Abstract: A process is proposed for heat recovery with possible recovery and use of humidity yielded directly or indirectly by the human body and in particular to heat air to be breathed in the first case or to heat the body with exhaled hot air.

Abstract: The shirt-like device disclosed shields the neck, shoulders, back, waist, and arms from rays of sunlight or radiation from the sun which may be harmful and provides for ventilation which makes the shirt-like device more comfortable to wear than an ordinary shirt in situations where it is hot and people ordinarily take off their shirts to be comfortable. The device protects those parts of the body that are likely to receive too much exposure to this radiation when people perform certain activities outdoors for long periods of time. The device fits over the upper body of a person. The sun-shielding part blocks, reflects, and/or impedes the rays of sunlight or radiation and covers those parts of the neck, shoulders, back, waist, and arms which receive the most exposure to sunlight when a person is engaged in activities which cause them to lean slightly forward or have their upper body horizontal. The sun-shielding portion is connected to a ventilated portion to form a complete shirt.

Abstract: A meshy garment designed to warm desired portions above the waist of the body of the user. A meshy garment according to the invention is in the form of a vest or a shirt comprising a folded portion at the bottom of the garment, said folded portion being divided into a number of chambers to form so many pockets in each of which a heating device such as a disposable body warmer can be removably accommodated.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a novel composite material resistant to passage therethrough of noxious substances. The novel composite includes a first layer which may be in the form of a film or coating, of a water and particulate material impermeable, vapor permeable material which is also resistant to sebaceous excretions. A second layer of a vapor permeable stretch fabric material is also provided. Disposed between said first and second layers is a third layer of vapor permeable stretchable fabric material containing a particulate adsorbent material for the noxious substances. Depending upon the application, other optional layers may be included. The composite is stretchable to an extent of 30 to 500% and is intended for use in making close-fitting clothing to protect the wearer from noxious substances.

Abstract: A disposable environmentally controlled suit. The suit includes a coverall made of an inexpensive material which is relatively non-permeable to air. Elastic closures are provided at the neck and the terminal portions of the arms and legs. A manifold is formed in the back of the suit by an inner layer and an outer layer which forms a chamber therebetween. Outlet ports are provided for release of air from the chamber into the interior of the suit. A Hilsch tube is attachable to the manifold for supplying a cooled or heated air stream to the manifold. Suspenders hold the suit off of the shoulders of the user for providing circulation of air around the shoulders. The suit inflates upon injection of air into the manifold which keeps the suit away from the body of the user. Air is allowed to escape through the elastic closures. In a controlled manner such that the entire body of the user is kept cool or warm as desired.

Abstract: A protective garment is fed pressurized air through a hood piece connected to a pressurized air source and expels the air through air breather panels formed in the lower leg portions of the garment to prevent ballooning of the garment.

Abstract: A unitary carrier vest for shoulder-supported carrying of packages and other articles. The vest includes two L-shaped carrier bags integrally formed with a flexible vest back portion formed by an array of flexible cross-hatching. The carrier bags are disposed to each side of the wearer's torso. The carrier vest further includes a padded, double-layered collar that permits the vest to be worn as a collared or collarless garment.

Abstract: A solar look dress is provided and consists of regular cloth material forming a skirt, lower bodice and cuffs of the sleeves. A netting material is for forming a hem, upper bodice and the sleeves to permit ventilation of air therethrough thus affording comfort to a wearer of the dress particularly during warm periods of the year.

Abstract: A coverall for a beekeeper, having a main body portion for covering the extremities, including a hood portion, which would comprise multi-layered fabric, including an inside layer which would make contact with the inner clothing or skin of the wearer constructed of a mostly woven net in the neighborhood of 0.4 centimeters per opening, an outside net fabric layer also having openings in the neighborhood of 0.4 centimeters in diameter, with a layer of polyurethane open cells foam having foam elements of approximate 10 pores per linear inch, (100 pores per square inch), of sufficient thickness approximately 0.4-0.6 centimeters so that a bee stinger could not penetrate through the central polyurethane foam core, yet the inside and outside woven net layers would provide structural integrity to the suit, yet allow ventilation between the skin of the wearer and the outside air. The suit is constructed from such uniform flexible multi-layered material in its entirety except for a wire mesh of the face portion.

