Abstract: An exercise vest includes lower and intermediate rows of pockets extending along the outside of its back and side sections. A weight is provided for each pocket. A padded lumbar support belt extends through aligned belt loops on the inside of the vest to cover the area between the lower row of pockets and the user's waist.

Abstract: Safety Trousers comprising two legs linked by a crotch. The trousers are chest high and include an upper chest part and a back part linked by adjustable shoulder straps. The safety trousers also include a strap, permanently affixed to the sides and back of the trousers but free from the sides to the front. The free ends of the straps are designed to be retained by a flap which serves to nonpermanently affix the strap in a configuration reminiscent of a belt. A tether is designed to be attached to the free ends of the strap. In the event of a dynamic force that would lift a wearer off his feet, the flaps would release and the dynamic force would act upon the individual's underarm region. This results in the individual remaining in an upright and relatively safe condition. The invention is especially suitable for the sailing and boating industry.

Abstract: A garment for supporting the lower back of a wearer. The garment includes a back panel including a cushion member. A pair of side panels are each attached to a respective side edge of the back panel. Support means are attached to each of the side panels to suspend the garment from the wearer's shoulders. The cushion member is positionable with respect to the wearer such that at least a portion of the cushion member supports the lower back of the wearer when the garment is being worn. Preferably, the cushion member includes a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion adapted to support the lower back of the wearer when the garment is being worn and the upper portion adapted to support the wearer's neck when the garment is not being worn. Further, the lower portion is preferably thicker than the upper portion. One or more of the side panels may include a pair of subpanels.

Abstract: A stow-away traveler's jacket made from a one or two piece modular construction. The upper jacket or torso covering section has arm outlet and resembles a shortened version of a conventional jacket. The lower section has a belted portion or some other user fastening device and at least one storage liner pocket into which the folded upper section may be stowed and then worn like a belt. There may be storage pockets made of two flapped front pockets.

Abstract: In combination with a shirt, one or more pouches which receives a cooling and/or warming pack. The cooling pack comprises sealed compartments containing water or other material which changes state thereby absorbing heat to cool the wearer when the cooling pack is exposed to a predetermined temperature for wearing of the shirt. The warming pack sealingly contains a material which is heatable to store heat and to release the stored heat when the warming pack is exposed to a predetermined temperature for wearing of the shirt. The cooling pack may also be provided as part of a wrist band.

Abstract: A jacket having a large storage compartment located in the upper central region of the rear of the jacket. In one embodiment of the invention, jacket 2 comprises a torso portion 8 having a large storage compartment 36 located in the upper central region of the back or rear side of torso portion 8 and having a flap 38 which can be moved from a "closed" position in which the contents of storage compartment 36 are covered and/or protected, to an "open" position in which items can be placed into or removed from storage compartment 36.

Abstract: A body integral electronics package housing is formed of cloth material that simulates a person's garment, such as a poncho or vest. The housing contains various pockets to confine various electronic modules, including a front pocket of such size as to overlie the breast and midriff portions of the person's torso. The front pocket confines a plurality of rigid electronic modules that are supported within the pocket in a row and column array. The user may twist or turn his torso and bend forward or back and the foregoing array, and the modules do not restrict that movement. Instead, the position of the individual modules independently adjusts to the torso's position.

Abstract: A raincoat concealing backpack with a structure that integrates as an unit both the raincoat and the shoulder-carry style backpack. The main body of the shoulder-carry style backpack is made from flexible fabric. The backpack includes a pair of straps, and a zipper is located on the perimeter of the front surface of the backpack. The zipper can be pulled open to expose a secondary interior surface, and a raincoat is sewed onto the secondary interior surface. The back side of the raincoat is equipped with a containing pouch.

Abstract: A removable pocket is formed over a section of fabric such as the front of a shirt by adhesively securing to the fabric a treated and embossed label-type applique made of two plies of paper permanently bonded about their peripheries and in which a slit along a top edge allows access to the pouch thus formed between plies. The pouch may be filled with merchandise and temporarily sealed with a removable strip.

