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 present invention relates to a protective pad which may be used in a protective garment such as firefighter's garment. The pad of the present invention is designed to provide both insulation to the area covered by the pad, and dispersal of heated vapors and/or liquids away from this area. The pad of the present invention comprises an insulating construction that features a plurality of channels which allow the pad to accept and disperse heated vapors and/or liquids. The present invention also includes a firefighter's garment containing such a protective pad.

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: An outer protective shell of either a jacket or trousers has a torso portion and a pair of appendage portions connected to the torso portion. A liner is disposed within the shell and includes an outer moisture barrier and an inner thermal barrier. The moisture barrier is formed of a plurality of pieces joined together at seams. Sealing tapes on the inner surface of the moisture barrier are disposed over the seams to provide a waterproof seal at the seams. Lower edge portions of the moisture barrier and the thermal barrier are detachably connected to one another at spaced points so that the moisture barrier and the thermal barrier can be manually separated from one another to visually inspect said sealing tapes at all of said seams. In the jacket, the remaining edge portions of the barriers are permanently connected to one another. These remaining edge portions are detachably connected to the shell at spaced locations along the remaining edge portions.

Abstract: A lightweight thermal liner suitable for use with a garment which provides thermal protection for the garment without the stiffness and bulk of conventional prior art thermal liners. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal liner includes a fabric substrate and a layer of relatively incompressible, lightweight insulating beads bonded to the substrate. The insulating beads are spaced on the substrate in a spaced array and create an insulating air space between the substrate and an adjacent layer of material in the garment. Also in a preferred embodiment, the thermal liner is made of flame and heat resistant material such as aramid or PBI fibers.

Abstract: A protective flight suit is provided including a flexible inflatable suit constructed from a heat and flame resistant material. The inflatable suit has a plurality of discrete inflatable portions including a body portion, a pair of leg portions, and a hood portion. A carbon dioxide canister is mounted on the suit with a release mechanism coupled thereto. The canister is adapted to dispense carbon dioxide gas from an outlet thereof upon the actuation of the release mechanism. Next provided is a plurality of carbon dioxide tubes each coupled between the outlet of the carbon dioxide canister and the respective portion of the suit for inflating the same upon the actuation of the release mechanism associated with the carbon dioxide canister.

Abstract: An outer shell is stitched to the lower edge of an outer collar part which has its upper edge stitched to the upper edge of an inner collar part. The inner collar part has a lower edge stitched to a neck facing which carries a quick-disconnect fastening means for engaging a quick-disconnect fastening means on the upper edge of a separate liner so that the collar portion and the liner can be quickly manually disconnected from and connected to one another. The lower edge of the outer collar part is stitched to the upper edge of a collar facing which is in turn has its lower edge stitched to the outer shell. A moisture barrier has its upper edge stitched to the upper edges of the inner and outer collar parts, while its lower edge is stitched to the lower edge of the collar facing and the outer shell. The moisture barrier extends above and below the upper edge portion of the liner when the collar portion is in an upright position.

Abstract: A firefighter garment having a low friction liner system which includes an outer shell made of an abrasion resistant material, a moisture barrier layer made of a water-resistant material, a thermal barrier layer and a layer of material having flame, heat and high-lubricity properties positioned within the outer shell. In one embodiment, the high-lubricity layer is composed of a fire resistant filament yarn and is attached to the inside face of the thermal liner; that is, the face positioned next to the clothing of a wearer of the garment. In another embodiment, the layer of high-lubricity material is positioned to form a substrate for the moisture barrier and is located between the moisture barrier and outer shell. A garment having two layers of high-lubricity material, one forming an inside face of the thermal liner and the other forming an interface between the moisture barrier and outer shell, is also preferable.

Abstract: A protective garment, and preferably a protective garment for firefighters, utilizing two strips of moisture impermeable, wick resistant material adjacent one or more openings of the garment in which the wick resistant materials form a shingle effect to prevent transmission of toxic liquids through seams of the garment for contamination of the wearer.

