Abstract: A garment designed to discourage supine sleep which intensifies snoring and apnea levels in some people. Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring occur when the tongue and throat muscles relax during sleep. At that point they fall back and block the airways causing the apneas and worsening snoring. A significant percentage of snoring and OSA is position related and symptoms worsen by sleeping in a supine position. Garment or other embodiments have a unique circumference mounted pouch which allows the insert to self center on the spine and have slight movement between shoulders when user is sleeping on his or her side. The optional placement at lower neck area presses slightly against the spine to influence head to tilt up slightly and slightly close mouth while sleeping. The insert while very comfortable to sleep against is of enough diameter or depth to discourage supine and encourage side sleeping. The garment or other embodiments can also have frontal body fasteners for ease of putting on and taking off.

Abstract: A ventilation mechanism for air exhaust from beneath an article of clothing or apparatus such as a Suit Coat, Bullet Proof vest, Flak Jacket or task protective covering, to prevent heat discomfort of the wearer. The inventive device includes a small air moving assembly powered by batteries, worn beneath an outer covering, which exhausts the warmer and high humidity air from beneath the covering causing fresh external air to infiltrate the exhausted volume.

Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and adhesive films formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether or polyester polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The adhesive films from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of textile fabrics, including stretch fabrics.

Abstract: A non-removable snap fastener used to attach a pacifier, teething ring, toy or other article to any garment of children's clothing. It is comprised of a non-removable female part of a snap fastener, which is attached to any garment of children's clothing, and preferably, though not necessary for effectiveness, incorporated into a decoration of flowers, animals, toys or any other attractive decoration for any garment of children's clothing, created using embroidery, appliqué, needlepoint or other craft. The corresponding male part of the snap fastener is attached to one end of a strap, having both female and male parts of a snap fastener attached to the other end of the strap, which is used to secure the article onto the strap for the child's use.

Abstract: A protection suit, particularly a spacesuit, has an opening in a back portion of the spacesuit for entering and exiting the suit. The spacesuit is suspended on one side of a bulkhead (5?) so that a hole in the bulkhead is aligned with the opening in the back portion of the suit. The opening is closeable by a backpack (3) which fits through the hole in the bulkhead into a decontamination chamber (7) on the opposite side of the bulkhead. Two sealing and interlocking systems are used. Each system has two subsystems to provide a total of four sealing and interlocking subsystems. A first subsystem (4) connects the spacesuit to the bulkhead that separates a living and working space from an airlock. A second subsystem (6) connects a backpack to the spacesuit (1). A third subsystem (9) connects the spacesuit, preferably through the backpack (3), to a decontamination chamber (7). A fourth subsystem (12) connects the decontamination chamber to the bulkhead (5?).

Abstract: A method involves making available a cosmetic product and a non-cosmetic product and offering one or more of the products for sale. The non-cosmetic product may have a visible portion including a first material chosen from fabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin, and imitation animal skin. The cosmetic product may define at least one internal region configured to surround and contain least one cosmetic composition. A visible portion of the cosmetic product may include a second material chosen from fabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin, and imitation animal skin. The first material may have an appearance resembling an appearance of the second material.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes a waterproof inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. An outer opening is defined in the outer fabric layer and is selectively opened and closed by a standard zipper. A portion of the inner fabric layer extends between the edges of the outer opening and defines an inner opening. The inner opening is selectively opened and closed by a water-resistant zipper. Venting material extends between the edges of the inner opening and allows air to flow through the inner opening when both the inner and outer openings are opened.

Abstract: A method for reminding an individual to collect a urine specimen includes the steps of providing a pad or clip having a reminder area of a size such that the individual touches and discovers the pad, when preparing to urinate, and attaching the pad to the brief in the groin area, in a location where it will be encountered, and underneath an outer-garment, whereby the pad is hidden from view when in normal use, and whereby the individual, when preparing to urinate, will touch and discover the pad and thereby be reminded to collect the urine specimen. The pad or clip optionally is attached to the fly of a male brief or to the waistband of either a male or female brief. The invention accomplishes the reminder task by way of imposing behavior modification on the user by operating as a forced interruption to an otherwise established routine or ritual.

Abstract: A brassiere pad including an inner layer made of resilient material; an outer layer made of resilient material and with a dimension corresponding to the inner layer; and a magnetic insert layer which is made of rubber and magnetic powder mixture and has a dimension smaller than the inner layer and outer layer. The magnetic insert layer is inserted into a lower portion between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: A multi-function support garment comprising a central portion 10 that has an inner and outer surface. An elastic swath 12 connects the sides of the central portion 10 to create a continuous encircling band. Adjustment members 14 are connected to the outer surface of the elastic swath. Free ends 24 of the adjustment members 14 are detachably attached to the central portion. If desired, the adjustment members can be attached in a criss-cross fashion to localize or concentrate the application of inwardly directed supporting pressure.

