Abstract: A ballistics vest pad cover (4) having at least one side that is transparent, thereby permitting a user to easily view the condition of the ballistics vest pad (3). In addition, because at least one side is transparent, a user will be able to readily determine which side should be facing towards the body. An optional label (9) may be placed on the body-face side of the cover (5) so as to provide an additional means of indicating the body-face side of the cover (5) and ballistics vest pad (7). Because the user will be able to easily view the ballistics vest pad (3), he or she will always be aware of the condition of the ballistics vest pad (3) and may replace the ballistics vest pad (3) and cover (4) as needed. As the user no longer needs to guess whether the ballistics vest pad (3) is still in good condition, lives will be saved. In addition, the number of injuries occurring from wearing the ballistics vest pad (3) incorrectly will be dramatically reduced.

Abstract: A fastener comprising a cylindrical member connected to a first strap section along the cylinder's wall, a tube-shaped member connected to a second strap section along the tube's wall. The tube has an opening within its wall to allow the passage of the first strap therethrough, and may comprise a display window covered with a magnifying glass to allow the assessment of the relative tension between the two opposing straps. The first strap section is attached to the second strap section by inserting the cylinder in the tube.

Abstract: The invention comprises a non-outerwear garment having at least one sewn seam on a sleeve of the garment and at least one said sleeve has an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion, and a cuff portion. A zipper extends from at least the upper arm portion through the lower arm portion and comprises a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth/coils has an open and a closed configuration, and in an at least partially closed configuration, a respective closed portion of the zipper or a fully closed zipper is substantially indistinguishable from the at least one seam.

Abstract: An adjustable garment such as a vest includes invisible zippers at the side seams of the vest. The zippers define pleats which can be opened or closed by the zippers to expand and contract the vest to alter its size. More particularly, each zipper includes first and second rows of teeth which are operable between interlocking and separated conditions to close and open the zipper in order to close and open the associated pleat.

Abstract: A liquid impermeable mortuary undergarment having resealable drainage ports mounted in the lower end of the undergarment's upper surface. The ports are positioned to grant ready access to drain any liquid accumulated in the undergarment.

Abstract: A Korean-style woman jacket design method is used in producing a jacket well-fitted to a woman with big breasts. The method includes the steps of: determining a back cover width L1 to be equal to one quarter of an armpit-passing chest girth plus n cm; determining a chest cover width L2 to be equal to one quarter of a nipple-passing chest girth plus m cm; determining a collar-back dimension L3 to be equal to [(neck girth/2)?p cm]/2; determining an armhole dimension L4 to be equal to (arm root girth/2) plus q cm; determining a cover flank dimension L5 to be equal to armhole dimension L4 plus r cm; determining a back cover height L6 to be equal to cover flank dimension L5 plus k cm; and determining a chest cover height L7 to be equal to back cover height L6 plus s cm.

Abstract: A one piece garment having a bottom portion with two leg openings connected to a openable torso portion with two arm openings and a neck opening with closable seams on the left and right front shoulder and arm sections of the garment with detachably fastenable closure means intermittently spaced on adjacent mating edges for dressing an infant, an invalid or oneself without effort or difficulty. The top portion's detachably fastenable closure means begins at the front of the neck opening and continues across the front of the shoulder section; or at the front of the neck opening down the sleeve to an unopenable sleeve cuff banding or all the way down the sleeve to the cuff banding, allowing for the complete opening of the sleeve. Alternatively, the bottom and top portions can be two separate garments.

Abstract: A system (20) having the form of a garment (22), such as a jacket or pullover top, which can be transformed into one of a number of different fully closable containers (24), such as a rucksack, bag, or daypack, or vice-versa and a method for performing the transformation. Closure of the neck aperture (15) is operated by actuating a first closure means (1) extending from a common point (14) below the neck on the back of the body (R) of the garment, over the shoulders on either side of the neck aperture down the front (F) of said body.

Abstract: A clothing clasp for securing an article of clothing. The clasp includes an elongated rigid pin member that is attached to a biasing member at a coupling point. The biasing member may be wavy in nature with various curves such that one or more sections of the biasing member are biased to contact the pin member. With such a clasp, one may slide the clasp over two sections of an article of clothing, e.g., two sections of a blouse that cross in front, in order to secure the first section to the second section without interfering with (i.e., poking though) either section.

