Abstract: Garments and garment sets are described that include a jacket having a powder skirt and trousers that can be attached to the powder skirt via at least one fastener. One embodiment of the invention includes a water resistant jacket, an elasticized powder skirt having at least two edges, the first of which is attached to the water resistant jacket, at least one fastener connected to the second edge of the powder skirt, water resistant trousers including a waist opening and two leg openings and at least one corresponding mating fastener connected to the trousers. The fastener and the corresponding mating fastener are constructed to detachably fix the powder skirt to the water resistant trousers. In several embodiments, the fastener and corresponding mating fastener are two mating zipper portions of standard length that can be combined to form a zipper irrespective of the garment size.

Abstract: The disclosure describes vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.

Abstract: A drag rescue device for rescuing incapacitated firefighters, emergency workers and others provides for easier and more dependable deployment as well as improved serviceability and ease of use. A method of reinforcing openings in garments is provided that can result in improved reinforced openings in garments where stress and strain may otherwise result in undue wear on the opening.

Abstract: A jacket of the type used by firefighters as protective garment. A collar of the jacket comprises a lower edge connected to a shoulder/torso portion of the jacket in a straight seam. An upper exposed edge is spaced apart from the lower edge. A given shape is provided to the upper exposed edge such that a variable height is defined between the lower edge and the upper exposed edge along the upper exposed edge.

Abstract: A foldable protective garment including an outer shell shaped to fit about at least part of the body of a wearer, the outer shell being foldable into a compact position, and a pouch coupled to the outer shell. The pouch is shaped and sized to receive generally all of the outer shell therein when the outer shell is in the compact position. The pouch includes an upper mouth and a lower mouth located on a generally opposite side of the pouch relative to the upper mouth, and the upper mouth and the lower mouth are both selectively openable and closable.

Abstract: Chemical and biological protective firefighter turnout gear garments are provided. The protective fabric includes at least one sorptive, reactive, or combined sorptive/reactive material capable of providing protection from at least one chemical or biological agent. The sorptive, reactive or sorptive/reactive material preferably can be recharged, regenerated or removed and replaced to allow for increased garment life. Embodiments of the fabric, garment, and methods for making the fabric and/or garment can provide in a protective garment a unique combination of sorptive/reactive capability, flame resistance, water vapor permeability, liquid impermeability, comfort and durability.

Abstract: An item of clothing, such as a light jacket, heavy jacket, sports jacket or the like, comprising, at the inside of the back, a fastener for fastening to the upper body of a user which comprises two shoulder straps which are adapted to allow the item of clothing to hang from the upper body when it is not being worn.

Abstract: A waterproof cuff assembly for securement to the free end of a sleeve of an outer wear garment, such as a fishing jacket, skiing jacket, or the like. The waterproof cuff assembly comprises an outer cuff, and a tubular sock; the components are sewn together and the seams are sealed by seaming tape. A cinch strap extends laterally about the exterior of the longitudinally extending tubular sock; when tightened, in cooperation with a keeper, the strap divides the sock into two, interacting sections, namely, a cuff extension and a wristlet. The cuff extension is sewn into the free end of a sleeve, and is tucked, or folded, into the sleeve. The size of the fold, when unfurled, controls the extent of longitudinal movement of the wristlet. The cinch strap, when tightened, retains the wristlet in fixed position, and does not allow the wristlet to slide along the wrist of the user into the finger area, despite vigorous movement of the arms of the wearer of the garment.

Abstract: A jacket that may be used in hot weather is disclosed. The jacket may be particularly useful for motorcycle and equestrian riders. The jacket is sufficiently fashionable and stylish such that it may be worn on other occasions as well. According to some aspects the jacket includes two sleeves, a chest portion, and a back portion. The chest portion is shorter than conventional jackets, and according to some arrangements the chest portion is designed to accent a woman's figure and be worn above the wearer's breastline. A zipper, snaps, buttons, or Velcro, and/or decorative trim may also be added.

Abstract: A pocket for a reversible garment that provides access from both sides of the garment. The pocket is comprised of a fabric panel attached to the first side of the garment that creates a pocket space and that is accessed from an opening on one edge. The pocket space is accessed from the second side of the garment by an elongated closure that is typically a zipper or a microhook/microloop fastener.

Abstract: A ventilated garment is provided. Another aspect of the present invention employs a jacket having a body portion with sleeves and a torso, and a removable shell portion having a sleeve and a laterally elongated chest and/or back segment. A further aspect of the present invention provides aesthetically pleasing interfaces between air permeable and air blocking segments.

