Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: A protective apparel system for responders such as firefighters, civil defense, and defense workers is disclosed. Different aspects include a boot with a flange for forming a vapor/liquid tight seal with trousers, trousers that include a resistant barrier cuff for interfacing with a boot, and a resistant barrier liner that includes a gusset providing for expansion of the liner.

Abstract: A rescue harness used to extricate a body from a hazardous position. The harness is quickly and easily donned by a rescuer or wearer and can be stored between a jacket and liner. The apparatus comprises two linked arm loops that are wrapped around the wearer's shoulders. Alternatively, an additional loop comprises a lower torso strap that wraps around the wearer's lower torso and is connected to the upper torso harness with a carabiner. Two smaller continuous loops linked to the arm loops allow the potential rescuer to easily grasp the harness with gloved hands or attach a lifting cable.

Abstract: A cooling device for a safety suit, including an air delivery device (2) and a cooling source (3), has a substance that reacts endothermically with water as the cooling medium.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell and an inner liner coupled to the outer shell and positioned such that the inner liner is positioned between a wearer and the outer shell when the garment is worn. The inner liner includes a base material and a high lubricity material which has a higher lubricity than the base material. The high lubricity material is woven into the base material to form a plurality of discrete contact areas that each comprise at least two separate warp fibers or yarns of high lubricity material each being individually woven with at least two separate weft fibers or yarns of high lubricity material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article of thermal protective clothing having fabric woven with a warp-faced or weft-faced twill weave that incorporates a first yarn forming the majority of the outer article surface that includes hydrophilic fiber and a first flame resistant fiber, with at least 25 weight percent of that first yarn being hydrophilic fiber; and a second yarn forming the majority of the inner article surface that includes at least 80 weight percent of a second flame resistant fiber that is hydrophobic. Alternatively, the first yarn forming the majority of the outer article surface can include a hydrophilic first flame resistant fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a yarn having high moisture regain for use in arc and flame protection and fabrics and garments containing the yarn. The yarn has a blend of fibers which includes 10 to 40 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, 20 to 60 weight percent modacrylic fiber, 15 to 45 weight percent FR rayon fiber, and (d) 5 to 20 weight percent para-aramid fiber; based on the total weight of these components. If desired, 1 to 3 weight percent of the para-aramid fiber in the yarn can be replaced with an antistatic fiber as long as at least 5 weight percent para-aramid fiber is present.

Abstract: The invention refers to a cover, comprising a fleece arranged between a top and a bottom layer which holds a super absorber. At least in one layer a permeability area which is permeable to moisture is provided through which the cover can be moistened in a controlled way.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a fluid-circulating heat exchanging garment, the method including providing a fabric panel for assembly of the heat exchanging garment, defining a tubing layout on the fabric panel with straight portions and bend portions defined in a flexible tubing. The straight portions of the tubing are affixed to the fabric panel and a mold is inserted into the inner radius of each bend portion. The mold has a shape corresponding to each bend portion and a channel having a radius adapted to closely fit over the tubing. The fabric panel and tubing are heated to an annealing temperature of the tubing. After cooling the fabric panel, the molds are removed, leaving the tubing reshaped at the bend portions to a desired radius.

Abstract: A flash fire and chemical barrier composite fabric of a flame resistant fibrous basic layer; a radiant heat and chemical permeation barrier, the barrier including a metalized polymeric chemical permeation resistant layer film; and a clear heat sealable outer film layer overlying the radiant barrier and forming a heat sealable outer surface of the composite fabric.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a thermal liner sub-assembly comprising crimped, heat resistant fibers held in a state of compression by a binder adhered to at least one thermally stable flame resistant stabilizing fabric wherein, when the thermal liner is exposed to heat or flame, the liner increases its thickness by at least one hundred percent and the shrinkage of the liner is no more than ten percent. The invention also relates to use of such liners in protective fabrics, garments, and articles.

Abstract: A material structure is provided with a multilayer material web (1) for forming flexible safety suits, containers, tarpaulins and tents. The material structure and products formed therefrom offers both high mechanical and chemical safety and makes it at the same time possible to greatly simplify both the manufacture of the material structure itself and the manufacture of chemical safety suits or other products with the desired properties and thus to make it less expensive. The multilayer material web (1) includes a fabric layer (2), a PTFE layer (3) applied on one side of the fabric layer (2) and a layer of a flameproof and flame-retardant material (5) applied on the other side of the fabric layer (2).