Abstract: An auxiliary thigh-to-pedal power system for bicycles, especially attractive for persons interested in low cost, non-polluting, auto traffic avoiding, energy conserving transportation is disclosed, significantly increasing the total force the cyclist can apply to the pedals for each gear ratio. The system attaches to a conventional bicycle while requiring no attachments such as toe clips, cleats or straps to the elements of the bicycle. It allows uninterrupted force to be applied to the pedals throughout the 360° pedaling cycle, the downstroke being maintained on one pedal while the upstroke is being performed on the other pedal. Unlike prior art upstroke utilization schemes, mounting and dismounting can be performed in a safe manner identical to that for a conventional bicycle, and standup cycling is allowed. Hook and loop attachment material and a snap hook are utilized in adjustably coupling the thigh with the inner end of the pedal.

Abstract: Costume wings have existed for decades, having been used for example in the performing arts and worn for special events. Except in cases where they are either moved externally by wires or pneumatic actuators, or by body motions of the wearer, costume wings have been static. In accordance with the present invention, a battery-powered mechanism is attached to costume wings to cause them to move in a flapping motion. The flapping wings may be worn as a unique kinetic fashion accessory or costume.

Abstract: An arrangement for the production of made to order clothing (18), comprising a controller (14) operatively connected (12) to an input means (10), said input means (10) being adapted to provide to said controller (14) input variables A, W, H, C personal to a particular customer and said controller (14) being adapted to process said input variables A, W, H, C to predict a set of at least estimated body measurements, each of which body measurements is derived from one or more of said input variables A, W, H, C and is used to derive clothing pattern data, one said input variable being representative of the age A of said customer.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier covering the moisture absorber, and an outer shell covering the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: The strap pack carriers of the invention can be worn as a sash. Strap pack personal article carriers, e.g., form a loop adapted to stably conform to the body of the wearer to provide easy access pouches up in front of the body. Counter weights can be mounted to help stabilize the carrier against unequal front to back loads of articles.

Abstract: Improved methods of treating cellulose containing fabrics with cellulase comprising contacting the cellulose fabrics with truncated cellulase enzyme. Treatment of cellulose containing fabrics with cellulase core domains of the invention are disclosed as offering specific advantages of reduced redeposition of dye and increased abrasion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making garments that can cool or heat the wearer of the garment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a pattern board having a channel configuration formed thereon that defines at least one channel circuit, disposing a first fusible fabric over the channel configuration of the pattern board, disposing a length of tubing over the channel configuration and depressing the tubing into the channels, disposing a second fabric over the tubing and first fusible fabric to form a first laminate assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the laminate assembly to form a laminate garment structure.

Abstract: The supporting plate (1) of a harness for breathing tanks and the like is flexibly connected to a waist plate (2) using an elastic formed piece (3) meant to keep said waist plate (2) on the user's back and resiliently respond to impacts, contortion, and tilting, and the link of the supporting plate and waist plate provided using the formed piece is positive-locking around a connecting pin (5a) in the direction of rotation of the plates against each other (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A personal pet blow dryer attachment which enables the delivery of heated air to dry the wet coat of a pet without manual intervention of a handler during the drying process. The personal pet blow dryer attachment is comprised of a body wrap and a mounting station. The body wrap serves as a diffuser for heated air and is connected to a blow dryer with a flexible tube. The body wrap is also connected to the mounting station, or cage to stabilize and secure the pet during the drying process. Heated air is delivered to the pet through the body wrap, via a plurality of holes for air passage. In use the unique body wrap directs heated air across the surface of the pet, such that the heated air dries virtually every surface of the pet's coat simultaneously. As a result, the invention enables drying the pet's coat in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: Injury protective clothing for children and the elderly would help protect them from injury of the neck, breast area, upper and lower back, knees and ankles. The clothing consists of inflated and energy-absorption annular, moisture-proof, non-inflammable rip-resistant closures placed around injury-susceptible areas of the body. The protective clothing could be decorative with stars, stripes, flowers, birds, butterflies, animals, rings, diamond shapes, hearts and whatever else would be appealing to children and the elderly. Persons of all ages could wear the protective gear, but this application targets those most vulnerable to injury,—children because of their being so active, climbing trees, fences, ladders, and jumping off high places, and the elderly. Children take chances more than adults would. Some enclosures are 360° circular and others have elastic bands to allow the enclosure to stretch more easily to clothe oneself with the garment.

