Abstract: The invention relates to a fabric (10) for arresting ballistic articles, the fabric (10) comprising first (11) and second (12) woven layers secured together. The working fibers of the first (11) and second (12) layers are of substantially inextensible yarns such as aramid fibers. The working fibers of the first layer (11) are perpendicular to the working fibers of the second layer (12).

Abstract: A composite forming fabric, comprising in combination a paper side layer having a paper side surface, a machine side layer and paper side layer intrinsic warp binder yarns. Each of the paper side layer and the machine side layer are woven together in a repeating pattern, and the two layers together are woven in at least 6 sheds, and up to at least 36 sheds can be used. All of the paper side layer warp yarns are provided by pairs of intrinsic warp binder yarns. The paper side layer weave pattern provides an unbroken warp path in the paper side surface including at least two segments, occupied in turn by each intrinsic binder yarn; the segments are separated by at least one paper side layer weft. Within each segment, each intrinsic binder yarn also interlaces once with a machine side layer weft, at the same point as a machine side layer warp interlaces with the same weft. The weave path occupied by each member of a pair of intrinsic warp binder yarns can be the same or different.

Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by fire fighters with improved water resistance is disclosed. In particular, the present invention is directed to an outer shell material for protective garments that is made from a fire resistant material coated with a durable water resistant coating. The durable water resistant coating is applied to the outer shell in a manner so that the coating will not degrade when exposed to normal wear and tear and even after the garment has been laundered repeatedly. Protective garments constructed in the past typically lost most of their water repellency after being laundered as little as five cycles. It has been discovered that water resistant coatings applied according to the process of the present invention, on the other hand, can survive at least 30 laundry cycles, and in many applications at least 50 laundry cycles without significantly degrading.

Abstract: A waterproof thermal insert for outdoor sport pants which is sewn into the rear of a pair of pants from the belt line to the region between the middle of the thigh to the back of the knee, from each outside seam to inside seam, and from the inside seam to the crotch. The insert is composed of three layers: (1) an outside layer of water repellant, closed cell foam neoprene; (2) a middle layer of a synthetic, thermal insulating fabric, such as Outlast.RTM. Zermatt; and (3) a soft, flexible material, such as polar fleece. The three layers are sewn together. If additional protection is desired at the sewn seams, the seams may be heat sealed with an overlay of thermoplastic tape. Alternatively, the insert may be composed of two layers: (1) an outside layer of water repellant, closed cell foam neoprene; and (2) an inner layer of a composite fabric combining a synthetic, thermal insulating material with a soft, flexible material, viz., Outlast.RTM. Glacier or Outlast.RTM. Glenpile.

Abstract: A garment (20) for inhibiting relatively moving air from contacting a portion of a person wearing the garment. The garment (20) comprises a first panel (22) for inhibiting relative air movement contact against a portion of the body of the person. The first panel (22) includes a first fabric layer (62), a second fabric layer (64) and a first membrane (66) located between the first and second the first fabric layers. The first membrane (66) is water-resistant. The first panel (22) has an air permeability of not more than 3 CFM/ft.sup.2 and a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 800 gm/m.sup.2 .multidot.day. The garment (20) also comprises a second panel (24) connectable with the first panel (22). The second panel (24) includes a third fabric layer (62a), a fourth fabric layer (64a) and a second membrane (66a) located between the third and fourth fabric layers. The second membrane (66a) is water-resistant. The second panel (24) has an air permeability of at least 6 CFM/f.sup.