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 garment is disclosed comprising a back panel, means for tensioning the back panel about a backpack, and a front panel. The tensioning means extends around a front portion of the back panel, along upper, lower, and side portions of the back panel. The tensioning means may be a drawstring. The front panel may have a hood, arm openings, and sleeves. The back panel forms a back chamber sized to fit over a backpack. The back chamber preferably has a maximum volume of greater than or equal to approximately 2 cubic feet. The back chamber also preferably has a depth of greater than or equal to approximately 8 inches, a width of greater than or equal to approximately 18 inches, and a height of greater than or equal to approximately 24 inches. In use, the back panel is placed over a backpack with the front panel positioned between the back panel and the backpack. The backpack is then placed on the user's back.

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. Optionally, a liner is attachable to the interior of the jacket without disturbing the functionality of the shell jacket. Superposed on the waterproof and windproof fabric of each sleeve and forming a pocket thereon is a superposed upper patch, which appears to be a continuation of the yoke and the edges of which are joined to the sleeve by seams of stitching. 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 patch without affecting the waterproof and windproof construction of the remainder to the jacket.

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: 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 protective garment, such as a firefighting garment, that is relatively thin and light weight. The garment possesses relatively high resistance to liquid water absorption, yet also possesses relatively high moisture vapor transport characteristics when compared to conventional firefighting garments. The garment of the present invention includes an outer shell; a thermal liner positioned within the outer shell; a moisture barrier positioned within the thermal liner and a face cloth positioned within the moisture barrier. The thermal liner is batting, knit, spunlace, woven textile or other suitable construction of a high heat and flame resistant material (such as an aramid or PBI material, or combinations thereof) that is treated with a durable, water repellant finish to minimize liquid moisture absorption by the thermal liner. Despite the liquid moisture absorption resistance imparted onto the thermal liner by the finish, the thermal liner still retains excellent moisture vapor transport characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is a garment lining that provides localized climate control. A first portion of the lining covers a kidney area of the wearer, a second portion of the lining covers the wearer's back, while a third portion is positioned relative to the underarms of the wearer. One or more performance properties of the lining is varied as between at least two or all three of the first, second and third portions.

Abstract: The present invention involves a reversible jacket that converts into a tote bag. The back portion of the jacket consist of an oversized pocket which when turned inside out, the entire jacket is received into the pocket thus converting garment into a tote bag. If desired, the jacket can be worn in the reversible mode at which the pocket on the said back portion is then completely concealed.

Abstract: A low-temperature thermal insulation garment is proposed for low-energy requirement, self-sustaining body temperature maintenance. The proposed garment uses the body's expired respiratory gases and natural thermal production capabilities to insulate and maintain a comfortable skin temperature. The garment provides a constant re-supply of heated air with each exhaled breath. The garment has a mouthpiece with a check-valve that shunts exhaled air into a network of channels and bladders that cover the entire body. The garment also consists of a heat reflective lining to reduce radiant heat loss and a neoprene outer layer providing conductive insulation, durability, and waterproofing. Inhaled air is heated prior to entering the mouthpiece due to heat exchange with warmer areas of the garment. This allows residual heat from the exhalant to be transferred to incoming air. The garment can be fitted with artificial air supply, worn as is, or under a pressurized suit.

Abstract: A venting arrangement for apparel such as sportswear, casual wear, technical wear, and the like. The venting arrangement of the invention is particularly suitable for venting of outdoor apparel and sporting equipment such as wind breakers and winter sport jackets. The invention also relates to apparel or an item of apparel that includes such a venting arrangement.

Abstract: A well styled, single layer shell jacket is waterproof and windproof, yet possesses the various characteristics of conventionally comfortable clothing, and permits the stitching of emblems thereon without impairing waterproof and windproof characteristics. A seam of stitching joins each pair of the contiguous edges of adjacent sections of this jacket. Superposed on the waterproof and windproof fabric of each sleeve and forming a pocket thereon is a superposed upper patch, which appears to be a continuation of the yoke and the edges of which are joined to the sleeve by seams of stitching. 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 patch without affecting the waterproof and windproof construction of the remainder to the jacket. This closure, when closed, permits easy access to gloves, eye wear, medicines, or other items stored in the pocket.

