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 shirt is described that uses a double layer of fabric, strategically located across its front to protect the torso of the wearer.

Abstract: A drag harness for use with a protective garment for a fire fighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes an outer shell having a main body portion and at least two limb covering portions. The drag harness includes a wearer loop and at least two gripping portions. A first gripping portion is located at a first limb covering portion while a second gripping portion is located at a second limb covering portion. Each of the gripping portions is located adjacent the outer shell in a non-deployed state and extend away from the outer shell in a deployed state whereby a rescuer can drag a wearer.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is a flame resistant, durable, pill resistant undergarment. The undergarments are formed of a first knitted portion. The first knit portion is a well knit structure formed from air-jet spun yarns formed from an intimate blend of about 72 percent to about 80 percent modacrylic fibers and about 20 percent to about 28 percent cotton fibers. The linear density of the air-jet yarns are between about 30/1 cc and about 36/1 cc.

Abstract: A garment including an outer shell configured to be worn on at least part of a body of a wearer and a pad directly or indirectly coupled to a selected location of the outer shell to provide padding at the selected location. The pad includes an open cell foam padding material which resists melting, dripping or igniting when exposed to a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. The padding material has a sealant located thereon to reduce the absorption of moisture therein. The pad further includes an abrasion resistant material coupled to the padding material by the sealant.

Abstract: A protective garment of a type preferably conforming to at least one NFPA standard and worn by firefighters and by emergency rescue workers has a body, which has two sleeve mouths, and has two sleeves. Each sleeve is attached to the body by being sewn thereto, along and around a margin of an associated one of the sleeve mouths, so as to extend in a forward direction when unstressed. The forward direction may be a forward and downward direction, a forward and upward direction, or a forward and lateral direction. The protective garment may be a protective coat, a protective jacket, a protective shirt, or a suit of protective coveralls.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell and a harness assembly configured to be generally positioned between the outer shell and a wearer of the garment when the garment is worn. The harness assembly includes a wrap-around portion and a shoulder portion configured to fit about the shoulders of a wearer. The wrap-around portion is movable between a retracted position wherein the wrap-around portion is generally positioned adjacent to a back of the garment and an extended position wherein the wrap-around portion is generally spaced away from the back and passable around or over the crotch of a wearer. The harness assembly includes an attachment portion configured to be attached, at a position on a front of the wearer, to the harness assembly, or to the outer shell, or to a component.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics having antimicrobial properties that combat odor and/or resist hazardous microorganisms. The fabrics are particularly suitable for use in clothing and more particularly in protective garments designed to be worn by individuals, such as military personnel and emergency rescue personnel, at risk of exposure to fire and extreme temperatures as well as hazardous substances. The fabrics may be formed in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, incorporating antimicrobial fibers into the flame resistant fabric yarn or by treating the pre-formed flame resistant yarn or fabric with antimicrobial agents in a dyeing or finishing process.

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: A thermally protective fabric includes a composition of inherently flame resistant fibers, and interstices having insulating pockets of air, wherein at least some of the air is incorporated into the interstices through a mechanical working process.

Abstract: A material structure (1) comprises a base structure (10) that includes, at least partially, a flame-retardant material with a first side (12) and a second side (14), at least the first side (12) of the base structure being printed with a pattern (20) that has open areas (50) through which the surface of the base structure (10) is visible. The pattern (20) has a material (30) containing a fluorescent dye (40), the visible surface of the first side (12) of base structure (10), in combination with pattern (20), producing a color of the material structure that satisfies the requirements of European standard EN 471. The material structure can be used, in particular, to produce warning and protective clothing.

Abstract: A high-visibility covering is removably attached to a firefighter turnout coat at the shoulders and front closure by easily separable fasteners so that the assemblage can be donned as a single coat and the high-visibility covering can be easily ripped off. In one embodiment, the covering is a single panel that wraps around the coat, extending from the shoulders to the waist or hips. In another embodiment, the covering is composed of three panels, two front panels and a back panel. Front shoulder straps on the covering are removably attached to the front of the turnout coat at the shoulders. Back shoulder straps on the panel overlap and are removably attached to the corresponding front shoulder straps. In the three panel embodiment, the back panel has a pair of lappets that overlap and are removably attached to the corresponding front panel.

