Abstract: A swimsuit for competition swimming is contemplated as being formed with a seamless, continuous external surface across the rear of the lower torso and thigh portions of the swimsuit, and with a network of tension bands disposed interior to the external surface of the swimsuit for storing energy and resisting motion. The swimsuit may optimize the swimmer's swimming motion and posture, and improve the flow of water over and off of the swimsuit during competition.

Abstract: A support member for use in a sealing assembly of a patient interface device for delivering a flow of a breathing gas to the airway of a patient. The support member includes: a first end structured to be coupled to a frame member of the patent interface device; a second end structured to sealingly engage the face of a patient or to underlie a sealing flap which is structured to sealingly engage the face of a patient; and a sidewall which extends between the first end and the second end. The sidewall is formed from a plurality of beads of material.

Abstract: A multilayer fabric for selectively blocking or transmitting particular wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, such solar radiation, and far infrared (FIR) radiation. The multilayer fabric may include a microporous water vapor permeable layer that selectively filters particular wavelengths depending on the size of its pores. In some embodiments, the multilayer fabric may include a nanostructured layer that selectively filters particular wavelengths.

Abstract: A woven panel is provided that utilizes “grip” yarns in the weft direction in a first area to increase the coefficient of friction of the woven panel. The grip yarns are interlaced with a plurality of non-grip yarns to form a repeating pattern of floats on the woven panel, that when sewn into a garment, provide additional traction and friction for securing the garment to a wearer's body.

Abstract: A self-adjusting system for joint protection comprising a joint protector pad aligned relative to a joint and disposable between an operative orientation and a spaced orientation in relation thereto. A first attachment assembly of at least one elongate strap connects the joint protector to a foot or hand of the wearer, and a second attachment assembly of an elongate strap(s) connecting the joint protector to a point near the torso of the wearer, such as a waistband or belt. In a spaced orientation when the joint is straight, the joint protector is spaced apart from the joint so as not to impede movement. In an operative orientation when the joint is flexed, the joint protector at least partially covers the joint, supporting and protecting it from the underlying surface. The strap(s) ensure the joint protector is automatically properly aligned in moving between the spaced and operative orientation.

Abstract: A swimsuit for competition swimming is contemplated as being formed with a seamless, continuous external surface across the rear of the lower torso and thigh portions of the swimsuit, and with a network of tension bands disposed interior to the external surface of the swimsuit for storing energy and resisting motion. The swimsuit may optimize the swimmer's swimming motion and posture, and improve the flow of water over and off of the swimsuit during competition.

Abstract: The invention is to a protective pad for protection from impact and a protective garment using the same. The protective pad includes a foam part and a plate part. The foam part includes a plurality of channels, a plurality of cutout portions, and a plate accommodating section for receiving the plate part. The channels are formed in a first surface of the foam part and the plate accommodating section is formed in a second surface opposite to the first surface. The cutout portions of the foam part are through-holes formed in the foam part from the first surface to the second surface. The plate part is arranged on the plate accommodating section of the foam part, and the plate part includes a plurality of cutout portions that are substantially aligned with the cutout portions of the foam part.

Abstract: A system for providing wearable inflatable impact protection, the system having a wearable airbag garment, a first airbag chamber connected to the wearable airbag garment, an airbag igniter connected to the first airbag chamber, a controller connected to the airbag igniter, a sensor array connected to the controller, and a power source connected to the controller. The sensor array detects at least one of use, movement, location, and acceleration of the wearable airbag garment. The controller triggers the airbag igniter to inflate the first airbag chamber in a case where the controller determines at least one of a set of performance criteria has been exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system (1) for activating the deployment of an inflatable safety vest, characterised in that it comprises a case (2) designed to be solidly connected to the inflatable safety vest and equipped with a first opening (21) into which a box (3) can be removably inserted, said box comprising at least an electronic card, connection means and an energy-storage device. The upper part of the aforementioned first opening (21) is provided with a housing (22) which is equipped on the base and connected to the case (2) and into which at least the upper part (31) of the box (3) can be inserted so that it is hermetically connected to the case (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective headgear having a multi-layered shell to attenuate amplitude of incident mechanical waves of a blunt trauma to a human head by inducing destructive interference with the incident mechanical waves through phase reversal of reflected mechanical waves reflecting off a boundary between two adjacent layers of the protective headgear, and by coaxially converging the phase-reversed reflected mechanical waves with the incident mechanical waves. The multi-layered shell is configured to equally protect people having a similar size of head but with a range of body weight.