Abstract: A safety jacket and harness system including a body harness formed by a pair of torso bands and a pair of shoulder straps. The torso bands form an upper torso band and a lower torso band. Each torso band has a fastening member that is attached to end portions. The pair of shoulder straps each have a first shoulder strap portion and a second shoulder strap portion. Each shoulder strap portion is coupled together by a fastening member when each shoulder strap is attached to the pair of torso bands. Included is a center strap that is fixedly attached to the pair of torso bands and has a locking member at a top end. A safety strap has a first safety strap end that can couple with the locking member of the center strap, and a second safety strap end that can be looped and fastened around a tree trunk. An escape strap is attached to the safety strap.

Abstract: A multi-compartment, modular jacket includes a vest which has a vest front panel, a vest rear panel, a pair of armholes and a fastener for opening the vest. A plurality of pockets covers the outer surface of the vest. The vest has a fastener for releasably attaching a pair of detachable sleeves to the pair of armholes. The inner jacket has a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of sleeves and a means for opening the inner jacket. The exterior surface of the rear panel has a pouch. A plurality of pockets covers the pouch and the exterior surface. The inner jacket has a collar which contains a collapsible hood. A first composite jacket is formed by fastening the vest to the inner jacket. The first composite jacket has an outside surface which is the exterior surface and an inside surface which is the outer surface. The outer jacket has a jacket front panel, a jacket rear panel, a first pair of sleeves and a fastener for opening the outer jacket.

Abstract: A medical vest for carrying a portable patient care module is disclosed. A sleeveless vest-like portion encircles the upper torso of the wearer and has a lower edge that terminates generally at the midriff of the wearer's body. The vest portion has large neck and sleeve openings and wide straps that overlie the wearer's shoulders. The vest portion is sized for snug but slidable motion relative to the body for maximizing comfort and minimizing irritation to the skin. A pocket sized to operatively hold a patient care module such as an infusion pump or monitor is secured along an upper edge thereof to the lower edge of the vest and hangs downwardly therefrom in a loose, comfortable and unrestricted manner that does not exert constant pressure to the wearer along the length of the pocket. The vest and pocket are fabricated from soft, washable cloth that minimizes irritation to the skin.

Abstract: An integral backpack/upper body garment comprises a garment to which a split backpack is attached or attachable to the back panel of an upper body garment. A front backpack assembly including front assembly with shoulder straps is attached/attachable to the front face of the back panel, and a rear backpack assembly including storage compartments is attached/attachable to the rear face of the back panel. A circumferential garment compartment has two walls, one attached to the front assembly and one attached to the rear assembly. The jacket may be rolled up or folded into the garment compartment and the two walls joined by a closure to protectively enclose the garment therein when it is not worn. The backpack may be worn with or without the integral jacket, and the jacket may be worn with or without the backpack.

Abstract: A protective jacket, comprises an inner layer and an outer layer composed of an air-impermeable fabric, a layer of a resilient porous material located between the inner and outer layers, and filtering means, the layers being formed so that when the jacket is fitted on a user's chest and upper part of stomach, during inhaling a pressure in an interior increases and air is pressed through the filtering means to be inhaled by the user.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional camouflaged garment that has an external surface, a first portion of the external surface being formed of a three dimensional material and a second portion of the external surface being formed of a two dimensional material.

Abstract: A device for carrying a concealed weapon comprising first and second flexible fabric panels, overlying the other, the panels being releasibly secured to one another in an overlying relationship; a holster is securely and removably secured to one of the panels and covered by the other of the panels, thus concealing and cushioning the weapon; the panels are joined along a common edge, and releasably connected along at least two other edges thereof in such a manner that the panels may be quickly separated to reveal the holster and enable removal of the weapon by the wearer.

Abstract: There is provided a method for accessing a handgun concealed beneath an upper body garment. The method is carried out by providing the upper body garment with an access port through a front portion of the garment. A panel is provided in covering relationship with the access port. A portion of a perimeter of the panel is secured to the garment with a releasible fastener. A portion of the perimeter of the panel is released to expose the access port and the handgun is then accessed through the access port. A garment suitable for carrying out the invention is further disclosed, as is a method for concealing a handgun with the garment.

