A method of manufacturing an article may include loading a soluble bobbin thread into an embroidery machine and then driving a needle thread through a base sheet with a needle of the embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern that provides a series of loops of the needle thread extending outward from a bobbin side of the base sheet. The method may further include bonding the needle thread to a needle side of the base sheet opposite from the bobbin side. A spacer layer may be disposed at the bobbin side of the base sheet, and may be removed after the needle thread is bonded to the base sheet. The loops may be loops of a hook-and-loop fastener or ball control features in various articles manufactured according to the method.

A dismountable pocket removably engaged within a cummerbund permitting a user to discretely store personal items therein. The dismountable pocket is removably engaged within a cavity of the cummerbund central portion utilizing a hook/loop system. A zipper is positioned on the first wall of the cummerbund body permitting access to the cavity therein. The dismountable pocket has a second zipper connecting the first and second pocket surfaces and permitting access to the storage cavity within the pocket. The cummerbund is configured to rest flat on the torso of the user while personal items are stored therein.

A wireless communication system comprises a first wireless communication device for a first team member, and a second wireless communication device for a second team member. The first wireless communication device comprises a microphone and a transmitter for transmitting an oral message via a first wireless communication protocol. The second wireless communication device comprises a main transceiver, and a wearable audio device. The first wireless communication device may include a push to talk hard trigger assembly. The wearable audio device may comprise an epaulet speaker. The system may include a support for mounting the main transceiver onto a shoulder pad of the second team member.

A personal tactical system including a load-bearing garment, a pouch with one or more batteries enclosed in the pouch, at least one power distribution and data hub, and at least one camera. The camera is incorporated into or removably attachable to the load-bearing garment, the pouch is removably attachable to the load-bearing garment and the one or more batteries are operable to supply power to the at least one power distribution and data hub. The at least one power distribution and data hub is operable to supply power to at least one peripheral device. A plurality of personal tactical systems is operable to form an ad hoc network to share images and other information for determining object direction, location, and movement.

A pouch or pocket may act as a container and may be used to securely hold objects (e.g., cell phone, keys, wallet, etc.) during athletic activity (e.g., running). The pouch may be a standalone item or integrally formed as part of other items. The pouch may hold the object to be stored in place within the pouch or pocket. The pouch may provide some cushioning or impact force attenuation to protect the object being held within the pouch or pocket. Additionally, the pouch may be attached to a garment, such as running clothes. The pouch includes an outer envelope sealable by a closure and a one-way valve with foam layers located inside the pouch. After the object is placed in the pouch, the closure is closed, and the air within the pouch is expelled via the one-way valve by compressing the foam layers from the outside.

A secretive multipurpose carrying system conceals the presence of a closable pouch with a garment. The pouch is concealed by a plurality of gathers attached to the garment. Personal effects can be stored in the pouch and hidden from view in this manner.

An exemplary embodiment of a waterproof submersible pocket for attachment to a garment includes a top layer of a flexible plastic or plastic-coated material impervious to water, and a bottom layer of a flexible plastic or plastic-coated material impervious to water. The top layer and the bottom layer are welded together along a weld seam defining all or part of a pouch for holding items, the weld seam being sufficiently wide for receiving stitching for attachment to the garment without the stitching invading the pouch. The pouch includes a closable opening for passing the items into the pouch or removing the items from the pouch. A waterproof closure structure is provided for the opening to preventing water from passing through the closure structure in a closed condition.

In a garment convertible into a bag for stowage and transport, there is a base garment, and a pair of pockets attached thereto. The two pockets are joined together with a zipper fastener that attaches mating teeth halves on the respective pockets so as to be zipped continuously around the connected pockets to form a bag therein, the material of the base garment adapted so as to be folded for insertion in the bag.

A corrosion resistant retractable tool or opener device is provided. The retractable tool is integrated within an article of clothing. The integrated retractable tool includes a retractor having a housing that encloses an internal spring coil connected to a retractable cord for drawing the cord into the retractor. The cord is attachable to the retractable tool located at a first end of retractable tool. Retractable tool has a second aperture opposite the retractor end and a flange portion projects into the second aperture to provide a lever for urging a bottle cap from a top bead around a bottle. Retractor is fixedly attached, e.g., by stitching or adhesive means, within a sleeve portion integral with a seam, waistband, hemline or pocket of an article of clothing. The strap overlap sleeve portion encloses the retractable tool to conceal the retractable tool.

A garment assembly for medical professionals includes a scrub top and a scrub trousers that are configured to be donned by a user. Each of a set of first panels has opposing side edges and a bottom edge that are coupled to one of the scrub top and the scrub trousers to define a first pocket. Each of a set of bands, which are resiliently stretchable, is coupled to a top edge of a respective first panel so that the band is configured to be stretched to insert an article into an associated first pocket and to rebound to retain the article in the associated first pocket.