Abstract: The present disclosure relates to patterned, flame resistant fabrics and methods of making them. Generally speaking, the fabrics comprise a plurality of high tenacity, flame resistant fibers, and a plurality of cellulosic fibers containing a flame retardant compound, and at least one color which is printed on the fabric to form the pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the flame resistant fibers are para-aramid fibers and the cellulosic fibers are rayon fibers to yield a strong, flame resistant fabric.

Abstract: The moisture-absorbent/releasable heat-generating intermediate material of the present invention is inserted between an outer material and a lining, both having a moisture-permeable/waterproof property, a windproof property and other desired properties, thereby constituting a heat-retaining article. It comprises a blend of a heat-retaining fiber including an air layer of not less than 50 ml per 1 gram and a moisture-absorbent/releasable heat-generating fiber. The moisture-absorbent/releasable heat-generating fiber generates heat by absorbing moisture in a vapor phase or in a liquid phase discharged from a human body and an immobile air layer formed by the heat-retaining fiber retains the heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a layer of fabric attaches to a garment to manage the body heat of the user. The apparatus includes a lining that may be extended to substantially the width of the garment worn by the user or retracted to reduce the area surrounding the user. The apparatus includes controllers for moving the lining between the extended position and the retracted position, which include extension cords and retraction cords connected to the lining. The extension cord is connected between a proximal end of the lining and an extension grip. The retraction cord is connected between the proximal end of the lining and a retraction grip. In the extended position, the lining surrounds a substantial portion of the user. When the retraction grips are drawn, the proximal end of the lining will be moved toward the distal end of the lining. To return the lining to the extended position, the user will pull the extension grips and the proximal end of the lining will move away from the distal end of the lining.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes a waterproof inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. An outer opening is defined in the outer fabric layer and is selectively opened and closed by a standard zipper. A portion of the inner fabric layer extends between the edges of the outer opening and defines an inner opening. The inner opening is selectively opened and closed by a water-resistant zipper. Venting material extends between the edges of the inner opening and allows air to flow through the inner opening when both the inner and outer openings are opened.

Abstract: A garment is adapted for packing articles of clothing and other items therein for traveling, particularly on a commercial airliner. In a preferred embodiment, the garment is in the form of an overcoat or trench coat and is free of any metal components. An arrangement of pockets of varying size and dimension is provided on the inside of the garment for holding the clothing articles and other items therein. At least some pockets are provided with straps for securing trousers and other items of clothing in a manner which limits movement, sagging and wrinkling of the clothing items. The pocket panels are preferably formed of a mesh material to provide ventilation and ease of visual inspection of the contents packed in the pockets. In at least one embodiment, the entire lining, including the pockets, is removable from a remainder of the garment.

Abstract: A design is provided for the construction of an insulating system for use in sleeping bags and other applications in which improved insulation and loft properties are sought. By bending the fibers or netting and attaching an anchor, additional compartments and increased loft are provided. The additional compartments created slow the thermal transfer rate to improve the insulation properties.

Abstract: A well styled, single layer shell jacket is resistant to inclement conditions, yet possesses the various characteristics of conventionally comfortable clothing, and permits the stitching of emblems thereon without impairing waterproof and windproof characteristics. Superposed on the waterproof and windproof fabric of each sleeve and forming a pocket thereon is a patch. In the patch is a zipper or other closure. This closure, when opened, permits entry into the pocket and sewing of an emblem or the like on the packet without affecting the waterproof and windproof construction of the remainder of the jacket.

Abstract: A fireproof thermally insulating barrier for a safety garment, the barrier having a front face for facing an external source of heat or radiation, and a rear face opposite from its front face. The barrier includes a plurality of perforations, each opening out to the front face and to the rear face of the barrier. A method of manufacturing such a barrier and a fireproof safety garment comprising at least one such barrier as internal thermal insulation are also provided.

