Abstract: The general method and apparatus of the invention comprises an adjustable strap system to secure one object to another, or one or more objects in a folded, rolled, or gathered position. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a single elongated strap of material having a first end and a second end, one end narrower than the other, a first side and a second side, four fastening surfaces or fasteners, three on one side and one on the opposite side, two positioned on each side of the narrow strap, and two positioned on the wide strap same side opposite the narrow strap. In the fastened state, the adjustable strap system secures the narrow strap by mating four opposing fastening surfaces thereby resulting in a dual locking adjustable strap system. In an alternative embodiment, two separate straps may be utilized with the dual locking mechanism of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is a water impervious sleeve adapted to be placed on an arm of a patient that has a catheter installed therein. There is an arm band at each end of the sleeve. Each of the arm bands includes an elastic section. Each of the arm bands further includes an adjustable section which is used to adjust the effective force that is exerted on the catheter as it exits from one of the arm bands. An additional foam rubber wedge is installed in each of arm bands in a location to surround the catheter to effectively seal the catheter and the sleeve from any water entering into the sleeve.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes a garment body defining sleeves. A cuff may be secured at respective ends of the sleeves. A circumferentially extending band is disposed on the sleeves at a distance from the end of the sleeve or cuff. The band has a raised profile such that an end of a glove pulled over the band is inhibited from rolling or sliding back over the band and down the sleeve. The band may be formed of a low-tack surface modifier. The sleeve may also include a coating or application of a surface modifier, such as a low-tack adhesive, applied to the region between the band and cuff or sleeve end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shirt which has a lower adjustable sleeve segment that is capable of being removably attached to an upper fixed segment. The shirt includes first and second indexing mechanisms which, when aligned, provide desired circumferential orientation of the lower section with respect to the upper section. The indexing mechanism may embody patches affixed to the upper and lower segments. The indexing mechanism may also be incorporated into the attachment mechanisms, such as distinctly colored buttons or distinctly colored thread which secure the buttons or form the button holes.

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: The present application describes an item of clothing whose length is to be adjustable, or which has a component part—e.g. legs, sleeves—which is to be adjustable, the clothing item comprising at least one line (4) running from a lower part (2) of the clothing to an upper part (1). The line (4) is pullable by the wearer to lift the lower part relative to the upper part. The clothing item has a pocket (3), at the upper part for receiving at least some of the length of the line after it is pulled so as to shorten the clothing, as well as line gripping means to hold the clothing in its shortened condition.

Abstract: This invention provides clothes, wherein a fabric wale of one of parts (a) and (b) destined to be rubbed against each other is arranged so that it satisfies at least one of the following alternatives (i) and (ii): (i) it crosses with the fabric wale of another part at an angle of 35 to 145 degrees when the respective parts are placed so that their axial lines are kept parallel. (ii) it crosses with its axial line at an angle of 55 to 125 degrees. This invention provides clothes which can manifest the basic functions of the fabric such as water repellence, water pressure resistance, and good look & taste, can respond to the diversification of needs without impairing the basic functions of clothes and can reduce the rubbing noise and friction noise of clothes.

Abstract: A shirt (10) or upper cover comprises a torso enclosure (14) and sleeves (16, 18). The sleeves (16, 18) have short top lengths (TL) and long bottom lengths (BL). The sleeve seams (20, 22) extend over the clavicle/acromin regions of the wearer (12) of the shirt (10). Top regions (30, 32) of the torso enclosure (14) and the tops (34, 36) of the sleeves (16, 18) follow the curvature of the shoulder substantially above the shoulder joints. The bottoms of the sleeves fold upwardly into the armpits of the wearer (12), providing perspiration absorbing cloth against skin regions of the torso and the arms.

Abstract: A jacket provided with a pocket that is internal of the jacket, but which is accessible from the exterior. The pocket is positioned on the front of the jacket, in the top portion of the sleeve. The opening of the pocket has one edge that is a part of the torso-enveloping portion, and one edge that is a part of the sleeve. The device for closing the opening is a part of the mechanism for assembling the sleeve to the torso-enveloping portion.

Abstract: Long-sleeved wearing apparel are provided with self-contained mittens or gloves, each comprising an open-top hand and finger pocket secured in the interior of the sleeve adjacent to the lower end of the sleeve, an opening in the sleeve adjacent to the upper end of the hand and finger pocket, and a thumb pocket secured to the sleeve at the opening and extendable and retractable through the opening to form with the hand and finger pocket a self-contained mitten or glove.