Abstract: An air cooling apparatus for cooling a bulletproof vest having a front panel section and a rear panel section is provided with a first and a second hollow tubular member. Each of the tubular members has a plurality of holes in the upper wall thereof for permitting air to be discharged therefrom. A plurality of attaching members are provided for attaching the first tubular member to the front panel section and the second tubular member to the rear panel section of the vest. Coupling members are provided for attaching the ends of the first and second tubular members together between the front and rear panel sections of the vest and for detachably coupling the tubular members to a source of cooling air. In a first embodiment of the invention, the source of air is a vehicular air conditioning system and a hose and attaching assembly is provided for attaching the air cooling apparatus to an outlet of the vehicular air conditioning system.

Abstract: A cold weather system for keeping a wearer comfortable in a temperature of about -60.degree. F.-+40.degree. F. and winds up to 100 miles per hour; utilizes a shirt, pants, parka and wind shirt and wind pants. A sleeping bag and moisture handling pad/deicing cloth are compressed in compressor bags and easily transported by the wearer for comfort during sleeping too, and used with a bivvy sack having a tent flap. The shirt and pants are ventable so that they provide comfort over a wide temperature range, the vents being completely closed when maximum thermal protection is desired. The parka includes a windskirt which engages the wearer's legs. The wind garments are made of fine denier 100% synthetic material tightly woven so that they have very low air porosity. The parka and wind shirt can be connected together to provide an emergency bivac sleeping bag.

Abstract: Low cost tuckaway garment which protects wearer against cold wind or rain and can be rolled or folded up when not needed and tucked into a pocket. The garmet is comprised entirely or essentially entirely of thin polyethylene sheet. A preferred embodiment is a windbreaker made of high density polyethylene having an opening at the top for the wearer's head, a long turtleneck and essentially identical front and back joined together by heat joining.

Abstract: A ventilation band for the human body which includes an outer cover, an inner rim, and a corrugated section between the interiors of the outer cover and the inner rim for forming a plurality of ventilation apertures to ventilate air and prevent the human body from pressing against the cloth being worn.

Abstract: A protective garment is described that is particularly suitable for application such as spray painting and the like. The garment includes a top with a "Z" closure front opening and a separate bottom. The front of both the top and bottom is made from a nonwoven having a smooth calendered outer surface and an uncalendered inner body facing surface, and the back of both the top and bottom is made from a breathable material. The result is a very high degree of comfort and protection from contamination, as well as reduced pilling and release of fibers from the garment.

Abstract: A therapeutic support stocking made from a fabric of non-constricting flexible elastic fibers which extends from an area completely covering the toes to an area above the bend in the knee at the back of the leg and is held in place by an elastic band. The stocking is lined with a smooth, absorbent, and washable material. A plurality of ventilation and traction eyelets are located in the fabric only at the lateral parts of its leg segment. Embedded within the stocking are a pair of pads designed to fill the retromalleolar cavities to cushion and protect the Achilles tendon. A plastic, chamfered heel piece is further provided to antevert the axis of the leg to relieve tension in the Achilles tendon. An ankle support is additionally included, connected to the remainder of the stocking through an elastic transition zone to prevent constriction of the foot. The stocking is designed to support, cushion, and relieve tension in a number of indissociable components of the leg and to stimulate vascular circulation.

Abstract: The underarm areas of shirts may be treated with a water-repellent material to render only the underarm areas of a shirt nonabsorbent of perspiration while yet permitting perspiration to transfer through the underarm fabric areas. A shirt so treated thus has underarm areas that are nonabsorbent of perspiration, and non-underarm areas which absorb perspiration in the usual manner.