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 protective garment for a military or paramilitary firefighter or emergency worker has an outer shell, which has two expansive surfaces comprised of a surface of high visibility and a surface of low visibility. The outer shell is reversible so that, when the protective garment is worn, one such surface becomes an outer surface of the outer shell and the other surface becomes an inner surface of the outer shell. The outer shell having portions that are reflective, fluorescent, or both on the surface of high visibility but not on the surface of low visibility. The protective garment has an inner liner, which is attachable detachably to the outer shell so as to be wearable within whichever of the expansive surfaces becomes the inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: The liner according to the invention is designed such that the moisture barrier component of the liner may be easily separated from the garment for inspection, testing, repair or replacement. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the moisture barrier is attached to the thermal barrier or the outer shell component by means of a heat and flame resistant slide fastener.

Abstract: A garment of a type having an outer shell and an inner liner, the inner liner including an outer moisture barrier and an inner thermal barrier, in which the inner liner is constructed such that the moisture barrier is easily separable from the thermal barrier. The moisture barrier is releasably connected to the thermal barrier are about the peripheries of the thermal barrier and moisture barrier and the connections at the peripheries are designed to minimize penetration of liquid moisture from the ambient to the thermal barrier.

Abstract: An adjustable insulation apparatus attaches to a garment to manage the body heat of the user. The apparatus includes a lining that may be extended to substantially the width of the garment worn by the user or retracted to reduce the area surrounding the user. The apparatus includes controllers for moving the lining between the extended position and the retracted position, which include extension cords and retraction cords connected to the lining. The extension cord is connected between a proximal end of the lining and an extension grip. The retraction cord is connected between the proximal end of the lining and a retraction grip. In the extended position, the lining surrounds a substantial portion of the user. When the retraction grips are drawn, the proximal end of the lining will be moved toward the distal end of the lining. To return the lining to the extended position, the user will pull the extension grips and the proximal end of the lining will move away from the distal end of the lining.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier covering the moisture absorber, and an outer shell covering the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: An adjustable insulation apparatus attaches to a garment to manage the body heat of the user. The apparatus includes a lining that may be extended to substantially the width of the garment worn by the user or retracted to reduce the area surrounding the user. The apparatus includes controllers for moving the lining between the extended position and the retracted position, which include extension cords and retraction cords connected to the lining. The extension cord is connected between a proximal end of the lining and an extension grip. The retraction cord is connected between the proximal end of the lining and a retraction grip. In the extended position, the lining surrounds a substantial portion of the user. When the retraction grips are drawn, the proximal end of the lining will be moved toward the distal end of the lining. To return the lining to the extended position, the user will pull the extension grips and the proximal end of the lining will move away from the distal end of the lining.

Abstract: A garment having an internal protective liner and a liner clip for securing a protective liner within a garment are provided. Specifically a protective liner is secured in a fixed position between an inner garment layer and an outer garment layer with a liner clip. The liner clip include at least one liner extension for affixing the liner clip to the protective liner and a garment extension for securing the clip between the garment layers.

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 well styled, single layer shell jacket is resistant to inclement conditions, yet possesses the various characteristics of conventionally comfortable clothing, and permits the stitching of emblems thereon without impairing waterproof and windproof characteristics. Optionally, a liner is attachable to the interior of the jacket without disturbing the functionality of the shell jacket. Superposed on the waterproof and windproof fabric of each sleeve and forming a pocket thereon is a superposed upper patch, which appears to be a continuation of the yoke and the edges of which are joined to the sleeve by seams of stitching. In the patch is a zipper or other closure. This closure, when opened, permits entry into the pocket and sewing of an emblem or the like on the patch without affecting the waterproof and windproof construction of the remainder to the jacket.

Abstract: A harness assembly (16) having an integral support line (20). The harness assembly (16) includes a harness body (18) having first and second ends (22, 24) and a hollow interior which receives the support line (20). The support line (20) has first and second ends (22, 24) that extend from the harness body (18). The harness (16) is secured within a garment (10). The garment (10) has a front opening (34) which is normally covered by a releasable flap (36). The first and second ends (22, 24) of the support line (20) extend through the front opening (34) and are accessible when the flap (36) is moved to an open position. The first end (22) of the support line (20) may be pulled away from the harness (16) to extend the support line therefrom. The second end (24) of the support line is secured to the harness (16).