Abstract: A system capable of detecting and/or sterilizing surface(s) of an object using ultraviolet radiation is provided. The system can include a disinfection chamber and/or handheld ultraviolet unit, which includes ultraviolet sources for inducing fluorescence in a contaminant and/or sterilizing a surface of an object. The object can comprise a protective suit, which is worn by a user and also can include ultraviolet sources for disinfecting air prior to the air entering the protective suit. The system can be implemented as a multi-tiered system for protecting the user and others from exposure to the contaminant and sterilizing the protective suit after exposure to an environment including the contaminant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective garment (10, 110) provided with an inflatable protective device. The inflatable protective device comprises: at least one inflatable bag (12), suitable for moving between a rest condition, wherein it is in a deflated status, and an operating condition, wherein it is in an inflated status; an inflator device (14) coupled to the at least one inflatable bag (12) and designed for inflating the at least one inflatable bag (12), once the inflator device (14) is triggered; at least one acceleration sensor (16) suitable for detecting the acceleration undergone by the garment (10, 110) and a control unit (18) designed for processing the acceleration data detected by the at least one acceleration sensor (16) and for sending a triggering signal to the inflator device (14), when a crash situation is identified.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle comprises a seat. The assembly includes a collar supported by the seat. The collar has a first end and a second end. The assembly includes a first fastener on the first end and a second fastener on the second end. The assembly includes the first fastener and the second fastener that are releasably connectable with each other. An airbag is disposed in the collar and inflatable to an inflated position.

Abstract: An airflow shaping enclosure is mounted to the rear of a cyclist riding a bicycle. The airflow shaping enclosure is wide at its front and tapers toward its rear, maintaining and shaping airflow streamlines behind the cyclist. The forward section of the airflow shaping enclosure is shaped to match the rear of the cyclist and to fill space behind the cyclist's buttocks, back, and calves. The rear section of the airflow shaping enclosure is shaped to form a streamlined extension of the cyclist's body. The airflow shaping enclosure fore-aft and height locations are adjustable to minimize the gap between the airflow shaping enclosure and the cyclist's buttocks, back, and thighs. The airflow shaping enclosure is configured to carry luggage.

Abstract: For people with reduced physical ability such as elderly people, risks of bodily injuries are high. Once an injury occurs, a victim suffers, sometimes a victim even may not survive. To help such people, a personal wearable device without adding much inconvenience in normal life is disclosed. This personal wearable device is able to detect dangerous conditions and automatically deploy airbags when needed to prevent or mitigate potential bodily injuries.

Abstract: A motion analysis system includes: at least one orientation sensor configured to detect three-dimensional torso motion over time, the at least one orientation sensor including: a multiaxial accelerometer configured to detect acceleration in at least three orthogonal directions, and a gyroscope; and a controller configured to receive data from the at least one orientation sensor, the controller programmed to process the data to: determine at least one of a state and a transition of the torso; identify normal parameters for the determined at least one of the state and transition; and determine whether motion of the torso is outside the normal parameters. The controller is configured to identify, in real-time, the occurrence of a fall in progress of an individual from at least one of a standing state, a standing-to-seated transition, and a seated-to-standing transition.

Abstract: An active hip protector system and method for hip fracture prevention are introduced in order to overcome the shortcomings of existing methods of preventing hip fractures; namely: to provide effective impact protection and eliminate false fall alarms. The hip protector system comprises a belt-like pouch, worn over the user's waist, containing airbags which are inflated to a large size ensuring that the user's thighs will not hit the ground upon impact, once the system detects a fall. The pouch contains all of the necessary elements for fall detection and activating inflation of the airbags. Incorporation of distance measurement sensors and cross reference with acceleration and spatial orientation sensors enable reliable detection of impending collision with the ground. The pneumatic system, including the airbags, is carried within the pouch or, alternatively, can be placed in a location that is prone to falling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in one embodiment, is a breathable cushioning pad. The cushioning pad includes an upper layer surface, a lower layer with a lower surface, and a cushioning material disposed between the upper layer and the lo cushioning pad has a thickness. A channel can be disposed in the cushioning pad and defines a cushioning region The channel includes a thickness less than the thickness of the cushioning region. At least one vent extends through connection with the upper surface and the lower surface.

