Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a ceramic hinge to connect two ceramic bodies, comprising the steps of: shaping a separation insert in the form of a hinge, introducing the separation insert into a ceramic body, thereby separating the ceramic body into a first part and a second part; and heating the ceramic body and the separation insert of the ceramic body up to the sintering temperature of the ceramic body. The separation insert creates either a cavity in the case of a combustible insert or a soft pad in the case of a ceramic fiber based insert within the ceramic body. This cavity or soft pad allows a hinge or rotary movement between the first part and the second part of the ceramic body. The first part and the second part of the ceramic body can therefore freely rotate or hinge around one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved one-piece garment having a drop seat. The garment includes a jacket portion and a pants portion and fastener devices that selectively connect the pants portion to the jacket portion. The fastener devices are configured and arranged to be relatively easily manipulated by the user of the garment. The garment is configured so that the user can use the toilet without getting out of the garment. In some embodiments the garment is a fire protection coverall. A method of lowering the pants portion from the jacket portion of a one-piece garment is also provided.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a resin composition having excellent flame retardancy and a fiber having excellent flame retardancy, without deteriorating conventional mechanical properties by adding a small amount of a flame-retardant additive. [Means for Resolution] A flame-retardant resin composition comprising a resin and composite particles in an amount of 1% by weight or more based on the resin, which are mainly composed of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide and have a titanium dioxide content of 10 to 30% by weight and a silicon dioxide content of 70 to 90% by weight, a flame-retardant fiber obtained by fiberizing this flame-retardant resin composition, a heat-resistant cloth using this flame-retardant fiber, and further, protective clothing using this cloth.

Abstract: A controllable ribbed thermoinsulative chamber of continually adjustable thickness, which is used to pneumatically determine its thermal conductivity. Described is the manner of constructing such a chamber and the manner of controlling it. The abovementioned chamber is used in designing articles of clothing with a self-regulating thermal insulation. One or more chambers are used in the construction, together with adequate devices for controlling and monitoring the workings of thermoinsulative chambers. Special attention is paid to the construction of forced ventilation of the garments designed in the above way. The garments designed in the above way are suitable for police usage, maintenance services, watchmen services, security of the open objects and premises, workers in cold storages, athletes like mountain climbers, alpinists, sailing boaters and the like, wherever the temperature of the environment is radically changed in the course of usage.

Abstract: A chemical protective fabric garment includes a first fabric layer, and a barrier layer bonded to the first fabric layer. The barrier layer includes a nonwoven membrane that is formed of fibers with embedded particles having one or more detoxifying properties, such as being absorptive of hazardous gases and/or being catalytically destructive of hazardous gases.

Abstract: A yarn, fabric, and garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising aramid fiber and modacrylic fiber wherein the modacrylic fiber has less than 1.5 percent antimony and is preferably antimony-free. In one embodiment, the yarn, fabric, and/or garments consist essentially of (a) 50 to 80 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, (b) 10 to 40 weight percent modacrylic fiber that is antimony-free, (c) 5 to 20 weight percent para-aramid fiber, and (d) 1 to 3 weight percent antistatic fiber, based on the total weight of components (a), (b), (c) and (d). In some embodiments, garments made from the yarns provide thermal protection such that a wearer would experience less than a 65 percent predicted body burn when exposed to a flash fire exposure of 4 seconds per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating per ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E.

Abstract: A yarn, fabric, and garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection and having improved flash fire protection, consisting essentially of (a) 50 to 60 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%; (b) 31 to 39 weight percent modacrylic fiber; and (c) 5 to 15 weight percent para-aramid fiber; said percentages on the basis of components (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, 1 to 3 weight percent of the meta-aramid fiber is replaced with an antistatic fiber comprising carbon or metal with the proviso that at least 50 weight percent meta-aramid fiber is maintained. Garments made from the yarns provide thermal protection such that a wearer would experience less than a 65 percent predicted body burn when exposed to a flash fire exposure of 4 seconds per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating per ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective fabric or garment comprising an insulator base layer, a protective layer attached to a body side of the insulator base layer, and one or more protective components attached to selected areas of an outer side of the insulator base layer, wherein each protective component includes at least one protective component layer. Each protective may include fibers having a tensile strength of at least 3 GPa and a modulus of at least 70 GPa. In some embodiments, at least one protective layer is formed with a liquid crystal polymer fiber. In other embodiments, at least one protective layer is formed using a blend of two or more materials selected from the group consisting of, liquid crystal polymer, meta-aramid, para-aramid, nylon, olefin, s-glass, elastic, spandex, polyethylene, diamond tough nylon, polyphenylenebenzimidazole, polybenzoxazole, thermoset polyurethane synthetic polymer material, aromatic copolyamid, and extended-chain polyethylene.