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell and an inner liner coupled to the outer shell and positioned such that the inner liner is positioned between a wearer and the outer shell when the garment is worn. The inner liner includes a base material and a high lubricity material which has a higher lubricity than the base material. The high lubricity material is woven into the base material to form a plurality of discrete contact areas in which a plurality of filaments of the high lubricity material are immediately adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A suit for protection of a wearer's body from heat includes an inner suit encompassing the wearers' body, and an outer suit overlying the inner suit. There are a number of pockets with dry ice into them that are arranged between the inner and outer suits. These pockets are produced from thermo isolated materials. The pockets may have covers to open or to close the pockets.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: A material intended for personal protective equipment, such as a suit for escaping chemicals or a flash fire is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate. All of the at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a regenerated cellulose fiber, in which carboxymethylcellulose is incorporated, in a flame-retardant product.

Abstract: An articulated firefighter breathing pack includes multiple polymeric pressure vessels connected together and to a flexible manifold with sections of flexible conduit. The pressure vessels and sections of flexible conduit are encased in high strength fiber material. The pressure vessels are wrapped in high strength ballistic ribbon material. The manifold provides connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source. A low pressure hose is connected to the high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator is connected to the low pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to the low pressure regulator. A pressure vessel container attaches the pressure vessels, the flexible conduit and the manifold to a harness having a waist portion and two vertical straps extending upwardly over the shoulders and back down to the waist portion. A utility belt provides mounting for equipment for the breathing pack including hoses, a power supply, electronic sensors and controls.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a material intended for personal protective equipment is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate; wherein all at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them. Furthermore, a protective suit including a material according to the present invention and the use of such a material for the production of personal protective equipment are also described.

Abstract: A protective hood for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker. The hood includes a crown portion to cover the top of a wearer's head, the crown portion being made from a material having a primary stretch direction oriented to extend in a transverse, ear-to-ear, direction across the top of a wearer's head; and a lower portion that extends downward from the crown portion, the lower portion being made from a material having a primary stretch direction oriented to extend in a circumferential direction around a wearer's head.

Abstract: A disposable life-saving garment for use in the event of fire, comprises a body-protecting portion and a head-protecting portion. The body-protecting portion is configured with a lining formed to enclose the body of a wearer and a cover covering the liner, the cover being made of a sealed material that can block the passage of air. A closed air passage is formed between the liner and cover. A compressed air tank installed in a pocket of the cover and is connected to the air passage through a check valve. An intake hose supplies compressed air from the air passage of the body-protecting portion to the head-protecting portion. The head-protecting portion has a heat-resistant transparent window and a one-way outlet unit. The body-protecting portion and the head-protecting portion are made of a nonflammable material or a fire retardant material.

Abstract: A thermal vest having a front panel sized and shaped to substantially cover a front of a wearer's torso. A back panel is spaced apart from and opposes the front panel, the back panel being sized and shaped to cover a back of the wearer's torso. At least one pocket is on an interior of at least one of the panels, the pocket having an opening sized and shaped to receive a thermal pack. An insulative pad is selectably attached to the pocket, the insulative pad being selectably movable between a stowed position facially adjacent the pocket and a deployed, non-adjacent position away from the pocket. The insulative pad provides thermal insulation between the pocket and the wearer in the stowed position and is movable by the wearer to the deployed position when thermal insulation is not desired.

Abstract: An apron for storing heated hair care appliances comprising a body panel of material comprising a fabric sheet; at least one strap attached to the body panel; and a heat resistant pocket attached to a front side of the body panel, in which the body panel covers the torso of a user, in which the strap secures the body panel to the torso of a user, in which the heat resistant pocket comprises a fabric sheet and at least one heat resistant material for storing heated hair care appliances in the body panel, in which the heat resistant pocket has a square, rectangular, circular, triangular, or hexagonal shape, in which the heat resistant pocket comprises an open top portion and an open bottom portion, in which the open bottom portion comprises at least one zipper, at least one clasp, at least one button, or at least one fastener for closing the open bottom portion, and in which the heat resistant pocket comprises at least two side members securely attached to the body panel.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: A material intended for personal protective equipment, such as a suit for escaping chemicals or a flash fire is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate. All of the at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them.

