There is provided retroreflective articles comprising a binder layer comprising an adhesive composition comprising at least one tackifier and at least one elastomer selected from at least one of natural rubbers and synthetic rubbers, and a layer of optical elements at least partially embedded in a major surface of the binder layer. There are also provided articles of clothing using the presently disclosed retroreflective articles and methods for preparing the retroreflective articles.

A reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features uses a base panel, a folding line, a storage compartment, a shoulder strap, and a bag-securing mechanism. The base panel is a flexible piece of material that has a first edge and a second edge which are located on opposite ends of the base panel. The folding line is a line of demarcation that is integrated into the base panel and indicates where the base panel should be folded to be correctly reconfigured. The storage compartment is a sealable pouch that is connected to the base panel and used to carry personal items. The shoulder strap is connected in between the first edge and the second edge so that the user is able to support the base panel and the storage compartment on the shoulders. The bag-securing mechanism maintains the base panel in a folded configuration when engaged.

Systems and methods for integrating and using sensor system in articles of apparel are provided. The system may include an apparel piece sized and dimensioned to be worn on a user and a sensor system integrated with the apparel piece. The sensor system may include at least one stretchable capacitive sensor positioned on the apparel piece so as to measure a biometric parameter of the user when the apparel piece is worn, an illumination system configured to provide illumination in a specified illumination area based on the measured biometric parameter of the user, and a control module to control one or more settings of the illumination system.

Systems and methods for integrating and using sensor system in articles of apparel are provided. The system may include an apparel piece sized and dimensioned to be worn on a user and a sensor system integrated with the apparel piece. The sensor system may include at least one stretchable capacitive sensor positioned on the apparel piece so as to measure a biometric parameter of the user when the apparel piece is worn, an illumination system configured to provide illumination in a specified illumination area based on the measured biometric parameter of the user, and a control module to control one or more settings of the illumination system.

The invention provides conspicuity devices and methods. A first embodiment includes a glove with at least one elongate lighting device adapted and configured to admit light having an advantageous spectral energy distribution. Additional articles of clothing are provided herein for enhanced conspicuity, such as for emergency workers and athletes.

A safety garment includes at least one sensor unit for detecting at least one user-specific characteristic value and/or at least one environment-specific characteristic value. The safety garment further includes at least one communication unit configured to transmit the detected user-specific characteristic value and/or the detected environment-specific characteristic value to at least one other safety garment in order to communicate with the other safety garment.

A safety garment includes at least one sensor unit for detecting at least one user-specific characteristic value and/or at least one environment-specific characteristic value. The safety garment further includes at least one communication unit configured to transmit the detected user-specific characteristic value and/or the detected environment-specific characteristic value to at least one other safety garment in order to communicate with the other safety garment.

Disclosed herein is a system for detecting a partial discharge from electrical equipment. The system includes a vest dimensioned for wear by a user. An antenna is associated with the vest, and a receiver is coupled to the antenna and associated with the vest. At least one indicator device is associated with the best. Circuitry is associated with the vest and coupled to the receiver. The circuitry is configured to monitor ambient radiofrequency energy in real time, and determine that the partial discharge has occurred as a function of the ambient radiofrequency energy. The circuitry actuates the at least one indicator device as a function of the determination that the partial discharge has occurred, and transmits the determination that the partial charge has occurred to a control station via the wireless transmitter.

A sleeve for a garment, comprising: a front panel attached to a back panel along respective first and second side edges thereof, the back panel having upper and lower vents formed proximate an elbow portion thereof; and, upper and lower flaps formed on the back panel above and overlapping the upper and lower vents, respectively; wherein the upper and lower flaps are moveable between a closed position when the sleeve is straight through the elbow portion and an opened position when the sleeve is bent at the elbow portion to thereby allow increased airflow through the upper and lower vents when the garment is in use.

A sleeve for a garment, comprising: a front panel attached to a back panel along respective first and second side edges thereof, the back panel having upper and lower vents formed proximate an elbow portion thereof; and, upper and lower flaps formed on the back panel above and overlapping the upper and lower vents, respectively; wherein the upper and lower flaps are moveable between a closed position when the sleeve is straight through the elbow portion and an opened position when the sleeve is bent at the elbow portion to thereby allow increased airflow through the upper and lower vents when the garment is in use.