Abstract: A garment having a cuff construction with an opening for permitting the thumb of the wearer and the fingers to extend outside the sleeve. The cuff is generally integrally attached to an article of clothing, and folds in on itself for storing the cuff permitting the use or non use of the cuff at the user's direction. The cuff is formed at an opening of a sleeve in a garment, and includes a tubular member which is switchable between a first rolled position allowing the hand to pass through and a second unrolled position forming a covering around at least a portion of the hand and/or thumb while leaving the ends of the fingers and thumb exposed.

Abstract: A garment is provided having at least one pocket that is attached to the garment and accessible via a zipper or other fastener that provides access to an interior compartment formed by the pocket as well as a method for providing a garment with a waterproof compartment. The fastener is preferably a waterproof zipper that is attachable via a process requiring the pocket and the zipper to be attached by gluing, stitching and/or heat-sealing the same. As a result, a completely watertight and waterproof pocket is formed allowing the user of the garment to carry items therein that typically may not be exposed to water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a garment which comprises front and rear body of a garment, arm holes formed in upper parts of both left and right side lines where the front and rear body of the garment are stitched together, sleeve sections fixed to the arm holes, protruded sections formed in upper parts of both side lines so as to be united with the front and rear body of the garment, where parts of the front and rear body of the garment are extended to centers of the arm holes, and slack sections formed in portions where protruded sections and parts of the sleeve sections under arms are stitched together.

Abstract: The structure of a T-shirt is modified without removal of any of the fabric of the T-shirt. Fabric of the T-shirt neck opening at a portion adjacent a first shoulder portion of the T-shirt is pulled into a V-shape with the apex of the V-shape pointed toward said first shoulder of the T-shirt. Fabric of the sleeve opening for said first shoulder is pulled upward toward said first shoulder so as to cause the sleeve opening to form a V-shape with the apex of the V-shape pointed toward the V-shape of the neck opening. The fabric between the V-shape of the neck opening and the V-shape of the sleeve opening is secured in a gathered condition along a line on the shoulder of the T-shirt. The line of gathered T-shirt fabric between the V-shaped neck and sleeve openings is between approximately 1 and 4 inches in length.

Abstract: An athletic shirt made from a high-performance fabric having a tabbing system which allows the raglan style short sleeves (18) and (18A) to be retracted up to two distinct positions on the shoulders and releasably attached using tabs (14A) and (14B). The athletic shirt provides the athlete wearing the shirt a greater range-of-motion and freedom to compete in his sport without the movement of his arms being inhibited by sleeves which are heavy laden with perspiration.

Abstract: A hockey shirt with a lower trunk opening, a neck opening and a neck guard associated with the neck opening. The neck guard includes a neck surrounding band of fabric, and a releasible attachment for changing the diameter of the neck guard to suit the needs of the wearer. In one embodiment the shirt includes sleeves, with cuff assemblies. The cuff assemblies include a slash guard retaining pocket and an elasticizing means, which in the preferred embodiment is the sleeve cuff itself.

Abstract: A garment, which includes a left front panel having an inner lateral side and an outer lateral side and a bottom side, a right front panel, the right front panel having an inner lateral side detachably fastened to the inner lateral side of the left front panel, an outer lateral side, and a bottom side, a left sleeve, a right sleeve, and a back panel fastened to the left sleeve and the right sleeve and the outer lateral side of the left front panel and the outer lateral side of the right front panel by stitches, wherein at least one closure is fastened to one of the left sleeve and the right sleeve and one of the left front panel and the right front panel, each extended from the cuff of the left sleeve or right sleeve to the armpit area at the left front panel or right front panel and then obliquely extended from the arm pit area to the bottom side of the left front panel or right front panel.

Abstract: A pair of accessory protectors which are used to prevent skin exposure to extreme cold or snow. The protectors are each worn in combination over a users glove, or mitten, and coat sleeve simultaneously, and eliminate possible intrusion from snow which would otherwise intrude in between the wearers glove and coat sleeve.