Abstract: A clothing management system includes a first indicator, several first holders, a second indicator, several second holders, and a sensor. The first indicator is associated with a first temperature range, and the first holders are associated with the first indicator. The second indicator is associated with a second temperature range, and the second holders are associated with the second indicator. The sensor includes a first conductive region, a second conductive region, and a needle. The needle electrically contacts the first conductive region in response to the sensor detecting a temperature within the first temperature range. The needle activates the first indicator in response to electrically contacting the first conductive region. The needle electrically contacts the second conductive region in response to the sensor detecting a temperature within the second temperature range. The needle activates the second indicator in response to electrically contacting the second conductive region.

Abstract: The present invention a SHOULDER HARNESS comprises a torso mounted shoulder harness for carrying chest mounted objects, said shoulder harness including a horizontal strap encircling the upper torso and including horizontal strap ends for releasably connecting together for mounting and dismounting said shoulder harness; left and right vertical straps for positioning over respective left and right shoulders wherein each vertical strap connecting at the back to said horizontal strap, and each vertical strap connecting at the front to said horizontal strap.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of a wearer includes a first inner layer that is adapted to reflect a portion of radar energy back toward its source. A second outer layer is disposed over the first inner layer and it provides a texture and visual appearance that is preferred. For some applications, an especially easy to spot brightly colored visual appearance is preferred for the second outer layer. For other applications, a more subdued visual appearance is preferred. For still other applications, a camouflage appearance is preferred. A space is provided intermediate the first inner layer and the second outer layer accordingly to a modification and an additional material is used to fill the space. The additional material must be substantially transparent to radar energy and it may provide additional floatation capability or additional insulating capability or both to the garment, as desired.

Abstract: Device for assessing the likely fit of a garment on a wearer, the device comprising a support shaped to resemble a body part onto which the garment is to be fitted, an artificial tissue layer and at least one pressure sensor, the arrangement being such that the pressure sensor can detect and measure pressure exerted by a garment on the artificial tissue layer.

Abstract: Improved methods of treating cellulose containing fabrics with cellulase comprising contacting the cellulose fabrics with truncated cellulase enzyme. Treatment of cellulose containing fabrics with cellulase core domains of the invention are disclosed as offering specific advantages of reduced redeposition of dye and increased abrasion.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs in accordance with the present invention include multicomponent fibers bonded by a multiplicity of bond sites to form a coherent web. The multicomponent fibers include a first component formed of a hydrophobic polypropylene and a second component formed of a blend of a hydrophobic polyolefin and a hydrophilic melt additive. This second component is disposed at the surface of the fibers. The hydrophilic melt additive-modified polyolefin component can be arranged in various configurations in the cross-section of the fiber and the fibers can have various cross sections. For example, the hydrophilic component can occupy a portion of the surface of the fiber, as would occur for example with a side-by-side or segmented pie multicomponent fiber configuration. Alternatively, the modified hydrophilic polyolefin can occupy substantially the entire surface of fiber, as for example by producing the fibers in a sheath core configuration with the hydrophilic modified component forming the sheath.

Abstract: A rest support for a guitar which is supported by a support system which holds the guitar in the front of the player's body with the strumming end of the guitar hanging close to the player's hip. The rest support encompasses a resilient, flexible cushioned enclosure mountable on the upper thigh below the hip. The cushioned enclosure extends outwardly from thr thigh forming a pillow or wedge or cushioned rest upport for the strummung end of the guitar to rest against which transfers some of the weight to the guitar to the player' leg. The thickness of the enclosure is set so that a near perfect angle is created for the resting guitar providing a better view of both the strumming end and the fret end of the guitar reducing the number of wrist and arm movements and allowing for faster attack on the guitar strings.

Abstract: A one-piece women's sunbathing, beach and swim suit in the form of a narrow band of material which is arranged to be worn such that it loops the wearer's trunk in the longitudinal direction partially or completely. The narrow band of material is divided over a part of its length into two longitudinal segments. When worn, the narrow band of material passes between the wearer's legs and over at least a portion of the wearer's belly. The two longitudinal segments extend over the wearer's shoulders and may form a loop, at a first end of the narrow band of material, which loops around a back side of the wearer's neck or may join the narrow band of material which extends over the wearer's back side from between her legs. In the case of a neck loop, the narrow band of material has a detachable adhesive disposed at a second end thereof. Otherwise, the narrow band of material may have first and second ends which are arranged to be connected together by a catch.

