Abstract: According to the invention, a method for inhibiting the formation of stretch marks is disclosed. The method may include applying an oil to a portion of a person's body. The method may also include placing a non-absorbent film over the oil on the portion of the person's body. The method may further include securing the non-absorbent film to the person's body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a garment is provided that includes applying an adhesive layer to a first ply and/or a second ply in a first amount in a first zone where structural support is desired and in a second amount in a second zone where breathability is desired; arranging the first and second plies with respect to one another so that the adhesive layer is therebetween; and activating the adhesive layer to secure the first and second plies to one another.

Abstract: An upper garment having a gusset including three blocks of a flank part, an underarm part, and a sleeve part. The flank part and the sleeve part each have both side edges defined by a gently curved line or a straight line. The underarm part of the gusset includes a front convex part -and a back convex part at both side edges of a front underarm part and a back underarm part, the front convex part -and the back convex part being gradually curved so as to become largest in width in a vicinity of an arm hole bottom. A front body piece, a back body piece, and a sleeve to which the front convex part and the back convex part of the gusset are sewn are configured in different shapes without concaves that are matched with the front convex part and the back convex part of the gusset.

Abstract: A weighted article of clothing having cooling properties, comprising a clothing substrate with weights attached thereto, the weights being made of a gel and being strategically placed so as to not interfere with the movements of a wearer and to not interfere with outer clothing or equipment worn over the weighted article of clothing and with the weights being arranged in a plurality of weight clusters and linking strands, with neighboring weight clusters being connected together with the linking strands. An exercise and training device for swimmers in the form of a shirt, top, or singlet that, due to the material of manufacture, increases the resistance to the swimmer's movement through the water.

Abstract: A supportive garment is provided including a stretch fabric material including a cotton and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 240 g/m2 to about 260 g/m2, a cotton tex count of about 15 tex to about 25 tex, and a spandex fabric denier of about 70. At least one supportive fabric panel is provided affixed to the stretch fabric material, wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises at least one layer of a supportive fabric material including a nylon and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 180 g/m2 to about 200 g/m2 and a stitch density per unit length of about 150 per 10 cm to about 160 per 10 cm in a wales direction, and about 580 per 10 cm to about 600 per 10 cm.

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

Abstract: Stretch mark prevention undergarments (1) worn around a woman's abdomen, chest, lower torso, legs, buttocks and other areas for reinforcing elastic fibers in the skin and preventing stretch marks. The stretch mark prevention undergarment has an outer layer (2) made of stretchable material and an inner layer (8) of material made of a non-slip material (9). The non-slip material maintains a constant adherent traction with the skin of a wearer, thereby reinforcing elastic fibers of skin. The inner layer is arranged in a predetermined pattern or design to allow a wearer's skin to breathe through the outer layer of the stretch mark prevention undergarment. The stretch mark prevention undergarment may be in the form of underwear (14), briefs, underpants, panties, leggings (16), corsets, bras (10) or any combination thereof to help prevent stretch marks on various parts of the body.

Abstract: A garment intended to be worn primarily by children, teenagers and young adults integrates a friendly and cute appearance of an animal on the garment. The garment also provides one or more pockets to allow the wearer to conveniently carry and store various personal items within the garment.

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

Abstract: A weighted article of clothing having cooling properties, comprising a clothing substrate with weights attached thereto, the weights being made of a gel and being strategically placed so as to not interfere with the movements of a wearer and to not interfere with outer clothing or equipment worn over the weighted article of clothing and with the weights being arranged in a plurality of weight clusters and linking strands, with neighboring weight clusters being connected together with the linking strands. An exercise and training device for swimmers in the form of a shirt, top, or singlet that, due to the material of manufacture, increases the resistance to the swimmer's movement through the water.

Abstract: A fitness garment or suit comprises at least one of a jacket or pants similar to an athletic truing suit. A detachable inner lining support various types of weights in distributed pattern about body portions, generally distributing the total load between joints to provide general fitness training while the user wears the suit throughout the course of their normal activities. The inner lining does not interfere with the drape and feel of the outer garment.