Abstract: A combined clothing garment and air-cooling device may include a vest and helmet adapted to removably position about a user's body. The garments may include spaced insulation layers with an internal chamber formed therebetween. A mechanism may be included for selectively introducing air into the internal chamber. The mechanism may include entry ports in the outer layer and an air-intake vent positioned over the entry ports manually toggled open and closed. Another mechanism may be included for cooling the air within the internal chamber and channeling cooled air out. An access panel preferably has windows along its longitudinal length and may be slidably interfitted within the body and linearly displaced open and closed to permit and prohibit air from entering. A cooling agent containing dry ice may be removably contained within internal tubing for lowering air temperature.

Abstract: A breathable, semi-permeable, laminate that includes at least one a semi-permeable layer having top and bottom surfaces; at least one microporous liquid impermeable layer bonded to at least one surface of the semi-permeable layer; and at least one textile layer.

Abstract: Compositions including a fluorocompound and optional adjuncts afford fire and flame safety by resisting, mitigating or preventing sorption of inflammable liquids such as fuels, Methods of use are presented, and generally include application of a composition to a substrate. Treated substrates arc presented, and include fibers, fabrics, and articles such as garments.

Abstract: There are disclosed fire resistant threads and fabrics comprising an intimate blend of natural and synthetic fibers. In embodiments the blends may comprise between 50% and about 98% of the natural fibers. The fabrics disclosed may further comprise conductive and/or strengthening filaments which may be disposed on one side of the fabric. The fabrics may have a reduced surface resistance and may be formed into garments. Methods for making the threads and fabrics are also disclosed.

Abstract: The multilayer-structured spun yarn of the present invention is a multilayer-structured spun yarn C composed of a core fiber A and a cover fiber B that wraps around the core fiber; the core fiber A is in a range of 20 to 50 wt %; the cover fiber B is in a range of 50 to 80 wt %; the core fiber A contains a para-aramid fiber and is a stretch breaking twist yarn; the cover fiber B contains a flame-retardant acrylic fiber, a polyetherimide fiber, or a meta-aramid fiber; the direction of twist of the stretch breaking yarn and the direction of twist of the multilayer-structured yarn are the same; and the multilayer-structured yarn C has a twist number 1.2 to 1.6 times greater than that of the stretch breaking yarn. The heat-resistant textile of the present invention uses the aforementioned multilayer-structured spun yarn. The heat-resistant protective suit of the present invention uses the aforementioned heat-resistant textile.

Abstract: Articles of apparel comprising insulating components having insulating structures with low thermal conductivity. Preferred insulating components for use in apparel have an insulating structure comprising a gas impermeable envelope and a porous material contained within the envelope where the insulating structure has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K.

Abstract: A yarn, fabric, and garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection and having improved flash fire protection contains a majority, by weight, of meta-aramid fibers having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, and a minority of modacrylic fibers, para-aramid fibers, and antistatic fibers. Garments made from the yarns provide thermal protection such that a wearer would experience less than a 65 percent predicted body burn when exposed to a flash fire exposure of 4 seconds per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating per ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E.

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: A heatproof cloth forms multiple layers of laminated fabrics for resisting the high-temperature, comprising a high-temperature shielding fiber fabric which shields external heat, a first carbon felt fabric which distributes the heat transmitted through the high-temperature shielding fiber fabric, an aluminum vapor-deposited fabric which shields the heat distributed by the first carbon felt fabric, a second carbon felt fabric which distributes the heat transmitted through the aluminum vapor-deposited fabric, an aluminum vapor-deposited heat-resistant fabric which shields and distributes the heat distributed by the second carbon felt fabric, an aramid felt fabric which distributes the heat transmitted through the aluminum vapor-deposited heat-resistant fabric, and aramid fabric which shields the heat distributed by aramid felt fabric. Since heat is shielded and distributed repeatedly through three steps, the transmission of external heat is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A chemical protective garment or ensemble is disclosed that comprises a impermeable, protective cooling laminate having a water-holding layer for holding and evaporating liquid, and a chemical barrier. The water-holding layer has a water-holding capacity of at least about 5% wt., and the suit is designed to retain sufficient liquid to provide cooling to a wearer upon evaporation of the liquid from the suit.

