can be closed together at the front, and a pair of adjustable braces (14) associated with the band (2), the jacket (1) being further provided with a rear pouch (6) connected to the central part (4) of the band (2), of a size suitable for holding the motorcyclist's helmet (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved locking arrangement for clothing. In one aspect of the invention, a garment includes an eyelet operatively associated with a major portion of the garment. An elongated locking device, such as a lockable cable, is passed through the eyelet to secure the garment to a stationary object. In a second embodiment of the invention, a garment includes a length of cable attached to a major portion of the garment along a substantial length of the cable. The cable has a free end operatively associated with a device for locking the cable to a stationary object to secure the garment against theft.

Abstract: A self storing coat having a coat body or shell and a lining including a storage pocket attached to the lining between the lining and the inside back of the coat, the lining having a longitudinal opening into the storage pocket with fabric fastener strips along the opening for releasably holding the opening closed when wearing the coat and when the coat is stored in the pocket, the coat and lining being foldable in halves and reverse foldable into the lining storage pocket which is turned wrong side out over the folded coat halves, so that the coat is stored within the reversed pocket and the fabric strips close the opening into the pocket forming a package containing the coat, the outer surfaces of the packages being the normal inside surfaces of the storage pocket when the coat is in normal wearing mode.

Abstract: A collapsible multicompartmented pack able to be affixed to the back of a garment. The pack may include two compartments; a first boxlike collapsible compartment and a second flat compartment that may have snaps for compressing the first compartment between the back of the garment and the second compartment. A single cover is provided that may either close the first compartment when it is expanded or cover both the first and second compartments when the first compartment is compressed. Multiple compartments of either type may be provided.

Abstract: The removable insert assembly is used in combination with the jacket/vest or other types of jackets to provide thermal insulation during cold weather. The left sleeve insert and the right sleeve insert are also used in combination with the jacket/vest or other types of jackets to provide complete thermal protection to the wearer. In alternative embodiments the insert assembly and sleeve inserts can be manufactured from ballistic cloth or other suitable material to provide removable body armor to the jacket/vest or other types of jackets. In another alternative embodiment the insert assembly and sleeve inserts can be manufactured to serve as a personal flotation device when installed inside of the jacket/vest or other jackets. In another alternative embodiment a Mae West type life preserver can be used in conjunction with the jacket/vest or other types of jackets to function as a personal flotation device.

Abstract: Piece of material for an article of clothing (2) and use of the piece of material for production of a garment. The article of clothing is intended to cover at least the upper body and is provided with a front and a back which are finished with a lower edge, a shoulder section with a neck opening (13) and arms. The piece of material (1) has a first edge (3) which is intended to form the lower edge, a second edge (4, 5) opposite this, two side edges (6, 10 and 7, 11) opposite each other and two cuts (8, 9) which extend inwards from the side edges and which are finished at a distance from each other which corresponds approximately to the size across the chest. The piece of material is symmetrical about a center axis (16) on which the neck opening is located, the cuts (8, 9) form an angle, to the center axis (16), which, measured in the direction of the first edge (3), is less than 90.degree..

Abstract: A vest garment to be worn by persons working out of doors and which has an array of photovoltaic cells mounted on the back panel thereof. The individual cells are connected in series relationship with one another across a pair of output terminals which are brought out through a belt attached along the waistband of the vest to an output jack. The voltage developed across the photocell array may then be used to charge rechargeable batteries suspended from the belt or, alternatively, they be coupled to an input jack of a power tool having a self-contained rechargeable battery whereby charging current is generated when the vest is being worn out of doors.