Abstract: A fire and chemical resistant coverall suitable for use by fire investigators. The coveralls are preferably made of a three-layer laminate. The outer layer is heat and moisture resistant. The middle layer provides additional thermal protection. The inner layer—which will lie next to the wearer's skin in some regions—is selected for its tactile properties. The coverall is sized to fit loosely over a law enforcement officer's normal uniform. It includes a loose-fitting waist section in order to provide clearance for an officer's utility belt and firearm. A firearm access port is located on the waist, proximate where a hip holster is worn. This port allows the wearer to reach through the coverall and retrieve a firearm stored in a holster on a utility belt. The firearm port is covered by a protective flap which ordinarily remains closed.

Abstract: A solar reflective fibre having a longitudinal axis, the fibre comprising: a substantially continuous primary portion having a first refractive index; and a plurality of secondary portions, each secondary portion having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The primary and secondary portions are arranged to run substantially continuously along at least a portion of a length of the fibre, the primary portion providing a host medium within which the secondary portions are provided. The primary and secondary portions are arranged to constitute a dielectric mirror structure whereby a phase of a plurality of scattered beams of radiation each beam being scattered at one of a plurality of respective interfaces between primary and secondary portions interfere constructively with one another thereby to reduce an amount of radiation transmitted through the fibre.

Abstract: A fire-protecting waterproof moisture-permeable sheet 4 of the present invention is a laminate of at least one fiber sheet 5 and a waterproof moisture-permeable film 7. The fiber sheet 5 is selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, a knitted fabric and a nonwoven fabric including 50 to 100 weight % of a polyetherimide fiber and 0 to 50 weight % of another flame-retardant fiber. The flame resistance, the heat resistance, and the wash resistance under ISO 11613-1999 as the international performance standards for fireproof clothing are: (1) flame resistance to be free from hole formation, dripping and melting; and to have afterflame time and afterglow time of not more than 2 seconds; (2) heat resistance to be free from firing, separation, dripping and melting; and to have a shrinkage rate of not more than 5%; and (3) washing resistance to have a shrinkage rate of not more than 3%.

Abstract: A bedside emergency unit may be configured to automatically open when a smoke detector/alarm is activated. The bedside emergency unit may include emergency supplies, such as a portable air/oxygen tank, bottled water, a strobe light, a fire blanket and the like. When a smoke detector/alarm activates, the bedside unit may automatically open to provide the user with the emergency supplies stored within. The emergency supplies are then readily available to the user and the open bedside unit serves as a reminder, in a time of possible panic, that certain supplies may be useful to optimize life saving.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics are formed by warp and fill yarns having different fiber contents. The fabrics are constructed, for example, by selection of a suitable weaving pattern, such that the body side of the fabric and the face side of the fabric have different properties. The fabrics described herein can be printable and dyeable on both sides of the fabric and are suitable for use in military and industrial garments. Methods of forming flame resistant fabrics, and methods for forming garments from the fabrics, are also described.

Abstract: A flash fire and chemical barrier composite fabric, comprising a flame resistant fibrous basic layer; a radiant heat and chemical permeation barrier, the barrier including a metalized polymeric chemical permeation resistant layer film; and a clear heat sealable outer film layer overlying the radiant barrier and forming a heat sealable outer surface of the composite fabric.

Abstract: Unitary fabric engineered thermal fabric articles, e.g. garments, home textiles, and upholstery covers, and elements for use therein, formed according to this disclosure, have predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the fabric article in correlation to insulative requirements of a user's body. For example, in one implementation, loop yarn in first regions has a first pile height and loop yarn in other regions has a different, relatively greater pile height. In another implementation, in first regions, loop yarn having a first shrinkage performance is formed to a predetermined loop height and in other regions, loop yarn having a different shrinkage performance is formed to the predetermined or other loop height. The loops are the cut and finished to a common pile height, and the continuous web is exposed to heat to cause loop yarn to shrink to one or more different pile heights.

Abstract: A thermally protective, flame retardant fabric includes a substrate treated with a combination of a flame retardant agent and an intumescent agent. The substrate includes non-thermoplastic fibers or a blend of non-thermoplastic fibers and thermoplastic fibers having a basis weight ranging from 2.0 to 15.0 ounces per square yard. The fabric has a contact thermal protective performance value of at least 4.5 and a contact thermal protective performance efficiency greater than 1.1. Applications of the fabric include protective garments, articles of furniture, vehicle components, building components, electrical components, decorative components, appliances, and containers.