Abstract: The liner according to the invention is designed such that the moisture barrier component of the liner may be easily separated from the garment for inspection, testing, repair or replacement. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the moisture barrier is attached to the thermal barrier or the outer shell component by means of a heat and flame resistant slide fastener.

Abstract: A product and process involve providing customized jackets, units of which are characterized by a selection from an inventory of body construction units of a type having a zippered front from neck to waist and a selection from an inventory of decorative band construction units of a type having distinguishable color and design. The customized jackets are assembled by joining mating fasteners on the upper and lower edges of band constructions and corresponding upper and lower points on selected body construction sections. Extending from an appropriate body construction section is an elongated flap that overlaps the upper edge of the band construction to conceal the mating fasteners.

Abstract: The invention is a garment lining that provides localized climate control. A first portion of the lining covers a kidney area of the wearer, a second portion of the lining covers the wearer's back, while a third portion is positioned relative to the underarms of the wearer. One or more performance properties of the lining is varied as between at least two or all three of the first, second and third portions.

Abstract: A low-temperature thermal insulation garment is proposed for low-energy requirement, self-sustaining body temperature maintenance. The proposed garment uses the body's expired respiratory gases and natural thermal production capabilities to insulate and maintain a comfortable skin temperature. The garment provides a constant re-supply of heated air with each exhaled breath. The garment has a mouthpiece with a check-valve that shunts exhaled air into a network of channels and bladders that cover the entire body. The garment also consists of a heat reflective lining to reduce radiant heat loss and a neoprene outer layer providing conductive insulation, durability, and waterproofing. Inhaled air is heated prior to entering the mouthpiece due to heat exchange with warmer areas of the garment. This allows residual heat from the exhalant to be transferred to incoming air. The garment can be fitted with artificial air supply, worn as is, or under a pressurized suit.

Abstract: A two layer garment system having an outer layer and a trilaminate inner layer sewn together is used to manufacture fire retardant, or firefighting, textile products, e.g., jackets, pants, gloves, bags and totes. The layers of the trilaminate inner liner insulate, water proof, and provide a face cloth for the firefighting textile product. In the preferred embodiment, the outer layer comprises a woven melamine paraaramid fiber blend blend having a density of about 7.5 ounces per square yard. The inner liner comprises three layers laminated together. A first layer of the inner liner for insulating the firefighting textile product comprises about 6 ounces per square yard of melamine aramid fiber blend knit. A second layer of the inner liner for water proofing the firefighting textile product comprises a commercially available, vapor-permeable moisture membrane material,.

Abstract: A thermally protective liner for use with thermally protective garments comprising a polymer and an endothermic agent distributed, dispersed and suspended within said polymer, said endothermic agent being capable of absorbing amounts of heat equivalent to its latent heat of reaction or fusion, whereby the thermal protective performance of said garments is increased and enhanced.

Abstract: A protective garment comprises an outer shell, which provides abrasion resistance and puncture resistance, a thermal liner, and a liner including a moisture barrier. Each liner being adapted to be separately and detachably attached to and within the outer shell. The garment is adapted to be selectively configured with neither said liner so attached or with the thermal liner so attached, for a firefighter fighting a wildland fire, with both said liners so attached, for a firefighter fighting a structural fire, or with the liner including the moisture barrier so attached, for a firefighter engaging in a technical rescue.

Abstract: The lower open ends of the liner sleeves are detachably connected to the lower open end of the shell sleeves by two annular interengaging portions each of which is part of a hook and loop fastening means. Sleeve wells are provided within the lower ends of the liner sleeves by folding the inner moisture barrier of each liner sleeve upon itself and stitching the edge of the inner moisture barrier to a wrister. One annular portion is stitched to the lower end of the outer moisture barrier of each liner sleeve and faces outwardly of the associated liner sleeve. The other annular portion is stitched to an annular moisture barrier and faces inwardly of the associated shell sleeve. Each annular moisture barrier is disposed within the lower end of a liner sleeve with the top and bottom portions of the annular moisture barrier stitched to the associated shell sleeve.