Abstract: A helmet with wireless sensor system for monitoring of surrounding objects. The helmet with wireless sensor system comprises a wireless sensor transceiver with a number of patch antennas to transmit a particular signal and receive reflected signals from surrounding objects; a processing unit located in a main shoulder pad communicating through radio frequency with a helmet uses the information from reflected signal received by wireless sensor transceiver to calculate the speed, distance, and direction of the object to determine when and where an impact will occur; and a number of inflatable/deflatable pads installed on the helmet and external to the helmet that will be activated prior to an impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for the personal protection is described. The apparatus has at least one main control unit which is connected to one or more main sensors and to a first main transceiver for transmitting and receiving on a first radio channel control signals and/or activation signals, wherein the main control unit is also connected to a second main transceiver for transmitting and receiving on a second radio channel control signals and/or activation signals. Vehicles and a system which comprise the apparatus are also described. The vehicles and the system also include a secondary apparatus and a protective garment which can communicate with the apparatus. A process which can be carried out by the system is also described.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure are directed to methods, apparatuses and approaches involving the use of a moisture absorbing material (e.g., desiccant) to control moisture. As may be implemented consistent with one or more embodiments, moisture is removed from an environmental control module that includes a desiccant material contained within a package. Liquid is deposited inside the package and sealed with the desiccant in the package.

Abstract: Protective elements for an article of apparel may include a plate component and a cushioning component that are secured together by stitching which passes through the plate component. The cushioning component may include a pair of material layers and at least one pad located between the material layers. The plate component may include a polymer material and the pad may include a polymer foam material, with the polymer material of the plate element having greater rigidity and density than the polymer foam material of the pads. An attachment area may be formed on an outer perimeter of the plate component that is provided with a reduced thickness relative to adjacent areas of the plate component. An attachment element may be passed through the attachment area and at least one layer of the cushioning component thereby attaching the plate component to at least the one layer.

Abstract: The adjustable air inlet for clothing is of particular value to those wearing heavy protective clothing in warmer conditions, such as motorcyclists wearing leather protective apparel. The adjustable air inlet is installed in a passage through the clothing where it may be aligned with ambient airflow, e.g., along the forearm, upper thigh, shoulder, or on the back of a glove or on a boot. Inner and outer flanges are installed along the edges of the hole, the outer flange securing a resilient scoop over the hole. A duct is preferably provided from the trailing end of the scoop within the clothing to an area of the body that is most benefited by the airflow. The scoop is normally open, but may be closed by a latch extending from the forward part of the outer flange. A cooling insert may be installed within the scoop for additional comfort.

Abstract: An apparatus for personal protection is described. The apparatus has a secondary control unit which is connected to at least one firing controller and to at least one first secondary transceiver for transmitting and receiving on a first radio channel control signals and/or activation signals, wherein the secondary control unit is connected to a smart-card reader for reading an identification code stored in a smart-card and transmitting this identification code from the secondary transceiver in a control signal. A protective garment and a system which includes the apparatus, a main apparatus and vehicles which can communicate with the apparatus, as well as a process which can be carried out by this system are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standalone wearable protector 1, comprising: a thin layer supporting fabric 2, at least one inflatable bag 13 housed in a seat 19 provided in said supporting fabric 2, at least one gas generator 12 acting as inflating means connected to said inflatable bag 13 and fastened directly or indirectly to said supporting fabric 2, a control unit 10 also fastened directly or indirectly to said supporting fabric 2 and suitable for activating said inflating means 12 and sensing means 5 connected to said control unit 10 and provided on said supporting fabric 2. The present invention also relates to a protective clothing assembly comprising a protective garment 30, 50 made of material resistant to abrasion and friction stresses and said standalone wearable protector 1.

Abstract: A body armor system that includes a fabric carrier configured (i) to be worn by a user and (ii) to hold armor plates. A back armor plate is held by the carrier. A right side plate is held by the carrier and a left side plate is held by the carrier. Straps are configured to wrap horizontally across the user and matingly connect to each other. Straps integral to the carrier are configured to wrap down over the front of the user and matingly connect to the connected horizontal straps. A right thigh plate and a left thigh plate are matingly connected with straps around right and left thighs of the user.

Abstract: A protective garment comprising a form-fitting, stretchable inner garment for covering part of a body of a wearer, the inner garment including a plurality of cushioning pads attached thereto with portions of the inner garment being free of the cushioning pads, and an outer shell partially overlying the inner garment, the outer shell including a plurality of flexibly interconnected protective pads cooperating with the cushioning pads to protect at least a major part of the portion of the body, the protective pads being more rigid that the cushioning pads, and the outer shell being separable from the inner garment.

Abstract: A fabric for use in chemical and biological (CB) protective garments includes at least one felt layer having from 25% to 100% carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers as a breathable physical barrier against toxic chemical droplets and/or pathogens. The felt layers are cleaned and consolidated into a mechanically competent sheet which can form adhesive seams having lapshear greater than the sheet itself. An additional supporting layer can be included. The supporting layer can be a wicking layer which is permeable with a chlorinated or otherwise chemically active solution to establish a reactive chemical barrier, the solution being dispensed on demand from a portable container. Embodiments include a second layer of CNT or of another backing fabric, sandwiching the wicking layer therebetween. Impermeable fluoropolymer seams can divide the fabric into a plurality of CNT/wicking cells. A layer of activated charcoal and/or halamine-forming hydantoin can be included for persistent reactive chemical protection.

