Abstract: An integrated cooling and hydration vest, incorporating a vest like structure made from liquid impervious material, the vest having at least one chamber formed therein, the chamber being structured into an upper section and a bottom section, a divider provided between the upper and bottom sections, at least one aperture provided through the divider to allow frozen material deposited within the upper section as it melts to gravitate into the bottom section during usage, and a syphoning device operative being associated with said chamber to allow the user to extract the melted liquid from the bottom section for consumption during usage.

Abstract: An adjustable front-opening hospital gown includes first and second front panels having respective mating fasteners, a rear panel, and an orientation feature such as a V-neck or other type of collar. The first front panel overlaps the second front panel in front of a torso of a patient. The rear panel is connected to the front panels, and defines an elongated slot that is overlapped or otherwise remains closed when access to a back of the patient is not required. The orientation feature identifies a designated front of the hospital gown. The gown may include intravenous access flaps, each positioned between the rear panel and a respective front panel. The rear panel may include first and second rear panels, one of which includes an edge overlapped by the other of the panel within the elongated slot to close the elongated slot.

Abstract: A front-opening hospital gown includes first and second front panels. The first front panel overlaps the second front panel when the gown is worn by a patient. The second front panel has fasteners in multiple columns and rows. The first front panel has mating fasteners, for instance a single column of multiple rows. The number of rows on the front panels may be equal. An additional rear panel(s) defines an elongated slot on the back of the gown for access to the patient's back. The gown may include an anti-microbial coating, colored fabric that indicates the size of the gown, an RFID tag, color-coded intravenous access flaps, and a telemetry pocket. The intravenous access flaps may have color-coded fasteners or backing twill material. The gown may include a collar indicating the front of the gown. The collar may have a contrasting color relative to a color of the panels.

Abstract: A slimming outer garment covering at least a portion of a wearer's lower torso having a garment torso portion for covering the wearer's lower torso with an encircling top edge and a transition band having an edge attached to the garment torso portion along the encircling top edge. The transition band has face-to-face interconnected elastic inner and outer members, where the inner member has a generally straight configuration when in an independent unstretched state and the outer member has an upwardly-directed curved contour when in an independent unstretched state.

Abstract: A medical undergarment system effective for supporting an ostomy system consists of a first diagonal catheter channel, a second diagonal catheter channel, a first vertical catheter channel, and a second vertical catheter channel. The system consists of tubing, a base undergarment, and a fluid bag. The medical undergarment system provides a comfortable yet stable ostomy system that can easily be slipped on and off by a user. The system enables convenient and easy removal of bodily fluid when using a catheter.

Abstract: A garment with an adjustable waistband and modesty flap includes a garment material having a waistband that originates and terminates at a closable seam, the seam having opposed edges extending downwardly from the waistband that define a V-shaped open configuration when the edges are spaced apart from one another and a closed configuration when the edges are adjacent one another. A waistband extension member extends from a waistband terminal end. A plurality of waistband fasteners are spaced apart along a waistband outer surface, each waistband fastener having a configuration complementary a waistband coupling member for selective attachment thereto. A modesty flap is attached to the garment generally adjacent one seam opposed edge and configured to extend across the seam open configuration. A plurality of flap fasteners are spaced apart along the waistband inner surface, each flap fastener having a configuration complementary to a flap coupling member for selective attachment thereto.

Abstract: Ladies' pants has an inside belt portion that is provided with an eyelet buttonhole as a second buttonhole. A moving cloth is provided inside the inside belt portion. A button is sewn on the moving cloth and is taken out from the eyelet buttonhole so as to be movable inside the eyelet buttonhole. If the button is engaged with the second buttonhole, the eyelet buttonhole is hidden under an outside belt portion. Then, the ladies' pants allows a waist size to continuously change, thereby giving a wearer a relaxed and comfortable wearing feeling. A round part of the eyelet buttonhole is located at a position corresponding to nearly a center of the moving cloth when the moving cloth returns to its original position. Then, even if the button is detached, the button can be stitched by scoop sewing through the round part of the eyelet buttonhole. Thus, the button can be surely reattached to the moving cloth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital garment that can provide a high-speed communication path by using a digital band that is quickly and easily attachable to a conventional garment (clothes), and a fabricating method thereof. The digital garment includes: a garment formed of textile; a digital band provided along the outside or inside of the garment so as to provide a communication path; a sensor, attached to the garment, being electrically coupled to the digital band, converting a physical signal into an electrical signal; an operation device, attached to the garment, being electrically coupled to the digital band, receiving the electrical signal from the sensor and processing the signal; and a communication module, attached to the garment, being electrically coupled to the digital band so as to perform wireless communication.

