Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a jacket is provided having a lifeline access slot to allow a harness attachment to be accessed from outside the jacket. The access slot can be reinforced and designed to be barely visible but easily accessible.

Abstract: A decorative removable cover is provided for fitting over a ski helmet with an opening in the rear for passage of a goggle strap. The cover includes a decorative band of faux fur that may be removable for replacement purposes. The cover is made of single ply stretchable material.

Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.

Abstract: A body shaping fit system for pants is based on the concept of actively shaping the body's silhouette. This fit system includes: a stretch coating formulation for fabric that provides stretch in all directions (e.g., four way stretch) in an engineered way to target specific parts of the body, shape contouring panels, cosmetic finishing techniques, and seaming and construction techniques for pants. In a specific implementation, a pair of jeans includes a shape contouring panel incorporated onto an inside of the jeans, the panel including a polyurethane based coating with holding power to enhance the body's natural curves while de-emphasizing the body's flaws. The fit system is also applicable to pants, shorts, capris, and other clothing where shaping and support is desirable in the waist, seat, hip, and thigh areas.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and means for securing pants cuffs and otherwise raised or shortened pants legs. Some embodiments of the methods and means of the invention also incorporate additional functionality including, but not limited to communication, sensing, display and data processing elements. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities.

Abstract: Reversible hypoallergenic clothing, including but not limited to jeans, pants, skirts, shirts and jackets, utilizing two-way hypoallergenic metal fasteners. The metal fasteners include double sided zippers and dual headed metallic buttons made from metals that can be considered to by hypoallergenic such as titanium and stainless steel. The hypoallergenic reversible garment may be configured into different cuts and styles according to fashion trends and are suitable for use by children, teens, men and women.

Abstract: An expandable joint for use in, for example, a headband, includes elastic material, a low-friction sleeve, and a tube. The low-friction sleeve covers at least two opposing sides of a portion of the length of elastic material. The length of elastic material is affixed to the low-friction sleeve at a first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The length of elastic material extends beyond a second end of the low-friction sleeve opposite the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The tube substantially encloses the low-friction sleeve. The low-friction sleeve is affixed to the tube at the first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve, and the length of elastic material extends beyond a first end of the tube.

Abstract: A system for providing a secure fit between feet and/or ankles of an individual and boot sections of wader pants may include wader pants including boot sections, and wader support pants configured to be positioned underneath or over the wader pants. The wader support pants may include inflatable membranes configured to be disposed within or on the boot sections of the wader pants, and a pump in fluid communication with the inflatable membranes. The pump is operable to inflate the membranes to provide a secure fit between the boot sections of the wader pants and the feet and/or ankles of the individual.

Abstract: A vent for garments, comprising an upper panel and a lower panel, wherein the upper panel has a lower end portion and the lower panel has an upper end portion, and the lower end portion of the upper panel overlaps the upper end portion of the lower panel to form an opening, wherein the vent further comprises a gutter extending into the opening to trap rain travelling through the opening.

Abstract: A Scope and Cap Flap is attached to a piece of sporting outdoor wear. The Scope and Cap Flap has one flap attached to the left front chest portion and a second flap attached the right front chest portion. The two flaps are attached to one another to create the Scope and Cap Flap that drapes over a weapon held by a sportsman protecting the weapon from the elements while having the weapon readily accessible for a sporting activity such as hunting.

Abstract: A convertible garment may be constructed from a material having a bulk section between opposing ends. Bundling strings may encircle the material near the ends with an adjustable and independent level of compactness. Additionally, connecting strings may be attached to the material at the ends for positioning the opposing ends of the material adjacent to one another. Compactness of the majority of the material in the bulk section may be adjustable relative to a desired coverage of a wearer. The material may be hemmed. Stitching may be included near the ends to supplement the bundling strips. The material may be a textile that is adjustable to cover a length of the wearer up to between shoulders and hips of the wearer. A method of using the convertible garment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible garment may be constructed from a material having a bulk section between opposing ends. The material may substantially encircle bands located at the opposing ends. Bundling strings may encircle the material near the ends with an adjustable and independent level of compactness. Additionally, connecting strings may be attached to the material at the ends for positioning the opposing ends of the material adjacent to one another. Compactness of the majority of the material in the bulk section may be adjustable relative to a desired coverage of a wearer. The material may be hemmed. Stitching may be included near the ends to supplement the bundling strips. The material may be a textile that is adjustable to cover a length of the wearer up to between shoulders and hips of the wearer. A method of using the convertible garment is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to techniques of this application, a garment may include a trunk, three left sleeves, and three right sleeves. Two of the left sleeves and two of the right sleeves may be short sleeves. The third left sleeve and the third right sleeve may be long sleeves. The garment may include a placket that comprises a first placket piece, a second placket piece, and a third placket piece portion. The placket may be assembled separately and then attached to a V-neck cutaway of the trunk.

