Abstract: Protective garments such as firefighters' coats and pants are described. The garments have an outer shell material made from substantially non-overlapping panels stitched together. Some panels are specially designed and reserved for carrying an enhanced visibility material on a majority of their exposed surface area. The enhanced visibility material can be a retroreflective material such as an exposed lens beaded construction, a fluorescent material, or a phosphorescent material. The enhanced visibility panel(s) are stitched to non-enhanced visibility panels so that if damaged, the stitch can be removed and the enhanced visibility panel replaced to repair the garment.

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: This invention is an article of protective apparel having pliable, insulative panels integral to a sleeve or sleeves, with the protective panels so positioned to cover the postern of the forearm, elbow and segment of the upper arm vulnerable to conductive heat during welding operations or the like. As such the apparel provides protection from being in close proximity to heated surfaces, while providing improved movement and maintaining an appearance of a typical work shirt.

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: A protective garment, such as a protective coat or protective coveralls, for a firefighter or for an emergency worker is provided with a shoulder pad, which is worn between the protective coat and a shoulder of a wearer. The shoulder pad is attached detachably, as by a hook-and-loop fastener, to a shoulder strap of suspenders worn by the wearer or to the protective garment. The shoulder pad contains a bladder, which is adapted to be inflated with a suitable fluid, preferably air, so to increase an air space between the protective coat and the shoulder of the wearer. The air space provides thermal insulation between the protective garment and the shoulder of the wearer.

Abstract: In a coat and harness combination for an emergency care worker, for a rescue worker, or for a firefighter, in which the coat has a thigh strap pocket and two side pockets and the harness has two thigh straps, each thigh strap having a first end, at which it is attached permanently to other portions of the harness, and a second end, at which it is attachable detachably to other portions of the harness, via a connector on such thigh strap and an interfitting connector, which is stowable in one of the side pockets when such thigh strap is not attached at its second end. While not attached at their second ends, the thigh straps are stowable removably in the thigh strap pocket. The coat has a flap having a first edge and a second edge, the flap being foldable along the first edge to close the thigh strap pocket and to open the thigh strap pocket, the second edge being attachable detachably to a rear portion of the coat, via hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A garment of a type having an outer shell and an inner liner, the inner liner consisting of 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: A firefighting hood for protecting an individual from elements associated with a firefighting site. The firefighting hood includes a head portion, an inner bib portion, and an outer bib portion. The head portion is shaped to cover the individual's head, the inner bib portion extends downwardly from the head portion and is shaped to cover the individual's neck and a portion of the individual's torso, and the outer bib portion extends downwardly from the head portion and overlaps the inner bib portion such that the inner bib portion is positionable on an interior side of a protective garment while the outer bib portion is positionable over an exterior side of the protective garment to prevent objects from entering the protective garment.

Abstract: The system includes an interior garment, such as a short mesh pant, which fits inside the firefighter pant and over his station wear. The safety harness is removably fixed to the short pant through the harness belt and the short pant harness combination is removably attached to the firefighter pant.

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: In a firefighter's protective garment, having a detachable outer flame-resistant shell and an inner thermal, i.e. heat, protective liner, the neck portion of the liner extending upright beyond an over-the-neck portion of the shell and fastening on the outside of the neck portion of the shell, such that the whole of the neck of a firefighter is protected by both a heat protective material and a fire protective material.

Abstract: A textile complex is provided including at least a fabric, a textile lap, made of inflammable material, designed to form the external surface of the complex, and a comfort and hygiene lining designed to form the complex internal surface. On the fabric internal surface and/or the lining external surface folds are provided having substantially the same orientation with respect to each other, fixed on the fabric and/or the lining, and defining between the fabric and the lining air-filled passages.

Abstract: A durable, single or multi-use cooling garment is provided having a multilayer structure. The cooling garment includes an inner layer of a thermoplastic polymer material that is liquid impermeable and vapor permeable, an outer liquid permeable reinforcing layer such as a web of thermoplastic polymer fibers, and a central absorbent layer that contains a stabilized matrix of about 55% to 95% cellulosic fibers and from about 5% to 45% thermoplastic polymer fibers. The layers are bonded together and the absorbent layer is bonded to at least one of the other layers by regionally applying sufficient energy to the layers wherein the thermoplastic polymers melt and resolidify to form inter-fiber bonds. The cooling garment can be saturated with water or other liquids and provide the wearer with relief from the heat such as may be achieved by evaporative cooling.