Abstract: A system which allows the firefighter to monitor a variety of safety related parameters during firefighting activities through audible and/or visual means. The system of the present invention monitors the pressure in the firefighter's breathing system and also monitors ambient temperature and motion of the firefighter. An audible alarm is activated to indicate a potential emergency situation relating to low remaining air time, impending thermal breakthrough or lack of motion of the firefighter.

Abstract: An apparel system which allows easy access to storage means provided on the front panels of the vest forming part of the apparel system. The storage means includes various pockets, and elastic straps sewn to the front panels of the vest which act as holders for ammunition and hunting calls. A removable back panel allows the harness from a backpack to pass to the inside of the vest, thus preventing the harness from interfering with the wearer's access to the storage means on the front panels of the vest. The apparel system also includes other components including gaiters, mittens, fanny pack, and short chaps, also known as chinks. A rifle sling which allows a rifle to be carried horizontally and a one man shelter which stores in the fanny pack, are also included as part of the apparel system.

Abstract: A combination, convertible hat/bag/halter top formed from an elasticized strip which can be connected at a first end to form a closed loop, to which a dividable body is attached. The elasticized strip may be connected at one end to form a closed loop. The article converts easily into a hat, a bag and a halter top.

Abstract: A garment and landing net combination for use by fishers to withdraw fish from a body of water. The combination comprises a garment, a landing net, and mating fastener halves. One of the halves is attached to the garment and the other is attached to the landing net so the net may be releasably fastened to the garment by engaging the one half with the other. The fastener halves are sized and arranged on the garment and the landing net to permit the landing net to be fastened to the garment in a plurality of orientations and positions. The landing net has a flexible mesh material portion sized for retaining the fish, a frame surrounding the mesh material portion, and a handle extending outward from the frame.

Abstract: The back part of the torso of the garment has a ventilation opening therein which can be selectively opened or closed by a slide fastener. A storage pouch is secured to the inside of the back part in surrounding relationship to the ventilation opening and provides a volume for receiving the garment when the pouch is pulled rearwardly of the garment through the ventilation opening. The storage pouch is formed of a sheet of material such as open mesh to provide free flow of air therethrough so that it will provide ventilation for the garment when it is worn as well as when it is in stored position. A flap is disposed adjacent the ventilation opening and extends laterally away from the garment when the ventilation opening is open to prevent the flap from closing off the opening. Air vents are provided under the arms. The open ends of the arms and legs can be closed by hook and loop type closure means such as VELCRO.

Abstract: A backpack with integral front panel vest-like construction including a front panel, a back panel, a shoulder bib and straps or the like for attaching the front and back portions together. The front panel has a front panel top, a front panel bottom, and two front panel sides. The back panel has a back panel rear backside pack, a back panel top, a back panel bottom, and two back panel sides. The shoulder bib attaches the front panel top and the back panel top, and the shoulder bib has a shoulder bib head opening. Straps attach the front panel sides and the two back panel sides together and secure the backpack to the user.

Abstract: A device positions the butt end of a firearm. The device functions to assist the user in properly positioning and aiming the firearm. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a cushioning member adapted to be worn approximate the shoulder of the user and a positioning device. This positioning device includes a pressure sensor, a microprocessor and a sounding element. The sounding element gives the user an audible signal when a predetermined amount and distribution of pressure have been applied to the sensor.

Abstract: A load bearing vest for use by military and police personnel includes a right front panel, a left front panel and a rear panel, each being formed of a durable, abrasion resistant material. Right and left shoulder straps, also formed of durable abrasion resistant material, connect an upper portion of the rear panel with upper portions of the right front panel and left front panel respectively. Expandable right and left side panels formed of elastic material with a high strain capacity, connect the rear panel with the right front panel and the left front panel respectively below the shoulder strap to define right and left arm openings respectively therebetween. The side panels extend downward to the end of the front and rear panels. An expandable front closure connects the right front panel with the left front panel. A floating center panel is connected to the front closure in such a manner that the front closure remains elastically expandable independent of the floating panel.

Abstract: A garment for use in current registration of electrocardiographic measurements or similar measurements on a person wearing the garment by a portable monitoring unit, with wires and cables connected to electrodes adapted to be secured in contact with the skin of the wearer, the garment comprising a jacket containing at least one pocket placed under one armhole, in which pocket the monitoring unit is placed, the jacket comprising two front portions which can be mutually connected with a closure. In order to make the garment more comfortable to wear and to make it possible to mount cables and registration equipment before the wearer puts on the garment, at least one front portion includes a number of fixation devices placed approximately in line and mutually spaced, as well as a corresponding number of slits placed approximately in a line close to the closure.

