| CPC H02N 13/00 (2013.01) [A41D 27/285 (2013.01)] | 24 Claims |

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1. An article of apparel, comprising:
an electroadhesive clutch device, comprising:
an elongate encasing forming a watertight enclosure;
a first electrode assembly including a first electrode positioned within the watertight enclosure; and
a second electrode assembly including a second electrode, positioned within the watertight enclosure, the second electrode distinct from the first electrode, and at least partially overlapping with and configured to slide relative to the first electrode;
an electrical signal generator configured to provide first and second signals to the first and second electrode assemblies, respectively, wherein the first electrode assembly is configured to slide laterally relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are not applied and remain static relative to the second electrode assembly when the first and second signals are applied; and
a textile material to which the elongate encasing is attached at least at a first end of the elongate encasing, wherein actuation of the clutch device is configured to selectively cause a portion of the article of apparel to be immobilized or mobilized.
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