Abstract: There is described a fire-proof protective outfit for activities involving a risk of burns.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective garment comprising a puncture-resistant member disposed so as to protect the knee portions and forearm portions of the garment from injury from sharp objects. The protective garment of the present invention comprises an upper body portion comprising a torso portion and two arm portions and a trousers portion comprising a torso portion and two leg portions, and comprising a material providing abrasion resistance to the garment and providing thermal protection to the wearer. The dorsal forearm portions and ventral knee joint portions each comprise a puncture-resistant member disposed so as to protect these portions of the garment from complete puncture, thereby protecting the emergency worker from injury from sharp objects, such as hypodermic needles.

Abstract: A firefighter garment having a low friction liner system which includes an outer shell made of an abrasion resistant material, a moisture barrier layer made of a water-resistant material, a thermal barrier layer and a layer of material having high-lubricity positioned within the outer shell. In one embodiment, the high-lubricity layer is composed of a fire resistant filament yarn and is attached to the inside face of the thermal liner; that is, the face positioned next to the clothing of a wearer of the garment. In another embodiment, the layer of high-lubricity material is positioned to form a substrate for the moisture barrier and is located between the moisture barrier and outer shell. A garment having two layers of high-lubricity material, one forming an inside face of the thermal liner and the other forming an interface between the moisture barrier and outer shell, is also preferable.

Abstract: A protective garment having an outer shell and a thermal liner having a layer of apertured, closed-cell foam material. In a preferred embodiment, the foam material is fire retardant and the layer is bonded to the outer shell, and the garment includes a moisture barrier layer positioned between the foam liner and the wearer of the garment. The closed-cell foam liner is non-moisture absorbent and provides high thermal insulation for its weight and thickness in comparison to prior art thermal liners, so that a relatively thin layer of foam material may be used. Accordingly, the overall weight of the garment is minimized, as is the movement-restricting effect of the liner. The non-absorbency of the foam 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 having an outer shell and an inner liner functioning as a combined thermal barrier and moisture barrier made of a fire-retardant, closed-cell foam material. The closed-cell foam liner is moisture resistant and at the same time provides adequate thermal insulation. The moisture resistance of the foam liner eliminates the need for a separate moisture barrier, and, in one embodiment, allows the liner to be bonded directly to the outer shell. However, in a preferred embodiment, the inner liner is separate from the shell and includes a fabric substrate of an aramid fiber to which it is bonded. The fabric substrate faces the wearer and prevents abrasion of the foam by the wearer and enhances the tear strength of the foam. Such closed-cell foam material may be used either as a continuous thermal barrier extending throughout the garment and/or in selected areas which require additional padding or thermal resistance.

Abstract: A protective garment having an outer shell and a thermal liner having a layer of apertured, closed-cell foam material. In a preferred embodiment, the foam material is fire retardant and the layer is bonded to the outer shell, and the garment includes a moisture barrier layer positioned between the foam liner and the wearer of the garment. The closed-cell foam liner is non-moisture absorbent and provides high thermal insulation for its weight and thickness in comparison to prior art thermal liners, so that a relatively thin layer of foam material may be used. Accordingly, the overall weight of the garment is minimized, as is the movement-restricting effect of the liner. The non-absorbency of the foam 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: Firefighter's turn-out garment (19) has an outer layer of stretchable flame resistant fabric (10) formed from a series of flame resistant warp yarns (11) interwoven with a series of filling yarns (12). The filling yarns (12) comprise core yarns (15) formed from an elastic material, wrapped with a series of wrap yarns (16) formed from a flame resistant material. The stretchable flame resistant fabric (10) thus provides a desired degree of flame resistance protection, while at the same time is stretchable in one direction to provide the fabric with greater flexibility without sacrificing flame resistance protection.