Abstract: A surgical brassiere for reducing stress along a mid-sternal incisional line of a female patient following cardio-thoracic surgery includes a pair of bust support cups positioned over the breasts of the patient so as to form an exposed gap over the area of the patient's sternum. A ventilated panel is secured over the gap to provide protection to the mid-sternal incision and can be unsecured as required for purposes of routine examination or nursing care. A pair of inner straps, detachably secured across the gap between the bust support cups, assure that support continues to be provided while the ventilated panel is thus unsecured. To increase patient comfort, the brassiere further includes relatively wide, padded shoulder straps, and a flexible backstrap assembly, including a pair of criss-crossed flexible elastic straps provides additional support to further promote post-operative recovery.

Abstract: A garment made of plastic film of the type and thickness often used for the manufacture of grocery sacks and garbage bags is disclosed. Stretch and ventilation of the garment is provided in spite of the relative inelasticity and impervious nature of plastic film by cutting a plurality of small slits in parallel rows, the slits being staggered in one row with respect to the slits in adjacent rows. In this way the plastic material is allowed to deform into a plurality of diamond shaped openings which at one and the same time provide both flexibility and ventilation to a plastic garment. The rows of slits are confined, in one embodiment, to the inseams and abdominal areas of the garment.

Abstract: A padding is disclosed for an orthopedic support device including a resiliently deformable foamed plastic layer and a fabric layer laminated to at least one surface of the foam layer to provide an inner surface of the padding for placement against a body member. A plurality of dimples are provided in the inner surface to form air spaces adjacent the body member. Openings are provided in the dimples which extend through the thickness of the foam layer and the fabric to provide airflow between the air spaces and the outside air. In a preferred embodiment, the foam layer comprises a non-clickable ester foam, and the dimples are dimensioned and arranged so that at least a portion of the dimples merge with adjacent dimples to facilitate air movement between the air spaces of the merged dimples.

Abstract: An outer rain wear garment is provided with improved ventilation in the form of a mesh insert under a pocket flap of the garment. The flap can be secured to the garment either in a regular pocket-closing position effectively blocking the mesh or in an arched position providing a tunnel over the mesh for improved air circulation through the mesh.

Abstract: Conductive and evaporative cooling are provided in a natural or artificial leather motorcycle garment by including mesh vents at locations which require little protection, such as adjacent the underarms extending from chest to back, inside the elbows, and at the neck. Scoops which open in response to a predetermined air flow velocity and constrict in response to higher velocities are also provided. The scoops are positioned at the top of the shoulders, at the outside of the knees, and at the lower outer thighs so that a positive flow of air is established throughout the garment at speeds over 5 miles an hour for removal of heat from the body at a comfortable rate. The back is allowed to billow slightly to provide a air flow conduit across the back and prevent contact heating from solar radiant effects. A fire proof gabardine panel is provided in the crotch area and on the inside of the knees where evaporative cooling is required yet maximum protection is needed.

Abstract: A protective garment for protection against mosquitoes and other insects is provided. The garment comprises a plurality of fabric components with stitching forming seams securing the components together. The fabric components are multilayered and comprise inner and outer layers of fabric which are connected at the seams. The outer layer of fabric is constructed so as to prevent passage of mosquitoes and other insects therethrough. The inner layer of fabric is a coarse mesh fabric with relatively large openings therein and is many times thicker than the thickness of the outer layer of fabric so as to serve as a spacer layer to space the skin of the wearer of the garment at such a distance from the outer surface of the garment that mosquitoes, even in the event of sticking their heads between yarns forming the outer fabric layer, cannot span the distance to the skin of the wearer so as to bite the wearer.

Abstract: A garment to protect the user against insect bites, including an insect-impervious yoke extending from the neckhole across the shoulders and down into the chest and back area, having piping sewn to the bottom edges of the yoke to hold away from the body of the user the semi-rigid mesh material that is draped from the yoke in gathers, and with every opening of the garment other than the neckhole including a closure and gathers whereby the semi-rigid mesh material is held away from the body in the form of an undulating surface.

Abstract: A composite sheet material for garments and the like is disclosed. The composite sheet material comprises a substantially continuous internal layer of porous material having low heat conductivity and high resilience. The internal layer is of a substantially uniform thickness and consistency, and its composition and thickness is such that it is supple and drapable. A flexible sheet of liquid impermeable material is adhered to the internal layer, and the flexible sheet having a plurality of capillary openings extended therethrough. The capillary openings each have a base open to one surface of the flexible surface and lying substantially in the plane of the flexible sheet, an apex extending away from the opposite surface of the flexible sheet and remote from the plane of the flexible sheet, and are of a character so as to inhibit the flow of fluids therethrough.