Abstract: A garment for a part of the body, and in particular a sport pant, includes an elasticity element, or a number of such elements, disposed on a portion of the garment, while another portion of the garment is free of elasticity elements. As a result, the garment can store energy by elastic elongation under a movement of, for example, a leg. This energy can then be released under a second movement of the leg in the opposite direction, resulting in the garment supporting the second movement of the leg.

Abstract: An apparel comprises a body portion and a pair of arm portions, where an underarm region is located between said body portion and each said arm portions. The body portion further comprises (a) a torso portion, (b) a skirt portion, (c) a band portion located between the torso and skirt portion and (d) at least one elastic element located between the band portion and underarm region.

Abstract: Garments and methods are provided for carrying an infant in skin-to-skin contact. In one exemplary embodiment, a garment can have a back panel and two front panels. The front panels can be configured to overlap and adjustably couple together such that the front panels can securely hold a baby against a wearer's chest. One of the front panels can have a pocket formed on an interior surface thereof that is configured to prevent a baby from slipping out of the garment. The garment can also have an adjustable belt configured to be positioned around the garment. The belt can provide additional support to the garment for securely holding a baby against a wearer's chest.

Abstract: The elastic garment top has an interior surface, and a lower portion with a bottom edge adapted to overlap the upper portion of a conventional garment bottom of the type having an exterior loop for a belt. A device extends from the interior surface of the garment top at a point spaced from the bottom edge of the garment top for engaging the belt loop or belt on the exterior of the garment bottom. The device encircles the belt loop or the belt. The device may be a fabric strip one end of which is attached to and extends from the interior surface of the garment top. The free end of the strip is removably attached to the interior surface of the garment top by snaps, or by hook and loop ribbon. Alternatively, first and second tie strings may be used to engage the belt loop or the belt.

Abstract: Breathable, water resistant protective articles, such as garments, sleeping bags, and the like, which are readily packable into small volumes. The articles are constructed from an outer layer comprising a laminate of a textile bonded to a barrier layer, an insulation layer and an inner layer comprising an air permeable textile.

Abstract: The invention provides a lower body garment comprising an interior layer comprising an elastic material to be worn around a wearer's leg, an outer shell, and a tunnel pocket system positioned between the outer shell and interior layer. The tunnel pocket system defines a tunnel extending from the exterior pocket of the outer shell and terminating in an interior pocket positioned in or on the elastic material of the interior layer. In use, the wearer can access the interior pocket through the exterior pocket. The elastic material of the interior layer facilitates retention of items stored in the pocket against the wearer's leg, thereby reducing movement of items when the wearer moves. Retention of items stored in the pocket against the wearer's leg can be further enhanced by providing that the pocket be of elastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding the swing of a user of a piece of sporting equipment, such as a golf club, baseball bat, tennis racquet, hockey stick, or field hockey stick, is provided. The apparatus may be made of a relatively dense and elastic material, and may comprise a front opening in a front portion of the apparatus, and a front sleeve extending from the front opening. The front sleeve may have a proximate end at the front opening, a distal end, and an opening in the distal end through which the user's arms and hands may penetrate. The front sleeve may further be tapered from the proximate end to the distal end, generating a compression force on the arms, thereby “connecting” the arms to each other and to the core of the body before and during the swing.

Abstract: A disposable garment having a fin seam, wherein the fin seam has a Height no greater than 6 millimeters and a Rigidity no greater than 0.6 gram-force/%-compression as measured by the Test Method. In particular embodiments, the garment is a pant-like garment having two outwardly extending side fin seams, each having a Height no greater than 6 millimeters and a Rigidity no greater than 0.6 gram-force/%-compression as measured by the Test Method.

Abstract: A wraparound garment has a designated pouch section with a top opening. Two elongated, relatively wide arm members extend from opposite sides of the top opening. The arm members can be wrapped around a wearer's body to encircle and/or cover the shoulders, neck, waist, back, or breast areas. The length of the arm members and their widths ensure that the garment can be wrapped in a wide variety of configurations.