Abstract: The laminate is formed of a sheet of a woven textile material derived from multifilamentary aramid, polyimide, polyamide, polybenzimidazole or cellulose fire retardant yarns and a sheet of non-woven textile material. The adhesive used to produce the laminate should prevent slippage of the two materials relative to one another and fraying of the woven textile material while enabling the laminate to be air permeable, and having a minimum ten (10) cubic feet per minute (CFM) when tested in accordance with test method ASTM D737. This product is cheaper to manufacture and is more comfortable than the known quilted and coated material.

Abstract: A multi-use hazardous duty garment ensemble, such as a firefighting turnout garment, comprises an outer shell component and a removable inner liner component positioned within the outer shell component. The inner liner component is separable by the outer shell component and is adapted to be wearable as a second hazardous duty garment, such as an emergency medical service garment or a station work uniform garment. The outer shell component, separated from the inner liner component, is adapted to be wearable as a third hazardous duty garment, such as a wildfire brush fire firefighting garment.

Abstract: The firefighter's garment of the invention comprises an inner liner attached to and located within an outer shell of abrasion resistant material. The inner liner consists of a layer of a thermally insulating material attached to a layer of moisture resistant material along a plurality of seams that extend around the periphery of the liner such that the area enclosed by the layers is completely enclosed. A plurality of releasable fasteners are positioned at desired locations in the garment, preferably in the seams, to allow the firefighter to visually inspect the area enclosed by the moisture resistant layer and the thermally insulating layer.

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: An outer shell is stitched to an outer collar part which is in turn stitched to an inner collar part. A moisture barrier is stitched to and disposed between the inner and outer collar parts. A separate liner has an upper edge portion having fastening means thereon which cooperate with fastening means on the inner collar part and the moisture barrier for removably securing the upper edge portion of the liner to the inner collar part and the moisture barrier. The moisture barrier extends above and below the upper edge portion of the liner when the collar is in an upright position.

Abstract: A fire protection garment may be constructed of a one piece woven fabric integrally formed to create a cloak-like garment to create a fire retardant emergency device. The garment contains a hood portion, a body portion formed with an entrance opening and a manipulating device on the interior of the body portion on each side of the entrance opening. The manipulating device can be hand receiving pockets. The garment is formed of a fabric selected to retain a fire retarding fluid so that the garment protects a person or persons within the garment from high intensity heat or flames. The manipulating device or hand receiving pockets provide a means for controlling the opening of the garment to enable a rescue to occur.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective firefighter hood in which a pocket is formed to protect the required garment label which must be attached to the hood. The hood includes a head portion shaped to cover at least a wearer's head and an optional bib portion attached to and extending from the head portion to cover at least a wearer's neck. In one embodiment, a gap is formed between the stitching that connects the inner and outer layers of the head portion, adjacent the label. Accordingly, the label can be stored so that it does not contact the wearer, by inserting it through the gap in the stitching. In an alternative embodiment, the hood is provided with a patch pocket on the head portion or bib portion adjacent the label, so that the label can be placed alternatively within the pocket away from contacting the wearer or removed from the pocket to be viewed.

Abstract: The firefighters coat is provided with a seal which is disposed adjacent the inner surface of the coat and which extends along the lower edge portion of the coat. The lower part of the seal is stitched to the lower edge portion of the coat, and the seal extends upwardly from the lower edge portion of the coat. The seal has an elastic upper part which is normally spaced a substantial distance above the lower edge portions of the coat and is adapted to hold the upper part of the seal tight against cooperating firefighter pants even when the coat rises up as occurs when a firefighter lifts his arms or bends over.

Abstract: The outer shell consists of a plain weave multifilament fabric derived from aramid, polyimide, polyamide or polybenzimidazole yarns. The inner sheet is a woven, non-woven or knitted material. The two sheets are laminated with an adhesive which enables the two sheets to be laminated in such a manner that the two sheets are non slipping with respect to one another while enabling the laminate to be air permeable with a minimum of ten (10) cubic feet per minute (CFM), when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

Abstract: A piece of trim having a hard finish is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the outer shell which is formed of fire retardant material. A thread protector is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the trim, and a thread forming a line of stitching extends through the thread protector, trim and shell to hold the trim in place. The thread includes exposed portions, and the thread protector is formed of soft material and extends away from opposite sides of the exposed portions of the thread. The thread protector also is spaced from the outer surface of the trim a greater distance than the tops of the exposed portions of the thread so that if an object approaches the sides of the exposed portions, it will first contact an edge of the thread protector and cause the thread protector to fold over the exposed portions of the thread to prevent abrasion thereof.

