Abstract: The present invention is directed to 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 25 mW/m K.

Abstract: A multi-layered, composite, inflatable and deflatable article of manufacture is provided. The article includes at least two layers of a flexible, waterproof, air impermeable, optionally water-vapor-penneable material, the two layers forming at least one inflatable compartment therebetween. The two layers have at least one additional layer of a porous insulating material, e.g., batting, disposed between them within the compartment. The layers are all adhesively bonded together about the periphery of the compartment and, optionally, at discrete locations within the periphery of the compartment. The porous insulating layer is otherwise unattached to either of the waterproof layers, and preferably is not otherwise attached to either. The compartment has at least one sealable opening therein through which air may be injected into or removed from the compartment, as desired, to thereby inflate or deflate the compartment to a desired volume and to thereby control its insulative value.

Abstract: A material comprising aerogel particles and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is formed having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K at atmospheric conditions. The material is moldable or formable, having little or no shedding of filler particles, and may be formed into structures such as tapes or composites, for example, by bonding the material between two outer layers. Advantageously, composites may be flexed, stretched, or bent without significant dusting or loss of insulating properties.

Abstract: A multi-layered, composite, inflatable and deflatable article of manufacture is provided. The article includes at least two layers of a flexible, waterproof, air impermeable, optionally water-vapor-permeable material, the two layers forming at least one inflatable compartment therebetween. The two layers have at least one additional layer of a porous insulating material, e.g., batting, disposed between them within the compartment. The layers are all adhesively bonded together about the periphery of the compartment and, optionally, at discrete locations within the periphery of the compartment. The porous insulating layer is otherwise unattached to either of the waterproof layers, and preferably is not otherwise attached to either. The compartment has at least one sealable opening therein through which air may be injected into or removed from the compartment, as desired, to thereby inflate or deflate the compartment to a desired volume and to thereby control its insulative value.

Abstract: A material comprising aerogel particles and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is formed having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K at atmospheric conditions. The material is moldable or formable, having little or no shedding of filler particles, and may be formed into structures such as tapes or composites, for example, by bonding the material between two outer layers. Advantageously, composites may be flexed, stretched, or bent without significant dusting or loss of insulating properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to 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 multi-layered, composite, inflatable and deflatable article of manufacture is provided. The article includes at least two layers of a flexible, waterproof, air impermeable, optionally water-vapor-permeable material, the two layers forming at least one inflatable compartment therebetween. The two layers have at least one additional layer of a porous insulating material, e.g., batting, disposed between them within the compartment. The layers are all adhesively bonded together about the periphery of the compartment and, optionally, at discrete locations within the periphery of the compartment. The porous insulating layer is otherwise unattached to either of the waterproof layers, and preferably is not otherwise attached to either. The compartment has at least one sealable opening therein through which air may be injected into or removed from the compartment, as desired, to thereby inflate or deflate the compartment to a desired volume and to thereby control its insulative value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to 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 25 W/m K.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus for survival gear is provided by a head receiving hood that is sealed over the head of the user and has sufficient volume to provide breathing air for at least a selected period of time while submerged and is made of a material that prevents the ingress of liquid water while being permeable to the flow of gasses therethrough whereby the supply of oxygen in the hood may be replenished and the carbon dioxide concentration reduced. A suitable waterproof transparent window is formed in the hood in the position which permits the wearer to see out of the hood and a gas passage spacer pad prevents the hood from collapsing into the breathing apertures of the user and provides passages communicating with the inside of the hood remote from the breathing passage.

Abstract: A parka is formed with a substantially rhomboid shaped beaver tail secured at the center and adjacent to the bottom of the back of the parka and is movable from a stored position to a deployed operative position wherein it extends between the legs and part way up the front of the parka, thereby to pull the bottom circumferential edge of the parka into close relationship with the top, the outside of the legs of the wearer while the beaver tail is in close contact with the inside of the legs in the crotch area to provide a better sealed garment.

Abstract: An atmospheric air pressure inflatable garment has an inner layer and outer layer define a confined space with a compressible material therein. The compressible material has resiliency and strength characteristics so that it compresses under atmospheric conditions when the air pressure in the confined space is reduced to sub-atmospheric pressure and an air passage adapted to permit passage of air into and out of the confined space but not water when a seal for sealing the passage is released. The garment is stored with the air removed and permitting atmospheric air to fill the space when the seal is opened raise the pressure in the space to atmospheric and causes the compressible material to expand separating the inner and outer layers and forming an insulation therebetween.