Abstract: A top garment for waterfowl hunters and other outdoorsmen that has the attributes of breathable layering garments beneath the sternum (where waders are generally worn) and the attributes of a coat above the sternum (where waders do not extend). The top portion of the top garment, above the sternum, is made of waterproof and noiseless materials, such as micro-fleece, with an insulated inner lining and a tailored action back and underarm gussets for a full range of motion in the arms and shoulders. The bottom portion, beneath the sternum, is made of a breathable layering material, such as fleece. The upper portion includes an option array of magnetic storage pocket(s) (or hand warmers) designed to provide the hunter with easy access to items when needed, yet to maintain the items in a secure position when not in use.

Abstract: A hybrid, ventilated garment is provided. Another aspect of the present invention employs a jacket having a body portion with sleeves and a torso, and a removable shell portion having sleeve and torso segments. A further aspect of the present invention provides wind resistant shoulder and sleeve segments which are permanently attached together, and an air permeable and/or perforated lower torso segment attached to at least the shoulder segment.

Abstract: An article with a flexible substrate has a pocket or vent opening with a resealable closure such as a zipper, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners, which is operable between a closed position, in which the opening in the substrate is closed, and an open position, in which the opening in the substrate is revealed. A resilient spring member of springy plastic, composite, metal or other material is mounted to the substrate around the opening, and has two arms which have portions which are displaced vertically from one another when the closure is open, but which are resiliently compressed into a common plane when the closure is sealed. Each time the closure is opened, the spring member urges portions of the shell on either side of the flap apart, to thereby enlarge the area of the opening and permit access or air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A machine washable suit jacket or other tailored garment having a machine washable outer material with crease memory. Sections of the outer material may be sewn together with machine washable thread, and seams of such sections may have pucker preventing tapes fused to the back of the seams. The garment may have a machine washable heat fusible interfacing material that may be secured to the inner side of the garment by heat fusing. The garment may have a machine washable lining, sections of which may be joined by machine washable thread. The garment may have a pocket, that has a mouth running transversely to the length of the jacket, where the bag of the pocket is sewn to a seam of the garment sections, where the seam runs lengthwise to the garment.

Abstract: A ventilated garment includes a body portion, a vent opening defined by the body portion, and a vent closure coupled to the vent opening. The vent opening has an opened configuration and a closed configuration, and the vent closure secures the vent opening in the closed configuration. The ventilated garment also includes a pull that is coupled to the vent closure and extends along the body portion. The pull has a first exposed portion that is spaced from the vent closure and that affords remote operation of the vent closure to adjust the vent opening from the opened configuration to the closed configuration, and a second exposed portion that is spaced from the vent closure and that affords remote operation of the vent closure to adjust the vent opening from the closed configuration to the opened configuration. The exposed portions of the pull may be positioned in pockets of the ventilated garment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a garment comprising a first and second sleeves, a flap, and a pocket. The arms of a wearer are fitted through the first and second sleeves. The first and second sleeves have first and second openings, respectively. The flap is provided along the first sleeve and is adapted to be positioned between open and closed positions. The closed position constricts the first opening of the first sleeve. The pocket is disposed between the flap and the first sleeve.

Abstract: An upper torso garment, such as a jacket, can be folded within itself to transform it into a different shape for use as a pillow. In a further embodiment, the garment bears an integral back pack which can be used while the garment is being worn, and can be transformed into either the pillow shape or into a wearable back pack, with the garment structure fully contained and concealed in both of these configurations. The garment includes a flap element an integral hinge portion and separable fastener halves, e.g. zipper half sections, mounted to permit various parts of the garment to be fastened together in varying relative configurations by fastening one half section to various other mating half sections located on different parts of the garment.

Abstract: Being reversible, a protective garment for a military or paramilitary firefighter or emergency worker has a shell of high visibility and a shell of low visibility. The shell of high visibility has portions that are reflective, fluorescent, or both, which the shell of low visibility does not have. When facing outwardly, the shell of low visibility appears black, or at least dark, in ambient light or displays camouflage. Except that the shell of low visibility does not have any reflective or fluorescent portions, the shells conform to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for outer shells of protective garments for firefighters. The shells are equal, or at least similar, in basis weights.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes, in one embodiment, four alternate layers made of an air permeable material such as cotton and a non-air permeable material such as polyethyleneterephalate. Two intermediate layers both include a plurality of throughholes therein covered by the outer layers. The throughholes of the second layer are laterally offset from the throughholes of the third layer such that no direct path is provided through the throughholes between the intermediate layers so that the bites of insects are resisted. In another embodiment, two layers are provided each including a pattern, e.g., alternating stripes of an air permeable and a non-permeable material. The stripes of the two layers are offset so that non-permeable material of the two layers, taken together provide an insect barrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jacket for swing training for a sport requiring swinging of a sports implement. The jacket comprises a body, a first arm and a second arm extending on either side of the body, a front, a back, an interior and an exterior. A first body band encircles the interior portion of the jacket by encircling the body and the interior of the first and second arms. A first wing portion extends from the first arm on the exterior of the jacket, the first wing portion being connected at one end to the first arm and at another end to the exterior of the jacket so that the first wing portion limits the movement of the first arm during a swing.