Abstract: The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.

Abstract: A garment includes a bifurcated body having front and rear sections wherein the front section is provided with a sheath oriented about a genital region and includes a ribbed outer surface. The rear section is provided with a plurality of apertures and is oriented about a buttock region respectively. The ribbed outer surface includes a plurality of protrusions. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for fastening the garment about the user's waist. A condom is positionable about a user's penis wherein a proximal end portion of the condom is engageable about the ribbed outer surface of the sheath, defining a frictional contact area for assisting to maintain the condom positioned about the penis during sexual activities.

Abstract: A tennis garment of fabric material and sewn construction has a front panel sewn to a rear panel with a waistband encircling the garment. A ball securing sleeve is aligned with, and joined to, the rear waistband portion at left, central, and right mutual locations, thereby establishing two ball securing sleeves into which a tennis ball may be inserted from above or below the sleeve. Once inserted, the ball is held in place by opposing upper and lower elastic bands within upper and lower hems of the sleeves. When desired, the ball may be withdrawn from the sleeves by upward or downward movement relative to the sleeves.

Abstract: A separate, transferable, attachable and removable stretch waistband device (10) used to convert the use of a regular lower garment article (14) into early stages up to full-term maternity use (and thereafter) and/or for accommodation in any increase or decrease in waistline size that simultaneously relieves pressure from front lower abdomen. The expandable waistband (10) is worn at the waist or hip region of wearer and conforms to the changing shape of the wearer. The stretchable band (10) temporarily attaches to the belt loops of an existing lower garment article of clothing (14) and is transferable from one lower garment to another. Belt loop attachment mechanisms (22) consisting of fasteners (30) are used to attach the main frame waistband (10) to the belt loops of an existing lower garment (14). The mainframe waistband core (10) consists of a faux-shirt overlay (24) to cover the band (10) and create the appearance of a shirt.

Abstract: An elastic material includes a plurality of zones. Each of the zones has a particular modulus of elasticity associated with it and the distribution of the zones throughout the elastic material causes the material to have a variation of modulus of elasticity along a particular direction in the material. The elastic material includes a weft, which includes a relatively inelastic component, and a warp, which includes the relatively inelastic component together with the relatively elastic component.

Abstract: An elastic material includes a plurality of zones. Each of the zones has a particular modulus of elasticity associated with it and the distribution of the zones throughout the elastic material causes the material to have a variation of modulus of elasticity along a particular direction in the material. The elastic material includes a weft, which includes a relatively inelastic component, and a warp, which includes the relatively inelastic component together with the relatively elastic component.

Abstract: A swimwear garment having a material which is permeable to liquid but substantially impermeable to bowel movement material. In one embodiment, the garment can comprise a stand-alone disposable pant liner in the form of a swimpant with waist elastics and leg elastics. In other embodiments, a mesh liner can be a layer within a disposable swimpant. The mesh liner can be attached to the disposable swimpant around the perimeter of the composite structure, or in swimpants containing containment flaps, to the containment flaps. The mesh liner can, optionally, further include elastic strands attached under the mesh liner to provide further lift and hold the mesh liner close to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detachable waist band expander for temporarily adjusting the waist band size of a garment. The user attaches the waist band expander to the button and the button slit of their clothing. The present invention includes an optional sized button which is inserted into the button slit of the waist band of the garment as a button hooking device engages the button of the garment. Hook and pile inserts serve as a size adjustment means.

Abstract: Provided is a high stretch composite elastic waistband that includes a relatively large ratio of drawcord to the relaxed length of an elastic web. The drawcord is fixed to the elastic web in such a way that the drawcord is allowed to move relative to the elastic web to form multiple gathers or drawcord protrusions, such as protruding loops or partial loops, as the elastic web returns to a relaxed size. The drawcord protrusions extend relative to the elastic web. The composite elastic waistband is constructed so that at least a section of the drawcord is capable of being pulled away from the elastic web so that the gathers or protrusions are diminished. Then the elastic web is capable of being stretched and released so that the elastic web contracts and cooperates with the drawcord to form the plurality of gathers or drawcord protrusions. This accumulates excess portions of the drawcord.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment waistband and method of forming a waistband are provided which preferably include providing a first elongate layer of non-woven material having a first predetermined width and upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of elongate elastic strips are positioned to overlie a first portion of the upper surface of the first non-woven layer. A second elongate layer of non-woven material preferably is also provided having a second predetermined width and upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface of the second elongate layer is positioned to overlie the plurality of elastic strips and the upper surface of the first portion of said first non-woven elongate layer. The second predetermined width of the second non-woven layer preferably is narrower than the first predetermined width of the first non-woven layer. The upper surface of at least a second portion of the first elongate layer preferably is folded to overlie and to be secured to the upper surface of the second elongate layer.