Abstract: A fabric for fireproof clothing of the present invention is a fireproof fabric including flame-retardant fibers. The fabric is a woven fabric, a knitted fabric or a nonwoven fabric including 70 to 100 mass % of a polyetherimide fiber and 0 to 30 mass % of another flame-retardant fiber. The flame resistance, the heat resistance, and the wash resistance under ISO 11613-1999 as the international performance standards for fireproof clothing are: (1) flame resistance to be free from hole formation, dripping and melting; and to have afterflame time and afterglow time of not more than 2 seconds; (2) heat resistance to be free from firing, separation, dripping and melting; and to have a shrinkage rate of not more than 5%; and (3) washing resistance to have a shrinkage rate of not more than 3%. The fireproof clothing of the present invention includes the fireproof fabric fabricated as an inner liner.

Abstract: A flameproof, heat resistant, lightweight, one-piece escape suit which includes attached integral mitts or gloves, covered footing, and a hood. The fire and heat resistant one piece suit is designed to be worn over a commercial smoke hood, is formed from a metalized fabric, and meets the requirements of ASTM standard D6413. The suit is designed to be easily slipped onto a wearer's body over typical street clothing, and allows a wearer to wear his or her accustomed footwear for improved safety and comfort. The durable fabric provides protection to a wearer when crawling low to the ground on his or her knees and elbows as is often recommended as a preferred escape posture. The fire and heat resistant one piece suit may be provided in multiple sizes to fit adults and children.

Abstract: A gasket system (18) is provided for use with a protective boot (12) and a pant leg (16) of a protective garment (14) for a firefighter or other emergency worker. The boot (12) includes an outer boot (24) and a moisture/vapor barrier liner (26), and the leg (16) includes an outer shell (20) and a moisture/vapor barrier liner (22). The gasket system (18) includes a first gasket (30) fixed to the liner (22) of the pant leg (16) and defining a first annular interlock (34) to encircle a wearer's leg received in the pant leg (16), and a second gasket (32) fixed to at least one of the outer boot (24) and the boot liner (26) and defining a second annular interlock (36) to encircle a wearer's leg received in the boot (12). The first and second interlocks (34,36) are engageable with each other to form a seal with a leg received in both the boot (12) and the pant leg (16).

Abstract: A firefighter's coat including an outer shell and a liner. The outer shell has an inner surface, an outer surface, a front opening with a closure, and a downwardly extending rear tail. The liner has an outer surface facing the inner surface of the shell providing a barrier against the environment. The liner outer surface has a bottom edge loose from the outer shell inner surface to facilitate air circulation for drying when the coat is not in use, and a pocket is defined along the bottom of the outer shell tail and adapted to receive the rear of the liner bottom edge when the coat is in use. A releasable fastener is adapted to releasably secure the liner in the pocket.

Abstract: A protective garment including a body portion and an extremity permanently coupled to the body portion. The extremity includes a joint that provides the extremity with a bent position forming an acute angle relative to a vertical axis when the extremity is at rest without an arm or leg of a wearer received therein.

Abstract: An articulated firefighter breathing pack includes multiple polymeric pressure vessels connected together and to a flexible manifold with sections of flexible conduit. The pressure vessels and sections of flexible conduit are encased in high strength fiber material. The pressure vessels are wrapped in high strength ballistic ribbon material. The manifold provides connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source. A low pressure hose is connected to the high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator is connected to the low pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to the low pressure regulator. A pressure vessel container attaches the pressure vessels, the flexible conduit and the manifold to a harness having a waist portion and two vertical straps extending upwardly over the shoulders and back down to the waist portion. A utility belt provides mounting for equipment for the breathing pack including hoses, a power supply, electronic sensors and controls.

Abstract: A flame or heat flux protective coating composition, which includes a dispersion of fiberglass, hollow glass spheres, or a combination of both in silicone. A flame or heat flux protective sheet, which includes hollow glass spheres dispersed in silicone in a sheet form or fiberglass and silicone in a sheet form, wherein the fiberglass is dispersed in the silicone or the fiberglass is a woven cloth coated with the silicone is also presented. Articles incorporating the flame or heat flux protective coating or sheet form and methods for coating an article with the flame or heat flux protective coating composition are also presented.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow. The apparatus includes a blanket having arm apertures, and a sleeve coupled to each of the apertures. The apparatus also includes a pad having a durable surface, a plush surface, and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of the pad to form the pad into a container to hold the blanket. The apparatus may also include a fastener disposed on the blanket to removably connect the blanket to the pad. The system includes the apparatus, cushioning disposed between the durable surface and the plush surface, and carrying straps extending from the perimeter of the pad. The method includes providing the apparatus, forming either a plush or a durable container by selecting the durable or plush surface to form the outside of the container, fastening the fastener, and placing the blanket inside the container.