Abstract: A hybrid, ventilated garment is provided. Another aspect of the present invention employs a jacket having a body portion with sleeves and a torso, and a removable shell portion having sleeve and a torso segments. A further aspect of the present invention provides wind resistant shoulder and sleeve segments which are permanently attached together, and an air permeable and/or perforated lower torso segment attached to at least the shoulder segment.

Abstract: The disclosure describes vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.

Abstract: This is a new method for the construction of waterproof insulated products, by creating individual insulation-filled compartments without stitching through the outer shell of the product. This invention further provides methods for constructing waterproof insulation products without requiring the attachment of the individual compartments to the inner lining.

Abstract: A nestable hanger including: a support means for supportably hanging the hanger on a display; a body supported by the support means and having two pinch grips disposed thereon for retaining a garment therein; where the hanger nests in a stack of similar hangers such that the hanger interlocks with the stack of similar hangers. The hanger can be in a plane substantially parallel with a plane of the stack of similar hangers, or alternatively, in substantially a same plane as the stack of similar hangers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for clothing, in particular preferably watertight sports clothing, consisting of preferably watertight fabric, in which ventilation openings are provided which are covered by shingle-like overlaps of the fabric. In accordance with the invention, the air openings are closed by a flexible, three-dimensionally cross-linked spacer material.

Abstract: A ventilated protective garment particularly for wear by operators, occupants, and passengers of sports motor vehicles, such as motorcycles for example, includes a garment body which may be configured as a jacket or coat, and which includes an especially configured vent structure at sleeves of the garment, which vent structure provides for selective opening of a vent passage on the sleeve forearm portion, while also insuring against the sleeves sliding up the wearer's arms in the event of a fall from the moving vehicle followed by a tumble and slide on gravel or pavement, for example. Thus, the wearer of the garment may select to be provided with desirable ventilation, or to close the forearm ventilation openings, and is protected against forearm abrasion regardless of whether the forearm vent openings are opened or closed.

Abstract: A raincoat capable of substantially protecting a body and a head of a user from becoming wet by falling rain, and additionally capable of protecting various personal belongings carried by the user from falling rain. The raincoat has a single sleeve through which one of the arms of the user selectively extends. The other arm and hand of the user, selectively used for carrying various personal belongings, selectively remain within and covered by the raincoat in order to prevent the personal belongings from becoming wet by falling rain, but may be extended as needed through a sealable arm opening positioned at a location on the raincoat opposed to the position from which the sleeve extends. The raincoat has a zippered hood compartment for selectively storing a hood. In use, the raincoat and attached hood substantially cover the user from the head down to the feet of the user, with the exception of the hands of the user.

Abstract: The disclosure describes vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a camouflage material having a camouflage pattern applied thereto and comprising a granitic aspect made of intermixed colored grains exhibiting the colors: light green having a dominant wavelength of 566.70 nm; a luminance factor of 13.10% and a saturation factor of 44.70%; brown having a dominant wavelength of 583.0 nm; a luminance factor of 9.30%, and a saturation factor of 31.60%; average green having a dominant wavelength of 569.36 nm; a luminance factor of 5.24%, and a saturation factor of 38.50%; and black having a dominant wavelength of 582.34 nm; a luminance factor of 2.68%, and a saturation factor of 4.01%. The granitic aspect is composed of about 21% colored grains exhibiting the color light green; about 6% colored grains exhibiting the color brown; about 48% colored grains exhibiting the color average green, and about 25% colored grains exhibiting the color black.

Abstract: A self-adjusting garment is provided. The garment comprises a back upper body portion that is adapted to cover at least a portion of a back upper body of a person. The back upper body portion includes at least one pleat therein. The garment further comprises at least one sleeve portion in operative connection with the back upper body portion. The sleeve portion is adapted to receive an arm of the person therethrough. The pleat is positioned adjacent a seam between the back upper body portion and the sleeve portion. The pleat includes an inner fold and an outer fold which forms an overlapped region. The pleat is adapted to gather excess material in the back upper body portion so as to enable the back upper body portion to lie in generally flat orientation adjacent the back upper body of the person.