Abstract: Fabrics comprising inorganic fibers, or threads composed of such fibers, coated with a polymer composition sufficient to contain fiber particles within the fabric, are disclosed. Such fabric is suitable for use in garments and coverings for valuable objects, among many other utilities. Methods of making such fabric are also disclosed, as are garments and other articles made from such fabrics, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable, vented, and insulating cold weather garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Perforations along the seams between the insulating chambers may achieve optimal evaporative moisture transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment.

Abstract: Articles of apparel may include a base layer having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The base layer defines an aperture extending through the base layer and from the first surface to the second surface. Cushioning elements may have a first material layer, a second material layer, and a plurality of foam components. The first material layer and the second material layer are bonded to the second surface of the base layer. The foam components are located between and secured to the first material layer and the second material layer. In addition, the foam components are positioned to correspond with a location of the aperture. In some configurations, a bonding element may be utilized to bond the first material layer and the second material layer to the base layer.

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

Abstract: A shirt having a removably attached portion. The shirt includes a first piece of material having a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion; and a second piece of material having a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion. The first shoulder portion of the first piece of material is removably attached to the first shoulder portion of the second piece of material and the second shoulder portion of the first piece of material and the second shoulder portion of the second piece of material are removably attached.

Abstract: Garments may include: (a) one garment portion having an air permeability of less than 550 ft3/min per ft2; and (b) another garment portion including one or more vented zones, wherein a material forming the vented zones has an air permeability of at least 550 ft3/min per ft2. The vented zones may extend along a center back portion and/or along at least one side portion of the garment. Methods for forming such garments may include: (a) providing one garment portion having an air permeability of less than 550 ft3/min per ft2; (b) providing another garment portion including at least one vented zone, wherein a material forming the vented zone has an air permeability of at least 550 ft3/min per ft2; and (c) forming a garment structure including these garment portions. The vented zones may extend along a center back portion and/or along at least one side portion of the garment structure.

Abstract: Apparel for monitoring optimal body shell temperature during physical activity. The apparel uses thermochromic dyes and thermochromic inks to indicate changes in body shell temperature as physical activity commences and progresses. The thermochromic dyes and inks reveal when the body shell temperature has reached a temperature indicating optimal muscle performance, and inform the wearer of the apparel whether to increase or decrease the intensity of the physical activity to establish or maintain the optimal body shell temperature.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect including at least one electrically-conductive fibre configured to form a stretchable interlaced configuration.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a garment is provided that includes applying an adhesive layer to a first ply and/or a second ply in a first amount in a first zone where structural support is desired and in a second amount in a second zone where breathability is desired; arranging the first and second plies with respect to one another so that the adhesive layer is therebetween; and activating the adhesive layer to secure the first and second plies to one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a point-of-care garment configured for providing more efficient, effective, and accurate care to patients. Embodiments may include a point-of-care garment that includes an image sensing apparatus disposed proximate a cuff of a sleeve of the garment and at least one storage pocket, where each of the at least one storage pocket including identifying indicia. The point-of-care garment may further include a display disposed on a sleeve of the garment. The garment may further include a communications apparatus including a microphone and a speaker. The image sensing apparatus may be a barcode scanning apparatus. The identifying indicia of example embodiments may include a removable tag with at least one patient name, a barcode identifying a patient, or a patient location.

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

Abstract: Various systems, processes, and products may be used to provide a garment for enhanced ball security. In particular implementations, a garment for enhanced ball security may include a first portion adapted to cover an inner portion of a human arm, a second portion adapted to cover an outer portion of a human arm, and a number of rectangular patches on the second portion. The patches may extend towards the second portion in their long direction and be adapted to adhere to a ball.

Abstract: A reversible garment with at least three different exterior configurations, where the garment does not use zippers or other fasteners. A special stitch is used to obscure the binding of the layers comprising the garment in any configuration the garment is used.

Abstract: A compression garment comprising of targeted higher compression muscle support zones knitted in seamlessly and lower compression zones knitted seamlessly in-between and around the targeted higher compression muscle support zones, thereby isolating each targeted higher compression muscle support zone from one another; wherein the total seamless construction provides targeted anatomical muscle compression support, and said construction collectively defines and overlays the human musculature surface anatomy of the wearer of the garment.

