Abstract: A novel process for printing high quality, high resolution, multi-color images on fibrous or porous materials or other ink absorbing materials, or on materials having high surface tension with a liquid ink, and especially over garments, is disclosed. The process is effected by applying a wetting composition, prior to, concomitant with and/or subsequent to applying an ink composition and formation of the images. Pre-printing and printing systems for executing the above process are further disclosed.

Abstract: One manner of producing more desirable clothing with electronic capabilities is to manufacture electronics, such as the charging wires or devices themselves, directly onto the textile materials. Textile materials generally do not support the manufacturing of electronic devices, in part because the surface of the textile is too rough for electronic devices or the processes used to manufacture electronic devices. An intermediate layer may be placed on the textile material to reduce the roughness of the surface of the textile material and provide other beneficial characteristics for the placement of electronic devices directly on the textile material.

Abstract: A lining system for articles of clothing is provided. The lining system enabling easy access to inward facing surfaces of outer panel portions of the article of clothing that incorporates the lining system. The lining system includes a plurality of detachable fasteners, each adapted to selectively move between a closed configuration and an open configuration providing access to the inward facing surfaces of the outer panel portion for applying patches thereto.

Abstract: A flexible temperature management device that uses powered thermoelectric elements to transfer thermal energy between a user and the environment to thermally regulate the user.

Abstract: A fabric having moisture management properties is disclosed. The fabric can also be made to be fire resistant. The fabric is particularly well suited for being used as an inner lining in protective garments. The fabric contains first yarns and second yarns. The first yarns extend in a first direction and the second yarns extend in the second direction. The yarns are woven together such that the first yarns form a pattern of shapes. The pattern of shapes concentrate the FR cellulose fibers and provide channels for carrying away moisture and improving the moisture management properties of the fabric.

Abstract: Protective garments and methods for low wet pick-up from hose water, weather, etc. and from perspiration generated by the wearer, to minimize water impact on the insulative properties, minimize weight gain, and effectuate quick drying. For firefighting in particular, the disclosure provides that wet, hot air is driven out of the garment, away from the wearer (rather than in), and water entry is blocked.

Abstract: A garment includes a front side and a back side. The front side and back side are coupled to surround at least part of a person's body. The front side includes a mesh outer shell and a lightweight inner mesh liner, and the inner mesh liner includes a material that provides moisture wicking. The back side includes a breathable material that substantially maintains three-dimensional breathability when the person rests upon it. The garment provides breathability substantially surrounding said at least part of the person's body.

Abstract: An elastic composite film provided with a sintered ePTFE film and an elastomeric resin layer, produced by continuously forming the elastomeric resin layer on at least one side of the sintered ePTFE film, continuously elongating the resulting multilayer film at less than the yield point of the expanded, sintered, porous film and at an elongation factor of 1.3 times or more in the biaxial directions, or in the uniaxial direction without contracting in the direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation, and relaxing the resulting elongated multilayer film, wherein when the composite film is elongated by 10% in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, the tensile stress of the composite film is 2.5 N/15 mm or less, and/or the elongation percentage of the composite film in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction is 30% or more and the elongation recovery rate is 70% or more.

Abstract: A warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and a convective thermal blanket supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A mechanism may be provided to releasably attach the thermal blanket to the clinical garment.

Abstract: To provide a thermal insulating sheet, a sheet for use in a truck bed, and a thermal insulating case having superior easiness to handle while having a high thermal insulation ability. A thermal insulating sheet 1 comprises a laminated member comprising a tarpaulin sheet 10, a plurality of synthetic resin nonwoven fabric sheets 11a, 11b, and polyester canvas 12, with the plurality of synthetic resin nonwoven fabric sheets 11a and 11b being provided between the tarpaulin sheet 10 and the polyester canvas 12. A perimeter the laminated member possesses at least a part where at least the tarpaulin sheet and the polyester canvas are fuse-bonded, and remaining parts where the laminated member is stitched together. The polyester canvas possesses one or more through holes, through which air can enter into and exit out of the laminated member, whereas the tarpaulin sheet does not possess any through holes.