Abstract: Fire retardant and heat resistant yarns and fabrics include a fabric or yarn comprised of oxidized polyacrylonitrile at least partially coated or encapsulated by a strengthening polymer material that helps the fabric or yarn shed liquids, gels, sparks, and molten metals. The polymer material includes one or more types of cured silicone polymer resin. A fluorochemical may be at least partially impregnated into the fabric or yarn prior to applying the strengthening polymer material in order to further enhance the shedding properties of the yarns or fabric. In one embodiment, the silicone polymer resin only coats or encapsulates the yarn, but does not form a continuous coating over the whole fabric, so that the treated fabric is still able to breath through pores and spaces between individual yarn strands that make up the fabric. The polymer material increases the strength, abrasion resistance, durability and shedding capability of the fire retardant heat resistant yarn or fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal liners for protective garments and protective garments that comprise thermal liners. In one embodiment, a thermal liner comprises an insulation layer comprising a batt of entangled flame resistant fibers, the insulation layer having a three-dimensional pattern that defines a plurality of closed-cell air pockets that are configured to trap air to insulate a wearer of the thermal liner, the insulation layer being shaped and configured for inclusion in the protective garment and for donning by the wearer.

Abstract: A base layer apparel is provided that is formed from a single or double-knit fabric. The fabric is formed of ring spun fire resistant yarns that are an intimate blend of at least 60 percent modacrylic fibers and up to 40 percent fire-resistant viscose fibers. Anti-microbial and wicking treatments may be applied to the knit fabric.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes a tank of compressed air and an associated connector. A coaxial conduit extends from the connector to a face plate which might be used by a first responder. Air from the tank is coupled to the face plate via an internal conduit. Exhaled air from the face mask is carried away via an external conduit that surrounds the internal conduit, at least in part, and insulates the air being coupled to the face plate from ambient temperatures. The breathable air, flowing in the internal conduit also cools the exhaled air in the external conduit prior to that air flushing spaces between protective layers of the first responder's coat.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an evaporative cooling clothing system for reducing body temperature of a wearer of the clothing system. The clothing system includes a clothing article configured using a wicking fabric and a hollow transport defining a cavity for transporting a liquid from a liquid reservoir to an upper region of the clothing article. The hollow transport has an intake section and a dispensing section. The intake section is attached to the liquid reservoir for receiving the liquid, and the dispensing section is attached to the upper region of the clothing article. The upper region of the clothing article receives the liquid from the dispensing section and transfers the liquid to a lower region of the clothing article. The lower region of the clothing article exposes the liquid to an environment surrounding the clothing article for evaporation.

Abstract: A retroreflective garment constructed of flame resistant fabric. The garment is light-weight and can be single or double layered. Garments that can be constructed of flame resistant fabric with retroreflective elements applied thereon include garments such as, for example, shirts, pants, coveralls, jumpsuits, jackets, gloves, hats, etc. The flame resistant fabric has a coefficient of retroreflection of about 10 to about 500 candelas per lux per square meter. In addition, the retroreflective elements cover at least about 5 percent of the outer surface of the flame resistant fabric.

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 cooling garment is disclosed that enhances the comfort of an exercising, working, or resting individual by reducing overheating, perspiration, dehydration, and electrolyte loss. A vascular distribution system delivers water to the garment, and evaporation cools the individual. Wetness can be concentrated where needed and moderated by water absorbent materials such as gel polymers. Water flows under gravity, by capillary action, pumping, or air pressurization. The garment can include inner layers that improve comfort, absorb perspiration, keep the individual at least partly dry, and/or include metallic and/or polymeric and/or other materials that conduct heat. Cooling can be enhanced by garment texture that increases evaporative surface area. Water can be chilled before it is delivered to the fabric, and ports can be included to allow a water bottle or other water source to be temporarily connected, and/or allow the individual to drink the water and/or pressurize a water container.

Abstract: A yarn, fabric, and garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection and having improved flash fire protection contains a majority, by weight, of meta-aramid fibers having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, and a minority of modacrylic fibers, para-aramid fibers, and antistatic fibers. Garments made from the yarns provide thermal protection such that a wearer would experience less than a 65 percent predicted body burn when exposed to a flash fire exposure of 4 seconds per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating per ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E.