Abstract: A harness strap assembly is adapted to be incorporated into the inner liner of the pants of a firefighter's turnout suit without requiring structural modification thereof. The harness strap assembly, when installed, comprises a pair of webbed strap members. A waist belt and the harness strap assembly are wound forward around the user's waist through waist belt-loops suspended from a suspender assembly; then down through loops suspended at the crotch of the pant liner; thence back around under the user's buttocks; and finally back forward to the fly area of the liner. Adjacent to the fly of the liner, the crotch portions of the strap pass through a pair of metal or fabric carabiner-holding rings that are attached to looped ends of the harness strap members. The carabiner-holding rings, in turn, are interlinked (by means of a strap) with a metal carabiner of conventional design.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a firefighting garment, that is relatively thin and light weight. The garment possesses relatively high resistance to liquid water absorption, yet also possesses relatively high moisture vapor transport characteristics when compared to conventional firefighting garments. The garment of the present invention includes an outer shell; a thermal liner positioned within the outer shell; a moisture barrier positioned within the thermal liner and a face cloth positioned within the moisture barrier. The thermal liner is batting, knit, spunlace, woven textile or other suitable construction of a high heat and flame resistant material (such as an aramid or PBI material, or combinations thereof) that is treated with a durable, water repellant finish to minimize liquid moisture absorption by the thermal liner. Despite the liquid moisture absorption resistance imparted onto the thermal liner by the finish, the thermal liner still retains excellent moisture vapor transport characteristics.

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 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 protective pad is affixed to a protective garment having a moisture barrier and having an outer shell covering the moisture barrier, the moisture barrier being impervious to moisture and the outer shell being pervious to moisture. The protective pad has a moisture absorber incorporating a superabsorbent polymer and an outer cover pervious to moisture. The moisture absorber covers a region of the outer shell of the protective garment. The outer cover of the protective pad covers the moisture barrier. The outer cover of the protective pad is affixed to the outer cover of the protective garment, at least partly around the moisture absorber. The outer cover of the protective pad and the outer shell of the protective garment, in the covered region, are adapted to conduct moisture into the moisture absorber, in which the superabsorbent polymer is adapted to absorb much if not all moisture conducted into the moisture absorber.

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 harness strap assembly is adapted to be incorporated into the inner liner of the pants of a firefighter's turnout suit without requiring structural modification thereof. The harness strap assembly, when installed, comprises a single length of webbed strap (or, preferably, a securely interconnected bifurcated length) that is wound forward around the user's waist through waist belt-loops suspended from a suspender assembly; then down through loops suspended at the crotch of the pant liner; thence back around under the user's buttocks; then through loops suspended at both thigh areas of the liner; and finally back forward to the fly area of the liner. Adjacent to the fly of the liner, the crotch portions of the strap pass through a pair of metal or fabric carabiner-holding rings that are attached to the ends of the harness strap. The carabiner-holding rings, in turn, are interlinked (by means of a strap) with a metal carabiner of conventional design.

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: A portable cooling device for presenting air across the body of a wearer of the device. The portable cooling device includes a shirt portion. The shirt portion comprises a front panel and a back panel securely coupled together. The shirt portion has a neck opening and a pair of sleeves. Each of the panels has an inner and outer surface. A cooling system includes a plurality of tubular members, each of which is elongate and has a first end and a second end. Each of the tubular members is securely attached to the inner surface of the shirt portion. Each of the tubular members has a peripheral wall has a plurality of openings therein. A connector tube has a first end and a second end. The connector tube is securely attached to the inner surface of the vest member. Each of the first and second ends of the tubular members is fluidly coupled to the connector tube. A supply tube supplies air to the tubular members. The supply tube has a first end and a second end.