Abstract: A rain protection arrangement for a golf bag (10), which has a rain protection cover (30) which can be folded up in a small volume, in a storage compartment. The storage compartment is in the form of a bag (24) which can temporarily secured to the golf bag (10) by means of a fixing device (26). The rain protection cover (30) is fixedly connected to the bag (24) along a fixing portion.

Abstract: A garment with a subpanel ventilation assembly includes an upper air impervious panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, a lower air impervious panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, an air permeable vent panel having a top edge continuously joined with the bottom edge of the upper air impervious panel, and a bottom edge continuously joined with the top edge of the lower air impervious panel, and an air impervious underlay panel underlying and spanning the vent panel. The underlay panel includes peripheral edges affixed to the peripheral edges of the vent panel. The underlay panel includes a slit extending along a vent axis, wherein the slit includes a selectively operable closure assembly extending therealong.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to patterned, flame resistant fabrics and methods of making them. Generally speaking, the fabrics comprise a plurality of high tenacity, flame resistant fibers, and a plurality of cellulosic fibers containing a flame retardant compound, and at least one color which is printed on the fabric to form the pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the flame resistant fibers are para-aramid fibers and the cellulosic fibers are rayon fibers to yield a strong, flame resistant fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A product and process involve providing customized pullover jackets, units of which are characterized by (1) pullover body construction units of a type having a fabric configuration that facilitates slipping over the head and shoulders; and (2) decorative band construction units of a type having distinguishable color and design for affixation to said pullover body construction. The process comprises acquiring a relatively small inventory of body construction units of different sizes, acquiring a relatively large inventory of band construction units of different colors or designs, and receiving and fulfilling orders for the customized pullover jackets from customers. The body construction units account for the major component of unit cost. The band construction units account for a minor component of unit cost. The customized jackets are assembled by joining mating fasteners on the upper and lower edges of selected band construction and corresponding upper and lower points on selected body constructions.

Abstract: A garment with a flexible fabric shell has a pocket or vent opening with a resealable closure such as a zipper, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners, which is operable between a closed position, in which the opening in the shell is closed, and an open position, in which the opening in the shell is revealed. A resilient spring member of springy plastic, composite, metal or other material is mounted to the fabric around the opening, and has two arms which have portions which are displaced vertically from one another when the closure is open, but which are resiliently compressed into a common plane when the closure is sealed. Each time the closure is opened, the spring member urges portions of the shell on either side of the flap apart, to thereby enlarge the area of the opening and permit access or air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A garment construction having a cuff assembly at the end of the sleeve wherein the cuff assembly is user selectable between a first position allowing the user's fingers to extend beyond the opening of the sleeve and a second position wherein the user's fingers are covered by the cuff assembly. A thumb cover is selectable between a first position extending from the sleeve and a second position either depressed below the sleeve surface or held in place at a position extending along the sleeve. Purchase material on the cuff assembly and/or thumb cover presents a purchase surface which enhances the user's ability to pick up objects when the user's fingers and/or thumb are covered by the cuff.

Abstract: A ventilated garment includes a body portion, a vent opening defined by the body portion, and a vent closure coupled to the vent opening. The vent opening has an opened configuration and a closed configuration, and the vent closure secures the vent opening in the closed configuration. The ventilated garment also includes a pull that is coupled to the vent closure and extends along the body portion. The pull has a first exposed portion that is spaced from the vent closure and that affords remote operation of the vent closure to adjust the vent opening from the opened configuration to the closed configuration, and a second exposed portion that is spaced from the vent closure and that affords remote operation of the vent closure to adjust the vent opening from the closed configuration to the opened configuration. The exposed portions of the pull may be positioned in pockets of the ventilated garment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jacket for swing training for a sport requiring swinging of a sports implement. The jacket comprises a body, a first arm and a second arm extending on either side of the body, a front, a back, an interior and an exterior. A first body band encircles the interior portion of the jacket by encircling the body and the interior of the first and second arms. A first wing portion extends from the first arm on the exterior of the jacket, the first wing portion being connected at one end to the first arm and at another end to the exterior of the jacket so that the first wing portion limits the movement of the first arm during a swing.

