A communications node includes an apparel item in the form of a harness that includes a primary portion. A halo element extends from the primary portion and is configured to be worn about the neck. A fastener that demountably couples the primary portion to the halo element. An antenna element positioned within the apparel item. An A/V hub is affixed to the halo portion and configured to receive audio/video input. A communications device and battery are positioned within the apparel item. A control circuit is positioned within the apparel item and communicatively coupled to the antenna element, the A/V hub, the communications device, and the battery. The A/V hub includes a microphone. The control circuit is configured to establish a self-organizing wide area network with a plurality of computing devices that connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to the WAN.

A communications node includes an apparel item in the form of a harness that includes a primary portion. A halo element extends from the primary portion and is configured to be worn about the neck. A fastener that demountably couples the primary portion to the halo element. An antenna element positioned within the apparel item. An A/V hub is affixed to the halo portion and configured to receive audio/video input. A communications device and battery are positioned within the apparel item. A control circuit is positioned within the apparel item and communicatively coupled to the antenna element, the A/V hub, the communications device, and the battery. The A/V hub includes a microphone. The control circuit is configured to establish a self-organizing wide area network with a plurality of computing devices that connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to the WAN.

Fabrics made for apparel, tents, sleeping bags and the like, in various composites, constructed such that a combination of substrate layers and insulation layers is configured to provide improved thermal insulation. The fabric composites are constructed to form a radiant barrier against heat loss via radiation and via conduction from a body.

A warp knitted mesh fabric constructed of synthetic, or synthetic and natural, fibers is characterized by having a low density, open construction with a high profile for spacing a garment constructed from the fabric from the skin of a wearer of the garment.

A warp knitted mesh fabric constructed of synthetic, or synthetic and natural, fibers is characterized by having a low density, open construction with a high profile for spacing a garment constructed from the fabric from the skin of a wearer of the garment.

A protective aviation garment is designed to protect a crewmember during flight. The garment includes a bladder layer which retains a pressurized fluid and applies pressure to the user. The bladder layer is semi-permeable, being impermeable to both oxygen and nitrogen and permeable to water vapor. A first fluid tube is formed as part of the bladder layer to deliver the pressurized fluid to the interior of the bladder layer. A cover layer is formed from a fire-retardant fabric surrounding the exterior of the bladder layer. The cover layer is sealed around the first fluid tube and allows the first fluid tube to pass therethrough. The thigh seals are configured to seal the bladder layer to the user such that the bladder layer forms a lower volume and an upper volume. The first fluid tube delivers the first pressurized fluid to the lower volume.

Transparent facial masks of regenerated cellulose and other personal protective gear such as gowns, booties, surgical caps, surgical drapes, gloves and eyewear are provided.

Transparent facial masks of regenerated cellulose and other personal protective gear such as gowns, booties, surgical caps, surgical drapes, gloves and eyewear are provided.

Relatively lightweight laminate structures having an outer textile layer, a heat reactive material, a middle layer, a flame retardant adhesive material and an inner layer, wherein the flame retardant adhesive material is positioned in a pattern so as to form a plurality of pockets, each of the pockets defined by (a) the middle layer, (b) the inner layer, and (c) a portion of the flame retardant adhesive material. The laminate structures can provide protection from an exposure to an electrical arc.

An insulating body wrap includes a superior end with a superior opening and an inferior end with an inferior opening. A top layer including a fabric extends between the superior opening and the inferior opening and a back layer including a ripstop material extends between the superior opening and the inferior opening. Batting is provided between the top layer and the back layer and a slit extends between the inferior opening and a point intermediate the inferior and superior openings. A method for manufacturing an insulating body wrap includes forming a quilt having a superior edge, an inferior edge, a first side edge and a second side edge and attaching the first and second side edges to form a sleeve having a superior opening and an inferior opening. A slit is formed extending between the inferior opening and a point intermediate the inferior and superior openings.