Abstract: In an ensemble for a firefighter or for an emergency rescue worker, protective trousers and a protective coat are provided with elastomeric gaskets, such as neoprene gaskets, one of which lines an inside surface of a distal margin of each leg of the protective trousers and is adapted to be snugly stretched around a protective boot, another of which lines an inside surface of a distal margin of each arm of the protective coat and is adapted to be snugly stretched around a protective glove, and another of which lines an inside surface of a lower margin of the protective coat and is adapted to be snugly stretched around the protective trousers. Such gaskets extend from and, preferably, are unitary with liners, such as neoprene liners, which provide moisture and/or chemical barriers. When stretched snugly, such gaskets inhibit ingress of potentially harmful materials, whether gaseous, liquid, or particulate.

Abstract: The disclosure describes vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.

Abstract: Cooling undergarment consisting of a composite of two fabrics arranged adjacent to an elastomeric material having finely divided phase change material such as non-combustible salt hydrates dispersed wherein facilitate a cooling effect due to latent heat absorption in the phase transition range of the phase change material, which improves the thermal performance and enhances the comfort of protective garment systems worn in conjunction with it.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an integrated monitoring and multichannel communication system for the management of rescue teams, especially those fighting forest fires, comprising a suit (1), worn by all operational suited units in the terrain; and electronic system (2); a telecommunication system (4) and an information system (3). The suit integrates fireproof, waterproof, heatproof and impact resistant materials, which as a unit integrate, protect and ease access to the electronic system. The electronic system (2) collects biometric and location data from the operational suited units in the terrain, transmitting said data to a panel located in the back of the suit. The telecommunications system (4) sends the biometric, orientation and location data, in real-time through an Ultra High Frequency network, to a computer integrated into a support vehicle, which in its turn sends the data, via terrestrial or satellite communications, to a server.

Abstract: Flame resistant, selectively permeable laminates are provided. In various embodiments, the laminates are useful for fabrication as a protective article and are both flame resistant and substantially impermeable to hazardous chemical and biological agents, but sufficiently permeable to water vapor that, if worn as protective apparel, it is both protective and comfortable to wear.

Abstract: A force ventilated and heated garment including a garment body and a self-contained forced ventilator removably attachable to the garment body. A plurality of air flow channels are arranged along the garment body and are connected to an air inlet. The forced ventilator includes one or more blowers that draw ambient air into the ventilator and discharges into the air inlet connected to the air flow channels. A heating element is positioned in the ventilator to heat air passing through it before being discharged into the air inlet. A controller is provided for allowing a user to control the amount of heat generated by the heating element. A sealable vent extends through the garment for venting the interior of the garment should it become to warm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flame-resistant garment having an outer shell fabric comprising 5 to 40 parts by weight of a polybenzobisoxazole fiber and 60 to 95 parts by weight of a polypridobisimidazole fiber having an inherent viscosity of greater than 20 dl/g.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flame-resistant garment having an outer shell fabric comprising 50 to 95 parts by weight of a polybenzobisoxazole fiber and 5 to 50 parts by weight of a polypridobisimidazole fiber having an inherent viscosity of greater than 20 dl/g.

Abstract: An inflation system includes a bladder incorporated into an article of outdoor gear or apparel. The bladder is incorporated into the article of outdoor gear and apparel so as to provide insulation to a user. The inflation system includes a gas canister that includes a reservoir of dry gas. A valve mechanism allows the dry gas to be used to selectively inflate and deflate the bladder to provide a desired amount of insulation.

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: 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 fluid separator device allows for introducing air entrained in a liquid flow to a centrifugal pump in a manner that will not allow the pump to become gas bound. One example device designed according to this invention includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet downstream of the inlet. An air chamber is positioned on an opposite side of the inlet from the outlet. An air flow passage allows air from the air chamber to be introduced near a rotor assembly input of a centrifugal pump such that relatively small air bubbles are introduced to the liquid flow through the rotor assembly in a manner that prevents the air bubbles from recollecting into a larger bubble that would otherwise interfere with the centrifugal pump operation.

Abstract: A garment is provided which is worn by a wearer and which actively cools the wearer. A heat transfer fluid pathway is provided which feeds the heat transfer fluid through a vest and cap or other heat transfer garment, where the heat transfer fluid draws heat away from the body of the wearer. The pathway is established between an inner layer proximate to the body of the wearer and an outer layer. Dots are provided which connect the inner layer and the outer layer together within the pathway. Fences are provided and borders to channel the heat transfer fluid along the pathway within the garment. A supply of elevated pressure air is optionally provided to maintain optimal contact for efficient heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid within the garment and the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A single layer, lightweight protective garment prepared from a fabric made of woven polytetrafluoroethylene staple fiber yam, the fabric having an outer surface composed fluoropolymer staple fibers.