Abstract: A water proof moisture management garment and a method of constructing such a garment in accordance with the present invention utilizes at least three layers. An outer layer may comprise a stretch woven textile treated with a durable water repellant finish. The outer layer may be micro-perforated to permit perspiration to evaporate through the micro-perforations. An inner layer may comprise a moisture management textile to facilitate the transport of perspiration away from the skin of a wearer. An intermediate layer may bond the outer layer to the inner layer. The intermediate layer may provide holes to permit the evaporation of perspiration from the inner layer through the micro-perforations of the outer layer.

Abstract: Laminated articles that include a first textile and a functional film layer bonded together by an adhesive layer having a non-uniform adhesive pattern is provided. The non-uniform adhesive pattern creates regions free or substantially free of adhesive that permits the laminate to preferentially bend in those regions. The adhesive regions, together with the non-adhesive regions, create a visible pattern on the surface of the laminate. A second textile may optionally be bonded to the functional film layer opposing the first textile by an adhesive. The first textile or the film layer may be elastic, shrinkable, or expandable. In such embodiments, raised portions of the laminate corresponding to the non-adhesive regions and curled portions corresponding to the adhesive regions are visible. The laminated article is waterproof, liquid-proof, breathable, and aesthetically pleasing and demonstrates a reduction in stiffness, improved insulation properties, and a reduction of noise associated with bending the article.

Abstract: Laminated articles that include a first textile and a functional film layer bonded together by an adhesive layer having a non-uniform adhesive pattern is provided. The non-uniform adhesive pattern creates regions free or substantially free of adhesive that permits the laminate to preferentially bend in those regions. The adhesive regions, together with the non-adhesive regions, create a visible pattern on the surface of the laminate. A second textile may optionally be bonded to the functional film layer opposing the first textile by an adhesive. The first textile or the film layer may be elastic, shrinkable, or expandable. In such embodiments, raised portions of the laminate corresponding to the non-adhesive regions and curled portions corresponding to the adhesive regions are visible.

Abstract: Microfiber cloth is attached to articles of regularly worn clothing, including shirt tails, neckties, scarves, sweaters, pants or other clothing article, making the microfiber cloth more accessible and ready to use for cleaning surfaces of personal devices.

Abstract: Devices with one or more internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, to provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability. The device includes at least a first bladder, chamber or compartment. An internal sipe is defined by at least a portion of two opposing internal surfaces that can move relative to each other in a sliding sideways motion, one of which surfaces is a surface of the first bladder, chamber or compartment. The device includes at least one attachment between the portions of said first and second surfaces defining at least one internal sipe, and at least one attachment is located at a central portion of the first bladder, chamber, or compartment. Siped devices can be used in apparel or clothing.

Abstract: A surface of a nonslip member (1) made of a silicone resin is treated by combustion chemical vapor deposition (2). A two pack urethane-based primer (3) in the molten state is applied to the surface of the nonslip member (1) treated by combustion chemical vapor deposition (2). The primer (3) is dried, and a thermal adhesive resin film (4) is applied to the layer of the primer 3 by thermal adhesion treatment. The adhesiveness (adhesive strength) of the nonslip member (1) made of a silicone resin is substantially improved. Therefore, when a nonslip member (A) is attached to the underside of the waist of a pair of trousers or a skirt or to a quarter lining attached to that part, the nonslip member (A) can maintain an extremely excellent nonslip effect for a long time. In addition, the nonslip member (A) does not peel off after washing or dry cleaning.

Abstract: A garment top includes a body fabric designed for covering a chest of a wearer, and a pocket assembly formed with the body fabric. The pocket assembly comprises a front and a back cooperating to form a pocket for holding an article proximate the chest of the wearer. The back of the pocket assembly incorporates a radiation barrier adapted for residing between the article and the wearer.