Abstract: A pencil cap is described, as a lightweight baseball style cap having a crown and a bill and a 2-inch by 4-inch strip of reclosable fastener hook material attached to the side of the crown and a separate 1-inch by 0.75 elastic style reclosable fastener loop material sleeve. The positioning of the reclosable fastener hook material strip is 1.5 inches above the bottom ridgeline and located on either the left or right side of the crown to accommodate left hand or right hand use. The reclosable fastener hook material strip is used as a contact point to attach the reclosable fastener elastic style loop material sleeve. The sleeve is affixed around a standard carpenter pencil. The pencil cap with the reclosable fastener strip and reclosable fastener sleeve is used for convenient external storage and location of the carpenter pencil for use by carpenters, painters, plumbers, construction workers, draftsmen and the like.

Abstract: Self-healing electrical garments and self-healing electrical conductors and components for use in electrical garments are provided. A communication medium of various forms is integrated into a garment seam that is used to join two or more portions of a garment. The communication media can be used to provide electrical or other electromagnetic connection for coupling among a plurality of electrical devices associated with the garment. The self-healing electrical conductor may be used as part of a garment portion or may be used as a joining fiber in a variety of techniques to join garment portions together. The self-healing electrical conductor comprises an electrical conductor, a conductive polymer immediately surrounding or adjacent to the electrical conductor, an insulator enclosing the electrical conductor and the conductive polymer.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes a garment, a container installed in the garment for infiltration of liquids and filled with an electrolyte solution made of organic materials and having two electrodes electrically connected with the electrolyte solution, and an electric device electrically connected with the electrodes. When the garment is exposed to a wet environment, the water liquids can permeate through the container to mix with the electrolyte solution such that an electric current can be created to drive the electronic device to generate alerting or attracting signals automatically. The garment can take the forms of life vest, T-shirt, jean, coat, etc.

Abstract: A sweatshirt is disclosed that has a main body with a front panel and a back panel. The front panel includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The back panel also includes an inner surface and an outer surface. A pair of pockets each having a slit is positioned on a lower edge of the front panel proximate the opening. At least one closure means extending along at least one closable portion of the pair of opposing edges includes a bottom zipper and a little zipper. The bottom zipper defines a first row teeth and a second row teeth extending along the pair of opposing edges in the front panel. The little zipper also defines a first row teeth and a second row teeth extending along the opposing edges of the pair of pockets, each being proximate the bottom zipper.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a garment that is designed to prevent a child in a car-seat from removing his or her arms from the shoulder straps that are part of the modern 5-point harness system found in most car-seats. The garment is configured like a jacket, through the front of which the shoulder straps are threaded, allowing for access to the front closure hasp of the harness and ensuring the closure hasp is across the upper chest, while comfortably restricting the child's movement out of the straps by virtue of the sleeves of the garment which are now made part of the harness system itself.

Abstract: A multilayered fabric including a first base layer 1 including a polymer 2 exhibiting high temperature tolerance and water resistance, said the polymer being laminated with a cotton and/or polyester layer 3 adapted for comfortable contact with human skin, a second absorptive layer 4 including a moisture absorbent anti-fungal antibacterial layer including hemp and a third layer 5 including a decorative liquid permeable layer wherein said in which the multi-layered fabric is adapted for machine washing and drying.

Abstract: During use of a firefighter helmet or a similar helmet, a detachable protective earflap unit can be used to provide convenient and easy storage of personal items for the firefighter or other helmet wearer secured at the back of the helmet and below the rear brim or rear lower edge of the helmet by a utility strap securement assembly. The protective earflap unit comprises an earflap having a utility strap securement assembly that selectively may encircle and retain eyewear, an eyewear case, a utility bag, or other small personal item.

Abstract: A fastener (1) comprises at least two fastener halves (3A, 3B) each of which comprises a main body (7A, 7B) and a finger (9A, 9B) depending therefrom, the finger (9A, 9B) being spaced apart from the main body (7A, 7B) so as to define a recess (13A, 13B) between the body (7A, 7B) and the finger (9A, 9B). The recess (13A, 13B) receives, in use, the finger (9B, 9A) of the other fastener half (3A, 3B) to fasten the fastener halves (3A, 3B) together. At least one of the recess (13A, 13B) of one fastener half (3A, 3B) and the finger (9A, 9B) of the other fastener half (3A, 3B) comprises a concave mating formation arranged to engage in use with a convex mating formation (15A, 15B) provided on the finger (9A, 9B) of the other fastener half (3A, 3B) or on the recess (13A, 13B) of the one fastener half (3A, 3B) respectively.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, double layer fabric pad-like liner has four rounded wings arranged in a generally cruciform shape. Each wing includes an attachment element that registers with a complementary attachment element on respective seams of a garment to removably engage the liner with the garment over the seams.