Abstract: A label having indicia thereon is attached to the shell of a firefighter's garment by stitching which passes through the label and the shell, with portions of the stitching extending outwardly of the label. A transparent protective layer is adhesively secured to the label and covers the outer surface of the label and the outwardly extending stitching portions. The protective layer is heat and abrasion resistant and is substantially waterproof.

Abstract: A pocket formed on the inside of the knees of a pair of firefighters pants supports a plurality of flexible gas-filled modules which are unconnected to one another and are disposed in abutting relationship to provide a continuous cushion and thermal barrier over the knee cap and surrounding knee area of a firefighter. A detachable closure closes the pocket and allows individual modules to be removed and replaced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective garment, such as for example that worn by a firefighter and the like.The garment of the present invention in its broadest terms comprises (a) an outer layer comprising at least one terminal edge (i.e. such as on the garment hemlines, collar, closure edges and sleeve ends), with a minor portion adjacent the terminal edge(s), and a major portion; and (b) an inner layer, divided into a major portion and a minor portion, with the minor portion of the inner layer permanently affixed beneath the minor portion of the outer layer and along the terminal edge(s) (or portions thereof) of the outer layer; and major portion of the inner layer permanently or removably attached beneath the major portion of the outer layer. In this regard, it is desireable to maintain the major portion inner layer(s) of a firefighting garment unbound to terminal ends of the outer layer so that it may more easily shed water, soil and contaminants.

Abstract: A firefighter garment having a low friction liner system which includes an outer shell made of an abrasion resistant material, a moisture barrier layer made of a water-resistant material, a thermal barrier layer and a layer of material having high-lubricity positioned within the outer shell. In one embodiment, the high-lubricity layer is composed of a fire resistant filament yarn and is attached to the inside face of the thermal liner; that is, the face positioned next to the clothing of a wearer of the garment. In another embodiment, the layer of high-lubricity material is positioned to form a substrate for the moisture barrier and is located between the moisture barrier and outer shell. A garment having two layers of high-lubricity material, one forming an inside face of the thermal liner and the other forming an interface between the moisture barrier and outer shell, is also preferable.

Abstract: A waterproof connection device is provided for use with a garment having optionally many detachable liners including a functional layer insert having a water vapor permeable functional layer.

Abstract: The textile material is a woven or knit fabric made of multifilament aramid yarns or yarns made of cellulose fire retardant material. When used in conjunction with a firefighter protective garment, the lining increases wearer comfort, reduces metabolic energy requirements, decreases metabolic heat build-up, and the weight of a fire-protective garment including this textile material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a protective garment such as a firefighter's coat or trousers having a lumbar support belt attached to the innermost layer of the garment. As a result, no portion of the garment is disposed between the wearer of the garment and the lumbar support belt such that maximum support is achieved. The belt can be releasably secured to the garment such that it can be worn without the garment or the garment can be worn without the belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body cooling garment to easily and effectively cool the human body. By pressurizing air or other compressible gases to a minimum pressure rating of 70 psi and channeling it by means of a tubing network that is incorporated into body garments such as a vest, head covers, and pants, the pressurized air can be transported and dispensed on the individual. Thus a two fold cooling effect is accomplished. First, initial cooling is achieved by the cooling of the pressurized gas itself as it rapidly depressurizes and expands through openings in the tubing resulting in a very cold gas. This effect combined with the flow of air and gases that is created by this expansion of pressurized gas in the vicinity of the body of an individual a wearing such a garment will evaporatively cool the body and compliment the cooling caused by the rapid expansion of the compressed gas.