Abstract: A sport sleeve holder for releasibly retaining a sleeve atop a user's shoulder comprises a strap of material, having two sides and two ends, the strap being sufficiently flexible so that one end of the strap may be positioned adjacent the opposite end of the strap. Preferably, the strap comprises polypropylene web material. The sport sleeve holder has a fastening mechanism coupled to each end of the strap at opposite sides thereof. The fastening mechanism preferably comprises cooperating hook and loop fastener fabric. The sport sleeve holder may also have a label coupled to the upper side of the strap, which label may contain graphics or other logos. Preferably, the label comprises a textile which is 70% cotton and 30% nylon. A method of using the sport sleeve holder comprises inserting the sport sleeve holder through either the sleeve opening or the neck opening of a shirt so that the upper side of the sport sleeve holder faces the user's shoulder.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components sewn together along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components and into interstices thereby creating a seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A long-sleeved garment having a sleeve with a cuff attached thereto along an annular seam. A pocket connected to an inner side of the sleeve and cuff along a portion of the annular seam accommodates all fingers of a hand except for the thumb. A thumb compartment extends from the sleeve above the cuff for accommodating the thumb of the hand. Both the pocket and thumb compartment are retractable inside the sleeve such that they are unnoticeable when not in use.

Abstract: A hockey shirt with a lower trunk opening, a neck opening and a neck guard associated with the neck opening. The neck guard includes a neck surrounding band of fabric, and a releasible attachment for changing the diameter of the neck guard to suit the needs of the wearer. In one embodiment the shirt includes sleeves, with cuff assemblies. The cuff assemblies include a slash guard retaining pocket and an elasticizing means, which in the preferred embodiment is the sleeve cuff itself.

Abstract: A garment having a cuff construction with an opening for permitting the thumb of the wearer and the fingers to extend outside the sleeve. The cuff is generally integrally attached to an article of clothing, and folds in on itself for storing the cuff permitting the use or non use of the cuff at the user's direction. The cuff is formed at an opening of a sleeve in a garment, and includes a tubular member which is switchable between a first rolled position allowing the hand to pass through and a second unrolled position forming a covering around at least a portion of the hand and/or thumb while leaving the ends of the fingers and thumb exposed.

Abstract: A new sunlight blocking sleeves for protecting the skin on the arms and shoulders of a wearer from sunlight. The inventive device includes a pair of sleeves with each sleeve having opposite wrist and shoulder openings and which is adapted for wearing on the arm and shoulder of a wearer the sleeve. An elongate flexible strap is coupled to the sleeve around the periphery of the shoulder. The flexible strap has a free end portion which is attachable to another portion of the flexible strap to hold the sleeve over the shoulder of a wearer.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between opposing surface of a garment component along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the garment component thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the surfaces of the garment component together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of sewing thread at the seam.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a limb of a user. The apparatus includes two or more anthropometrically shaped panels. Each panel is formed from sheets that are both flexible and stable to maintain the shape of the apparatus during use without need for additional elements to hold the shape of the apparatus. The panels are connected, preferably by sewing. The apparatus is worn by the user to avoid limb injuries.

Abstract: A garment, such as a turnout coat for a firefighter, comprises a body, which has a front portion and a back portion, a left sleeve, a right sleeve, and a collar. Each sleeve is sewn in a raglan pattern to an associated gusset, which is sewn to a lower part of front portion of the body, at the front portion of the body, and is sewn in a dolman pattern to the back portion of the body. The collar is sewn to the left and right sleeves and to the front portion of the body. The garment is openable and closeable at the collar and at the gussets.

Abstract: An item of wearing apparel for allowing the convenient viewing of a wrist watch comprising a main body portion forming a main space adapted to encompass the torso of a wearer and with two laterally disposed long sleeves for the arms of a wearer. Each sleeve has an opening at the top for communicating with the main body portion and an opening at the bottom for the wrist of a wearer. An aperture is formed in at least one of the sleeves adjacent to the bottom of the sleeve.

Abstract: A fashion sleeve to be worn by a person, the fashion sleeve comprising a hollow tubular cloth or woven member having a wider upper opening and a narrower wrist opening, with the sleeve being tapered from the upper arm opening to the wrist opening and the upper opening having means to engage snugly the arm of the person.

Abstract: Clothes suitable for sporting wear are manufactured as those clothing an upper part of a body such as a sweatshirt and an undershirt or those clothing a lower part of a body such as a pair of shorts and a pair of training pants. The sleeves of upper part of body clothes have different lengths. The trouser legs of lower part of body clothes have different lengths. This realizes clothes which allow most effective limbs to move more effectively without the wearer having to roll-up a sleeve or a trouser leg every time on site.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus to control the light exposure of the skin. One objective is to increase the exposure during periods of common deficient exposure such as for dark skin persons on winter days in areas far from the equator. Another objective is to decrease the exposure during periods of common overexposure such as for light skin persons during spring and summer days in bright environments. A novel feature of the invention is the use of lamps for whole body irradiation while showering or bathing during dark seasons. The whole body exposure enables the use of very low irradiance levels to provide an enhanced probability of beneficial effects and to reduce the possibility of harmful effects of the ultraviolet light. Another novel feature is the use of an adjustable ultraviolet light transmitting building window or automobile sunroof to increase the sunlight exposure on cold days when a deficiency in exposure due to closed windows is common.

