Rachel Jean
Research Projects
This gallery highlights the different research projects that I have been involved with. These research projects are divided into three categories: Functional Design, Protective Apparel, and Organic UV Protection in Apparel. Scroll down to view all research project descriptions and some images in slideshow form.
Functional Design
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These images illustrate my work in designing and developing the "Rehabilition Support Vest for Women." This vest was designed and created for the elderly woman to wear during rehabilition walking exercises - for example, if she had a hip replacement. This vest would be worn and tethered to an above mounted devise that would support and "catch" the patient if she were to fall or become off-balanced. As you can see in the images, this vest is fully adjustable to fit circumference around the waist and bust. Torso length and shoulder to bust length is also adjustable. This project was lead from the department of Health & Human Performance at Oklahoma State University.
Protective Apparel
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Two projects are illustrated in this area - both of which are related to military protective apparel. The first project was a ventilated shoulder-sleeve project funded by a military grant. This project built upon previously developed Quad-Guard military protective apparel that protected soldier's limbs during combat.
The second project was developed as a prototype in a functional design research course. This protective vest prototype was designed for US Coast Guards, particularly those to serve in maritime security positions. It is a level II ballistic life preserver. Click on the link to view the USCG presentation.
Organic UV Protection in Apparel
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The purpose of this experiemtnal study was to explore alternative treatments to create an organic form of UV protection, e.g. natural "treatments" that may be applied to clothing. This research explored the UV protection potential of 3 North American dye plants: Rhubarb, Great St. John's Wort, and Kalm St. John's Wort. Cotton and Wool fabric samples were treated with mordant and each of the plant dyes. Spectrophotometer readings were taken to gather UV transmittance, following AATCC test metho 183. Findings identified increased UV protection from the dye plants, particularly Rhubarb along the UVA spectrum and Kalm St. John's Wort within the UVB Spectrum. Click on the THESIS link to view entire document. Or follow this link: http://dc.library.okstate.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/theses/id/4016/rec/1.