Abstract: A specialized article of clothing is configured to enhance speed and/or accuracy of a golf swing or baseball swing. The clothing employs tension and/or flexure members configured to enhance muscle function, thereby increasing muscular strength and/or speed for improving athletic performance. The tension and/or flexure members provide for storage and release of strain energy during a wearers movement. The article of clothing may be configured for alternative movements, including throwing, jumping, and running. The article of clothing may be adapted to reduce strain on fatigued or injured muscles, or it may be configured to limit the range of motion of a joint, such as to prevent injury.

Abstract: A heatable garment includes a front and back panel having an opening there between for receiving a wearer's head. The front and back panels include a first and second layer of material. A plurality of sealed enclosures is formed between the first and second layers. At least one of the plurality of enclosures is disposed on the front panel and the back panels. The plurality of enclosures each includes a heating device having a source of energy for producing heat. The enclosures are sealed to retain the heating devices therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for making a length of woven fabric comprising an elastomeric weft yarn. The lengths of fabric obtained are particularly useful as shoulder straps for garments such as bras. Preferred embodiments relate to tapered fabric which is useful as a component of articles of clothing, especially a bra wing.

Abstract: A multi-sectional waistband quick release undergarment is provided. The multi-sectional waistband quick release undergarment includes a multi-sectional waistband having a first waistband section and a second waistband section for securing the undergarment to a wearer's body. An undergarment body includes a front panel and a rear panel, which are joined to the first waistband section and the second waistband section, respectively. At least a portion of the first waistband section is releasably secured to at least a portion of the second waistband section, and at least a portion of the front panel is releasably secured to at least a portion of the rear panel. When a predetermined breakaway force is exerted on the second waistband section, the second waistband section releases from the first waistband section and the rear panel releases from the front panel; and thereby provides effective protection against wedgies.

Abstract: A first objective of the present invention is to provide a technology for improving the abrasion resistance of a fabric or a composite fabric for use in textile products such as clothing products and the like without impairing the appearance thereof, and further, a second objective of the present invention is to provide a technology for achieving both the abrasion resistance and the lightweightness of a fabric or a composite fabric without impairing the appearance and the texture thereof. By coating a surface of a fabric with polymer dots as an abrasion-resistant resin and causing the average maximum diameter of the polymer dots to be equal to or less than 0.5 mm, the abrasion resistance of the fabric can be improved without impairing the appearance of the fabric. Further, by causing the surface-coating amount of the polymer dots to range from 0.2 g/m2 to 3.0 g/m2, both the abrasion resistance and the lightweightness can be achieved.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to an apparel article, such as an article of clothing, that includes a pre-worn piece as a design element integral with the article of clothing. The pre-worn piece may be, for example, a cut-out of an athletic jersey, a uniform, a shirt or the like, formed in a particular design pattern, that was worn by a member of a sports team such as a professional sports team. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for marketing an article or articles in a line of apparel, such as sporting goods apparel, with such pre-worn pieces affixed to the articles as integral design elements.

Abstract: A wearable, protective barrier comprising a garment having removably attached covers to protect hands and/or instruments placed therein. The covers can be removably affixed to various locations on the garment that would allow them to be detached from the garment before or after insertion of a hand. Various tabs located on the covers aid in inserting and adjusting the covers on the hand and/or instrument. In a specific embodiment, the covers and/or garment comprise one or more heat sensitive materials, such that some portion of a cover can be temporarily heat-sealed to the garment for later removal. In a further embodiment, the garment and covers are sterile and disposable.

Abstract: Various articles of apparel having a cylindrical portion, such as an arm region or a leg region, for extending around a joint (such as an elbow or a knee) of a wearer are disclosed. The cylindrical portion includes a textile material, for example, and a pattern located on a surface of the textile material or knitted into the textile material. The pattern has a first density in at least one area of the cylindrical portion oriented substantially parallel to a plane of bending of the joint, and the pattern has a second density in at least one area of the cylindrical portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of bending of the joint. A purpose of the pattern may be to decrease the probability of an overuse syndrome or other injury occurring as a result of use of the joint.

Abstract: The application is directed to self-securing garments designed to be donned quickly and safely secured to the body in a matter of seconds. Described are garments having an opening in the back terminating at two opposite edges. Attached to the outside of the garment is at least one flexible elongated band at least partially comprised of a shape-memory material. The ends of the band are formed into dual, oppositely wound coils. To use, the wearer puts on the garment as usual and, grasping a flexible coil in each hand, pulls them so that they unwind and elongate while simultaneously wrapping them around the sides of the body. Upon release, the shape-memory material causes the coil to contract, thus embracing the body and holding the garment between the body and the uncoiled band. The garment can have one or more coiled bands, such as at the waist, chest, or neck, to secure the garment closely to the body quickly and without assistance.