Abstract: A device for carrying a coat about the person, without wearing the coat, comprises an open-ended tube made of thin foldable material, and a link at each end of the tube, to enable the tube containing a coat, to be carried using a belt or strap. The coat is snugly received within the tube arranged such that the coat lies lengthways within the tube, with the collar end of the coat towards one end of the tube, and the lower edge of the coat towards the other end of the tube. A drawstring may also be provided at one or both ends of the tube. The tube may be integral with the back panel of the coat, wherein the material that makes up the tube, which may be the back panel of the coat itself, is initially laid flat, and when it is required to carry the coat, the coat is turned inside-out, rolled into a tube and fastened.

Abstract: An apparatus or article of manufacture composing a jacket, vest, coat, shirt or similar clothing article which is convertible into a covering or blanket. The jacket or vest is assembled with a pocket formed between a portion of the jacket, such as a jacket outer covering, and a portion of a blanket wherein a portion of the blanket is foldably received into and stored within a pocket for removal and unfolding when use of the blanket is required. The pocket may be at any location on the jacket including at the front, back and inside. The manufacture of the vest or jacket is principally a blanket or fabric unit or portion integral with the vest or jacket portion. The blanket or fabric portion is contained, by folding, in the pocket. The vest or jacket is worn and utilized as any jacket or vest garment.

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: An interchangeable three in one cycling jersey for providing a cyclist with a jersey vest, a vest with short sleeves and a vest with long sleeves. The cycling jersey allows the cyclist to quickly and conveniently convert the jersey vest using a pair of hidden sleeve zippers to a short sleeve or a long sleeve jersey. The jersey includes a jersey vest with a pair of attachable short sleeves and a pair of attachable long sleeves. The short and long sleeves include upper and lower arm openings for receiving the cyclist's arm therethrough. The jersey vest includes a front portion, a rear portion, a first side with a first arm opening, a second side with a second arm opening, an open bottom portion for putting on the jersey, a top portion with head opening and a collar therearound. The jersey vest is characterized by having one half of a narrow nylon hidden sleeve zipper attached to and disposed around a side of the first and second arm opening.

Abstract: An interconvertible article of clothing which can be converted from a jacket form to a backpack form, the jacket having an oversized pocket concealed in the back panel of such jacket for holding a full size tent, a warning or signalling flag disposed on the tent pocket cover, a plurality of pockets on other areas of the jacket for storage of emergency blankets, first aid, and other survival necessities, and having shoulder straps and a waist belt for supporting and distributing the weight of the tent and carrying the backpack.

Abstract: A method provided for manufacturing a waterproof and gas permeable jacket includes the following steps: (a) providing a lining, a gas permeable layer including a first side and a second side, a waterproof film, and an outer cover; (b) forming a plurality of vent holes through the gas permeable layer; (c) bonding the waterproof film onto the first side of the gas permeable layer; (d) bonding the outer cover to the water-proof film; (e) bonding the lining to the second side of the gas permeable layer to form a laminated layer including the lining, the gas permeable layer, the waterproof film, and the outer cover; (f) cutting the laminated layer so as to form a plurality of cut edges; (g) bonding the cut edges of the laminated layer together; (h) sewing up the bonded cut edges of the laminated layer to form a semi-finished jacket; and (i) attaching a zipper to the semi-finished jacket to form a finished jacket.

Abstract: An item of clothing, such as a coat, jacket, overcoat or the like, comprising:

Abstract: A breathable garment to be worn to improve the comfort of the human body, comprising a protective outer covering with an internal layer which extends over at least part of the extension of the outer covering and internally forms an interspace. The internal layer has, at least at the regions of the human body covered by the breathable garment where sweat forms more abundantly, holes for access to the interspace for the perspiration vapor. The internal layer and the outer covering have, in the top regions of the garment, holes for venting the vapor channeled by a stack effect inside the interspace, combined with a membrane for keeping out water, impurities or other matter.