Abstract: Provided is a high stretch composite elastic waistband that includes a relatively large ratio of drawcord to the relaxed length of the elastic web. The drawcord is fixed to the elastic web in such a way that the drawcord is allowed to oscillate to form multiple drawcord protrusions, such as protruding loops or partial loops, as the elastic web returns to its relaxed size. The drawcord protrusions extend relative to the elastic web. The composite elastic waistband is constructed so that at least a section of the drawcord is capable of being pulled away from the elastic web so that the protrusions are at least partially flattened. Then the elastic web is capable of being stretched and released so that the elastic web contracts and cooperates with the drawcord to form the plurality of drawcord protrusions. This accumulates excess portions of the drawcord. The drawcord is movably attached to the elastic band by connecting stitches so that the drawcord extends in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment waistband and method of forming a waistband are provided which preferably include providing a first elongate layer of non-woven material having a first predetermined width and upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of elongate elastic strips are positioned to overlie a first portion of the upper surface of the first non-woven layer. A second elongate layer of non-woven material preferably is also provided having a second predetermined width and upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface of the second elongate layer is positioned to overlie the plurality of elastic strips and the upper surface of the first portion of said first non-woven elongate layer. The second predetermined width of the second non-woven layer preferably is narrower than the first predetermined width of the first non-woven layer. The upper surface of at least a second portion of the first elongate layer preferably is folded to overlie and to be secured to the upper surface of the second elongate layer.

Abstract: This invention provides an exceptionally expandable sheet elastic complex which consists of an elastic body sheet and a sheet backing material which is mounted on either one or both sides of it, these two members being bonded together along multiple, oblong, mutually parallel bonding sections, and in which multiple, mutually parallel channels are formed between the two members because the width of the sheet backing material between mutually adjacent bonding sections is greater than that of the elastic body sheet. The sheet backing material does not accept more than the minimum constraint of the elastic body sheet, and its waveform surface has excellent properties as a material for use in sanitary products. The invention also provides a process for manufacturing this sheet elastic complex.

Abstract: An elastic strand construction comprising a plurality of spaced ribs separated by thin zones is provided. The elastic strand construction is preferred for applications in disposable garments or the like. A method of manufacturing the preferred elastic strand comprises extrusion of polymeric material through a profiled die or the like. In the alternative, a method of formation comprising extrusion between a profiled roller arrangement is described. A preferred disposable garment construction utilizing elastic strands according to the present invention is described.

Abstract: A one piece washable garment having high thermal qualities and designed as a restraint for old and incapacitated people. The garment is closed at the front except for a small but concealed cavity at the waistline to house a catheter tube. A sheath for accessories is stitched to the underside of the front of the garment. The rear of the garment is divided into two segments held together by a plurality of fasteners, one of which extends from near the neckline to the crotch.

Abstract: A composite waistband includes an elastic band which is stretchable in the longitudinal direction and a non-elastic draw cord secured to one surface of the elastic band. The draw cord is secured to the elastic band by forming a plurality of stitches which extend over the draw cord and are sewn into the elastic band on either side of the draw cord. The plurality of stitches collectively define a longitudinally extending channel through which the draw cord extends.

Abstract: A releasable garment support device is provided for pants, trousers and other garments whereby the waist of the garment can be readily adjusted to fit a wearer who rapidly increases or decreases his waist size. The device comprises a thin, elongated member which is attached at each end inside the waistband to form a chord along an arc of the waist circumference to reduce the effective size of the waist opening.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustment system for forming a repeatedly adjustable hem on a garment. There is provided an adjustment mechanism comprising of a cord with one end that is attached to the garment's inside hem while the other end passes through a holding pocket or channel that is secured to the garment's inside seam. The second end of the cord above the holding pocket or channel is then preferably knotted to provide a stop or limit to adjust and the second end is secured to the garment lining. The fabric lining conceals the adjustment mechanism. A fabric tab is secured to the second end and the lining as a grasping point for making a length adjustment. The bloused lining is smoothed, the garment is pressed, and the adjustment is complete and undetectable. Embodiments are shown for adjusting trouser leg lengths, coat or jacket sleeves or body length as well as skirt and waistband adjustment.