Abstract: A new noise making garment for producing sounds when noise pads are compressed as well as providing reinforced areas where wear is likely to occur. The inventive device includes a garment with a plurality of noise pads coupled to the garment. Each noise pad comprises a deformable bladder with a flexible wall that permits deformation of the bladder. The flexible wall defines an interior air chamber that holds air. A valve with a noise making device extends through the flexible wall of the bladder to permit the passage of air from the interior air chamber through the valve when the bladder is deformed. The noise making device creates an audible sound when air passes through the valve. Preferably, a noise pad is located at each knee region towards the front of the garment, at each elbow region towards the back of the garment, and at each sole region. Ideally, a reinforcement layer surrounds the outer surface of each noise pad that is located at the knee regions and at the elbow regions.

Abstract: A long-sleeved garment having a sleeve with a cuff attached thereto along an annular seam. A pocket connected to an inner side of the sleeve and cuff along a portion of the annular seam accommodates all fingers of a hand except for the thumb. A thumb compartment extends from the sleeve above the cuff for accommodating the thumb of the hand. Both the pocket and thumb compartment are retractable inside the sleeve such that they are unnoticeable when not in use.

Abstract: A garment designed to help in the physiological and psychological rehabilitation of a hemiplegic patient. Disposed on the shirt sleeves and the pants legs of the garment are graspable elements, such as hoops or handles. Within each of the shirt sleeves and pants legs are reinforced areas that are joined to the graspable elements. The reinforced areas branch out across the material of the shirt sleeve or the pants leg. As a result, when a pulling force is applied to the graspable element, the force is transferred throughout the sleeve or leg by the reinforced areas. This enables a sleeve to be pulled onto an arm or a pants leg to be pulled onto a leg by applying a pulling force to just one position, thereby providing the ability for a person to use a partially disabled arm when dressing. In a preferred embodiment, small weights are positioned within the garment at various points along the sleeves and pants legs.

Abstract: A garment sleeve of relatively long length with an open distal end and an opposite proximate end secured to the garment contains a hollow flexible article of relatively short length and having first and second opposite ends. The article has a relatively small thumb receiving hole intermediate its first and second ends. One of the ends of the article is disposed within the distal end and is peripherally sealed to the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: A garment having a cuff construction with an opening for permitting the thumb of the wearer and the fingers to extend outside the sleeve. The cuff is generally integrally attached to an article of clothing, and folds in on itself for storing the cuff permitting the use or non use of the cuff at the user's direction. The cuff is formed at an opening of a sleeve in a garment, and includes a tubular member which is switchable between a first rolled position allowing the hand to pass through and a second unrolled position forming a covering around at least a portion of the hand and/or thumb while leaving the ends of the fingers and thumb exposed.

Abstract: A flexible body armor which is relatively lightweight and capable of biaxial flexure is disclosed. The flexible body armor employs a novel penetration-resistant hinge for joining adjacent armor plates along one axis and uses sliding overlaps between the same adjacent armor plates along the perpendicular axis in order to achieve biaxial flexibility. Also disclosed are several embodiments of the penetration-resistant hinge and the sliding overlap. In a preferred body armor in accordance with the invention the penetration-resistant hinges and sliding overlaps are part of a frame which provides edge confinement to ceramic armor plates used in the body armor.

Abstract: Improved material utilization and barrier protection for surgical sleeves is provided by improved garment pattern design and methods of assembly. The surgical sleeve of the present invention is formed from a single sheet of material. By folding the sheet of material, a reinforcing layer integral with a sleeve layer is formed. A dual layered sleeve having two integral sleeve layers is also formed by folding a single sheet of material. One of the sleeve layers of the dual layered sleeve may be folded so as to form a reinforcing layer integral with said sleeve layer.

Abstract: A sleeve holder for securing a drawn-up sleeve of a garment is described. Also described is the sleeved garment into which the sleeve holder is incorporated. The sleeve holder has an epaulet strap which is secured to the shirt at the shoulder and projects down the sleeve. Cooperating connectors operate such that when the wearer pulls up the sleeve the connectors engage and hold the sleeve in the drawn-up position. When the wearer wants to return the sleeve to its fully extended normal position, the connectors are disengaged and the sleeve falls to its normal length. The connectors can be cooperating button and button hold, snap elements or, preferably, hook-and-loop fabric strips, especially when oriented at right angles to each other. Use of the sleeve holder prevents a sleeve from interfering with the wearer's activities or becoming soiled or entangled during those activities.