Abstract: A ventilating garment having a shell layer and a mid-liner layer is provided. A vent opening is located on both the shell and the mid-liner. The air flows from the first vent opening to the second vent opening, thereby reaching the body of the wearer. The vent opening generally extends from the torso portion and onto the sleeve portion of the garment. The garment is also provided with a flap member that can be deformed from a closed position to a open position to allow air access to the vent opening. To maintain the flap in an open position, a metallic strip is provided inside the flap.

Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by firefighters includes an improved liner assembly. The liner assembly comprises a lining fabric made from multifilament yarns in one weave direction and spun yarns in the other weave direction. The yarns are woven together to produce a first side of higher lubricity and a second side of lesser lubricity. The higher lubricity side forms an outer surface of the liner assembly to reduce friction otherwise caused by rubbing against adjacent surfaces, such as the firefighter's clothing.

Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by fire fighters with improved water resistance is disclosed. In particular, the present invention is directed to an outer shell material for protective garments that is made from a fire resistant material coated with a durable water resistant coating. The durable water resistant coating is applied to the outer shell in a manner so that the coating will not degrade when exposed to normal wear and tear and even after the garment has been laundered repeatedly. Protective garments constructed in the past typically lost most of their water repellency after being laundered as little as five cycles. It has been discovered that water resistant coatings applied according to the process of the present invention, on the other hand, can survive at least 30 laundry cycles, and in many applications at least 50 laundry cycles without significantly degrading.

Abstract: Reversible denim jacket and pants are disclosed, comprised of a pant and jacket combination, made from denim, and designed to be reversible and fashionable. Unique stitching and fastening means adds to the functionality and usability of the present invention.

Abstract: A garment with a magnetic vent closure comprises a clothing, a magnetic flipper, a vent window, a ferrous element and a removably attaching element. The magnetic flipper extends from a predetermined portion of the clothing and has a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably attached on the clothing and the second end is fixedly attached on the clothing, and the first end of the magnetic flipper comprises a magnetic element fixedly attached thereon. The vent window forms a part of the clothing and has a plurality of vent holes therethrough and the magnetic flipper is detachably applied over the plurality of vent holes. The ferrous element maintains the vent window in an opened state by magnetically capturing the first end of the magnetic flipper.

Abstract: A garment, which includes a left front panel having an inner lateral side and an outer lateral side and a bottom side, a right front panel, the right front panel having an inner lateral side detachably fastened to the inner lateral side of the left front panel, an outer lateral side, and a bottom side, a left sleeve, a right sleeve, and a back panel fastened to the left sleeve and the right sleeve and the outer lateral side of the left front panel and the outer lateral side of the right front panel by stitches, wherein at least one closure is fastened to one of the left sleeve and the right sleeve and one of the left front panel and the right front panel, each extended from the cuff of the left sleeve or right sleeve to the armpit area at the left front panel or right front panel and then obliquely extended from the arm pit area to the bottom side of the left front panel or right front panel.

Abstract: A pair of accessory protectors which are used to prevent skin exposure to extreme cold or snow. The protectors are each worn in combination over a users glove, or mitten, and coat sleeve simultaneously, and eliminate possible intrusion from snow which would otherwise intrude in between the wearers glove and coat sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides a ventilated garment having at least one vent region with a removable cover element disposed over the vent region. The cover element may include an interior compartment for storage of change, keys and the like. The invention also provides a ventilated garment having vent regions which may open and close in response to the orientation of the vented portions of the garment.

Abstract: A waterproof pull-over jacket for water sports is provided with a waterproof waist closure system having a stretchable longitudinal fabric member attached to the lower edge of the jacket and folded up longitudinally to form a casing at the front and at the back. The fabric member comprises a layer of textured neoprene with a skin of nylon fabric laminated thereto. Nylon web members are received in the casing at the front and back of the jacket, exiting the casing at the sides. A buckle is attached to the ends of the back web member such that when the ends of the front web member are engaged with the buckles, the web members from a continuous strap around the waist. The two web members are each securely attached to the casing at the center of the jacket at the front and at the back to divide the strap into four quadrants. Pulling on the ends of the front web member applies tension substantially equally to each of the four quadrants while cinching the strap about the wearer's waist.