Abstract: A jacket that may be used in hot weather is disclosed. The jacket may be particularly useful for motorcycle and equestrian riders. The jacket is sufficiently fashionable and stylish such that it may be worn on other occasions as well. According to some aspects the jacket includes two sleeves, a chest portion, and a back portion. The chest portion is shorter than conventional jackets, and according to some arrangements the chest portion is designed to accent a woman's figure and be worn above the wearer's breastline. A zipper, snaps, buttons, or Velcro, and/or decorative trim may also be added.

Abstract: An outer garment for children which is reversible and features animal characters on the hood and other parts of the jacket on both sides is disclosed. The present invention provides an economical alternative to children's outer wear by constructing a jacket that is reversible and features two different animal character ornamentations thus serving as two jackets. Ornamentation, while flat gives the appearance of three dimensions when worn. The inventive reversible jacket is fun and interesting for children to wear by increasing the level of curiosity and popularity of the garment, thus reducing the time it takes to dress a child by making the jacket more appealing. Also, the present invention discloses an outerwear construction that arouses interest in young children and thus makes the garment not easily misplaced.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes a waterproof inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. An outer opening is defined in the outer fabric layer and is selectively opened and closed by a standard zipper. A portion of the inner fabric layer extends between the edges of the outer opening and defines an inner opening. The inner opening is selectively opened and closed by a water-resistant zipper. Venting material extends between the edges of the inner opening and allows air to flow through the inner opening when both the inner and outer openings are opened.

Abstract: Being reversible, a protective garment for a military or paramilitary firefighter or emergency worker has a shell of high visibility and a shell of low visibility. The shell of high visibility has portions that are reflective, fluorescent, or both, which the shell of low visibility does not have. When facing outwardly, the shell of low visibility appears black, or at least dark, in ambient light or displays camouflage. Except that the shell of low visibility does not have any reflective or fluorescent portions, the shells conform to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for outer shells of protective garments for firefighters. The shells are equal, or at least similar, in basis weights.

Abstract: The one size fit wear is ideal and used for all genders. The invention can be enlarged and reduced accordingly to accommodate different sizes whose size range may lie somewhere in between two sizes. Furthermore, the invention can be worn loosely and baggy to the likening of the individual wearer. The one size fit wear is in the form and shape of a regular article of clothing with the capability of not requiring a belt fastener to accommodate the size of the individual wearer.

Abstract: A well styled, single layer shell jacket is resistant to inclement conditions, yet possesses the various characteristics of conventionally comfortable clothing, and permits the stitching of emblems thereon without impairing waterproof and windproof characteristics. Superposed on the waterproof and windproof fabric of each sleeve and forming a pocket thereon is a patch. In the patch is a zipper or other closure. This closure, when opened, permits entry into the pocket and sewing of an emblem or the like on the packet without affecting the waterproof and windproof construction of the remainder of the jacket.

Abstract: A retroreflective garment constructed of flame resistant fabric. The garment is light-weight and can be single or double layered. Garments that can be constructed of flame resistant fabric with retroreflective elements applied thereon include garments such as, for example, shirts, pants, coveralls, jumpsuits, jackets, gloves, hats, etc. The flame resistant fabric has a coefficient of retroreflection of about 10 to about 500 candelas per lux per square meter. In addition, the retroreflective elements cover at least about 5 percent of the outer surface of the flame resistant fabric.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a hood drawstring arrangement that may be adapted to allow a single adjustment to exert tension along the vertical sides of the front face opening of the hood, which will tend to vertically compress the hood, as well as simultaneously exerting a circumferential tensioning of the top portion of the hood.

Abstract: An article of clothing has a front and back, each of which has a layered structure, including a protective layer for impeding the flow of liquid through the article of clothing, and an absorbing layer external to the protective layer, for absorbing the liquid and slowing its flow downward on the exterior surface of the article of clothing, with the force of gravity, a lining for facilitating the donning and removal of the article of clothing, and sleeves and a collar that is closeable, to protect the wearer's neck area and upper arms from deposits of liquid on the wearer's upper shoulder and chest areas.

Abstract: A pattern for camouflage and a method for making the pattern. Rely on photographic images arranged in a synthetic perspective relationship, appearing to extend toward the horizon. The photographic images are images of landscape features in a selected environment. The pattern blends in with landscape features both in proximity to and distant from the camouflage pattern. In one embodiment, the pattern is adapted to be seamlessly repeatable across a surface. In one or two dimensions the method for making the camouflage includes taking photographs and selecting photographic images that represent the landscape features in the selected environment. The method also includes separating those images and arranging them into a repeating pattern. Photographic images are arranged in synthetic perspective which includes obscuring background images with foreground images in a manner that simulates the perspective in the selected environment.