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 conveniently deployable arm-shield safety-pad uniquely configured to protect a professional waiter's arm-surface from injurious heat-exposure to hot dinner-plates during routine arm-borne restaurant serving procedures. The fixed inward-end of the elongated arm-shield is secured to one's forearm via a hook-&-loop fastening-strap; -the opposite outward-end having convenient finger-tip and thump retention-pockets, facilitating quick and easy roll-out deployment of the normally rolled-up protective pad material. Also set forth is a preferred flexile-laminate material employing at least one layer of reflective Mylar-film material; and including an outwardly exposed layer of high-coefficient of friction surfacing material,—serving to reduce slippage of the balanced dinner-plates.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) adapted to be worn by personnel in high temperature or otherwise harmful environments. Tile garment comprises a torso section 11 and depending on the wearer's needs and desires, arms (14), head (13) and leg sections (15) and readily attachable complementary portions for covering the face, hands and feet extremities. The garment is equipped with a supply of precooled and dehumidified ventilating gas or other coolant medium to be flowed over various body parts of the wearer. The coolant supply comprises one or more storage containers (20) carried about the waist. The coolant is supplied therefrom through a valve (25) to an inlet (41) in the suit. From the inlet, the coolant medium is distributed through flexible conduits (50) which include component distribution systems (55A, 55B, 57A, 57B, 61A, 61B) leading to the various body parts.

Abstract: A fireman's coat and drag harness therefore are provided. The drag harness includes first and second work portions received within the coat adjacent the corresponding arm portions thereof. The loop portions extend about corresponding arms of the wearer of the coat. A drag loop is operatively connected to the first and second loop portions. The drag loop extends through an opening in the torso portion of the coat so as to allow a potential rescuer to grasp the drag loop in order to drag an incapacitated person to safety.

Abstract: A cool garment includes an inner, flexible liner including at least one pocket, a pouch for holding a phase change material having a melting/freezing temperature between 50-60° F. held in the pocket, an outer metalized skin for reflecting heat away from the wearer of the cool garment and a non-glare coating on the metalized skin to reduce or prevent potentially dangerous reflection of high intensity light.

Abstract: Cap and vest components of an animate body heat exchanger designed to apply a controlled temperature to parts of a human body are described. The cap and vest components are often used in combination, and the interior side edges of the cap are curvilinear and intermesh lengthwise to assure that the portion of the head underlying the junction between such edges is subjected to the controlled temperature. The vest includes not only a zipper for application and removal, but also separate lacing for close fitting adjustment.

Abstract: A revision to the standard fireproof garments currently worn by race car drivers and pit crew people that allows the wearer to remove the bottom section of the pants to cool off when not in the car or in an area where protection from possible fire is not required. The top and bottom sections of the pants secure through use of hook and loop fasteners designed to withstand extremely high temperatures. The top section features a stretchy material at the lower end that hugs the leg to prevent any extreme heat from going up the leg opening. The bottom section slides up over the stretchy portion and secures to the top section via the hook and loop fasteners. The bottom section features a cuff or fold that folds over the secured two sections to hide the seam. Also, cooperating snap button elements are located on the top and bottom sections to allow for quick alignment by the user.

Abstract: For a firefighter, rescue worker, or chemical worker or for a person engaged in an outdoor activity, a protective garment wearable as an outer garment or as a lining system under an outer shell and with a pair of boots having leg-encasing portions, comprises a pair of pants including a pair of leg portions. Fitting into an associated one of the pair of boots when the garment and boots are worn together, each leg portion has an outer layer being a moisture barrier and terminating in an outer sock and has an inner layer being a thermal liner and terminating in an inner sock or in a stirrup. The garment further comprises a pair of cuffs, each cuff being attached to and around the outer layer of an associated one of the leg portions so extend downwardly, over and around an upper area on the leg-encasing portion of the associated one of the boots when the garment and boots are worn.