Abstract: A garment including one or more flowing zipper vents (e.g., opposing slider pairs on a zipper, etc) sewn onto a seam of the garment. The garment can include pants legs, wherein each of the pant legs respectively incorporate the fasteners, which when opened allow for venting of air to the interior of the pants to cool a wearer's legs. The garment can include sleeves, wherein each of the sleeves respectively incorporate the fasteners, which when opened allow for venting of air to the interior of the sleeves to cool a wearer's arms. Breathable mesh material can be included with the flowing zipper vent, inside the garment, to hold the garment together and protect skin from full exposure.

Abstract: In one aspect the pregnancy simulation outfit comprises (i) a vest, (ii) a pair of protuberances configured and arranged on an upper portion of a frontal area of the vest for depicting the enlarged breasts of a pregnant woman when the vest is worn, (iii) a weighted element, and (iv) a pouch in a lower portion of the frontal area of the vest accessible from the outside surface of the vest for accommodating insertion and removal of the weighted element into and out from the pouch while the vest is worn without doffing the vest.

Abstract: An exercise suit which includes a resilient band extending through a guide pocket in a first direction along a pant leg or sleeve of the suit. The band engages a direction changing means near the end of the leg or sleeve and at least a portion of the band extends there beyond in a second direction. A free end of the band is releasably engaged with a tension adjustment mechanism provided on the exterior of the leg or sleeve a distance away from the direction changing means. The wearer adjusts the tension in the band by moving a length of the band through the direction changing means and repositioning the free end on the tension adjustment mechanism. A cover is removably disposed over the tension adjustment mechanism to prevent accidental dislodgement of the free end of the band.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparel and/or clothing accessories containing a fluid container. In particular, disclosed are systems and methods for providing apparel and/or accessories that selectively contain a fluid container that can be filled with a drinkable liquid. The apparel item may include any clothing or object that is adapted to be worn by a person, such as a necktie. In some cases, the apparel item is made to receive and retain a liquid-tight container within an internal compartment of the apparel. A flexible tube is connected to the container and runs from within the apparel item out, so that a wearer can drink fluid from the container through the flexible tube. Additionally, in some cases, when inflated, the container provides a pillow or cushion.

Abstract: The invention provides a shirt suitable for being worn by a sports player. The shirt comprises a torso portion having a head opening and a lower trunk opening; and first and second sleeves, each of the first and second sleeves comprising biceps, elbow and forearm portions and a gripping zone provided on one of the biceps, elbow and forearm portions. The gripping zone is made of a material having a coefficient of friction sufficient for preventing movement between said shirt and an elbow pad worn by the sports player.

Abstract: The present invention is unique in its design and function, it can be worn by any adult and fashioned into several types of apparel ranging from a hat and scarf to a pair of gaucho pants. Because the garment does not have buttons or snaps, it can be easily utilized by persons with handicaps or disabilities. It can be worn as a head and shoulder shawl, a hat and neck scarf, a top wear, a light jacket, a shrug, and pants. The unique design is the one cut and two sewing seams creation of the bell sleeve type garment out of a light weight stretchable fabric. There are no hooks, Velcro, zippers or buttons. For creating a tapered sleeve type garment, an additional cut is made. Because of its simplicity, the garment of the present invention is cost efficient to manufacture.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel applications for alliform carbon, useful in conductors and energy storage devices, including electrical double layer capacitor devices and articles incorporating such conductors and devices. Said alliform carbon particles are in the range of 2 to about 20 percent by weight, relative to the weight of the entire electrode. Said novel applications include supercapacitors and associated electrode devices, batteries, bandages and wound healing, and thin-film devices, including display devices.