Abstract: A body protective garment including a fabric shell and woven fasteners for fastening body protective pads to its inner surface.

Abstract: Rainproof jacket, particularly for riders, including a back panel having a ventilation window which runs over its major portion. A rain protection flap fully covers this ventilation opening. The upper edge of the flap is secured to the upper end of the back panel while the lower edge of the flap is releasably secured to the lower end of the back panel. The lateral edges of the flap are unattached, that is they remain free of the back panel and of the ventilation window so that air is allowed to freely circulate between the ventilation window and the rain protection flap.

Abstract: The invention provides a ventilated immersion suit for aircrew and includes a waterproof overall (1), an air vent (8) in the upper region of the overall, a shut-off valve (19) for closing the air vent, and means (16) responsive to hydrostatic pressured in a tube 5 which is generated by immersion in water so as to operate the shut-off valve and thereby close the air vent.

Abstract: Pants include an air ventilation panel at the crotch area in which a panel is provided with a net yarn cloth sewn to its back surface. A plurality of perforated eyelets are riveted to the panel and a ventilating net woven fiber is sewn to the panel. A zipper or magic tape fastener is fixed behind the panel to join the upper portion of the panel and the net yarn cloth wherein the panel may be used as an inside pocket.

Abstract: A protective garment having a ventilation system having means for selectively varying the pass of ventilation air through the garment and the size of the openings of the ventilation entry and exit panels to provide proper ventilation and prevent billowing of the garment.

Abstract: A water vest for motocross riders comprises a combination of shoulder pads for the motocross rider, and a water absorbing and air cooling layer attached to the inside of the shoulder pads for overlying the chest area of the motocross rider. The shoulder pads are in the shape of a vest having a front face for overlying the chest area of the rider. The front face is perforated so it is porous to air. The water absorbing and air cooling layer includes an elongated jacket having flexible outer plies porous to air and water. A water absorbing layer, preferably multiple thin layers of a water absorbing material, are disposed in the hollow interior of the jacket. The water absorbing material is capable of absorbing many times its weight in water and is porous to traveling air when water is retained by it. Fasteners removably attach the water absorbing and cooling layer to the front face of the shoulder pads. The water absorbing layer is soaked in water and then fastened to the inside of the shoulder pads.

Abstract: An air vent for an article of rainwear is provided wherein the article has at least a planar surface having an aperture therein. The air vent comprises a member which is provided with a rearwardly extending projection adapted to space the air vent from the wearer of the rainwear to permit the flow of air therethrough. A through opening is provided in the member and a forwardly projecting cover is similarly provided on the other side of the member which covers the opening to prevent the entry of rain therein. A peripheral flange on the member is adapted to engage the edges of the article adjacent the aperture to position the air vent in the aperture and to connect the same to the article of apparel.

Abstract: A vented racing glove suitable for motorcycle use in which a flexible protective pad is attached over the top of the gloove. The pad has various integrally formed upstanding air scoops which receive air when the glove is in motion to provide positive ventilation to its interior, and protect the wearer's hand in case of a fall. Ventilation grills are also provided in the pad in the form of parallel upstanding ribs with vent openings in the pad between adjacent ribs. The grills likewise provide both ventilation and protection. The fingers of the pad include forward facing air scoops behind the finger joints and rearward facing air scoops forward of the finger joints, with the air inlets of both scoops facing forward when the wearer grips a motorcycle hand grip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vest for use in a polluted atmosphere. The vest is intended to create a fresh air zone outside the vest. To this end, the vest has an air-permeable portion extending around at least a part of the vest, preferably around the entire vest, and a supply air connection for supplying fresh air to the interior of the vest and out through said air-permeable portion.