Abstract: A pair of gloves for replaceably attaching to a garment. The pair of gloves include a first glove for covering one hand of a user, a second glove for covering the other hand of the user, and accessories disposed on at least one of the first glove and the second glove. The first glove includes a strip of hook portion of hook and loop fasteners which selectively mates with either a strip of mating loop portions of the hook and loop fasteners positioned on the garment or directly with the garment itself when it is of a loop type material, and a strip of loop portions of hook and loop fasteners. The second glove includes a strip of hook portions of hook and loop fasteners which selectively mates with either the strip of loop portions of hook and loop fasteners of the first glove, another strip a mating loop portions of the hook and loop fasteners for positioning on the garment, or directly with the garment itself when it is of a loop type material.

Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by fire fighters with improved water resistance is disclosed. In particular, the present invention is directed to an outer shell material for protective garments that is made from a fire resistant material coated with a durable water resistant coating. The durable water resistant coating is applied to the outer shell in a manner so that the coating will not degrade when exposed to normal wear and tear and even after the garment has been laundered repeatedly. Protective garments constructed in the past typically lost most of their water repellency after being laundered as little as five cycles. It has been discovered that water resistant coatings applied according to the process of the present invention, on the other hand, can survive at least 30 laundry cycles, and in many applications at least 50 laundry cycles without significantly degrading.

Abstract: An outer garment for a variety of athletic endeavors is disclosed. The garment comprises an outer shell formed of a lightweight, waterproof material, and may include an inner liner material. The garment includes one or two front panels and a rear panel that are sewn together along seam lines that extend along the shoulders of the wearer; pleats extend downwardly from the seam lines and blend, or vanish, into the rear panel of the outer shell. The pleats are formed by a novel method employing the steps of cutting the folded fabric along a diagonal line, and then sewing the fabric together along the diagonal surfaces so that the pleat is watertight. The free ends of the overlapped fabric are then sealed by seam sealing tape. The tape extends downwardly below the seam. The resulting garment is form fitting, does not "bunch up" or gather about the torso of the wearer, and prevents moisture from gaining entry into the jacket through the pleats and seam lines between the front and rear panels of the garment.

Abstract: A hazardous duty garment includes an outer shell layer of heat-, flame-, and abrasion-resistant aramid material and a pad attached to the outer shell layer, where the pad includes a fabric substrate of heat-, flame-, and abrasion-resistant material bonded to a layer of silicone foam material. Preferably, the fabric substrate is a woven aramid and carbon fiber, face cloth material and is treated with a durable, water-repellant finish. Preferably, the pad is stitched to the outer surface of the outer shell layer and oriented such that the layer of silicone foam material faces the outer shell layer. The pad is used in the knee portion of a pant leg of a firefighter garment, as well as on an elbow or forearm portion of a sleeve of a firefighter garment and on a shoulder portion of a firefighter duty garment.

Abstract: A firefighting garment including: an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material selected from a group consisting of an aramid material, a blend of aramid materials, PBI material, and a blend of aramid and PBI materials; a thermal liner, positioned within the outer shell and including a batting of needlepunch or nonwoven aramid material, or a blend of such aramid materials stitched to a first face cloth layer of aramid material, a knit collar and arms having knit wristlets; and a second face cloth layer of aramid material, positioned within the thermal liner; where the material of the outer shell, the thermal liner including the collar and wristlets, and the second face cloth layer are all treated with a durable, water repellant finish.

Abstract: A firefighting garment having an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material and a reflective trim attached to the outer shell wherein the reflective trim includes a multiplicity of open perforations which facilitate water and water vapor transport through the trim.