Abstract: A protective apparel support (100) system is disclosed comprising a support frame configured to rest on the shoulders of a wearer, the support having a first shoulder member (104a), a second shoulder member (104b) and a shield (202) engagement portion. A shield (202) is selectively coupleable to the support and protective apparel (302) is coupled to the shield.

Abstract: A garment comprising a portion suitable for being combined with an inflatable member for protecting a user is described. The portion of the garment includes a covering surface suitable for forming a covering for the inflatable member. The covering surface comprises at least one insert made of elastic material.

Abstract: Ergonomic protective air filtration devices and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. An ergonomic protective air filtration device includes a stack of at least two layers of an air permeable material, the stack forming a body, a periphery, and a back; a plurality of intersecting three-dimensional V-shaped pleats extending from the periphery and into the stack of layers, so the back of the device defines a breathing chamber adapted to cover a mouth and a nose of the wearer; and a retaining means engaging the body of the device to secure the device to a face of the wearer and to create the breathing chamber. The ergonomic protective air filtration device provides protection against contaminated droplets, fluid splashes, solid particulates, pathogenic microorganisms, or aerosoled air pollutions.

Abstract: A bed bug protective garment configured to be worn by a user. The garment includes a body portion that is configured to wrap around a user's arms, legs, and torso. A first closure mechanism is connected to an opening of the body portion and is configured to close the body portion around the user. The first closure mechanism extends along the length of the body portion to a top of the body portion. A hood portion of the garment is connected to the top of the body portion. The hood portion includes a face mask connected to the hood portion that covers the face of a user. A second closure mechanism is positioned between the face mask portion and the hood portion of the garment and secures at least a portion of the face mask portion to the hood portion.

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: The information relating to physical and/or biomedical parameters of a person carrying out, in real conditions, an activity distinguished by high mechanical stresses is detected by sensors (10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 30) which are mounted on, or form part of, a garment worn while carrying out said activity. During all the stages of said activity this information is converted into data in digital format which are stored in an electronic recording device (100) or “data logger”. Advantages: the stored data may be used by other persons also far from the location where the activity is being performed and/or at a later time.

Abstract: An alternate quilting method and an apparatus manufactured by applying the alternate quilting method. Multiple layers may be arranged in layer sets, the layers of each layer set may be quilt-stitched to each other, and as a result, stitches may be formed. A space between the layers of each layer set may be filled with a thermal insulation material. The layer sets may be offset with respect to each other, in order for the stitches of one layer set to be blocked by the area of another layer set abundant with the insulation material, the objective of which may be to block flow of cold air through the alternate quilting construction.

Abstract: A protective garment is disclosed that has a gasket directly molded to fabric that defines an opening in the garment. The opening may receive a wrist, a hand, an ankle, a neck, or face of a wearer. In one embodiment, the fabric is part of a hood and the gasket includes an interface feature for sealingly engaging a breathing or respiratory mask with an airtight seal, vapor-tight seal, moisture tight seal, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Protective garments having first and second elastic straps and methods of manufacturing the same are described herein. The first strap may be positioned partially or entirely along a first strap line that extends from a left shoulder region to a right leg. The second strap may be positioned partially or entirely along a second strap line that extends from a right shoulder region to a left leg. The first and second strap lines intersect at an intersection.

Abstract: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another. Locking elements within the connection assemblies return to their locking position upon release of the tension.

Abstract: Geometrically incised fabrics that control reflectance and transmission in the visible, thermal, nIR, SWIR, and microwave/millimeter bands of the electromagnetic spectrum are provided. The incised fabrics include incised flaps that move about a hinged attachment portion into open and closed configurations. The incised flaps may be oriented in patterns containing overlapping, inverted incised flaps, overlapping inverted and non-inverted incised flaps, or in block patterns of incised flaps. Selective transmission of electromagnetic waves can be modulated by the geometry of the incised flaps and the amount of tension applied to the incised fabric. The incised fabric includes a composite material including an asymmetric ePTFE laminate, a metalized layer, an ePTFE membrane layer, and a textile. A second ePTFE asymmetric laminate and a metal layer may be attached to the composite material to form a reversible composite. Incised fabrics may be used to form selective, multispectral reflective covers and garments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment (10) for motorcyclists which comprises a pair of trousers (20), having a belt portion (30), at least one adjusting insert (70) and at least one protective element (40) which is removably applied to the knee portion of the garment (10). Said at least one protective element (40) is removably housed in a pocket (50) arranged in the garment (10). The garment (10) is also provided at the bottom portion of said pair of trousers (20) with fixing means (60) suitable for defining a plurality of height positions h1, h2 with reference to the belt portion (30) of the garment (10). According to the invention, said at least one adjusting insert (70) is suitable for being removably fixed to the fixing means (60) in order to adjust the length L, L+?L1, L+?L2 of the trousers (20).