Abstract: A system is described for controllably ventilating garments such as protective suits and jackets, especially garments which are worn by the occupants or operators of moving vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and some aircraft. Vents are provided in the front of the garment for controllably admitting air into the garment by means of flaps or other devices which cover the vents and which can incrementally be removed to control the amount of air entering the garment. Additional vents are provided at the back and sides of the garment to allow the exiting of air and prevent billowing of the garment due to air being trapped inside. The various vents which are provided in the garment are covered with air permeable material such as mesh which advantageously is stretchable to provide greater flexibility to the garment both while it is being worn and to facilitate putting on and taking off.

Abstract: A flexible sheet material shaped article comprises a thermoplastic material having a plurality of spaced breathing apertures extending through the thickness thereof, each breathing aperture filled with a porous fibrous material. The flexible sheet material shaped article is formed by utilizing a vertical mold, and hanging a plurality of spaced strands of porous fibrous material from the top of the mold. The mold has a plan or cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the article being provided. The mold is then filled with liquid thermoplastic material, and after cooling a slab of thermoplastic material with strands of fibrous material is produced. The slab is then sliced in a dimension perpendicular to the dimension in which the strands extend, and to the desired thickness to provide the flexible sheet material shaped article.

Abstract: An air-tight self-adjusting protective garment having a torso covering portion with integral arms and legs. Gloves are sealingly affixed to the free ends of the arms and boots are sealingly affixed to the free ends of the legs. A head enclosing hood or helmet is sealingly attached to the garment, and hood and garment are supplied with a positive pressure air plenum which is exhausted through one or more one-way valves. The garment is prevented from ballooning due to the internal air pressure by a plurality of elastic strip members which are affixed to the inner surface of the garment without destroying the air-tight integrity thereof and extend longitudinally of the torso covering portion and of the arms and legs thereof, which elastic strip members also enable the garment to self-adjust to fit a range of different size individuals.

Abstract: A garment and accessories formed substantially entirely of textile fabric having a series of parallel raised ribs at generally equally spaced intervals to form channels through which air may circulate and which also serves to maintain a distance when the garment is worn beneath a non-porous outergarment such as personal body armour worn by law enforcement and military personnel, asbestos clothing worn by foundry workers, rubberized garments for work and recreation, and the like. In one embodiment, the ribs are formed by stitching a fabric-enclosed fiberfill cord of substantial diameter, using a knit stitch formation which causes or allows the base fabric to enclose approximately seven eighths to three quarters of the circumference of the cord thereby eliminating any lateral shifting of the cords when the garment is worn under tension. When the wearer moves in any direction the undergarment maintains the supple, pliable and flexible properties of the base fabric which enclose the cords.

Abstract: A light weight, ventilated, moisture resistant cushion on which there are opposite facings having multiple openings, such as in a net fabric, for the passage of air. The facings define a pocket between them, and each pocket is adapted to carry and restrain a pad which may be constructed from a jersey knit plastic fabric, rolled onto itself to form at least one roll of the pad fabric. The opposite facings contact opposite surface portions of the roll or rolls so that any load imposed to a facing of the cushion tends to flatten the roll a direction transverse to the center line or axis thereof. The strands of the knitted fabric forming the rolls are relatively stiff and when loaded bend and when unloaded, although not per se resilient, recover like springs.

Abstract: A ventilating system for use with protective clothing of the type including a head enclosure and an outer covering for a user's body is described. The system provides for the distribution of air from a pressurized source to a user's limbs to provide a flow of air thereabout while insuring that sufficient pressurized air is delivered to the head enclosure for respiration and to maintain a positive pressure plenum therein under all conditions.

Abstract: Air vent particularly suited for incorporation in rainwear comprising a base portion having a hole therein; and an elongate member secured to the base portion, the elongate member having a passage therethrough in communication with the hole, at least a portion of the elongate member being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the hole. Raincoats and other articles incorporating the air vent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A garment intended to be worn closest to the skin during vigorous physical activities in warm environments. The garment comprises a comparatively open warp knit fabric into the base of which are bound vertically extending cords. The warp knit fabric base is a mesh fabric consisting of thermo-settable synthetic fibres and is set to retain its shape, whereby it forces the cords to be displaced in parallel laterally upon movements, the cords being in contact with the skin. On account of its rigidity, the fabric provides an improved pumping effect upon relative movements between the garment and the body, thus improving the ventilation and carrying away of perspiration from the body. The garment has sufficient width to ensure that it is allowed to move unimpededly over the skin surface of the wearer.