Abstract: An enhanced personal cooling garment has an inner layer and outer layer that define a confined space or bladder therebetween for containing liquid water. The inner and outer layer are thin materials that are impermeable to both air and liquid water yet permeable to water vapour. The garment is worn in a manner such that the innermost layer is in direct contact with the wearer's skin. The liquid water between the layers diffuses as vapour through the outer layer; it removes latent heat required for evaporation hence provides cooling to the human body. As both layers of the garment are permeable to water vapour, sweat produced by the wearer can diffuse through the innermost layer, where it will then condense into liquid. When worn beneath an air-cooling garment that distributes cool; dry air over the body, the rate of evaporation increases, resulting in even greater enhancement of cooling of the wearer.

Abstract: A combination of protective garments for a firefighter, a rescue worker, or a chemical or biological worker, comprises an inner garment having two sleeves, one at each side, a pair of inner gloves, a pair of outer gloves, and an outer garment having two sleeves, one at each side. At each side, the sleeve of the outer garment is adapted to cover the sleeve of the inner garment, the inner glove is securable, as by taping, at its wrist-covering portion to a wrist-covering portion at one end of the inner garment sleeve, and the outer glove is adapted to fit over the inner glove. At each side, the sleeve has a slit extending from the wrist-covering portion of the outer garment sleeve toward the opposite end of the outer garment sleeve.

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 harness strap assembly is incorporated into the inner liner of the pants of a firefighter's turnout suit. The harness strap assembly comprises a single length of webbed strap (or, preferably, a securely interconnected bifurcated length) that is wound forward around the user's waist through waist belt loops; then down through loops at the crotch of the pant liner; thence back around under the user's buttocks; then through loops on both thigh sides of the liner; and finally back forward to the fly area of the liner. Adjacent to the fly, the crotch portions of the strap pass through a pair of carabineer loops, which loops are not stitched or otherwise affixed to the liner. Instead, looped ends of the harness strap hold the two carabineer loops. The carabineer loops, in turn, are interlinked with a metal climber's carabineer of conventional design.

Abstract: A breathable body wear garment of multi-layer construction for exercise and sports activities, the garment being constructed of hydrophobic materials and being perforated throughout its surface to encourage the moisture migration of perspiration away from the skin, while at the same time not contributing to the weight of the garment.

Abstract: A hazardous duty garment includes an outer shell layer of heat-, flame-, and abrasion-resistant aramid material and a pad attached to the outer shell layer, where the pad includes a fabric substrate of heat-, flame-, and abrasion-resistant material bonded to a layer of silicone foam material. Preferably, the fabric substrate is a woven aramid and carbon fiber, face cloth material and is treated with a durable, water-repellant finish. Preferably, the pad is stitched to the outer surface of the outer shell layer and oriented such that the layer of silicone foam material faces the outer shell layer. The pad is used in the knee portion of a pant leg of a firefighter garment, as well as on an elbow or forearm portion of a sleeve of a firefighter garment and on a shoulder portion of a firefighter duty garment.

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 firefighting garment having an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material and a reflective trim attached to the outer shell wherein the reflective trim includes a multiplicity of open perforations which facilitate water and water vapor transport through the trim.

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: In a garment, such as a firefighter's garment, which has a collar having two front portions, a foldable chinstrap having a primary portion, a secondary portion, and two opposite ends may be fastened in a substantially permanent manner, as by sewing, at the primary portion to one such front portion of the collar, near one such end of the chinstrap. In an unfolded condition, in which the primary portion of the chinstrap is disposed below the secondary portion, the primary portion of the chinstrap can be releasably fastened, as by a hook-and-pile fastener, to the other front portion of the collar, near the other end of the chinstrap. In the unfolded condition, moreover, the secondary portion of the chinstrap can be releasably fastened, as by hook-and-pile fasteners, to the front portions of the collar, near the opposite ends of the chinstrap.

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 system for keeping a firefighter's uniform together. Typically, firefighter's trousers can slip over the boots when the uniform is sitting together with the trousers on the boots in a "ready to use" position. In this position, the firefighter slips on the boots, pulls up the trousers and leaves to go to the fire. Applicant's system includes a strap attached to the top of the boot and fastened to the inside of the trousers so the trousers will not slip over the heel of boot and make it more difficult to get to the scene of the blaze.

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.