Abstract: This invention concerns a flame-resistant garment having an outer shell fabric comprising 30 to 70 parts by weight of a polypyridobisimidazole fiber having an inherent viscosity of greater than 20 dl/g and 30 to 70 parts by weight of an aramid fiber.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid pathway is provided driven by a pump which feeds the heat transfer fluid through a vest and cap or other heat transfer garment, where the heat transfer fluid draws heat away from the body of the wearer. A drinkable heat sink material is located within a removable cartridge located within a heat exchange pouch. The heat transfer fluid passes from the heat transfer garment to the heat exchange pouch where heat drawn from the wearer is transferred to the heat sink material within the cartridge. A temperature control valve is provided along with a bypass line so that an adjustable amount of the heat transfer fluid is routed to the heat exchange pouch for temperature control. A supply of elevated pressure air is optionally provided to maintain optimal contact for efficient heat transfer within the heat exchange garment and the heat exchange pouch.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) is provided for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker in connection with a weight-bearing harness (24,30) worn by the firefighter or other emergency worker over the exterior of the protective garment (10). The protective garment (10) includes an outer shell (40), a moisture barrier liner (42) within the outer shell (40), and a wear reduction structure (50) between the outer shell (40) and the moisture barrier liner (42) to reduce wear of the moisture barrier liner (42) caused by the harness (24,30) when worn by a firefighter or other emergency worker.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integral protective work clothing item comprising releasable integrated retaining elements and a digitally-activated retaining fastener. The inventive clothing item includes a harness and a retractable mechanism for securing a user to a standard lifeline. The item also comprises additional protective elements, such as a helmet, gloves and shoes which are connected thereto by means of respective elastic bands. Each of said bands is equipped with a hole for a fastener device that can only be released using a device designed for said purpose. The digitally-activated fastener comprises an electromagnet, a mobile discoidal part and a spring element. The cover of the fastener casing is provided with a hole and a tubular formation in which a pin or rod can be inserted and guided.

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: Cold weather garments include one or more zones with increased thermally insulative and/or thermally resistive properties. Such garments reflect different gender needs. Such garments can allow wearers to maintain a necessary or desired degree of warmth with decreased garment weight and bulk. Methods of making such garments also are described.

Abstract: A thermally protective coveralls style suit having a plurality of separate water trapping regions between the suit and a user. The suit has a front slide fastener from crotch to neck with water entry retarding arm closures at the wrists and leg closures at ankles or thighs forming water trapping regions, leaving hands and feet free for swimming. Upper and lower chest straps cooperate forming water trapping regions by blocking pocket or water exchange between upper and lower torso regions. Permissive water entry at wrists, ankles or thighs, and neck or face, without circulation or exchange to surrounding water, allows separate pockets or thin film layers of water in the upper, lower, and central torso regions to insulate the body somewhat like a wetsuit where a single film provides insulation. An optional hood is provided to form another pocket or thin film layer without water circulation. Floatation pads assist buoyancy. A jacket embodiment is truncated at the lower chest strap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dyeing inherently flame resistant fibers, and particularly aramid fibers, without the use of accelerants or carriers. Fabrics made from aramid fibers or blends thereof are immersed in an aqueous dye bath that includes at least one dye and at least one acid component. The temperature of the dye bath is increased from room temperature to a suitable temperature (e.g., between approximately 285° F. to 400° F.) capable of rendering the aramid fibers less crystalline so that the fibers can accept the dye. In this way, suitable color yields may be obtained without the use of accelerants or carriers as have been required in the past.

Abstract: A warming glove has a glove body including a palm side sheet, a back side sheet, and a connection member interconnecting lateral ends of the palm and back side sheets. The glove body has a wrist portion, a palm portion, a thumb portion, and finger portions. The lateral ends include lateral sides of the wrist, palm, thumb and finger portions. The connection member extends continuously and laterally from the lateral sides of the wrist portion to the lateral sides of the palm portion and from the lateral sides of the palm portion to the lateral sides of the thumb and finger portions. A heating element is disposed in the connection member. Preferably, the connection member is a fabric sleeve that receives loosely the heating element.