Abstract: A mask or hood worn by a welding or grinder operator includes a manifold extending along the lower perimeter thereof below the chin of the operator. The manifold is provided with a plurality of holes or slots which vent pressurized air downwardly. The downwardly vented air forms an air curtain which prevents entry under the hood of smoke and noxious fumes created by the welding or grinding process. The manifold is supplied by a flexible tube which is connected between one end of the manifold and an air blower which may be secured to the operator's body, preferably at the waist, or which may be located remotely. The body-carried air blower is provided with a rechargeable battery pack.

Abstract: A ventilation system to be worn by an individual whenever cooling of the external surface of his body is required such as when wearing an industrial protective garment such as a rain suit which comprises a manifold for receiving ventilating gas and distributing the gas which includes an inlet in the manifold and an outlet from the manifold for receiving and distributing ventilating gas, the outlet is selectively connected to at least one gas distribution conduit which is formed of flexible fabric material and extends over the surface of the body of the wearer, the gas distribution conduits include a plurality of orifices in the surface thereof to provide controlled distribution of the ventilating gas, the gas distribution conduits can be formed of a woven fabric material which is coated with a gas impervious elastometer such as butyl rubber or the like to prevent the exiting of gas from the gas distribution conduits except at the locations of the prechosen orifices, the system may include simply two conduits

Abstract: A waterproof article for use in, for example, protective clothing. The article prevents liquid water from penetrating through to undergarments while at the same time permitting moisture vapor such as perspiration to pass out through the article. The article is thus both breathable and waterproof. The article is layered: a microporous hydrophobic outer layer which permits the passage of moisture vapor but resists penetration by liquid water at pressures up to about 345 Kn/m.sup.2 ; a hyrophilic inner layer permitting the transfer of moisture vapor but preventing surface tension lowering agents such as those contained in perspiration and/or body oils from reaching the hydrophobic layer.

Abstract: An insulating material consists of moldable material and a plurality of spherical air pockets formed in the material.

Abstract: A full length split bell pair of trousers in which the front portion of each trouser leg from approximately the knee area to the leg bottom has a cut-away portion to provide a visual entrance to the wearing apparel on both legs, such as boots, socks or even the bare leg which would otherwise be hidden from view. In addition, such a construction provides ventilation to the legs of the wearer. With this arrangement, a greater and easier flexing of the knees is made possible because of a less confinement of the cloth forming the leg portions and the less weight resulting from the cut-out leg portions. Novel construction is used to cause the side edges of the cut-out portions to maintain substantially vertical lines so that the two leg portions will retain their tubular shapes throughout their lengths.

Abstract: A conditioned-air suit and system wherein a user may have his person made more comfortable during excessively warm or cold environmental conditions. The suit or jacket or coat, as the case may be, is provided with air-conditioning hose connections at both front and left sides and also at the rear of the apparel, for purposes hereinafter enumerated. A hood is provided such that forced conditioned air will be effective to cause a separation between hood materials so as to provide a blanket of conditioned air between the head of the wearer and exterior environs. Knee and shoulder areas are constructed to provide for vertical air travel paths about the joint areas. Wrist and ankle areas can be provided with elastomeric cuffs, as desired. The system herein comprehends inclusion of an air-conditioned suit with a source of heated, cooled, or otherwise conditioned air from a variety of sources, and this for a variety of uses and functions as hereinafter pointed out.

Abstract: A garment of a type generally known as pantyhose having a plurality of ventilation panels both around a pants portion and preferably along a leg and toe portion to promote healthy breathing of sensitive portions of the skin of the body.

Abstract: A novel trouser-like article of clothing is provided which combines the functions of underwear, socks, garter belts and crotch protector, while providing an attractive, light-weight and durable garment which may be worn under conventional sporting clothing, e.g. hockey pants.