Abstract: Form-fitting athletic garments may provide different elasticity and therefore different amounts of support along different directions. A relatively elastic textile may be used to form a form-fitting compressive garment such as shorts, shirts, leggings, bodysuits, socks, and the like. Stitch lines may be formed in the relatively elastic textile extending in a desired direction using thread(s) and/or stitch construction techniques to provide reduced elasticity along the direction of a stitch line. One or more stitch lines may be formed in a textile to provide enhanced support along the direction of the stitch line(s). An interior textile layer may be adhered the relatively elastic textile layer to contact the wearer's skin and to protect the wearer's skin from stitch lines. An interior textile layer may extend over all or part of the relatively textile layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stitched garment comprising a stitched background, a stitched pattern sewn into the background, and an opening through which an article can be inserted. Theopening is integrated into the stitched pattern such that the opening is hidden from view by the stitched pattern.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing textured thread textured thread comprises the steps of: processing textured yarn having a zero or near-zero twist by applying a singles twist thereto; plying at least two textured yarns together by twisting them in a direction opposing the singles twist; wherein the singles twists lie in the range 4 to 20 turns per inch and the plying twist lies in the range 2 to 18 turns per inch.

Abstract: A zipper arrangement is configured to fasten a first fabric portion to a second fabric portion. The zipper arrangement includes a plurality of first zipper elements positioned along the first fabric portion and a plurality of second zipper elements positioned along the second fabric portion. A zipper closure includes a first closure member releasably coupled to a second closure member. The first closure member is positioned on a mid-portion of the first fabric portion and the second closure member is positioned on a mid-portion of the second fabric portion. A first slider is positioned on one side of the zipper closure and a second slider is positioned on an opposite side of the zipper closure. The zipper arrangement may be used to fasten and unfasten a front right garment portion and a front left garment portion by moving the sliders in opposing directions.

Abstract: Aspects for supporting a turndown shirt collar are disclosed. In a particular aspect, a semi-rigid shapeable device includes a rear region that forms a substantially semi-circle shape having a first and second end. For this particular embodiment, each of a first terminal end and a second terminal end are respectively oriented upwards and inwards relative to the rear region via a first bend at the first end and a second bend at the second end. In another aspect, a method that facilitates forming a shirt collar support is provided, which includes shaping a semi-rigid shapeable device into a substantially semi-circle shape. In a further aspect, a turndown collared shirt is provided, which includes a collar band comprising at least one collar sleeve configured to hold a shaping device.

Abstract: A sleeve is disclosed that fits over a belt such as a work belt or an exercise belt. The sleeve is fabricated from an absorbent material to absorb perspiration of the wearer to maintain sanitary conditions of the belt. Moreover, the sleeve may be fabricated from a material which lifts the belt off of the wearer's skin and allows air to flow therebetween to facilitate a cooler body temperature and resulting in less perspiration.

Abstract: A system for garment fitting and fabrication includes a fabric template and fabric pieces attachable to the template to form the garment. A method for garment fitting and fabrication includes draping pre-fabricated modular fabric pieces on a wearer.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an upper garment. More specifically, the present invention relates to an upper garment having a pre-tensioned waistband.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing a garment having a plurality of surfaces. The method includes selecting at least one surface from the plurality of surfaces to serve as a tactile stimulating surface. The method further includes selecting a texture for the at least one surface, different from that of at least a majority of the plurality of surfaces, configured to provide tactile stimulation to a touch sensing organ.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to easily removable clothing that is intended for individuals with limited mobility. The invention further relates to easily and safely removable clothing for individuals that may be recovering from surgery or suffer from a disability which limits their physical mobility. The invention also relates to pull-tab systems that may be combined with clothing or accessories in order to facilitate easier and simpler removal and wear.