Abstract: An expandable and retractable garment that is comfortable to wear, having a front portion and a back portion and including a tubular waist casing formed at a waist opening of the skirt or pants and receiving a elastic band, which is fixed at two points to the back portion and freely extends through the tubular casing at the front position. A free end of the elastic band provided with button holes or snaps extends outwardly of the casing on said band through an opening and is fastened by the fastening means to the back portion as said garment is adjusted in the waist.

Abstract: An orthopedic pant garment consisting of identical front and rear panels wherein the outer edges of at least one of the garment leg portions is releasably interconnected by fasteners, preferably of the hook and loop type. The fasteners are spaced from each other to provide medical apparatus access to the wearer's leg or hip and as the entire vertical length of a leg portion may be opened at its outer edge by releasing the fasteners, full access to the leg is possible while preserving the patient's modesty and dignity.

Abstract: A jumpsuit with a dropseat panel concealed by a folded pocket panel. When the dropseat is opened, the upper free edge of the pocket has a length selected such that it controls movement of the dropseat panel and its attached waistband, maintaining the waistband in contact with the wearer's body whereby the waistband cannot fall into a toilet.

Abstract: A self-adjusting trouser waistband system includes inner and outer combinations of extensible and non-extensible elements postioned respectively on and with the outside and inside of trouser pockets, such trouser pockets provided with expansible surfaces which integrally formed with innermost portions of the pockets to which the non-extensible elements are secured.

Abstract: A stretchable composite strip material comprising coextensive lengths of a band of elastic material and a stretchable non-elastic drawstring formed of textile material, and means releasably securing said drawstring alongside said band in lengthwise-bulked condition to medial portions of the elastic band is provided. The composite strip may be formed into a composite endless loop and incorporated into a garment. An apparatus and method for making the composite strip material is also provided.

Abstract: A waist adjustment mechanism for a garment enables the waist size of the garment to be easily and conveniently adjusted to accommodate the extensive range of waist sizes among individuals. The waist adjustment feature consists of a series of opposed fastening elements disposed along the interior surface of the waistband. Engagement of select ones of the opposed fastening elements reduces the waist of the garment to the desired size. When used in connection with a pair of trousers, the trousers may optionally be provided with adjustable ankle portions which facilitate the wearer in putting his foot through the ankle openings.

Abstract: An improved waistband construction for garments including a new one piece flat elastic strip having upper and lower portions of different stretchability. The elastic strip is connected to the fabric of the waistband and the shell of the garment so as to allow more expansion and comfort in fitting multiple sizes.

Abstract: An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length subsequent to manufacture of the article, preferably by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion of the elastically shirrable segment. The predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of the elastically shirrable segment preferably comprises an elastomeric monomer which is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring. The opposed ends of the elastically shirrable segment in the article are interconnected to one another through the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member.

Abstract: A garment having a waist adjustment capability for simple and convenient changes in waist size with a minimum of motion and inconvenience. The waist adjustment feature of the present invention is formed by at least one foldable member which provides a Velcro fastening element which, when folded to selected extent over the remaining waist portion of the garment, mates with an interlocking Velcro fastening element to secure the folded member in selected position. The invention thus provides for reducing the waist size in accordance with the degree of folding selected. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two such folding members are provided and are positioned along the lateral portion of the waist adjacent the hip region where they may be conveniently folded forward onto the front waist portion of the garment. The corresponding fold of the garment on each side adjusts not only the waist, but the hip and thigh region as well.

Abstract: A garment for use in a radioactive environment comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a shoulder portion used for suspending the garment over the body of a wearer, and an elasticized belt fixed to the garment at substantially waist or hip level. The belt is adapted to be stretched, tightened and secured around the waist or hips such that at least a part of the weight of the garment is substantially transferred to the waist or hips. The front portion of the garment has a lower flap adapted to lie against the front of the wearer and an upper flap for folding over the lower flap. The elasticized belt is secured releasably to the upper flap of the rear portion.

Abstract: An adjustable dress is disclosed which includes an adjustable crinoline or slip, an adjustable overskirt and an adjustable blouse. The slip is upwardly formed with a plurality of vertically spaced casings and is provided with a drawstring which is insertable into a casing to thereby provide the desired vertical dress length adjustment. The slip terminates downwardly in a fabric ruffle to form the finished bottom of the dress. An overskirt overfits the slip and is provided with a waist construction that is widely adjustable to fit substantially all sizes. The length of the overskirt is less than the length of the slip to thereby assure that the ruffle will bottomly extend below the overskirt. An adjustable blouse is fabricated of the same fabric as the slip ruffle and the overskirt and includes suitable drawstrings about the blouse top and sleeves to comfortably fit the shoulders, neckline and back of the wearer.