Abstract: A protective thermal overjacket for being worn over an outer protective shell and/or inner thermal liner of a person such as a firefighter, and for providing additional flame and thermal protection to the upper torso of the firefighter particularly the upper chest, upper back, and upper arms of the firefighter's body. Fasteners may be provided for interconnecting the collars of the protective thermal overjacket, the inner thermal liner and the outer protective garment; alternatively, the collar of the protective thermal overjacket may be provided with a fastener for fastening the collar of the overjacket around the collar of the outer protective garment.

Abstract: A liner sleeve is disposed within a shell sleeve, and a wrister is permanently and inseparably secured directly to the open lower end of a liner sleeve by stitching which extends along the liner sleeve to connect the wrister and liner circumferentially so that undesired material cannot enter between the wrister and the liner sleeve. A sleeve well is defined by a first annular member secured to a shell sleeve and a second annular member secured to a liner sleeve. The first and second annular members have annular arrays of interengaging hooks and loops and also interengaging diametrically opposite snap connectors for detachably connecting the annular members to one another. A further annular band of material disposed between the shell sleeve and the first annular member is formed of thermal protective moisture barrier material.

Abstract: A work garment having a waist portion covering a lower back area of a wearer and a front closure, and a support member, attached to the garment, for supporting a lumbar region of the wearer. The support member preferably includes a plurality of elastic bands extending about the waist portion of the garment and having complementary closure members positioned adjacent to the front closure of the work garment, and a contact member, attached to the elastic straps, positioned to contact the lumbar region of the wearer. In one embodiment, the elastic straps are integral with the work garment, which may be a coverall, and in other embodiments with firefighter garments such as a jacket, pant, and girdle. In one embodiment, the contact member consists of a resilient pad centered in the lumbar area of the wearer, and in another embodiment, the contact member consists of a plurality of elongate, vertically-extending stays.

Abstract: Cooling liquid flowing through cooling-liquid passages cools in heat-transmission manner an inner layer on an inner surface of an impermeable intermediate layer and is directed through a piping to an interface between the intermediate and outer layers, whereby the porous outer layer is cooled by latent heat generated by evaporation of the cooling liquid infiltrated into the porous outer layer.

Abstract: The textile material is a woven fabric made of multifilament aramid yarns. When used in conjunction with a firefighter protective garment, the lining increases wearer comfort, reduces metabolic energy requirements, decreases metabolic heat build-up, and the weight of a fire-protective garment including this textile material.

Abstract: A fire-protecting suit includes a fire protective clothing having a face mask for covering the head and a front pocket for keeping precious articles, a fire-proof eye shield, a mouthpiece and a cap-lamp respectively fastened to the face mask by elastic bands which, in turn, are sewn to the fire protective clothing, and an air tank (or a gas filter) and a battery power supply received inside the protective clothing and respectively connected to the mouthpiece and the cap-lamp by an air hose and an electric wire inside the protective clothing. The fire-protecting suit is folded up inside out when not in use. To use the suit, the face mask is put on the head to let the protective clothing be extended downwardly to cover the body. When the fire-protecting suit is in use, the air tank and the battery power supply are turned on, and then the hands are inserted through the sleeves of the protective clothing and extended out for saving things and performing a fire-fighting task.

Abstract: A fire protective coat formed of fire protective material and having a closeable frontal opening. A closure flap is secured adjacent the frontal opening and is securable thereover. A collar is formed about a neck opening of the coat. A throat protective band is formed integrally in a top section of the closure flap to provide a continuous shield of the opening between opposed free end portions of the collar. The protective band extends above the flap and has opposed wing sections extending from opposed sides of the flap. Each flap is independently and variably attachable to a respective one of the opposed free end portions of the collar to independently adjust the size and configuration of the neck opening depending on the desired size of the neck opening.