Abstract: The orthopedic support garment includes a garment body made of stretchable fabric and configured to be worn in a form-fitting manner on the upper body of a wearer. The garment body has a front body portion, a rear body portion joined to the front body portion, and right and left sleeve portions attached to the front and rear body portions. Also provided is at least one tensor band laid out along one of the front and rear body portions in a manner intended to substantially correspond to at least one of the fascial lines extending along the upper body of the wearer. When the garment is worn by the wearer, the at least one tensor band may be placed in tension so as to provide proprioceptive feedback to the wearer during movement.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. In one embodiment, a relatively lightweight fabric is produced that has been treated with a flame resistant polymer composition. The treated fabric is particularly well suited for producing jackets and trousers that are not only flame resistant, but also offer wind resistance and water resistance.

Abstract: A cuff assembly includes a frame assembly configured to be positioned about a limb of a user and support a functional electrical stimulation system, and an over center closure mechanism coupled to the frame assembly and configured to secure the frame assembly relative to the limb, the over center closure mechanism being located on a medial side of the limb when the frame assembly is positioned about the limb.

Abstract: An under body armor hybrid fabric garment has first and second fabric portions. The first fabric portion, configured to cover an upper torso region of a user's body left exposed by the body armor and extending into a second body transition region covered by the body armor, is formed of low stretch or no stretch fabric of woven or knit construction. The first fabric portion comprises yarns and/or fibers having flame retardant properties. The second fabric element, configured to cover a lower torso region of the user's body underneath the body armor, is formed of stretchable fabric. The second fabric portion comprises yarns and/or fibers having flame retardant properties and/or yarns and/or fibers resistant to melting and dripping when exposed to fire or high heat.

Abstract: A self-adhering, disposable headwear liner assembly having a topsheet layer, an absorbent core layer and a moisture barrier layer non-adhesively joined to each other, and a plurality of straight channels extending through the topsheet layer and the absorbent core layer and extending partially into the moisture barrier layer, wherein the topsheet layer, the absorbent core layer and the moisture barrier layer each comprise fibers and the fibers of adjacent layers are mechanically interlocked to join the topsheet layer to the absorbent core layer and the absorbent core layer to the moisture barrier layer; and an adhesive layer joined to the moisture barrier layer capable of securing the liner to the internal band of headwear.

Abstract: Articles of clothing, such as gloves having a substantially seamless inner liner and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a process for manufacturing a glove comprises stretching an outer layer inside-out over a glove form, such that an interior surface of the outer layer faces outward. A liner having a first side and a second side opposite the first side is cut from a fabric, such as fleece. An adhesive is deposited in an adhesive pattern onto the first side of the liner. The adhesive fuses to the interior surface of the outer layer in a heat/pressure procedure, thereby affixing the first side of the liner to the interior surface of the outer layer to form the glove. The glove is removed from the glove form and inverted to a right-side-out configuration, thereby compressing the outer layer and the liner.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines an upper edge region, while the lower portion defines a lower edge region. An upper adhesive band is disposed on the upper portion and runs alongside substantially the entire upper edge region. An upper release liner, in turn, is disposed on at least a portion of the upper adhesive band. At the same time, a lower adhesive band is disposed on the lower portion and runs alongside substantially the entire lower edge region. A lower release liner is disposed on at least a portion of the lower adhesive band. The lower portion is joined to the upper portion so as to define a hollow enclosure therebetween with the upper edge region and the lower edge region forming an open end in the hollow enclosure. The upper adhesive band and the lower adhesive band are disposed inside the hollow enclosure.

Abstract: Embodiments provide body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of holographic 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 elements include heat-directing elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and that may direct heat towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of performance characteristic elements coupled to a base material to direct heat, absorb heat, emit heat, and/or wick moisture while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, two, three, four, or more different types of performance characteristic elements may be included in a piece of body gear, for example in desired zones of the body gear.