Abstract: An inserted pocket system for use with a waterproof garment having a face fabric is provided and includes a waterproof bag-shaped pocket insert having a waterproof bag, an inner pocket part located at the backing of the garment face fabric and an outer pocket part which projects from an insertion opening and a pocket flap which covers the insertion opening. The pocket system is installed within the garment in such a way as to keep contents within the pocket free from moisture.

Abstract: An article of clothing including a vest portion and a detachable hood having a polyacrylamide copolymer filler that cools the body by activating the cooling stage, which is done by placing the vest and hood in water for the required time or placing the vest and hood in ice water for required time. Top and bottom pieces of material (10), (12) will dry and the filler (14) will remain cool and moist. They are worn by placing on the body and attaching fasteners and will keep the individual cool for hours. They are made of materials that can be washed by the individual. They can be stored for days in plastic bags in the refrigerator. If long-term storage is needed, it can be accomplished by line-drying and then put away until ready for use again.

Abstract: A garment for the purpose of attaching and displaying information panels, such as a competitor's racing bib. One or more flexible flap members are permanently attached to the garment. Each distal end of the flexible flaps has a means of fastening, such as a snap fastener. Complementary means of fastening are permanently attached either to the garment, or to the proximal portion of the flexible flap. When the information panel is held in position, the complementary fasteners are coupled to secure the information panel. The garment may be worn without the information panels, as some information panels may be of a very temporary basis.

Abstract: A caddy integral to a jacket or other upper garment is provided for conveniently storing and accessing companion pants or other lower garment. A panel formed of mesh net or other porous fabric or other material is joined to an inner surface of the upper garment to form a compartment for receiving the lower garment, the compartment being sized to evenly distribute the bulk of the lower garment over a substantial portion of the inner surface of the upper garment. A hanger device is provided in the compartment for supporting the lower garment within the compartment while the upper garment is being worn. The compartment is constructed to allow access to the compartment from the inside of the upper garment to permit a wearer to quickly and easily remove the lower garment from the compartment, without removal of the upper garment.

Abstract: A combination carrier pack and single upper torso outerwear garment is disclosed and taught. A pack member is provided to be secured around the mid-section of a person. The pack has a front portion, a back portion, first and second opposed end portions, and a closeable compartment defined therewithin. A mechanism for releasably closing and opening the compartment is also provided. A single upper torso outerwear garment is integrally connected within the closeable compartment of the pack. In order to be worn around the mid-section of a person, a belt member is associated with the first and second opposed end portions of the pack. In preferred embodiments, the belt members include interconnecting fastening mechanisms at their distal ends for size adjustment, and for removable attachment of the pack about the mid-section of a person.

Abstract: For lifting, supporting, or carrying a child, a garment composed of material with sufficient strength to support the child's weight independently, or by incorporating reinforced seams, or by an integrated harness. The garment includes a handle that is securely fastened thereto to enable an adult to raise the child from the floor and carry the child with minimum discomfort and safety. The handle is typically attached to a portion of the garment which is reinforced in some fashion so that the stress on the child is distributed throughout the garment to minimize focusing a force on any one area of the anatomy. The handle can be readily gripped by an adult and will typically be found on the back of the garment. The handle portion may be aligned either horizontally or vertically. The garment, in connection with the handle, is configured so as not to injure the child while permitting maximum support for carrying the child by gripping the handle.

Abstract: A new and improved protective mesh garment apparatus for protecting a wearer's head and body includes a flaccid, cylindrical head covering assembly, made from mesh material, for completely covering the head and neck of the wearer, and for covering a portion of the chest, shoulders, and back of the wearer. The apparatus also includes a flaccid, cylindrical body covering assembly, made from mesh material, for completely covering the body of except for a portion of the wearer's legs above the wearer's ankles. The body covering assembly includes a central cylindrical portion and two arm portions. The central cylindrical portion includes a top open end and a bottom open end. The bottom open end has a diameter sufficiently large such that the bottom open end is capable of being lowered over a wearer's head and body.