Abstract: A versatile poncho preferably for a child is provided. By its unique configuration, the poncho of the present invention allows for convenient and safe use for a child while fastened in a car safety seat. The preferred embodiment of the poncho includes an opening on a moveable panel and includes, under the opening, a flap, such that the moveable panel can be moved over the child's head so that the child may be strapped into a car safety seat more safely and comfortably because the child may be placed directly against the seat and the straps may be placed directly against the child without a bulky winter garment between the seat and the child, and the flap covers a portion of the child to provide thermal protection while being strapped in. A method of using the poncho and of fabricating and assembling the poncho is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arm-securing garment for immobilizing an arm of a user to promote healing of an injured collarbone and/or arm, while being comfortable for the user, is provided. The garment includes a back panel, a right side panel attached to and extending from a right side of the back panel, and a left side panel attached to and extending from a left side of the back panel. A sleeve is affixed to and extends generally across an interior of at least one of the right side panel and the left side panel. Fastening means secures the right side panel and the left side panel to one another, so that when the right side panel and the left side panel are secured to one another, the interior sleeve is capable of holding the arm of the user in a generally uniform position against a front of the user's torso.

Abstract: Convertible swimwear comprising a top piece and extendable bottom piece; the top piece having a plurality of fasteners along the lower portion thereof and the extendable bottom piece having a plurality of corresponding fasteners along the upper edge thereof to be releasably secured to the fasteners on the lower portion of the top piece. The position of the fasteners may be reversed. The bottom piece further includes a string component secured on the upper edge of the bottom piece, where upon releasing of the respective fasteners the string component is pulled away from the lower edge of the bottom piece bringing the upper edge of the bottom piece substantially close to said lower edge of the bottom piece and thereby rolling, folding or scrunching the upper edge of the bottom piece to effectively convert a one piece to two piece style bathing suit. The top piece further includes a cover flap to conceal the fasteners on each respective piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to an item of clothing, in particular to be worn during sports such as jogging, skating, cycling or similar. Said item of clothing is made of at least one yarn (3) that comprises a heat-reflecting covering (5).

Abstract: Garments that provide a stimulant to maintain desirable proper posture and poise of a person wearing the garments. The garment, which can take the form of a shirt or blouse, provides a stimulant to elevate the wearer's thoracic cavity and retract the wearer's scapulas to support a more up-right posture through the combination of a stretch fabric and a control band. The body of the garment is typically made from stretch-type fabric that is adapted to fit snugly to the body shape of the wearer. The stretch-type fabric can include a reduced level of elasticity along the front of the garment to promote a lifting of the thoracic cavity. The control band typically comprises and elastic material and can be positioned on the rear of the garment proximal to the wearer's scapulas to produce a slight retraction of the wearer's upper arms.

Abstract: An upper body garment is provided. The upper body garment includes an outer garment of a type normally formed as a separate garment for wearing over at least an upper torso of a wearer. An inner garment is circumferentially and permanently joined to an underside of the outer garment at a position corresponding to above a waist line of the wearer when the upper body garment is worn. The inner garment comprising a lower front panel and a lower rear panel. The lower front panel detachably fastens by fastening means to the lower rear panel at a position corresponding to a crotch of the wearer when the upper body garment is worn.

Abstract: A quickly releasable vest capable of protecting a torso portion of a user is disclosed. The quickly releasable vest includes a first torso panel, a second torso panel, a plurality of plug members, a plurality of socket members and a quick release mechanism. The plurality of plug members is disposed on the first torso panel. The plurality of socket members is disposed on the second torso panel. Each of the plurality of socket members is configured to detachably couple to one of the plurality of plug members disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism is disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism includes a pull cord and a plurality of connecting tapes. The quick release mechanism is configured to separate the first torso panel from the second torso panel.

Abstract: A circular knit garment blank is provided. The blank has an internal dimension defined by a series of courses, a length defined by a series of wales, and a first cut line. The length is sufficient to encircle a torso of a wearer. The first cut line is defined in the blank for severing the series of courses along the length.

Abstract: The present invention provides athletic apparel principally for bicycling. The invention provides a shoulder compression garment for bicycling configured to maintain a user's shoulders in a position closer to a user's medial torso plane relative to a relaxed position of the user's shoulders.