Abstract: A liner system and method of thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.

Abstract: An energy absorbing liner system and method of making it, preferably by thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules that non-destructively rebound after one or more impacts. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.

Abstract: A personal protective suit including a sealed shell equipped with connection device intended to be connected to one same pressurized air source, air distribution device having an air intake connected to the connection device, and at least one first and one second air outlet, respectively intended to supply device for delivering air to the wearer and device for ventilating the suit, wherein the air distribution device includes a valve designed to reduce the air flow rate of the second air outlet when the air pressure at the air intake is below a determined value, while maintaining the supply of air to the wearer.

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: 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: 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: A method is provided for making a fluid-circulating heat exchanging garment, the method including providing a fabric panel for assembly of the heat exchanging garment, defining a tubing layout on the fabric panel with straight portions and bend portions defined in a flexible tubing. The straight portions of the tubing are affixed to the fabric panel and a mold is inserted into the inner radius of each bend portion. The mold has a shape corresponding to each bend portion and a channel having a radius adapted to closely fit over the tubing. The fabric panel and tubing are heated to an annealing temperature of the tubing. After cooling the fabric panel, the molds are removed, leaving the tubing reshaped at the bend portions to a desired radius.

Abstract: A flash fire and chemical barrier composite fabric of a flame resistant fibrous basic layer; a radiant heat and chemical permeation barrier, the barrier including a metalized polymeric chemical permeation resistant layer film; and a clear heat sealable outer film layer overlying the radiant barrier and forming a heat sealable outer surface of the composite fabric.

Abstract: Apparel for the concealment of articles. Presented is a shirt that allows fast and safe retrieval of a concealed weapon. The shirt can have multiple access points to allow the wearer to retrieve weapons holstered in a shoulder type rig, against the waistband (“AWB”) holster, or a “belly-band” type holster. The shirt comprises a shell substantially in the shape of a shirt and an inner panel substantially lining at least a portion of the interior portion of the shell. The shell defines at least one access port configured to be selectively opened or closed to enable selective access to an interior portion of the shell.

Abstract: A lining for a padding device for sports includes a buffer pad having outer and inner surfaces. A plurality of slots extends from the outer surface through the inner surface. The inner surface of the buffer pad is wavy and mounted to an inner surface of a padding device. A wavy, air-impermeable first sealing layer is bonded to the outer surface and is in contact with the inner surface of the padding device. A wavy, air-impermeable second sealing layer is bonded to the inner surface of the buffer pad. The first and second sealing layers seal the of the buffer pad. The second sealing layer is in contact with a body of a wearer. Spaces are defined between the wavy second sealing layer and the body of the wearer for convection of air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical scrub garment having an interior liner adapted to provide increased warmth and comfort for a user. The scrub garment is one that is provided in long pants, short and long tops and other assorted styles, while the interior of the garment includes a fleece, cotton or woolen material that provides increased warmth, softness and comfort for the user while wearing the garment. The liner allows the user to exit a facility for short periods in colder climate without requiring a jacket that otherwise obstructs movement. The garment itself is disposable, as is the case with cheaper medical scrubs, or alternatively the entire assembly is machine washable and reusable. The fleece liner is further optionally removable and interchangeable with other scrub garments of the type adapted to secure a liner.

Abstract: A material structure is provided with a multilayer material web (1) for forming flexible safety suits, containers, tarpaulins and tents. The material structure and products formed therefrom offers both high mechanical and chemical safety and makes it at the same time possible to greatly simplify both the manufacture of the material structure itself and the manufacture of chemical safety suits or other products with the desired properties and thus to make it less expensive. The multilayer material web (1) includes a fabric layer (2), a PTFE layer (3) applied on one side of the fabric layer (2) and a layer of a flameproof and flame-retardant material (5) applied on the other side of the fabric layer (2).