Abstract: A garment for use in a radioactive environment comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a shoulder portion used for suspending the garment over the body of a wearer, and an elasticized belt fixed to the garment at substantially waist or hip level. The belt is adapted to be stretched, tightened and secured around the waist or hips such that at least a part of the weight of the garment is substantially transferred to the waist or hips. The front portion of the garment has a lower flap adapted to lie against the front of the wearer and an upper flap for folding over the lower flap. The elasticized belt is secured releasably to the upper flap of the rear portion.

Abstract: An article of wearing apparel designed and suited for women in their child bearing years. The apparel is uniquely designed to provide a proper and fashionable fit prior to pregnancy, during the term of pregnancy and after delivery through utilization of interchangeable elements. A coordinating panel constructed with mating and aligned fastening elements is added to the main body of the garment to increase the girth by proportionate increments in the desired areas to create the proper fit for a pregnant woman's increased volume.

Abstract: A wrap-around jumper dress adapted to fit a plurality of different female figures having height, waist, bust and hip measurements within predetermined ranges of these measurements between small and large. The ability for a garment to fit a wide variety of female shapes and sizes results from a particular combination of garment components assembled in a particular relationship and actuated by pulling the tab ends of the waistband toward each other at the wearer's back and then securing the tab ends in place with buttons or other securing means.

Abstract: A birthing gown of the front overlapping variety for expectant mothers in birthing clinics. Separate blouse panels and skirt panels are configured so that when sewn into the gown and without expansion gussets or gathering darts, they permit billowing to accommodate the enlarged breasts and abdomen of the pregnant woman. The skirt panel is sheared along its top edge and connected to the corresponding blouse panel. The left and right front side portions of the gown each comprising interconnected blouse and skirt panels, are releasably fastened together in overlapping relationship with the interconnected edges forming a "waist line" positioned between the breasts and abdomen of the patient.

Abstract: A device for gathering and retaining a portion of a fabric article such as an article of clothing, includes a first, elastic ribbon- or cord-shaped element fastened at one end to the article to be gathered within a seating or sleeve provided on the fabric article. The first element is also attached at at least two points to a second ribbon- or cord-shaped element such that the overlapping portion of one of the elements is longer than that of the other element. A rigid lamina is provided attached to the larger overlapping portion to engage the front edge of the fabric sleeve, thereby securing the fabric in the gathered position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waist band extender having a strip of substantially inelastic material and a single pair of complementary closure member mounted in spaced apart relationship for mating with complementary closure members normally incorporated into a garment's waist band for temporary use in extending such waist band without alterations, and for leaving such garment in normal state upon removal. Such extender may include means for holding a zipper of a garment together with the extender so as to provide security of closing where needed.The present invention also provides a waist band extended garment of wearing apparel comprising in combination a garment having a permanent waist band integrated with lower reaches of the garment which waist band is extended by means of an extender described above.

Abstract: A wrap-around garment having a main or single body encircling element adapted for wrapping around the body and securely fastening the front sections of the garment in an overlapped position to substantially eliminate accidental opening or dislodging of one wrapped section with respect to the other thus reducing embarrassment during wearing of the garment. The garment may be easily donned and removed by means of the use of the single body encircling fastening element.

Abstract: A garment waistband that employs a longitudinally extensible elastic band which is laterally partially stiffened. A plurality of elastic threads extending in the longitudinal direction through the band are bound to stiffened lateral fibers, and the stiffened lateral fibers are loosely interconnected by supporting fibers. The extension of the elasic band is partially restrained by a fabric web attached to parts of the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic band. The looseness with which the supporting fibers connect the stiffened fibers allows one longitudinal portion of the waistband to be stretched without significantly affecting nearby parallel longitudinal portions. The fabric web partially restrains extension of the elastic band so that the garment to which it is attached does not pucker or significantly deform. The result is a waistband that conforms in a comfortable manner to body contours while providing stability and a neat, finished appearance to the garment in which it is employed.

Abstract: A belt assembly comprising, a housing having an elongated tunnel, and an elongated belt passing through the housing tunnel. The housing and belt have cooperating surface restraining means interengaging in the housing tunnel and providing substantial restraint against movement of the belt through the housing tunnel, with the surface means permitting movement of the belt through the housing tunnel responsive to relatively large forces applied against the belt.

Abstract: Textile fabric, a part of which has its coefficient of friction increased by application to said part of an inert, non-slump, room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber, which rubber is thereafter vulcanized.