Abstract: A long-sleeved full-skirt coat that may be manually converted into a shoulder tote bag. A shoulder strap is formed from the long sleeves by attaching their free ends together. The bag is formed by transversely folding the flattened body of the coat with the arms spread-eagled to either side. The body is folded in approximately three sections from top to bottom. The bottom third skirt section has its corners folded inward to form a generally pointed bottom which is folded over the top third and fastened to the front of the coat body. The free ends of the sleeves are then fastened together to form a shoulder strap extending from either end of the folded and fastened together body. The front center of the coat has zippered pockets which are accessible and usable when the coat is converted to a shoulder bag.

Abstract: A firefighting garment including: an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material selected from a group consisting of an aramid material, a blend of aramid materials, PBI material, and a blend of aramid and PBI materials; a thermal liner, positioned within the outer shell, the thermal liner including a batting, needlepunch or nonwoven aramid material or a blend of such aramid materials stitched to a first face cloth layer of aramid material; and a second face cloth layer of aramid material, positioned within the thermal liner; where the material of the outer shell, the thermal liner, and the second face cloth layer are all treated with a durable, water repellant finish.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a firefighting garment, is provided that is relatively lightweight, possesses relatively high resistance to liquid water absorption, and also possesses high moisture vapor transport characteristics when compared to conventional firefighter garments. The garment of the present invention comprises at least an outer shell, and thermal liner positioned within the outer shell. A discrete moisture barrier layer is not required, but is utilized in certain embodiments. At least the insulating material of the thermal liner is treated with a durable, water repellant finish to reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the thermal liner. Preferably, the outer shell, and optionally, the fabric substrate of the thermal liner may also be treated with a durable, water repellant finish to minimize liquid transfer therethrough.

Abstract: Porous materials suitable for a variety of uses including waterproof/breathable fabrics, air filters, liquid filters, liquid/liquid separation membranes, vascular grafts, mechanical seals, etc. which comprises an intimate combination of about 50 to 99.9 wt % polytetrafluoroethylene polymer and about 0.1 to 50 wt % of a fluorinated organic polymer which is liquid under ambient conditions, such as the perfluoroether fluids, wherein the material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring system incorporated in a firefighter's turnout coat, vest or self-contained breathing apparatus to provide protective garments or equipment that can determine the rate of increase of the temperatures in the environment and compare the rate of temperature increase to at least one predetermined threshold and provide a warning when the rate of temperature increase exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A garment that has a liner and an outer shell defining an inner space therebetween. An elastic cinch has ends that are anchorable to the shell. At least one of the ends is located within the inner space and has an end that extends to the outside of the shell through an opening in the shell. This end is manipulable from the outside of the shell for anchoring to the shell selectively in first and second positions relative thereto. When both ends are anchored, a closed path about a body part is defined by the cinch and by a tensionable portion of the shell between locations at which the ends are anchored. The stretch of the cinch can be selected by anchoring the end at different positions relative to the shell. Sleeves of the garment include first and second panels that extend from the shoulder to the wrist of the sleeve have convex edges attached to each other by a back seam. The edges have a curvature of a radius that diminishes towards the elbow.

Abstract: A garment, such as a turnout coat for a firefighter, comprises a body, which has a front portion and a back portion, a left sleeve, a right sleeve, and a collar. Each sleeve is sewn in a raglan pattern to an associated gusset, which is sewn to a lower part of front portion of the body, at the front portion of the body, and is sewn in a dolman pattern to the back portion of the body. The collar is sewn to the left and right sleeves and to the front portion of the body. The garment is openable and closeable at the collar and at the gussets.

Abstract: A multi-use hazardous duty garment ensemble, such as a firefighting turnout garment, comprises an outer shell component and a removable inner liner component positioned within the outer shell component. The inner liner component is separable by the outer shell component and is adapted to be wearable as a second hazardous duty garment, such as an emergency medical service garment or a station work uniform garment. The outer shell component, separated from the inner liner component, is adapted to be wearable as a third hazardous duty garment, such as a wildfire brush fire firefighting garment.