Abstract: The gown assembly of the present invention is constructed to provide a patient wearing the gown with maximum comfort and also ease of insertion of various intravenous tubes for feeding and blood sampling without removal of the gown. Moreover, the gown is adapted to fit a variety of sizes and shapes of patients and has patient-restraining straps and bands integral with the gown. The gown preferably is of washeable cloth and may be disposable. The gown extends from about the level of the neck to at least about the level of the knees and opens at the back by means of a vertical opening extending the full length thereof and placed off the midline of the gown so that the fasteners for the gown will not rub the spinal column. The gown includes mittens attached to the ends of the sleeves and having elongated restraining bands which tie into bows.

Abstract: A liquid proof protective garment and protective glove assembly wherein the interface of the garment and gloves is sealed together in a manner to produce a liquid impervious seal between the garment and the glove. The liquid impervious garment-glove interface assembly of the present invention is particularly adapted for use with surgical gowns. The liquid impervious seal is produced by narrowing the diameter of the distal end of the protective garment over which the protective glove is placed. The junction of the garment and glove is then sealed with a flexible liquid adhesive, which upon drying, produces a protective garment-glove assembly which is impervious to liquids and protects the wearer from potentially harmful intrusions of liquid into the interior of the assembly at the garment-glove juncture.

Abstract: Shirts or jackets particularly for sportswear in which triangular stretch gussets are incorporated in the garments, under the sleeves and on either side of the body, in order to increase the freedom of movement of the arms.

Abstract: A shirt worn by an amputee to protect the amputee against prosthesis friction and the friction caused by a prosthesis harness, the shirt having a closed distal portion corresponding to the amputee's amputation. When worn between an amputee's stump and a prosthesis, the shirt protects the amputee's stump against prosthesis friction and rubbing. A yoke or other padding can be added in the shoulder region of the shirt to further protect the amputee's shoulders against harness friction.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method of manufacture utilizes a bonding element which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding element to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A surgical gown sleeve formed from a liquid impermeable elastic necked-stretched laminate is disclosed. The elastic necked-stretched laminate may include an elastic layer captured between two necked-stretched spunbond layers. The disclosed elastic necked-stretched laminate may also be incorporated in a variety of products, such as stockinettes, shoe covers and foot covers.

Abstract: A surgical garment for use with elastic surgical gloves is disclosed. The garment includes a body portion that at least partially covers the wearer's torso. The garment also includes a pair of sleeves which extend into proximity with the wrists of the wearer. At least one stiffener ring is attachable to each sleeve in proximity to the distal end or wrist area of the sleeve and is thus disposed to underlie the surgical gloves when worn. The stiffener rings apply an outward force against the elastic surgical gloves to alleviate pressure against the wrists of the wearer.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method of manufacture utilizes a bonding element which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding element to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A coat sleeve includes a cuff that folds down to cover the palm portion of the hand. The cuff is held in place over the palm by constrictions about the wrist and knuckles. The constrictions include means for snugging and loosening (elastic and/or fasteners such as snaps, buttons, or VELCRO). The fingers extend from the sleeve end and the thumb extends through a thumb hole disposed between the wrist and knuckle constrictions. In one embodiment the thumb hole connects to the sleeve end and the knuckle constriction acts as a closure for the thumb hole and for the cuff.

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: Long sleeved army military battle dress shirts are temporarily converted to short sleeve shirts with uniformly folded, stiffened and shaped lower shirt cuffs disposed above the elbow. The cuffs are neatly shaped about an internally disposed substantially cylindrical plastic film cuff stiffener appliance. For shaping the cuffs, the sleeves are upwardly folded, outer fabric surface inward to provide a lowermost fold near the elbow. The lowermost portion of the folded over sleeve is then folded upward again to leave an uppermost flap at the sleeve end exposed. The cylindrical cuff stiffening appliance is inserted into a fold between shirt fabric layers and retained thereby so that the upper portion of the fabric at the end of the shirt sleeve may be folded back downwardly over the appliance. This exhibits the outer fabric in a neatly folded and shaped short sleeve cuff, which can produce neat, uniform appearance for non-battle use when short sleeves are desired.