Abstract: A firefighter coat having an outer shell which includes body and collar portions, an inner thermal liner having body and collar portions, and a hood including a rear portion having strips of hook and loop fastener material, located on opposing surfaces, for engaging complementary strips of hook and loop fastener material located on adjacent surfaces of the outer and inner collar portions. The hood includes a front bib for protecting the neck of the wearer and which includes tabs of fastener material for attachment to the outer collar portion. The hood may be carried on the back of the coat when not worn, or removed from the coat entirely, wherein the strips of fastener material on the inner and outer collar portions join the collar portions together to make a complete collar for the coat.

Abstract: A firefighter's garment as disclosed herein may be a coat or trousers or a vest. The garment has an outer layer, an intermediate layer, and an inner layer. A spacer element or elements are positioned between two of the layers of the garment. The spacer element or elements in the firefighter's garment establish and maintain an air space or air spaces between the layers of the garment, even when localized pressure or weight is applied to portions of the garment. Thus, the firefighter's garment has excellent heat insulation qualities without being heavy and/or bulky. Thus, a firefighter wearing the garment is continually protected and is subject to minimum stress and is able to work more effectively than a firefighter wearing a firefighter's conventional garment.

Abstract: The present invention includes a material member adapted for use in the extremity portion of a protective garment, a flexible extremity portion of a protective garment, a flexible extremity portion of a protective garment containing such a material member, and a protective garment containing such a flexible extremity portion.In broadest terms, the material member of the present invention is one adapted for use in the extremity portion of a protective garment. The material member, considered as having a vertical axis, a horizontal axis and a flex point at the intersection of said axes comprises at least one layer of material, at least one of those layers containing an aperture defining an aperture area. The aperture encompasses the flex point and extends in both directions along the vertical axis; its width above the horizontal axis being less than its width below the horizontal axis. The aperture is covered by at least one cover piece each having a covering portion thereof covering the aperture.

Abstract: Each pant leg of a pair of firefighter pants is formed of a front section and a back section each of which is of one-piece construction. Both the inseam edge and the outseam edge of the front section of each pant leg bulge outwardly only at the knee portion and along only a minor portion of the edges to provide additional space at the knee portion of each pant leg.

Abstract: Heat control for an animal body is provided by way of micro-climate conditioning clothing incorporating an inner first layer of spacer mesh material. A second layer of impermeable material is in contact with the first layer and has perforations therethrough. A third layer of spacer mesh material is provided as well as a fourth outer layer of impermeable material which is fastened along its edges to the second layer. An inlet/outlet port for a gaseous fluid is provided.

Abstract: Fabrics containing polybenzazole fibers have high cut-resistance, and can be used to make cut-resistant and flame-resistant garments.

Abstract: A firefighter's garment which includes a layer of protective material in which the layer of protective material is provided with a major portion which has a high degree of thermal protective properties. The layer of protective material also has sections which have a lesser degree of thermal protective properties. The protions of the layer of protective material which have a high degree of thermal protective properties are positioned at locations which require maximum thermal protection. The portions of the layer of protective material which have a lesser degree of thermal protective properties are located at positions which require less thermal protection. The portions of the layer of protective material which have a lesser degree of thermal protective properties also have greater flexibility and less bulk and less weight. Thus, the possibility of stress upon the firefighter is not effectively decreased when firefighter body posture during firefighting and the role of the protective equipment is considered.

Abstract: A firefighter coat of the type having an outer shell, a moisture barrier and a thermal barrier includes a reservoir cuff which prevents liquid moisture from entering the open sleeve end of the coat and flowing between the moisture barrier and outer shell, and between the moisture barrier and thermal barrier. The reservoir cuff includes a reservoir member which is attached by a waterproof seal to the moisture barrier sleeve and extends to the end of the thermal barrier; the connections between the reservoir member, thermal barrier and moisture barrier being permanent and waterproof. The moisture barrier sleeve extends beyond the reservoir member and is attached to the outer shell at a hem which extends about the outer end of the shell.