Abstract: A garment for one person detachably fastens to one or more garments for one or more other persons. Each of the detachably fastened garments may include indicia or design. The indicia or design may be configured such that a message or larger design is produced when the garments are detachably fastened together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a drawstring closure that allows two sides of a garment to securely and evenly tighten the garment and the fly of the garment. One embodiment of the invention includes a drawstring closure for use on a garment, including a first front panel, wherein the first front panel comprises a first tab, and wherein the first tab comprises a first opening through which a drawstring can be threaded; a second front panel, wherein the second front panel comprises a second tab, wherein the second tab comprises second and third openings through which a drawstring can be threaded; a first drawstring, wherein the first drawstring is attached to the first tab, the first drawstring is threaded through the third and the first opening; a second drawstring, wherein the second drawstring is attached to the first front panel; and the second drawstring is threaded through the second opening.

Abstract: A shaped article having a polymer having repeat units of Formula (I) and one or both of Formula (II) and (IIa): wherein M is a cation.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a waistband expansion system for a garment includes a first panel of a garment, a second panel of the garment, and a first stretch panel coupling at least a portion of the first panel to at least a portion of the second panel of the garment. The first stretch panel is made of a material with elastic properties. The first stretch panel forms a portion of a waistband of the garment and includes a first panel portion that forms an exterior portion of the garment, a second panel portion that forms an interior portion of the garment, and an elastic strip that is positioned between the first panel portion and the second panel portion. The elastic strip has first and second ends that are each secured to at least one of the first panel portion and the second panel portion by a row of stitches.

Abstract: A shirt collar for securing a neck tie or other accessory. One embodiment of the invention includes a collar band, first collar flap, and second collar flap. The bottom edge portion of the first collar flap attaches to the bottom edge portion of the collar band. The first collar flap can be folded up so that the tie sits between the collar band and the first collar flap. The traditional collar, or second collar flap, can then be folded down over both the first collar flap and the necktie.

Abstract: A bi-color insulating sleeve formed from a compression molding process. The compression process producing a product from a process wherein an inner layer of the sleeve made of a first color is only partially vulcanized. A second material of a different color is the placed over the sleeve and the use of heat and pressure are applied so that both the first and second materials vulcanize at the same time. The second material forming an outer layer and taking the form of the outer shape of the insulating sleeve wherein a compromise in the safety of the sleeve is visually identified whenever the inner layer can be seen through the outer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to leather clothing, comprising an outer layer made of leather, which is connected to an inner layer made of elastic material, wherein the leather is provided with folds over the majority of the surface area of the leather, wherein said folds are distributed approximately regularly over the surface area and connect the leather to the elastic material by means of a plurality of seams that are spaced from each other, and the elastic material is a textile woven fabric.