Abstract: A well styled, single layer shell jacket is waterproof and windproof, yet possesses the various characteristics of conventionally comfortable clothing, and permits the stitching of emblems thereon without impairing waterproof and windproof characteristics. A seam of stitching joins each pair of the contiguous edges of adjacent sections of this jacket. Superposed on the waterproof and windproof fabric of each sleeve and forming a pocket thereon is a superposed upper patch, which appears to be a continuation of the yoke and the edges of which are joined to the sleeve by seams of stitching. In the patch is a zipper or other closure. This closure, when opened, permits entry into the pocket and sewing of an emblem or the like on the patch without affecting the waterproof and windproof construction of the remainder to the jacket. This closure, when closed, permits easy access to gloves, eye wear, medicines, or other items stored in the pocket.

Abstract: A lining (12) having a relatively high resistance to penetration from small objects, is composed of parallel flexible sheets (14) each made from staggered parallel strips (13) of flat webbing having their longitudinal edges stitched together on both sides of the sheet (14) by stitch lines (15). The webbing is cheaply commercially available as motor vehicle seat-restraint or load restraint webbing, and is made from closely-woven, high tenacity, continuous filament plastics fibers woven together with a non-lattice pattern. The lining can be made cheaply and offers a high resistance to penetration by sharp objects. It can be incorporated into clothing to enhance its strength to penetration by such objects and thus protect the wearer. It can also be provided in multi-layer from behind metal panels of a vehicle to resist ballistic penetration from bullets of small caliber hand-guns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment construction comprising an outer waterproof/breatheable fabric layer to which is attached a reticulated foam to space the inner surface of the outer garment layer from the ordinary clothes of a wearer of the garment, which is suitably a jacket, to enable air flow within the garment to remove water vapour through vents provided in the garment. The garment thereby allows the user to perform strenuous activity whilst remaining dry.

Abstract: A safety protection garment which enables a user to comfortably wear it during travel, and in which the garment can be rapidly prepared for an emergency for resisting impact forces or for providing buoyancy to keep the user afloat in water. The garment has an inner lining and outer shell which are joined together to form a chamber which contains a compressible layer. The compressible layer is formed of an elastic material which resiliently expands and contracts between memory and compressed shapes. A valve device enables the user to open and close air flow into the chamber. For normal wearing, the layer is in its compressed state with air substantially evacuated from the chamber and the valve closed. To prepare for an emergency, the valve is opened so that air enters the chamber sufficient to equalize the chamber pressure with atmospheric pressure. The layer then expands to its memory shape where it resiliently resists impact forces and also provide buoyancy to keep the user afloat in water.

Abstract: A method provided for manufacturing a waterproof and gas permeable jacket includes the following steps: (a) providing a lining, a gas permeable layer including a first side and a second side, a waterproof film, and an outer cover; (b) forming a plurality of vent holes through the gas permeable layer; (c) bonding the waterproof film onto the first side of the gas permeable layer; (d) bonding the outer cover to the water-proof film; (e) bonding the lining to the second side of the gas permeable layer to form a laminated layer including the lining, the gas permeable layer, the waterproof film, and the outer cover; (f) cutting the laminated layer so as to form a plurality of cut edges; (g) bonding the cut edges of the laminated layer together; (h) sewing up the bonded cut edges of the laminated layer to form a semi-finished jacket; and (i) attaching a zipper to the semi-finished jacket to form a finished jacket.

Abstract: An item of clothing, such as a coat, jacket, overcoat or the like, comprising:

Abstract: A breathable garment to be worn to improve the comfort of the human body, comprising a protective outer covering with an internal layer which extends over at least part of the extension of the outer covering and internally forms an interspace. The internal layer has, at least at the regions of the human body covered by the breathable garment where sweat forms more abundantly, holes for access to the interspace for the perspiration vapor. The internal layer and the outer covering have, in the top regions of the garment, holes for venting the vapor channeled by a stack effect inside the interspace, combined with a membrane for keeping out water, impurities or other matter.

Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by firefighters includes an improved liner assembly. The liner assembly comprises a lining fabric made from multifilament yarns in one weave direction and spun yarns in the other weave direction. The yarns are woven together to produce a first side of higher lubricity and a second side of lesser lubricity. The higher lubricity side forms an outer surface of the liner assembly to reduce friction otherwise caused by rubbing against adjacent surfaces, such as the firefighter's clothing.

Abstract: An outer collar part is permanently secured to the shell body portion and to an inner collar part. A first moisture barrier is disposed adjacent the inner collar part, and a second moisture barrier is disposed between the first moisture barrier and the outer collar part. A third moisture barrier is disposed between the second moisture barrier and the outer collar part. A plurality of spaced lines of stitching connect the third moisture barrier with the outer collar part to form air pockets. A liner includes a thermal barrier and a liner moisture barrier. Cooperating hook and loop fastening portions are supported on the thermal barrier of the liner and the inner collar part to removably secure the thermal barrier to the inner collar part. Further cooperating hook and loop fastening portions are supported on the second moisture barrier and the liner moisture barrier to removably secure the liner moisture barrier to the second moisture barrier and the outer collar portion.

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 garment accessory is provided by this invention which is typically built into the torso or waist area of an outer garment worn by a person. The accessory has a back panel attached at each side to a side panel. The side panel provides vertical stability and integrity for the accessory and garment. Attached to each side panel is at least one front panel. The two front panels cross each other and are removeably attached near the opposite side panel to provide uplifting and constraining forces for the torso of the wearer. The front panels comprise at least one band of elastic material removeably secured to the side panels at particular locations to provide the desired lift and constraining configuration.

Abstract: A light-weight fabric for producing outerwear garments suitable for wear on boats, beaches and in other environments in which the wearer may be exposed to rain or water, as well as to cold temperature. The fabric is composed of inner and outer skins formed of woven synthetic plastic fibers, such as nylon, which render the skins water-resistant, yet permeable to vapor whereby the fabric is breathable. Sandwiched between the skins is a layer of polyester fiberfill which imparts thermal insulation-characteristics to the fabric. Dispersed throughout the fiberfill and imprisoned therein are fine, closed-cell foam plastic beads which impart buoyancy and quick-dry properties to the fabric.

Abstract: A protective garment for use when riding or racing motorcycles or other vehicles in which the rider is exposed and may require aerodynamic advantages. The garment, in one aspect, includes floating armor elements which protect the wearer's body when the garment is being dragged along or against an impact surface. The armor elements can be either removably or permanently attached to the lining. In another aspect, the garment can include a bulk-reducing closure element which forces the garment, when closed, into an aerodynamic profile which is relatively easy and comfortable to maintain because of reduced bulk. The garments can include air permeable vent openings and adjustable, air-impermeable vent covers.

Abstract: A firefighting garment including: an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material selected from a group consisting of an aramid material, a blend of aramid materials, PBI material, and a blend of aramid and PBI materials; a thermal liner, positioned within the outer shell and including a batting of needlepunch or nonwoven aramid material, or a blend of such aramid materials stitched to a first face cloth layer of aramid material, a knit collar and arms having knit wristlets; and a second face cloth layer of aramid material, positioned within the thermal liner; where the material of the outer shell, the thermal liner including the collar and wristlets, and the second face cloth layer are all treated with a durable, water repellant finish.

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.

Abstract: A firefighting garment including: an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material selected from a group consisting of an aramid material, a blend of aramid materials, PBI material, and a blend of aramid and PBI materials; a thermal liner, positioned within the outer shell, the thermal liner including a batting, needlepunch or nonwoven aramid material or a blend of such aramid materials stitched to a first face cloth layer of aramid material; and a second face cloth layer of aramid material, positioned within the thermal liner; where the material of the outer shell, the thermal liner, and the second face cloth layer are all treated with a durable, water repellant finish.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a firefighting garment, is provided that is relatively lightweight, possesses relatively high resistance to liquid water absorption, and also possesses high moisture vapor transport characteristics when compared to conventional firefighter garments. The garment of the present invention comprises at least an outer shell, and thermal liner positioned within the outer shell. A discrete moisture barrier layer is not required, but is utilized in certain embodiments. At least the insulating material of the thermal liner is treated with a durable, water repellant finish to reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the thermal liner. Preferably, the outer shell, and optionally, the fabric substrate of the thermal liner may also be treated with a durable, water repellant finish to minimize liquid transfer therethrough.