Abstract: A vapor permeable buoyant insulation composition suitable for floatation garments and the like is impermeable to water, and yet allows the escape of perspiration when the composition is used in garments or boots. The composition comprises a closed-cell insulating foam which has a plurality of holes distributed throughout, first and second layers of fabric, one layer on each side of the foam, and stitching pattern throughout the composition causing the first and second layers to be in contact at the holes in the foam.

Abstract: An immersion suit having a neck band to fit around a neck and a seal at the neck. There is a thick band of closed cell foam on the interior of the neck band. The neck band and the closed cell foam can be compressed rapidly by a strap to ensure a seal when required. When a seal is not required, the foam is a relatively loose, comfortable fit around the neck of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the suit has an opening in the front extending to the top of the neck band to allow ingress and egress from the suit.

Abstract: Fluid impermeable, protective clothing is usually impermeable in both directions, and thus sweat is unable to evaporate from the skin or from inner clothing. A buildup of moisture is uncomfortable and, if prolonged, can cause pain and injury. A simple solution to the problem is to insert a two-layer liner in the impermeable clothing which will absorb the sweat. The liner includes an inner layer of vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material such as microporous Teflon (trademark) film, microporous polyurethane film or a hydrophilic polymer coating, and an outer layer of a material highly absorptive of both water vapor and liquid.

Abstract: A collapsible, heat insulating mattress is provided comprising at least one lattice structure of a foamed plastics material which has an open lattice structure in the relaxed condition, and metal coated foil coverings on each side of the lattice structure with slits extending across the lattice openings. When the mattress is to be stowed it is squeezed to close the lattic openings and occupy less space. The slits allow the coverings to crumple and remain undamaged when the mattress is squeezed for stowing. The coverings may be sheets with the slits cut in them, strips laid side-by-side, either abutting or overlapping, and adhesively secured only at the lattice junctions to the lattice structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite fabric which will provide insulating properties in the presence of water and which will also permit the passage of perspiration therethrough. The fabric includes a first layer of a water-impermeable insulating material, two layers of a wicking fabric, such layers being positioned adjacent the inner and outer surfaces of the first layer, and a plurality of wicking threads passing through the first layer and securing the wicking fabric layers to the first layer. The insulating layer helps prevent water from reaching the wearer. Perspiration from the wearer is picked up by the inner wicking layer and transferred by capillary action through the threads to the outer wicking layer from which it can evaporate to the atmosphere. If desired the outer wicking layer can be covered by a liquid-water impermeable but water-vapor permeable material.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a novel composite material resistant to passage therethrough of noxious substances. The novel composite includes a first layer which may be in the form of a film or coating, of a water and particulate material impermeable, vapor permeable material which is also resistant to sebaceous excretions. A second layer of a vapor permeable stretch fabric material is also provided. Disposed between said first and second layers is a third layer of vapor permeable stretchable fabric material containing a particulate adsorbent material for the noxious substances. Depending upon the application, other optional layers may be included. The composite is stretchable to an extent of 30 to 500% and is intended for use in making close-fitting clothing to protect the wearer from noxious substances.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-layer protective fabric for protective suits used in hazardous or toxic environments. A first layer comprises strips of water and vapor impermeable material, there being a gap between adjacent such strips. A second layer comprises a plurality of strips of a wicking material with each such strip covering the inner surface of a first layer strip, passing through the gap between adjacent strips and covering the outer surface of the adjacent first layer strip. Moisture, such as perspiration will pass via the wicking material through the gaps past the first layer for evaporation and diffusion through a third layer of a liquid impermeable/vapor permeable material which extends over the second layer material covering the outer surfaces of the first layer.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a portable thermally insulating mattress. The mattress comprises body support means and waterproof enclosure means. The body support means is in the form of a honeycomb structure which is incompressible in a vertical direction under body weight, while being compressible in a horizontal direction to facilitate packing. The cells of the honeycomb structure are sized to balance the heat loss by radiation with the heat gain by conduction by the air in the cells, i.e. 5-15 mm mean diameter for a 5 cm thick mattress.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a novel composite material useful in tent construction, particularly for cold-weather use. The novel composite includes an outer water-vapour permeable, substantially wind-proof layer, a thermal insulating layer adjacent the outer layer, a water-vapour barrier layer adhesively bonded to the thermal insulating layer and an inner water-absorbent layer which is preferably flame-resistant. Condensation problems which occur in tents used in cold-weather conditions are minimized by the provision of an inner water-absorbent layer which absorbs and directs condensed water-vapour to the tent floor.