Abstract: An accessory platform is provided for use with a helmet and a helmet accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact. The accessory platform includes a base for attachment to the helmet and a rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the helmet accessory. The rail further includes first and second projections extending laterally in substantially opposite directions, a first groove formed in the first projection, and a second groove formed in the second projection. A first rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the first groove and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the helmet accessory, and a second rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the second groove and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the helmet accessory. A power source is coupled to the base and electrically communicates with the first and second rail terminals.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber blend, spun yarn, and textile material comprising a plurality of cellulosic fibers and a plurality of first synthetic fibers. The first synthetic fibers comprise a polyoxadiazole polymer, and the polyoxadiazole polymer comprises a plurality of first repeating units and a plurality of second repeating units, the first repeating units conforming to the structure of Formula (I) below and the second repeating units conforming to the structure of Formula (II) below Y is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, diphenylphosphine oxide, and diphenylphosphine sulfide. The invention also provides a method for protecting an individual from infrared radiation that can be generated during an electrical arc flash using such a textile material.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflective material, adapted for the efficient retro-reflection of radiation emitted by radar, the material comprising a multiplicity of reflective entities which are typically embedded in a substrate, the multiplicity of reflective entities being comprised in at least one reflective surface or electrically conducting surface, and the at least one reflective surface or electrically conducting surface comprising an electrically conductive coating, a high permittivity material, a foil, a film or a fabric formed from electrically conducting fibres or filaments. The reflective entities may comprise discrete shaped entities, most preferably di- or tri-hedral shaped entities, which are preferably embedded in a high permittivity medium. More preferably, the reflective entities are comprised in the machined surface of a reflecting substance comprising a polymeric sheet material which is machined to provide an irregular patterned surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resiliently flexible article and method for receiving and coupling two straps, etc., of a clothing item while providing support and comfort for the person wearing the clothing item. The article has generally planar dimensions with a thickness between top and bottom surfaces of the article and has only two holes for receiving the two straps, etc. The article when viewed at its top or bottom surface has an oblong shape with a major axis and a minor axis. The length of the article in the major axis direction is greater than its width in the minor axis direction. The two straps, etc., of the clothing item may be received through the two holes from the bottom side of the article and coupled together above the top surface of the article to rest on the top surface of the article between the two holes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a variety of stylish sleeves for wear with sleeveless outfits. A bust band circles the rib cage and the back with either front or back closure. A pair of shoulder straps are attached to the bust band. Stylish lace, sheer or other sleeves are sewed or otherwise attached to the shoulder straps and/or bust band. The band generally runs around the front chest just under the bra and around the back at the approximate vertical location of the rear part of the bra. The sleeves are typically sewed onto the shoulder straps and/or bust band; however, it is within the scope of the present invention to use removable sleeves with various fastening techniques. In the preferred embodiment, small silicone strips are attached to the interior of the shoulder straps that allow the sleeves to adhere to the shoulder and not slip down.

Abstract: A headwear cover system includes a left receiver base and a right receiver base, each receiver base including a respective receiver adapted to provide an attachment point for an elongated cover support member. Each receiver base is also associated with a respective hat connector which allows the respective receiver base to be connected to the brim of a hat. The elongated cover support member has two connectors, each connector adapted to be releasably secured to a respective one of the receivers. A cover sheet is included in the system and is adapted to be secured along at least a portion of the length of the cover support member. The cover sheet hangs down from the cover support member to provide the desired covering function.

Abstract: An athletic wear 1 of the present invention is formed of first clothing fabric F1 having small elastic modulus and second clothing fabric F2 having larger elastic modulus than first clothing fabric F1. First belt part 10 is formed by second clothing fabric covering circumference of upper part of pelvis Bh in wear 1. First belt part 10 essentially continuously comprises belt front part 11, belt back part 13 and pair belt side parts 12 covering upper part of pelvis Bh. Upper edge line of belt part slopes as extends from center of belt back part to center of belt front part.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a main body, a housing, and two connection elements fixed to the housing. The connection element includes a body and at least one elastic protrusion protruding from one side of the body. When mounting the main body to the housing, the elastic protrusion of the connection element is deformed to generate elastic force to fix the main body to the housing.

Abstract: An antimicrobial garment includes at least two textile layers fastened together, including an interior layer having antimicrobial properties and an exterior layer having a formal or professional aesthetic appearance. The garment is manufactured by either selecting a textile having antimicrobial properties, weaving antimicrobial textile fibers into a fabric, or treating a textile with an antimicrobial treatment, fastening a second textile, and tailoring the combination, together with additional materials as required, into a garment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deployable garment venting device that offsets the beltline of a wearer's trousers from the body of the wearer to allow an air gap such that heat and moisture is released and airflow is achieved across the trouser beltline. The device comprises a flexible frame member bordering an internal mesh web. The preferred embodiment comprises a pair of straps that deform the frame into a deployed state, bowing out the frame and creating a non-planar structure to offset a trouser beltline. The straps comprise clips for attachment to the wearer's beltline, whereby the frame can be released from the strap tension and thus stowed against the user's body in a planar state. Embodiments include of the frame straps include hooks that releasable maintain the frame's distorted shape, tensionable straps, and a frame that folds onto itself when disconnected from the user for condensed storage.