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: A high-visibility covering is removably attached to a firefighter turnout coat at the shoulders and front closure by easily separable fasteners so that the assemblage can be donned as a single coat and the high-visibility covering can be easily ripped off. In one embodiment, the covering is a single panel that wraps around the coat, extending from the shoulders to the waist or hips. In another embodiment, the covering is composed of three panels, two front panels and a back panel. Front shoulder straps on the covering are removably attached to the front of the turnout coat at the shoulders. Back shoulder straps on the panel overlap and are removably attached to the corresponding front shoulder straps. In the three panel embodiment, the back panel has a pair of lappets that overlap and are removably attached to the corresponding front panel.

Abstract: A protective garment for a military or paramilitary firefighter or emergency worker has a shell of high visibility with trim that is reflective, fluorescent, or both, a shell of low visibility without such trim, and a moisture barrier between the shells. Being reversible, the protective garment is wearable with either shell facing outwardly and with the other shell facing inwardly. In terms of heat resistance, flame resistance, and tear strength, each shell conform to all applicable standards of NFPA 1971 for outer shells of protective clothing. In terms of thermal protection performance, the protective garment conforms to all applicable standards of NFPA 1971 for all layers of protective clothing. Desirably, the protective garment conforms to the standards of NFPA 1971, no matter which shell faces outwardly when the protective garment is worn, except that the shell of low visibility does not have trim that is reflective, fluorescent, or both.

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: 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 system for cooling the skin of a human or animal user includes thermally conductive elements (120) with fluid-wicking surfaces (124), ways to flexibly interconnect the elements, methods for storing a cooling fluid and distributing it to elements (120), and ways to maintain elements (120) in contact with a user's skin. When at least portions of the elements (120) are in contact with a user's skin and at least portions of the element surfaces are wet with fluid, the evaporation of fluid from the surfaces transports heat from the user's skin into the surrounding air, thereby cooling the user. More powerful embodiments further include an air space (165) parallel and adjacent to the user's skin into which elements (120) penetrate, and a fan for moving air through the air space (165), thereby speeding the evaporation of fluid from the surfaces of the elements (120).

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 flame-resistant shirt is described that has vents to facilitate heat release and air circulation while preserving flame-resistant qualities. The shirt has a standard front half, but a back half which includes a cape portion with openings to provide ventilation across the wearer's back.

Abstract: A closure for use with a pocket for a protective garment is provided. The closure includes a margin, a closure body and an edge. The edge is thicker than the closure body so as to provide better tactile feedback for the wearer. The edge may also include an insert located within the edge.

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 including an outer shell, a thermal barrier having a thermal protection performance of at least about twenty, and a moisture barrier positioned between the outer shell and the thermal barrier. The thermal barrier includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer positioned between the outer and inner layers. The outer layer is positioned adjacent to the moisture barrier, and moisture is more attracted to the intermediate layer than to the outer layer.

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

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: A protective garment including a first portion which is generally impermeable to gases and a second portion which is generally impermeable to gases. The second portion is releasably coupled to the first portion at a joint which is generally impermeable to gases.

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: As worn by a firefighter or by an emergency rescue worker, a protective garment having a lower torso-covering portion and two leg-covering portions is equipped with a drag harness or drag harnesses. Each drag harness is accessible through an aperture or apertures somewhere in the lower torso-covering and leg-covering portions. In the illustrated and described embodiments, the protective garment is equipped with two knee pads. Each knee pad is manipulatable between a position wherein such knee pad covers the aperture or apertures in a given one of the leg-covering portions and positions wherein such knee pad does not cover the aperture or apertures in the given one of the leg-covering portions. Each knee pad may serve as a flap or may be completely detachable.