Abstract: A backpack is convertible between a backpack only mode and a backpack and protective outerwear mode. In the former mode, carrying straps and a second compartment are connected to the outside of a first compartment, and protective outerwear is connected to and stored on the inside of the first compartment. In the latter mode, the first compartment is inverted so that the second compartment and carrying straps are stored inside the first compartment, and the protective outerwear is external of the first compartment, so that the first compartment is located on the back of the protective outerwear to form a backpack. A support strap is fastened to the inside of the protective outerwear to provide support for a load carried in the first compartment and to enable the individual to carry heavier loads than possible without the support strap.

Abstract: A fishing vest with hinged pockets comprising: a vest shaped in a generally rectangular configuration with a front segment and a rear segment, the front segment including releasable coupling devices, the front and rear segments of the vest including arm and neck slots, the vest including at least one upper pocket including coupling devices to permit the placement of fishing accessories therein, the vest also having at least one hinged pocket including a rigid rotatable member to permit the perpendicular extension of the pocket with respect to the vest in the open orientation, each rigid rotatable member being positioned vertically and coupled to the vest in the closed orientation, the vest including at least one hinged fishing box adapted to retain various fishing accessories, each fishing box being positioned in a hinged pocket to provide users with easy access to fishing accessories when needed.

Abstract: A cooling vest arranged with a pocket between a denim outer layer and a linen inner layer to receive a flexible vessel containing separate pockets filled with water. The vessel is releasably attachable to the vest and in use the water is cooled or frozen before the vessel is fitted in the pocket. The vest is used for cooling the body of a user either during recreation, or while working in hot conditions or a person who is allergic to dust particles mixed in air emitted from electric air-conditioner or a sick person to reduce his abnormal body temperature or when sickness raises his temperature above normal body temperature.

Abstract: A hunting blind and method of hunting which discloses a hunting blind construction which enables a hunter or other person who is seeking to obscure himself for whatever purpose, even for photographic reasons, and thus is desirably positioned so as to appear virtually flat on the ground and thus prevent waterfowl or the like from being suspicious so as to abort a landing, suitable camouflage decoration being applied to the article and even assembled from surrounding branches or other vegetation.

Abstract: A garment adapted for wear by a sportsperson. The garment includes a support member in a generally square configuration having long side edges and short end edges. An oval head opening is centrally disposed therein. The larger axis of the oval is parallel with the end edges and the smaller axis is parallel with the side edges. A slit is formed in the center of one of the end edges extending to the head opening to facilitate donning and removing of the garment. A plurality of permanently fixed or removable pockets are also provided. Each pocket has a back face and a front face with coupling components interconnecting the support member and the pockets.

Abstract: A garment and method for its use, a covering such as a poncho or an anorak, designed to enable a backpacker to don the covering while he or she is wearing a backpack. The garment incorporates a belt with an integrally-formed pouch where the covering garment is stored. The pouch is worn about the waist of the user with the pouch at the front. Where the garment is an anorak, it is open in the back. To use, the user unfolds the garment from the pouch and dons the garment from the rear. There is a slide fastener in the back of the unfurled garment, allowing the user to close the back of the garment after it has covered the backpack.

Abstract: Camouflage sheet material is formed by sandwiching a resilient core material between an inner and an outer layer of fabric or the like, and providing a series of irregularly spaced seams across the material to compress the resilient material along the seams and provide a three dimensional, textured appearance resembling the bark of a tree. The inner and outer layers may be a natural or synthetic fabric, and the core material may be a natural as synthetic fiber or foam material. Multiple layers of the core material may be used for greater depth in the external three dimensional texture, and/or greater insulating properties. The outer layer of material may be patterned with different colors or shadings for greater realism, and may include leaf patterns sporadically placed thereon for greater realism. The sewing process may be automated by gang sewing the seams with pattern repeats.