Abstract: A non-woven, flame resistant fabric and a disposable coverall made from the fabric. The non-woven, flame resistant fabric is made of a plurality of NOMEX® synthetic fibers, a plurality of KEVLAR® synthetic fibers, and a plurality of electrostatic dissipative fibers. The coverall has an upper section for covering the shoulder, chest, back and abdominal regions of a wearer. The upper section has long sleeves to cover the arms of the wearer and a collar to cover the neck region of wearer. The coverall also has a waist section contiguous with the upper section for covering the waist region of a wearer, and a pair of leg sections for covering the legs of the wearer. Each leg section has an upper portion contiguous with the waist section. The coverall also has a seat section contiguous with the waist section and the upper portions of the leg sections. The coverall has a two-way zipper extending from the collar section to the waist section.

Abstract: Methods of protecting a person, animal or other object from hot high heat capacity and/or hot corrosive materials, such as hot molten metal, hot oily liquids (e.g., heating oil), hot gels, hot solids, hot sparks, and hot acids. The methods include protecting a person, animal or other object from hot molten metals, such as liquid metal zinc heated to a temperature of about 950° F. (510° C.) or greater, hot molten aluminum heated to a temperature of about 1150° F. (620° C.) or greater, burning phosphorus at temperature of about 1550° F. (843° C.) or greater, hot solid iron having a temperature of about 500° F. (260° C.) or greater, hot heating oil having a temperature of about 500° F. (260° C.) or greater, and hot hydrochloric acid having a temperature of about 300° F. (150° C.) or greater. The ability to protect a wearer from heat from hot high heat capacity materials and/or hot corrosive materials is quite different from simply shedding liquids, even flammable liquids, such as gasoline is unexpected.

Abstract: This invention relates to flame, heat and electric arc protective yarn that can be used for knitting and weaving a single layer fabric. Both knitted and woven fabrics are for use as a single layer flame, heat and electric arc protective fabric garment or as an outer layer of a flame, heat and electric arc protective multiple layer garment or accessory for a wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a salvage or safety suit worn by a person escaping a shipwreck. The suit includes a receptacle structured to receive and enclose a person's body and a head opening for entering the receptacle. The receptacle is layered to provide flotation and thermo-insulation properties to the suit.

Abstract: The FireSafety Cushion or Pillow is a compact, cushion-like packet with a thinly padded surface of fire retardant material. It contains a poncho-like flame-resistant safety-wear of light to heavyweight flame-resistant material to be worn as a protective outer cover in an emergency to help reduce injuries from flash flames. It may contain other fire escape aids, such as ropes and masks, as options. It is to be placed in living areas, either public or private as a scatter pillow or an attachment to seats or bedboards etc., making it readily available in case of fire. The cushion or pillow should be easily detachable, so that a person can grab it on the run because every second counts in case of fire. This is to provide a much needed safety measure for a common hazard.

Abstract: A firefighter's turnout coat comprising a coat body having a collar extending therefrom wherein the coat body and the collar each comprise an outer shell, a thermal liner, and a moisture barrier positioned between the outer shell and the thermal liner. The collar of the coat is an integral extension of the coat body such that there is no stitched collar seam connecting the collar to the coat body.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics are formed by warp and fill yams having different fiber contents. The fabrics are constructed, for example, by selection of a suitable weaving pattern, such that the body side of the fabric and the face side of the fabric have different properties. The fabrics described herein can be printable and dyeable on both sides of the fabric and are suitable for use in military and industrial garments. Methods of forming flame resistant fabrics, and methods for forming garments from the fabrics, are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a fabric (10) comprising a porous layer (15) that is porous in the direction along the layer, the porous layer including fibres (16) extending across the layer, whereby, in use, fluid (A) is arranged to be driven along the porous layer in the general extent of the layer. The fabric allows heat from a body in contact with the fabric to be carried along the porous layer, thereby efficiently cooling the body. The invention also provides articles comprising the fabric, such as clothing. Advantageously, the fabric is lightweight, flexible and non-bulky, and provides efficient cooling of the body.