Abstract: A protective garment comprising a gown and an improved collar mechanism and method of use for securing protective gowns, typically used in health care settings, around the neck of a user without the need to secure with ties, tabs, snaps or other securing devices. The collar mechanism is made of a stiff material that is pliable enough to be deformed without fracture when force is applied but with a sufficient memory that allows the collar to return to its original position once the force is removed.

Abstract: A protective garment with an interior surface indicator to facilitate proper donning of the garment is described. The garment includes at least one indicia on the central portion of the interior surface of the garment to communicate to the wearer which is the interior surface of the garment. This allows the garment to be handled and donned by the wearer, without the wearer touching an exterior surface of the garment. A method of preparing a protective garment for donning is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: An adaptable garment capable of being worn in different configurations is disclosed, ranging from very conservative to very revealing, and which allows for the release of excess body heat.

Abstract: An apparel system may include an article of apparel and at least one insert element. The apparel has an inner layer and an outer layer positioned adjacent to the inner layer such that a surface of the inner layer contacts a surface of the outer layer. The insert elements is locatable between the inner layer and the outer layer. In some configurations, the outer layer stretches at least thirty percent prior to tensile failure. In order to secure the insert element within the apparel, a coefficient of static friction between the insert element and the apparel may be at least 0.70. In some configurations, a surface of the inner layer contacts and is unsecured to a surface of the outer layer in at least thirty percent of the apparel.

Abstract: A reversible hat may include a first portion of the reversible hat being a first color which corresponds to a home team color and a second portion of the reversible hat being a second color which corresponds to a away team color. The first portion may be an external surface of the hat, and the second portion may be an internal surface of the hat. The first portion may be a front surface of the hat, and the second portion may be a back surface of the hat. The hat may include a peripheral band with indicia, and the indicia may include a logo. A reversible headband may include a first surface being a first color corresponding to a home team, and a second surface may be a second color corresponding to an away team. The first surface may include a first indicia, and the second surface may include a second indicia. The first indicia may be a logo, and the first indicia may be a catchphrase. The second indicia may be a logo, and the second indicia may be a catch phrase.

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

Abstract: A fly for a flexible panel or closure, such as for a garment such as pants. The fly may have a generally L-shaped opening and an overlying cover panel which significantly overlaps the opening it covers. The overlying cover panel may have a pull tab. Closure may be magnetically enhanced. Pants having the fly may include front and/or rear discharge suppressing panels. Constituent material of garments may comprise nylon and polyester generally, with cotton portions and a spandex waistband, and may be sufficiently rigid in places to avoid bunching and to automatically align the overlying cover panel with the opening when released from manual grasp. Short pants such as underwear may be long enough to oppose spontaneously riding up in the course of use.

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 coating is disposed on the sleeves beginning at the sleeve or cuff. The coating has a high friction surface such that an end of a glove pulled over the coating is inhibited from rolling or sliding back over the coating and down the sleeve. The coating may be formed of a low-tack surface modifier and may include a dye or colorant that may be used to indicate the fluid protection level of, for example, a surgical gown. Additionally, a second coating of a phase change and/or shape memory material may be applied to the protective garment.

Abstract: The multifunctional garment or trappings and the method of the present invention includes at least one article, wherein the article has one or more of detachable connecting components, the detachable connecting components not only connect the different parts of the article, but also connect two or more articles, so that the multifunctional garment or trappings is adapted to be rearranged to change the style or the connection. The article further has one or more of openings and adjustable members, wherein one or more of connecting means are provided at the openings of the article, so that the multifunctional garment or trappings has a variety formations of styles or functions through several manners such as mutual fastening, detaching, flexing, or opening or closing the openings at the article.

Abstract: Described herein are articles and methods for improving MRI imaging. The articles and methods augment fat saturation, which improves the resolution of the MRI image and ultimately provides more precise and accurate diagnosis of diseases.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) is provided for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker.

Abstract: The sectional skirt includes multiple panels that are secured together in an easily detachable manner to form a skirt. At least four panels or sections are employed to form the skirt. Zippers or the like are utilized to detachably secure the panels together. By interchanging a panel(s) with a panel of a different color or design, the wearer can create a different look without resorting to another entire skirt.

Abstract: A garment has an inner layer for providing support and control to a wearer's body. In addition, a method for making such a garment is described. The inner layer is formed by bonding control liners to a main panel. The inner layer may then be attached at its edges to the edges of the outer layer of the garment.