Abstract: A harness assembly having an integral support line. The harness assembly includes a harness body having first and second ends and a hollow interior which receives the support line. The support line has first and second ends that extend from the harness body. The harness is secured within a garment. The garment has a front opening which is normally covered by a releasable flap. The first and second ends of the support line extend through the front opening and are accessible when the flap is moved to an open position. The first end of the support line may be pulled away from the harness to extend the support line therefrom. The second end of the support line is secured to the harness.

Abstract: The disclosed jacket comprises a layer that is discreet with respect to the visible and infrared frequencies, having a specified thickness, with a specified dielectric permittivity and emissivity close to 1 for the infrared frequency bands considered; a resistive layer, with an electrical resistivity and thickness that are determined so that the inverse of their product gives a specified resistance; a layer of dielectric material with a specified thickness and a specified dielectric permittivity; and a conductive layer with electrical conductivity determined so that it is considered as a reflective plane for the radar frequencies considered.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell, a thermal liner and a moisture barrier, in which the thermal liner includes a flame and heat resistant apertured closed-cell foam laminate. The apertured closed-cell foam laminate comprises a layer of apertured closed-cell foam material positioned between and bonded to a substrate of woven aramid material and a substrate of aramid material of a lesser or equal grade. The thermal liner is appreciably non-moisture absorbent and provides high thermal insulation for its weight and thickness in comparison to prior art thermal liners. Accordingly, the overall weight of the garment is minimized, as is the movement-restricting effect of the liner. The non-absorbency of the thermal liner allows the liner to be positioned between the moisture barrier and the outer shell of the garment so that the liner does not restrict flow of perspiration moisture vapor from the wearer to the moisture barrier.

Abstract: A firefighter garment which includes an outer shell, a thermal layer and a combination moisture barrier and facecloth. In the preferred embodiment, the combination moisture barrier and facecloth layer includes a semi-permeable component, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, which is attached to a facecloth material of a high lubricity filament yarn. The semi-permeable component functions as a moisture barrier and the filament yarn component provides a low friction interface between the garment and its wearer, thereby reducing heat stress imposed on the wearer of the garment during firefighting activity. The filament component also functions as a substrate for the moisture barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the thermal liner includes a layer of apertured flame and heat resistant unicellular or closed cell foam which is positioned between the outer shell and the combination moisture barrier and facecloth.

Abstract: The lower open end of the sleeves of the liner are detachably connected to the lower open end of the sleeves of the shell by attachments secured to the shell sleeves. The attachments include annular portions which overlap the lower ends of the liner sleeves to prevent liquid from flowing between the liner sleeves and the shell sleeves. Each liner sleeve includes an outer moisture barrier and an inner moisture barrier with a thermal barrier disposed between the inner and outer moisture barriers. The inner moisture barrier of each liner sleeve is permanently connected circumferentially to a wrister by stitching. The inner moisture barrier extends upwardly from the lower end of the liner sleeve and is then folded downwardly to the wrister, the inner moisture barrier being stitched to the thermal barrier adjacent the location where the inner moisture barriere is folded downwardly to form a sleeve well within the liner sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coat having a shell piece, a fusible interlining, a lapel support component, and a separate chest support component. The shell piece includes body and lapel portions. The body portion has a curved upper edge for attachment to a sleeve. The fusible interlining is attached to only the body portion of the shell piece. The lapel support component is attached to only the lapel portion of the shell piece. The separate chest support component is attached to the body portion of the body piece. The lapel support component and the chest support component are formed from first and second materials having different average weights.