Abstract: A multi-faceted photographer's vest (10) includes a half of a typical camera strap (12) extending from the right shoulder area, and a half of a typical camera strap (14) extending from the left shoulder area. Each camera strap half (12),(14) has a material end (16),(18) that is sewn or stitched to the vest (10) in the right and left shoulder areas, respectively, so that they are permanently and securely attached thereto. Each camera strap half (12),(14) also has a free end (20),(22) that lays approximately mid-torso, on the right and left sides, respectively, of a vest wearer (24). The free end (20),(22) of each camera strap half (12),(14) is attached to a camera (42) in a typical manner. The vest (10) also provides several pockets and compartments (44),(62) for storing photography related accessories and other items.

Abstract: A resuable protective garment for covering at least an upper torso of the user. The garment is formed from fluid repellent material and is provided with a retaining bag fixedly secured to the interior surface of the front panel for receiving a folded contaminated garment and enclosing the garment therein. The non-detachable retaining bag is made from a contrasting color from the remainder of the garment to allow easy identification of contamination. The garment can be used as a teaching tool for explaining universal precautions observed when using protective clothing in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: A convertible packpack having a storage compartment for a raincoat in the front of the pack covered by a completely detachable totebag having handles and a plurality of storage compartments in the back of the pack, the raincoat being held fast in the storage compartment by fastening straps that can also be used to support the totebag at the bottom of the pack when the raincoat is worn or alternatively the tote bag can be held at the bottom of the pack in suspended condition.

Abstract: A body armor panel has integral receivers disposed intermediate the multiple ballistic layers of the panel at the side and shoulder portions thereof. Resilient straps extend from the receivers, and have separable fasteners on the ends thereof for attachment to complimentary fasteners on a wearer's body. Using resilient straps, anchored in and extending from both the shoulders and sides allows the armor panel to be tensioned around its periphery, thus causing the armor panel to substantially keep its shape and surface area protection after successive impacts, as the resilient straps counteract the drawing in of the ballistic layers after each impact. Multiple linear stitching is used to attach each receiver within the armor panel to reduce susceptibility to ballistic impacts and to allow contouring of the side and shoulder portions to a body shape.

Abstract: A suit that covers the entire body of the infant. A band is applied to suit, in the front, at about the location of the solar plexus, with handles in the back. An adult can grab the handles with one hand and lift the infant out of danger. The band can be separate from and secured to the suit, or instead, may be part of the suit. Also the band may be continuous or made up of thin, spaced strips.

Abstract: Emergency preparedness vest apparatus includes a front panel and a back panel, each of which panels include pockets for receiving and holding elements to sustain a wearer during an emergency situation. The elements include food, clothing, and shelter elements. Included in the arrangement of the pockets are both inside and outside pockets. The outside pockets are substantially more numerous than the inside pockets, and receive individual items, while the inside pockets may receive larger, more bulky items, such as clothing and a ground cloth. The vest may be sized appropriate to the wearer.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed which is worn by a person but does not interfere with movement of the limbs, and is provided with handles that may be grasped to assist in carrying, stabilizing or moving the person. A girdle-like device of cloth construction is worn about the waist and is formed by a flexible panel having a T-shaped configuration before application to the wearer. This configuration presents a pair of opposed arms which are brought about the waist and secured to form a band, and a single connecting element that extends front to rear under the crotch and is joined to the band.

Abstract: An adjustable elastic system supports a body encircling band or the belt of a lower body garment from an upper body garment, using multiple straps removably and adjustably attached by means of loop material-hook material couples to the inside lining of the upper garment. The lower end of each elastic strap includes a hitch which is slipped under the belt by means of an integral tab.

Abstract: A fire-protecting suit includes a fire protective clothing having a face mask for covering the head and a front pocket for keeping precious articles, a fire-proof eye shield, a mouthpiece and a cap-lamp respectively fastened to the face mask by elastic bands which, in turn, are sewn to the fire protective clothing, and an air tank (or a gas filter) and a battery power supply received inside the protective clothing and respectively connected to the mouthpiece and the cap-lamp by an air hose and an electric wire inside the protective clothing. The fire-protecting suit is folded up inside out when not in use. To use the suit, the face mask is put on the head to let the protective clothing be extended downwardly to cover the body. When the fire-protecting suit is in use, the air tank and the battery power supply are turned on, and then the hands are inserted through the sleeves of the protective clothing and extended out for saving things and performing a fire-fighting task.