Abstract: A system (20) is provided for a firefighter or other emergency worker and includes a protective coat (10) and a self-contained breathing apparatus (12). The self-contained breathing apparatus includes a regulator (14) connected by a high pressure hose (16) to an oxygen/air tank (18) that is carried by the coat (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a piece of garment, e.g. in the form of a glove, comprising an outer layer that encloses at least one interior space which is provided with an opening for accommodating a body part such as a hand and is subdivided into at least two adjoining chambers. Each chamber encompasses at least one chamber opening that is arranged in the opening of the interior space and selectively accommodates the body part such as a hand. The material of each chamber can be constructed with at least one layer of protective material which can be provided with an insulating material, a functional layer material, a cut-resistant material, a heat-resistant and/or a flame-proof material, for example. The inventive design allows the user of the glove to selectively put his/her hand into one of the chambers that are provided, according to the desired protective effect, while the unused chamber lies in the interior space in a compressed manner.

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 flame resistant shirt is described that has a standard front half, but a back half which includes a cape portion with openings to provide ventilation across the wearer's back.

Abstract: A shirt is described that uses a double layer of fabric, strategically located across its front to protect the torso of the wearer.

Abstract: A fire-fighter turnout coat having an outer flame retardant shell with exterior and interior sides, the shell layer having a dual layer of first and second materials woven together in a manner which allows the formation of void spaces between the first and second materials when the turnout coat is exposed to increasing heat, the first material generally having a polyparaphenylene isophthalamide meta-aramid polymer and the second material generally having a para-aramid polymer; a second inner thermal insulating layer having an interior side and comprising a woven or nonwoven material; a moisture barrier layer positioned between the outer shell and the inner insulating layer; and a thermal detector system having a first heat sensor positioned on the shell exterior side, the first sensor having a thermistor and a thermocouple, a second heat sensor positioned on the thermal layer interior side and having a thermistor, a first display positioned adjacent the first sensor on the shell layer exterior side, a second

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics and garments that have improved resistance to pilling and/or abrasion are disclosed. The fabrics, the fibers or yarns that make up the fabrics, or garments made from the fabrics are treated with a finish composition that is applied to the fibers, yarns, fabrics, or garments and then cured. The finish composition increases the resistance to pilling and/or abrasion of the fibers, yarns, fabrics, or garments. The finish composition includes a polymeric abrasion resistance aid, an alkylfluoropolymer, a polyethylene, and a wetting agent.

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: The invention concerns flame retardant fabrics made from mixtures of polypyridobisimidazole fibers with cellulose fibers that have been treated to make them flame retardant and articles made therefrom.

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: The present invention relates to rhamnolipid-based formulations for bio-hazard coatings and fire extinguishing compositions. In addition, the present invention relates to the methods of extinguishing fires and protecting objects by using the formulations of the present invention.

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 (10) for a firefighter or other emergency worker includes an outer shell (20), at least one of a moisture barrier layer or a thermal insulative layer (22 or 24) and a liner (26) that includes 85% to 95% by weight hydrophobic fibers and 15% to 10% by weight hydrophilic fibers.

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: 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 flame-resistant, camouflage knit fabric is disclosed. The fabric can include a first yarn having a first color, and a second yarn having a second color different than the first color. The fabric may optionally include a third yarn having a third color and/or an elastomeric yarn. These yarns can be knitted together to form a flame-resistant fabric having a multi-colored camouflage pattern. A method for making a flame-resistant, camouflage fabric also is disclosed. The method can include providing a first yarn having a first color and a second yarn having a second color different than the first color and knitting the first and second yarns to form a multi-colored camouflage pattern. The yarns can be knitted using a computer-controlled machine, such as a jacquard knitting machine.

Abstract: Knit fabrics and military apparel such as T-shirts made therefrom are disclosed. The fabrics are constructed from blended yarns made from an intimate combination of nylon and cotton staple fibers. Such fabrics comprise a weight ratio of cotton to nylon which ranges from about 55:45 to about 85:15, and these fabrics also have a weight ranging from about 3 to about 8 oz/yd2. Knit fabrics of this type possess a desirable combination of good thermal protective properties, provided the specified high level of staple fiber blend uniformity is achieved, along with very useful abrasion resistance, bursting strength and drying time characteristics.