Abstract: A shirt for improving a swinging motion of a user wearing the shirt includes front and rear panels each having corresponding top, bottom and generally opposing side edges, wherein the front and rear panels are adjoined to each other by the top and side edges, defining an interior space of the shirt. The front and rear panels include sleeve cutouts formed on each side edge adjacent the top edge, and a neck cutout formed on the top edges of the front and rear panels. At least one tubular sleeve is permanently joined to the front and rear panels of at least one of the sleeve cutouts, the tubular sleeve defining an inside area, the inside area being fluidly connected to the interior space of the shirt. A member is substantially adjacent to the sleeve cutout and the side edges of both the front and rear panels.

Abstract: A garment having a ventilated garment closure system including a vented zipper is provided. A first flap is disposed on a first side of a vented zipper, and a second flap disposed on a second side of the vented zipper.

Abstract: An attachment unit includes a base plate, including a male connection element extending from a surface of the base plate. The attachment unit also includes a top plate, including a female connection element extending from a surface of the top plate, wherein the female connection element is configured to mate with the male connection element of the base plate. A tether having a first end may be connected to the base plate, and a second end of the tether may be connected to the top plate. An anchoring element may be configured to enable attachment of the base plate to a surface.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a folded edge of a garment comprises sewing one of the following stitches along a portion of fabric where an edge of the garment is to be formed: a bar tack stitch, a buttonhole eyelet stitch, a round eyelet stitch, a single line of stitches and a pair of spaced lines of stitches.

Abstract: Subject matter described in this disclosure is related to a sleeve that provides a marking surface on which to apply a washable marking medium. The sleeve may include a padding member and a marking-instrument holder. The padding member may be used to cushion an arm on which the sleeve is worn when the sleeve is being marked upon.

Abstract: An athletic wear 1 of the present invention is formed of first clothing fabric F1 having small elastic modulus and second clothing fabric F2 having larger elastic modulus than first clothing fabric F1. First belt part 10 is formed by second clothing fabric covering circumference of upper part of pelvis Bh in wear 1. First belt part 10 essentially continuously comprises belt front part 11, belt back part 13 and pair belt side parts 12 covering upper part of pelvis Bh. Upper edge line of belt part slopes as extends from center of belt back part to center of belt front part.

Abstract: An improved, substantially elongated gusset and/or crotch panel, incorporated into garments for humans' lower bodies. This novel, uniquely shaped, and scaled gusset significantly enhances wearers' comfort by eliminating seams, material transitions, stitching, and other mechanisms or methods of attachment from within the boundaries of a defined protected region, which coincides with the wearer's sensitive genital area. The gusset is preferably constructed from at least one layer of material, and may feature additional layers. In preferred embodiments, the elongated gusset and/or crotch panel is incorporated into girl/boy short-style undergarments, bikini-style undergarments, thong-style undergarments, pajama-bottom style garments, and other lower-body garments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: Fibers, such as textile fibers, having electrical components deposited thereon. More particularly, one or more electrical components are formed directly onto the surface of at least one fiber. The fiber having the electrical component formed thereon may then be interlaced with other fibers to form a larger piece of fabric, which can be employed to produce an article of clothing. A group of transistors and piezoelectric components forming an accelerometer may be woven onto one or more natural or synthetic fibers. The fibers may then be employed as the warp, weft, or both, of a woven piece of fabric, or used to form a knitted piece of fabric. The fabric piece can then be cut and sewn to form a wearable item, such as a shirt, a pair of pants, a hat, or the upper piece of a shoe that includes the accelerometer.

Abstract: Embodiments of sporting apparel, including, shorts, pants, trousers and so forth, are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the sporting apparel may be arranged about the waist of a wearer. In various embodiments, the sporting apparel may include one or more strips of hook-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro) that may be integrated into textile layers, rather than on top thereof, to reduce bulk. In various embodiments, a flap may be provided to be folded over all or a portion of a closure of sporting apparel, to reduce a likelihood that the closure will come undone, e.g., during combative sports.