Abstract: Articles of clothing adapted to be worn by and to substantially surround at least a portion of a person. The articles of clothing absorb odors emanating from that portion of the person which is substantially surrounded by the clothing preventing odors from escaping to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A camouflage covering having a porous underlayer such as a knit mesh of 90% open area, and a plurality of dangling elements each having a base portion that is joined to and extends essentially transversely out from the porous underlayer. The dangling elements are arranged so as to essentially cover the porous underlayer so as to present a covering that has depth and provides a loft effect. The dangling elements are preferably strips having a low emissivity (0.02-0.50) inner layer and an external coating, which is thermally transparent but supports pigments that provide a visual and near infrared radiation signature suppression effect.

Abstract: The invention regards stockings or tights which are kept in place by a system resting on the hips and, therefore, do not oblige the wearer to suffer either pressure round the waist, caused by common elastic bands, nor a tight clasping around the thigh. The system resting on the hips (6, 7) allows an equal distribution of the force necessary to keep the stockings in place, which can therefore be worn for a long time since the wearer does not feel any discomfort on the abdomen or the thighs.

Abstract: A perfumed brassiere in which solid form perfume materials are arranged on the periphery of hard support elements at the bottom edges of the cups or are insertably provided in between layers of fabric of the brassiere. Soft pieces of perfume materials are fitted into the cups or in between the fabric layers around the cups. The perfumed materials are coupled to the brassiere as a whole to send out sweet smell for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A fragrant brassiere mainly including two pressure-resistant bags made of gas-pervious plastic material for sealing some kind of filler therein, and fragrance carriers containing a fragrant substance and being positioned in the filler inside the pressure-resistant bags. The filler is a substance allowing slow diffusion of fragrance in the bags. The diffused fragrance passes the gas-pervious plastic material of the bags to disperse in the air, making the brassiere having the pressure-resistant bags and the fragrance carriers send out fragrance for a prolonged time and therefore has longer useable life.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting care providers from baby urination accidents. The apparatus includes a generally domed shaped, contiguous shell terminating in a base wherein the shell and base are sized such that the genitalia of a baby is accomodated and covered in the immediately surrounding region. The base is weighted to provide the apparatus with a center of gravity proximate to the baby when disposed over the genitalia thereof to provide the apparatus with stability when positioned as desired. An optional adhesive layer may be provided to the base to further the stability of the apparatus.

Abstract: A universal camouflage system comprised of one or more bundles of elongated material strips attached to a spring-loaded clip. The bundles may be attached by means of the clips to garments, equipment, and natural environment objects and growth, without any requirements that they be modified to receive the bundles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric nonwoven web having a relatively small pore size, and made from mixtures of aramid and other non-aramid fibers. The fibrous nonwoven web has a high titer reduction with respect to coliphage PR772. The present invention provides the filter element incorporating the present inventive fibrous nonwoven web. The nonwoven web is also adapted to be use as human apparel and fashioned into garments.

Abstract: One or more generally wedge shaped foam support cushions (20A, 20B) covered by a soft, washable, and close fitting material (29) for supporting an enlarged abdomen (24). The support cushions (20A, 20B) are uniquely and adjustably secured adjacent to the abdomen by hook and loop fasteners (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) on an elastic belt (21). The elastic belt (21) encompasses the person (23) and the support cushions (20A, 20B) and has opposite ends that overlap and engage adjustably with hook and loop fasteners (22E, 22F).

Abstract: A body suit for nighttime wearing by persons suffering from chronic skin ailments is comprised of a body garment. A first pair of sleeves is attached to the body garment, the first pair of sleeves each having a channel with an opening and a drawstring within the channel. A hand covering such as a glove or mitten having padding thereon is attached to each of the first pair of sleeves. A second pair of sleeves, each having an optional channel with an opening and a drawstring, is attached to the body garment. A footie may be attached to each of the second pair of sleeves and each of the second pair of sleeves may be impregnated with an anti-itch agent.

Abstract: Camouflaged apparel for use by a hunter in pursuing waterfowl, in which the apparel is designed to be observed by the pursued waterfowl, includes apparel that resembles the coloration of a selected species of waterfowl. The apparel conceals the hunter that is wearing the apparel and has an exterior appearance that visibly resembles the appearance features of the selected species of waterfowl in order to entice the waterfowl to approach the concealed hunter.