Abstract: Methods for performing an exercise, such as yoga, physical exercise or other athletic activities, include perceiving an inspirational message immediately before performing the exercise. The inspirational message may also be viewed at least once during and/or after the exercise. Perception of the inspirational message may be personal to the individual, and may be associated with clothing worn by the individual as the individual performs the exercise. In some embodiments, an inspirational message may be carried on the inner surface of a front of a garment configured to be worn on an individual's upper body. In such an embodiment, an individual may perceive the inspirational message while putting on the garment and taking off the garment. In some embodiments, the individual may also perceive the inspirational message before putting on the garment, while performing the exercise and/or after taking off the garment.

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: A water-repellent woven fabric having excellent water repellency, which is friendly to the environment, and a garment made of the water-repellent woven fabric are provided. A composite yarn containing a false-twist crimped textured yarn having an S-direction torque and a false-twist crimped textured yarn having a Z-direction torque is arranged for a warp or a weft to obtain a fabric, and a fluorine-based water repellent having a total concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid of 0 to 5 ng/g is then adhered to the woven fabric.

Abstract: A method for donning a therapeutic garment system on a mammalian body, whereby the garments are adapted for donning and releasably securing in a close-fitting fashion so that a plurality of elasticized pieces may be releasably applied, utilizing fasteners, against an outwardly facing surface of at least one—and more often two—of the garments in an operative therapeutic configuration. At least one elasticized garment is included for donning around an area of a torso such as the upper-torso, lower-torso, or full-torso area; a second elasticized garment is included for donning and releasably securing in a close-fitting fashion around a portion of the body, generally other than that around which the first garment will be (or has been) donned. In addition to an outwardly facing surface adapted for accepting releasable fasteners, each garment has an under-layer with an inwardly facing surface to resist slippage.

Abstract: A stabilizing garment system featuring a shirt component and a pant component and strips of spandex integrated into the shirt component and the pant component. The strips of spandex follow the path of a ligament or a muscle of the wearer. The strips of spandex can help provide compression or added support to the wearer's ligaments and/or muscles.

Abstract: An article of apparel is provided and may be formed of a plurality of movable apparel members. The movable apparel members may be connected to each other via a fastener and may be movable or rotatable relative to each other. The movable apparel members may form a web-like structure having a plurality of apertures of varying sizes defined by the movable apparel members. The position of the movable apparel members may be maintained, such as via a friction fit between the movable apparel members and the fastener, until one or more of the movable apparel members are acted on by a force sufficient to overcome the friction fit. The article of apparel may be adjusted to a plurality of different configurations by moving the movable apparel members and may be worn as an exterior garment or may be worn beneath another garment to provide shape, structure, etc. to the other garment.

Abstract: A garment for improving the wearer's posture provides cords that, when secured in place, exert a slight pressure against the wearer's shoulders each time he/she starts to slouch, serving as a reminder to be more erect. The garment had a horizontal channel that is located around the body of the user, preferably just below the breast area, that accommodates a first cord. The garment further includes vertically-extending channels that extend upward from the horizontal channel and over the shoulders of the user. A cord extending along each vertical channel engages the cord in the horizontal channel such that the horizontal cord anchors the vertical cord(s) when the cords are pulled sufficiently, lightly engage the front of the wearer's shoulders. Once the cords are secured in place, the wearer will feel a slight pressure against his/her shoulders each time he/she starts to slouch, serving as a reminder to be more erect.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to wrist cuffs of wearing apparel that can fold out to cover a wearer's hands, and folded back into a cuff to allow a wearer's hands to operate normally; a typical use to prevent infants and children with eczema from scratching themselves or sucking thumbs.

Abstract: A shirt with an elastic lower portion and a lower protruding band combines an upper shirt portion made of traditional shirt material with an elastic lower shirt portion made of elastic or stretchy material. The upper shirt portion and the elastic lower shirt portion are attached by a fabric interface. The upper shirt portion covers the majority of the wearer's torso, and the fabric interface is at or near waist level, so that the majority of the elastic lower shirt portion is at or below the wearer's waist level. A lower protruding band encircles the lower edge of the elastic lower shirt portion, which serves as an anchor for the shirt within a pair of trousers while the elastic lower shirt stretches to allow the wearer to comfortably perform movements that would otherwise untuck the shirt from the wearer's trousers.