Abstract: A full-length coat extending from a user's neck to ankles. The coat includes buttons and buttonholes along a front thereof to retain the coat in a closed configuration. A vertical slit is formed in a rear of the coat and extends downwardly from slightly below the user's waist. The slit forms a right and left rear flap which may be interconnected with a button and buttonhole on an inner lower corner thereof. The right and left rear flaps are pulled between and wrapped around the user's right and left legs, respectively, in a pants-like manner to provide increased mobility to the user. The inner comers of the right and left rear flaps are connected to the lower-most button and buttonhole of the front of the coat to retain the flaps in the pants-like configuration. A pair of horizontal slots are formed in the front of the coat which allow access to the user's trousers or trouser pockets worn underneath the coat. A small apron is attached slightly above the slot and is moveable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An item of wearing apparel for allowing the convenient viewing of a wrist watch comprising a main body portion forming a main space adapted to encompass the torso of a wearer and with two laterally disposed long sleeves for the arms of a wearer. Each sleeve has an opening at the top for communicating with the main body portion and an opening at the bottom for the wrist of a wearer. An aperture is formed in at least one of the sleeves adjacent to the bottom of the sleeve.

Abstract: A coat is provided having a neck aperture. A pair of buttons is mounted on a top of the coat on diametrically opposed sides of the neck aperture. An auxiliary garment is stitchedly coupled to a rear peripheral edge of the neck aperture and defines a pair of lateral ends having slits formed therein for releasably coupling with the buttons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic surgical coat. According to the invention, the coat is comprised at least partially of a plastic material having a pattern of projections which extend out from the inside of the coat to facilitate air circulation through a space between an interior surface of the coat and the body of the wearer.

Abstract: An outer protective shell of either a jacket or trousers has a torso portion and a pair of appendage portions connected to the torso portion. A liner is disposed within the shell and includes an outer moisture barrier and an inner thermal barrier. The moisture barrier is formed of a plurality of pieces joined together at seams. Sealing tapes on the inner surface of the moisture barrier are disposed over the seams to provide a waterproof seal at the seams. Lower edge portions of the moisture barrier and the thermal barrier are detachably connected to one another at spaced points so that the moisture barrier and the thermal barrier can be manually separated from one another to visually inspect said sealing tapes at all of said seams. In the jacket, the remaining edge portions of the barriers are permanently connected to one another. These remaining edge portions are detachably connected to the shell at spaced locations along the remaining edge portions.

Abstract: A water-resistant combination blanket and coat is disclosed comprising a fabric sheet having a water-resistant outer surface. The fabric sheet may be spread on the ground as a blanket with the water-resistant outer surface down, thereby providing a place for a user to sit, even on wet, dirty, and/or muddy ground. Two points on the top edge of the fabric sheet may be reversibly connected to the right and left edges, thereby forming sleeves. A user may use the fabric sheet as a coat by placing his/her arms through the sleeves and wrapping the fabric sheet around him/herself. Reversibly connecting two points along the top edge of the fabric sheet to each other may further provide a hood while the fabric sheet is used as a coat. Alternatively, a detachable hood may be reversibly connected to the top edge of the fabric sheet while the fabric sheet is used as a coat. The detachable hood may comprise a pocket with two adjacent open sides.

Abstract: In a protective garment, such as one worn by a firefighter, a rescue worker, or a racing car driver, in which fasteners, such as snap fasteners, are used for attaching a liner detachably to a coat, a hood having a cape hanging downwardly is provided with loops. Each loop has two ends and is affixed at each end to the cape. Each loop is adapted to extend around a respective fastener, between the coat and the liner, so as to attach the hood detachably when the liner is attached detachably to the coat. In one contemplated embodiment, the ends of each loop are affixed to each other and to the cape. In another contemplated embodiment, the loops are defined by a continuous ribbon affixed to the cape at spaced intervals defining the ends of the loops.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coat having a shell piece, a fusible interlining, a lapel support component, and a separate chest support component. The shell piece includes body and lapel portions. The body portion has a curved upper edge for attachment to a sleeve. The fusible interlining is attached to only the body portion of the shell piece. The lapel support component is attached to only the lapel portion of the shell piece. The separate chest support component is attached to the body portion of the body piece. The lapel support component and the chest support component are formed from first and second materials having different average weights.