Abstract: Provided among other things is a protective garment having one or more of: (a) an outer layer of a material that is self-extinguishing, and which is fluoro rubber, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfphonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, chloroprene rubber, or a mixture thereof, or (b) an inner layer of a barrier laminate, wherein an outer surface of the outer layer or an inner surface of the inner layer is modified with a hydrophobic chemical.

Abstract: A protective garment that reduces the energy transfer from an impact or a fall by consuming some of the mechanical energy transferred to the person wearing the garment and decreasing the amount of injury to that person. The material used in the manufacture of the garment is a polymer, often termed “air bubble packing”. The protective action uses a design that has one or more layers of the air bubble packing or one air chamber fashioned into a robe style garment for the purpose of reducing the amount of injury to the wearer from an impact with an UN-yielding surface. The air chambers are intended to cushion or rupture as pressure is applied, after the collapse of the first air chamber the next air chamber or layer of chambers and the process is repeated.

Abstract: Protective components may include a plate element and a cushioning element that are secured together with a hook-and-loop fastening system. The cushioning element may include a pair of material layers and a pad or a plurality of pad components located between the material layers. The plate element may include a polymer material and the pad may include a polymer foam material, with the polymer material of the plate element having greater rigidity and density than the polymer foam material of the pad.

Abstract: A stab resistant knit fabric, made containing a plurality of panels of a knit fabric having a modified knit structure corresponding to rows of knit stitches, wherein each of the panels of knit fabric comprise a front layer of knit fabric and a back layer of knit fabric, wherein the front layer and back layer are joined together by rows of tuck stitches formed from a yarn having no more than 4.5% elongation; wherein at least one panel of knit fabric is arranged such that the rows of knit stitches of the at least one panel of knit fabric are perpendicular to the rows of at least one other panel of knit fabric, its combination with a ballistic layer to provide ballistic resistance properties, and a protective garment prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A silky waterproof material for water sports garment is provided. The waterproof material is a foamed rubber sheet sandwiched by an inner silky fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The warp elasticity of the inner silky fabric layer is smaller than 50%, and the weft elasticity of the inner silky fabric layer is greater than 100%.

Abstract: The protective suit is for use by persons engaged in various potentially hazardous activities, but is particularly well adapted for wear by motorcyclists and others engaged in motorsports activities. The suit is equipped with airbags that differ from conventional automotive airbags in that the present airbags deflate more slowly to protect the wearer of the suit over a few seconds in an accident. The suit is also equipped with warning lights that are actuated in the event of an accident. The suit is electronically connected to a belt having various electronic systems capable of monitoring the condition of the motor vehicle and the wearer of the suit through sensors in the vehicle and suit. The suit is further electronically connected to the vehicle, the vehicle having a lockout system that prevents the vehicle from being started until the suit, belt, and helmet are properly connected and operable.

Abstract: Surgical gown and method of manufacturing the surgical gown. In a first embodiment, the surgical gown requires only one operating room person to assist a surgeon in donning the gown. A shoulder flap extends from a rear torso portion, over a shoulder portion and to a front torso portion of the gown. With assistance of only one other person, the surgeon rotates to enclose himself within the surgical gown, secure the flap to the front of the gown and tie waist tie strings. A second embodiment gown is self-donning. The second embodiment comprises a pole to which the flap and one waist tie string are removably attached. The surgeon rotates to enclose himself within the gown, removes the flap and waist tie string from the pole, attaches the flap to the gown and ties the waist tie strings to complete the gowning procedure.

Abstract: An air bag jacket includes a first portion corresponding to a breast and an upper back portion of a user in a wearing state and a second portion corresponding to a belly and a waist of the user in a wearing state. A recessed portion is cut upwardly from a skirt is formed in the second portion at a position corresponding to either a right or left side of the user. An inflator is arranged on the inside of the recessed portion.

Abstract: An energy absorbing pad having a pouch that contains tubes that may be filled with flexible materials is described. The energy absorbing pad is worn as a part of an athletic wear garment so that it protects the wearer from injury due to impacts in contact sports.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.