Abstract: Shock-absorbing helmet liners may be releasably locked to helmet shells using mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A layered adaptive membrane structure that has movable membranes is provided. The structure can change its gas, liquid and/or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Applications include protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: A bonded structure for use in a garment, comprising at least two mutually interbonded interlining fabrics, wherein the interlining fabrics each include warp yarns and weft yarns and wherein the interlining fabrics are next to each other, such that the structure has high shape stability even after repeated washing and drying operations, wherein the warp yarns of the first interlining fabric are at least partly in a parallel arrangement with the warp yarns of a second interlining fabric, or in that part of the warp yarns of a first interlining fabric are oriented at an angle in the range from 45 ° to 90 ° in relation to the warp yarns of a second interlining fabric.

Abstract: Protective clothing for environments having high radiant heat loads and/or high conductive heat loads is described. Protective clothing including, but not limited to, coats and pants and methods of making such protective clothing are provided. Protective clothing may include a thermally reflective liner positioned internal to an outer layer or shell, the thermally reflective liner having a reflective surface facing the outer layer or shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproof moisture-permeable underwear by which the scope of choices for a material can be widened, and the waterproofness in junction areas can be improved so that staining of an outer garment with urine or menstrual blood leaked from undergarment can be surely prevented. A waterproof moisture-permeable underwear to be worn between undergarment and the outer garment worn on the lower body is constructed by joining a plurality of two-layered fabric pieces (A), each comprising a base fabric (B) disposed facing the undergarment and a waterproof moisture-permeable membrane (C) laminated on a surface of the base fabric (B) facing the outer garment, in junction areas; wherein a material superior to the membrane (C) in texture is selected for the base fabric (B); a material superior to the base fabric (B) in welding property is selected for the membrane (C); and the junction areas (21A-21F) are formed by welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to functional spunbonded fabrics incorporating fibers made from non-fusible polymers containing one or more functional additives. The fibers are interwoven and interlocked to form a firm fleece composite, have different lengths, and have aspect ratios above 1,000. The fibers have a mean diameter of 0.1 to 500 micrometres and diameter variations within a fiber and/or among each other of at least 30%. The fibers contain more than 40 wt % of finely distributed functional additives in solid and/or liquid form. The spunbonded fabric is produced from a spinning solution containing the non-fusible polymer dissolved in a direct solvent and at least one functional additive. The spinning solution is extruded out of a spinneret, and the resulting strands are drawn in the longitudinal direction to form filaments or fibers, stabilized and laid down to form a fleece fabric. Exemplary spunbonded fabrics include clothing, technical textiles and filters.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: An apparel liner for cooling is provided. The apparel liner consists of a liner for a user's outer garment, formed from three layers. The first panel is in contact with the wearer's outer clothing, the second panel is spacer fabric having thickness and cellular structure. The second spacer panel is disposed over the first panel. The third panel faces the wearer's clothing (e.g. a shirt) under the outer garment. Holes are distributed over the surface of the third panel. All three layers may be sewn or fixed into a single fabric. An air inlet fitting is provided near the waistband for attachment of an air distribution hose. This air distribution hose is then connected to an air movement device.

Abstract: A covering for providing watertight protection to an appendage comprises a hollow enclosure, an adhesive band, a first liner, and a second liner. The hollow enclosure is dimensioned to slide over the appendage and defines an open end surrounded by a region of the hollow enclosure that is folded back on itself to form a cuff. The adhesive band runs along substantially the entire cuff. Lastly, the first liner covers a first portion of the adhesive band, and the second liner covers a second portion of the adhesive band.

Abstract: An under body armor hybrid fabric garment has first and second fabric portions. The first fabric portion, configured to cover an upper torso region of a user's body left exposed by the body armor and extending into a second body transition region covered by the body armor, is formed of low or no stretch fabric. The second fabric element, configured to cover a lower torso region of the user's body underneath the body armor, is formed of stretchable fabric.