Abstract: A new tape measure system and a new combination collar-and-tape measuring tool, actually worn by the user, is described. The collar-and-tape measuring tool allows for adjustments to the fitting that befits individual preferences and natural fit selection. The collar-and-tape measuring tool has a front portion of a fake collar (i.e., a half portion of a regular collar). To this front portion is attached a tape measure. Ground zero of the tape begins at the edge portion of the fake half collar, where the measurement point of the loose tape end is attached. The tape has graduated measurement markings disposed on the outside, as is standard with ordinary tape measures. On the inside of the tape is disposed a lining of Velcro.RTM. material, or another type of attaching material forming an adhesive surface. The loose end of the tape is drawn around the neck, meeting the ground zero edge of the half collar. The collar-and-tape tool is then secured by a mating adhesive surface (e.g.

Abstract: A textile fabric including a plurality of electrically conductive fibers characterized as providing sufficient current to induce either a wired or wireless coupling between the textile fabric and a portable electronic device. The textile fabric is intended for fabrication into a functional article of clothing or other item made of the woven textile fabric, so as to increase functionality of the article of clothing or item made thereof. The plurality of electrically conductive fibers are characterized as creating an interconnect to a portable electronic device, including integrated components, electronics, or the like, or serving as an antenna for signals received and transmitted by the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a health band contributing to promotion or maintenance of health without causing metal contact allergy, consisting of a soft and flexible band body having at least a three-layer structure consisting of a front surface layer, an intermediate layer and a rear surface layer; a titanium-containing material dispersed in the intermediate layer; and a fastener which is engaged with one of the front surface layer and the rear surface layer against the other layer so as to maintain the band body in a wrapped state.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing drag on the movement of the human body through air or other fluid mediums and improving heat transfer including a placement of trip mechanisms at predisposed locations on the human body with the mechanisms constituting elongated protrusions adapted to intercept the laminar flow of fluid across the body and prematurely trip the laminar flow into turbulence whereby the downstream pressure on the body is increased allowing the body to move more freely through the fluid medium.

Abstract: A corsage mounting device including a small wire element having two ends. Each end having buttons with holes wherein the wire ends are inserted therein in order to attach the corsage to a wearer's garment.

Abstract: A genital covering for covering only one's genitals while that person is undergoing examination and preparation for surgery, during the actual surgical procedure, and additionally while one is undergoing tanning on a tanning bed. The covering includes a front body section which is releasably adhered to the abdomen of the person and a lower elongated section which extends through the person's legs and is provided with a distal end which is releasably attached to the back of the person, in an area which is generally above the buttock area. While covering only the genitals, the person's abdomen, thighs and buttocks are left completely exposed.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing drag on the movement of the human body through air or other fluid mediums and improving heat transfer including a placement of trip mechanisms at predisposed locations on the human body with the mechanisms constituting elongated protrusions adapted to intercept the laminar flow of fluid across the body and prematurely trip the laminar flow into turbulence whereby the downstream pressure on the body is increased allowing the body to move more freely through the fluid medium.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for various size passengers and tandem riders on unenclosed variable speed motorized and non-motorized vehicles which includes a dual belt configuration, a primary belt worn by the driver or front passenger which girds the waist and two (2) secondary belts attached to the primary belt, each having mounted thereon a handle, the position of which is adjustable around the waist in a manner to maintain the secondary belts in equidistant positions comfortably and effectively relative to the middle of the driver or front passenger's back.

Abstract: A cleavage wrinkle protector is constructed of satin or similar lingerie type fabric and stuffed with polyester fiberfill. The protector includes stretch lace neck and torso straps. The protector is approximately 61/2 inches long and 21/2 inches side. The protector is designed to be worn between the woman's breast while sleeping to protect the cleavage skin from folding when she lies on her side.

Abstract: A device which improves the method for identifying athletes during sporting activities, particularly practices and physical education classes, comprised of a wide colored garment worn around the midsection of the participant. An elastic belt having cloth panels attached and hanging therefrom is pulled around the waist of the participant and fastened by means of hook and loop or other simple attachment. It provides freedom of motion when worn, while being easy to put on and remove. The highly visible surface area is nearly continuous and allows teachers, referees, participants, scorers, coaches, fans, and the like to differentiate between the various athletes.

Abstract: A garment for use in electronically-scored, contact-sports competitions is described. The garment is in the form of a fencing jacket or vest, is substantially wireless, and is woven from electrically conductive threads which cooperate with an electric sports implement to register a score when the implement contacts the electrically conductive garment. The fabric can be woven with the electrically-conductive threads extending in only one of the warp and weft directions, and preferably only in the weft direction.